Instagram Reels - How to create Tiktok like videos
Are you someone who has been a die-hard Tiktok fan and has been looking forward to the right replacement for Tiktok after its ban in India? Are you missing the video creation you have always done on Tiktok and are looking for the best Tiktok alternatives?
Tiktok has been struggling with the bans that it had to face in India and a potentially similar fate in other countries, including the US. People who slept and drank Tiktok like nothing else have been looking for the alternatives to Tiktok, and there have been a few launches from the likes of Snapchat to quench this thirst.
Instagram has sensed this need and has come up with a new product called Instagram Reels. A simple option to create a 15-second video with music in the background, the Instagram Reels is compared to Tiktok in many of the regions that the feature has been launched.
So, what is Instagram Reels, and how does it work? How does it compare to the highly popular Tiktok? We thought of sharing a how-to guide along with the features offered by the new offering from Instagram. What is Instagam Reels?
Instagram Reels is a way to create a funny and engaging video that lasts not more than 15 seconds using your Instagram Stories. The feature was first tested in Brazil in June 2020 and was later introduced in France and Germany. The TikTok like video making feature now has landed in India along with a few other countries around the globe. 
Instagram Reels lets you create your 15-second video from your Instagram Stories and add music from a huge music library available on the platform. You can even borrow the audio from another video or even consider adding your own soundtrack. In addition, you also have a cool video countdown timer so that you can adjust the speed of your videos as Tiktok.
It can perhaps become an excellent option for those of you who do not want to post a few videos to their feed or stories. The Reels feature has been designed as a separate video space for the users to create a film, add music and share. This can be an exciting option for improving the Instagram experience of the users.
The feature is yet to launch in the US, but given the fact that the nation is heading towards a ban on Tiktok over privacy concerns, it can be a welcome move from Instagram and might cater to the current Tiktok users.How to create Tiktok like videos on Instagram Reels?
You need to launch your Instagram app to begin using the feature. If you have not received the feature, it should be available at the bottom under the Explore tab. The tab is actually an option to check out the upcoming features on Instagram. If you have already updated and the feature is available to you, it should be visible on the right at the top. Simply tap on it to begin exploring the Tiktok like video creation feature on Instagram.
Make sure you have updated the app to begin using the Reels feature. The steps you need to follow for creating a video using Instagram Reels feature -
Please note that the maximum duration that any video can last is 15 seconds.
Here is how you can record a video -
That does it. Once you have configured your customisation options, you can just begin recording your video just as you would have done with Tiktok. How does Instagram Reels compare with Tiktok?
Well, having understood what Instagram Reels is all about, let us check out Instagram Reels vs Tiktok comparison. Features
We found the Instagram Reels interface similar to Tiktok. Both offer you the similar functionalities where you can move between different videos by swiping up and down. However, there is one huge difference. Tiktok lets you record videos of 15 and 60 seconds, while those on Instagram Reels the limit is strict of 15 seconds. However, since most of the videos on Tiktok are of 15 seconds, you might not find it of a big concern.
Both Tiktok and Instagram offer you a huge list of AR effects. The availability of in-app music is what would make Instagram Reels stand apart from Tiktok. The three-second timer is yet another similar feature as on Tiktok. Any missing links?
Well, while Instagram meets all the basic needs that users have had on a Tiktok alternative, there are a few missing options and features. Reels misses the Duets and React feature observed on Tiktok. These features were quite interactive and will definitely be missed on Instagram Reels. You would need to miss out on the features at least as of now.
There are several other features that you would miss out on Instagram Reels. Some of the options you would find include - no filters, beautify tools, or background Templates. Privacy
The integration with Instagram is what makes Tiktok a perfect option ever. All the accounts on Instagram are set to be private by default, and that would be applicable on Reels as well. The content is set to Private by default, and that makes it a great option from the privacy point of view.
The options for filtering out the offensive comments are inherently available on both Reels and Tiktok. One of the huge complaints against Tiktok has been the privacy concerns and Instagram, being owned by Facebook, does not have similar concerns with respect to privacy. The Customisation
This is yet another huge difference we witnessed on the platform. Tiktok is made available in 14 different languages that include Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Bengali and a wide range of other options. Instagram Reels, on the other hand, is currently available only in Hindi - when we look at it from the Indian context. In Conclusion
The absence of Tiktok has indeed left a huge void in the life of the die-hard fans of the platform. While we are not sure whether Tiktok will be able to make any sort of comeback in the recent future, several software and application developers have been relentlessly trying to fill the void. We assume these inclusions will help you get access to the best possible performance standards in the days to come.
Have you used the Instagram Reels platform for your needs in achieving the best short video creation? If yes, do chip in with your experiences.
