TikTok faces an imminent ban in the United States this weekend. With that in mind, Instagram is looking to attract a surge of users by enhancing its Reels platform. If TikTok does get banned, there could be a significant migration of TikTok enthusiasts seeking an alternative for short-form video content.
To capitalise on this opportunity, Instagram has announced two major updates to Reels, aimed at improving user engagement and fostering community interaction. Initially rolling out in the US, these features will be expanded to other regions in the near future, according to Instagram.
Instagram head Adam Mosseri posted a video message detailing the two features. The first update introduces a new way to discover content through social connections. Users will now see what their friends and followers are engaging with directly within the Reels tab. A dedicated section at the top right corner will display the reels their connections have liked or commented on, making it easier to explore trending content and join the conversation.
The second feature focuses on simplifying communication. A new reply bar will appear alongside reels, allowing users to start conversations about the videos they enjoy. This feature gives content creators more visibility, as their reels can now reach beyond their follower base.
As the weekend approaches, all eyes will be on Instagram — and other platforms — to see how these changes impact user behavior and whether the platform can effectively capture TikTok’s displaced audience.
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