How to use Instagram Reels: new feature has launched in the Middle East

It includes audio, AR and touch-up functions, which can all be used to create more and better content

Instagram Reels will be available in the Middle East from Monday, March 15. Courtesy Instagram

Instagram Reels is finally launching in the Middle East.

Months after the feature was rolled out around the world, short-video-sharing will now be live in the region from 7pm GST on Monday. Reels first launched globally in August 2020.

The short entertaining videos are typically set to music and they have been described by many as the social media platform's attempt to rival TikTok.

Users can film and edit up to 30 seconds of multi-clip videos with audio, effects and new creative tools.

Reels can be shared to users' followers on their feeds; users with public accounts can share their videos with a wider community using the Reels Tab.

Instagram Reels first launched in August 2020 and has been described as the social media platform's rival for TikTok. Courtesy Instagram

"Self-expression and versatility are part of the creative DNA of the region’s Gen Z and millennial population," says Samer Jamal, strategic partner manager at Instagram Mena.

"As one of the primary platforms for this group of creators, we have always sought to adapt our features to what they need.

"With Reels, they now have more leverage when it comes to creating and sharing short-form content. Reels provides our community with greater freedom and flexibility to innovate, experiment and elevate their content, and we cannot wait to discover a new generation of talent via the feature."

The news that Reels is being rolled out in the Middle East follows the introduction of music on Instagram Stories last week.

How to make Instagram Reels

Making a Reels post is much like the process users will be familiar with for Instagram Stories. Users can film videos directly on Reels or upload a saved video from the camera roll, which can then be edited with Reels tools, including Audio, AR Effects, Speed and Touch-Ups.

Users can set their videos to pre-existing audio by browsing the Instagram music library, or upload their own, which can then be used by others if their account is public. Courtesy Instagram

Reels editing tools include:

• Audio: Users can find specific songs in the Instagram music library or use original audio by recording a video with it. Then, when the video is shared on Reels, the new original audio will be attributed to the user. If a user uses their own original music on a public account, that can then be used by other people when they select the "Use Audio" option.
• AR Effects: Much like Stories, there are plenty of effects that can be used when filming Reels.
• Timer and Countdown: Record your videos hands-free by setting a countdown timer via Reels.
• Align: To make sure your videos are neat, you can line up objects from previous clips before recording the next to help create seamless transitions – particularly slick when used for lighting, outfit, room or setting changes.
• Speed: Users can speed up or slow down selected parts of the video or audio, for example to keep to the beat on slow-motion videos.
• Touch-Up: Users can smooth out videos via Reels.

When the video is finished, simply select or add a cover image, caption and hashtags, then publish.

In addition to sharing to the Reels tab, users can also share videos directly to the feed. A new Reels tab will be then added to the user’s profile, where all their content will live.

These can be shared with friends via Stories and direct messaging. If the account is public, non-followers can also watch.

Browsing Reels

Users will likely lose hours browsing Reels, as there will now be a dedicated space for people to discover new content with the short, entertaining video clips on their apps. You've been warned.