Earlier this year, Meta-owned Instagram started allowing creators to use all public video content on the platform to be remixed in their Reels. Now, the company has announced that it will soon allow everyone to remix any new photos and turn them into Reels, as long as the pictures on the platform are public.
In other words, Instagram creators will soon be able to use photos from all public accounts and use them in their Remix videos. The social media platforms said that it will add the ability to “remix” public photos in Reels for short-form videos in “the coming weeks.”
Once the option goes live, all photo posts on Instagram will have the Remix feature turned on by default. However, users can manually turn off this feature on individual photos or at an account level through the Settings menu.
It is also important to note that any photos that were shared prior to the new feature being enabled will have the remixing option disabled by default. But, users can enable it in settings, if they wish to. Those who do not wish their photos and videos to be used in Reels will need to set their account to Private.
Currently, Instagram is facing tough competition from its competitor, TikTok. In order to take on TikTok, other than the above changes, Instagram also announced that it is expanding the tools for Remix to provide more features for users and content creators. This includes Remix for photos, Expanded Remix layouts, and the capability to add your own clips.
Remix for photos will allow users to remix any and all public photos. It will give users limitless inspiration to create their own unique reel.
For Expanded Remix layouts, users will need to select between a green screen, horizontal or vertical split-screen, or picture-in-picture reaction view to add their own video commentary to existing reels.
Further, the ability to add your own clips will allow users to add their own clip after the original to create a sequential recording.
Additionally, Instagram has updated Templates too. Users will now be able to easily create reels by preloading audio and clip placeholders. They can simply add their own photos or video clips or find template ideas by tapping the camera icon on the Reels tab.
Finally, the social networking service has added a Dual feature in the built-in Instagram camera, which allows users to record content and user reaction at the same time. Users will be able to record using their front and back cameras simultaneously to share another perspective.Â
Another change to expect in the coming weeks is the conversion of video posts into Reels, which will bring the full-screen experience to video posts. New video posts, less than 15 minutes in duration, will be turned into Reels.
Videos posted prior to this change will remain as videos and won’t become reels. Instagram will also consolidate the video and Reels tab on the users’ profiles so that there is one home for all of their videos.
