How to use Instagram Reels: Facebook's answer to TikTok now available in over 50 countries

First, open the Instagram app > Head to the “camera” option in Instagram > Click “Reels” at the bottom of the screen > Select the easy-to-use tools to record and edit your video. 

Instagram creators who want to make Reels can also take advantage of in-app music tracks or use their own custom audio. Users will also have the option to speed up or slow down parts of a video. Additionally, an ‘Align’ option will help users maintain their position in front of the camera. Reels will also arrive with an array of augmented reality effects that can be used in the video.

If you have a public account, you can share your reel to a dedicated space in Explore, where it has the chance to be seen and discovered by the wider Instagram community. You can also share your reel with your followers by posting it to your Feed. When you share reels featuring certain songs, hashtags, or effects, your reel may also appear on dedicated pages when someone clicks on that song, hashtag, or effect.

The extension of Reels comes during the time when the US is considering a ban on TikTok. Instagram is looking to capitalise on its already massive user base along with on-boarding the users who are looking for a new platform as an alternative to TikTok.

The feature was launched in India soon after the government banned 59 Chinese apps, including TikTok.