Technology

Instagram Rolls Out Reels, Its Answer to TikTok

TechnologyAug 10, 2020

Instagram Rolls Out Reels, Its Answer to TikTok

Introduced last Wednesday, the new feature allows users to create 15-second videos using a single shot or stitched-together clips.

20200810_Instagram_Reels.jpg
Special effects, as seen at left, are one of the features of Instagram Reels, the app’s answer to TikTok that debuted last week. (Photo courtesy of Instagram.com)

Menlo Park, Calif.—Instagram has introduced a feature that allows user to create short, looping videos complete with music, filters and special effects, its answer to TikTok, which exploded in popularity during the pandemic.

Called Instagram Reels, it rolled out last Wednesday in the midst of uncertainty about TikTok’s future in the United States.

Reels works from the app’s camera function (top left of the screen when on the home page). Users simply slide over to Reels, then hit record.

On the left-hand side there are a handful of editing functions, including tools for controlling the speed, adding effects and timing the clip.

Reels are only 15 seconds long, but multiple clips can be stitched together to create a montage.

Examples of montages from some of Instagram’s most-followed users include actress and entrepreneur Jessica Alba (@jessicaalba), who did one to promote her Honest company face masks, and model Karlie Kloss (@karliekloss), who strung together her best catwalk looks from over the years.

Reels live in a separate tab right above the main profile grid, where others will be able to see all the Reels a user has done.

The short videos also can live in the main profile grid if the user chooses to share them to their feed.

Duvall O’Steen, a communications strategist, senior consultant for Luxury Brand Group and co-author of the Creative Connecting column for National Jeweler, said on Friday she had not personally tried Reels yet, but would give much of the same advice she has for TikTok.

Use a tripod when filming to keep the camera steady and get better-quality video, and “keep it fun and lively.”

“This is not the place for classic jewelry video,” O’Steen said.

She also recommends creating custom or branded audio to go with the video. Retailers, for example, could use the music from their latest commercial.

More information about how to put together Reels is available on Instagram.com.

RELATED CONTENT: Creative Connecting—TikTok Tips
The launch of Instagram Reels came one day before U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order directing U.S. firms to stop doing business with both TikTok, which is owned by ByteDance, and WeChat, a multi-purpose app developed by tech firm Tencent.

Trump cited national security concerns and data privacy issues as the reasons for his move to ban the Chinese-owned apps in the U.S. The ban is set to take effect in 45 days, with
those violating the order facing a $300,000 fine per violation and even criminal prosecution.

NPR reported over the weekend that TikTok owner ByteDance plans to sue the Trump administration over the executive order, which it says is unconstitutional.
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Winnie Harlow, Kyle Kuzma, Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry Engagement Ring
TrendsFeb 27, 2025
Model Winnie Harlow Says ‘Yes’ to 3-Stone Engagement Ring

Harlow’s partner, NBA player Kyle Kuzma, worked with Vobara to design the ring, which features oval and pear-shaped diamonds.

Winona Ryder Iman Pandora Campaign
MajorsFeb 27, 2025
Winona Ryder, Iman Star in New Pandora Campaign

The Danish jeweler released the next chapter of its “Be Love” campaign, which celebrates love in all its forms.

Gemfields higher quality emerald auction
SourcingFeb 27, 2025
Gemfields Holds Mini Auction for Higher-Quality Emeralds

The 13 lots on offer were comprised of material that previously went unsold at the miner’s November auction.

national-jeweler_top-image_2.png
Brought to you by
A Diamond ETF is the Way to Reinvigorate Natural Diamond Sales

The jewelry industry faces challenges from lab-grown diamonds. A diamond ETF can restore natural diamonds' value and drive investor demand.

JA Learning Workshop logo
Events & AwardsFeb 27, 2025
JA to Host Workshop During Alabama Jewelers Association Convention

The learning workshop and the convention are both scheduled to take place April 26 and 27 in Montgomery, Alabama.

Weekly QuizFeb 27, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
European Union flags
Policies & IssuesFeb 26, 2025
EU Once Again Pushes Back Deadline on Diamond Traceability

The EU, like the U.S., also now will require diamond importers to provide information about where exactly the diamonds were mined.

De Beers CEO Al Cook, Botswana Minster of Minerals and Energy Bogolo Joy Kenewendo
SourcingFeb 26, 2025
De Beers, Botswana Make New Diamond Sales Deal Official

The formal signing of the agreement comes nearly two years after De Beers and Botswana initially announced they had reached a new deal.

Header Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Get Ready for the JA New York Spring Show

This year will feature a new MJSA Showcase and partnership with Piazza Italia.

Alexander Lacik and Beth Gerstein
Events & AwardsFeb 26, 2025
JFC Names 2025 ‘Facets’ Honorees

The charity will celebrate Pandora CEO Alexander Lacik and Brilliant Earth CEO Beth Gerstein at its annual event in Las Vegas.

National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsFeb 25, 2025
Peter Smith: Here’s What I Think

Retailers need to have the right merchandise, marketing, and people in place to stay on top in a sea of uncertainty, Peter Smith writes.

Tacori shop-in-shop at Smyth Jewelers
EditorsFeb 25, 2025
Out & About: Visiting Tacori’s New Shop-in-Shop

Senior Editor Lenore Fedow traveled to Smyth Jewelers in Maryland to see the first of 15 revamped in-store boutiques Tacori is rolling out.

QVC Group Inc logo
MajorsFeb 25, 2025
Qurate Has a New Name

The parent company of HSN and QVC is undergoing a restructuring.

Michael B. Jordan in David Yurman Spring 2025 Chevron Campaign
CollectionsFeb 25, 2025
Michael B. Jordan Stars in David Yurman’s Spring Campaign

The company’s newest brand ambassador Eiza González will also be featured in the ads for the women’s campaign.

Stephen Webster Green Cuprian Tourmaline earrings
SourcingFeb 24, 2025
Colored Stone Market Update: Tracking Industry Trends in Tucson

Declining supply and growing demand persist in the colored gemstone market, presenters from Gemworld said at AGTA GemFair Tucson.

Reena Jumbo It’s a Lobster Clasp Necklace
TrendsFeb 24, 2025
Renna’s Lobster Clasp Looks Like a Claw, Now It's Patented by Law

The designer’s new patent transforms the everyday clasp into her jumbo “Lobster Clasp,” modeled after the look of a crustacean’s claw.

Jewelers Vigilance Committee annual luncheon 2025 logo
Events & AwardsFeb 24, 2025
Bogolo Joy Kenewendo to Speak at Annual JVC Luncheon

Kenewendo, Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy, will discuss the future of diamonds.

Canada’s Diavik Diamond Mine in warmer months
SourcingFeb 24, 2025
Diavik’s Production Down 17% in 2024

Sales at the Rio Tinto-owned mine also slid by a double-digit percentage, falling 37 percent in a difficult market for diamonds.

Jade Ruzzo Tennessee Drop Earrings
CollectionsFeb 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jade Ruzzo’s ‘Tennessee’ Oval Drop Earrings

Heidi Gardner, an SNL cast member, wore the smoky quartz earrings on the “SNL50: The Anniversary Special” red carpet on Sunday.

Rough emerald mined by Gemfields
SourcingFeb 21, 2025
Zambia Lifts 15% Export Duty on Gemstones, Metals

The reversal comes less than two months after the Zambian government reinstated the tax in an effort to bring in more money.

Jeffrey Cohen, Steven Lagos, Michael Benavente, Monica Elias
MajorsFeb 21, 2025
24 Karat Club of New York Names New President

The organization also announced its newly elected officers and directors.

A polished diamond in tweezers
SourcingFeb 20, 2025
Anglo Writes Down Value of De Beers by $2.9B

As anticipated, Anglo took another impairment charge on the diamond miner and marketer, which saw revenue sink 23 percent in 2024.

The 2.33-carat fancy red “Winston Red” diamond
SourcingFeb 20, 2025
Harry Winston’s Son Donates Fancy Red Diamond to the Smithsonian

Ronald Winston is giving the 2.33-carat “Winston Red” to the Smithsonian, 67 years after his father donated the Hope Diamond.

Kirit Bhansali
SourcingFeb 20, 2025
GJEPC Names New Chairman, Vice Chairman

Kirit Bhansali, a partner in Smital Gems and chairman of India Jewellery Park, will take on the role of chairman.

Alisha Cornett, Nic Faini, Eric Stevens, Seth Shipley
IndependentsFeb 20, 2025
IJO Elects 4 New Board Members

Alisha Cornett, Nic Faini, Eric Stevens, and Seth Shipley have joined the organization’s board of directors for a three-year term.

Brink’s Truck
CrimeFeb 19, 2025
Brink’s to Pay $42M After Admitting to Illegally Transporting Money

The company has to pay the Justice Department and FinCEN for violating the Bank Secrecy Act, the U.S.’s main anti-money laundering law.

The Finsch diamond mine in South Africa
SourcingFeb 19, 2025
Diamond Mining Company CEO Steps Down Amid Sales Slump, Layoffs

Petra Diamonds Ltd. CEO Richard Duffy resigned as the diamond miner reported a 30 percent drop in sales to start its fiscal year.

Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsFeb 19, 2025
The Smart Lab: Maximizing Your Jewelry Brand on Pinterest

Pinterest is a potential gold mine for jewelry brands, Emmanuel Raheb writes, provided they follow these five tips.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy