What is' Templates', the new feature that Instagram is testing for reels

Instagram would be testing a new modality to create reels or reels. This is the Templates feature, which will allow creators to make reels using formats from other videos on the platform, similar to TikTok. This new feature would be tested by a small group of users.

The news about the new Instagram bet was revealed by The Verge through TechCrunch. The tool of borrowing templates, to allow creators to place their own content in a pre-made sequel is quite similar to that of the Chinese-origin app.

Allegedly marketing manager and influencer Josephine Hill has already experienced the feature. In March Hill posted a screenshot showing that users can exchange video clips in preset frames, as well as add their own audio.

This could prevent users from using third-party templates from sites like Canva, or from having to closely follow online tutorials to achieve a specific format, something Hill pointed out to Insider.

“We're always working on new ways to simplify the creation of Reels,” a Meta representative told Insider. “We are testing the ability for you to make a reel using an existing template from another reel,” he continued.

It should be remembered that Meta wants to compete with TikTok and throughout the year it has released new features as well as tests to attract more creators to make reels. For example, last year Instagram pointed out that it would stop promoting reels that had the TikTok watermark.

Additionally, Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri announced that the platform would take even more severe measures by degrading republications. Adding templates to the mix could make it easier to create videos on reels and stimulate the creation of more original content.

Also this week the social network announced that it was testing with some users a new “timely” feature for hashtags, which will allow you to see the photos with the most “Likes” or Reels related to the tag. According to Meta's company, this modality allows you to combine “recent and timely content”.

Through a post on their Twitter account, Meta's platform said they are trying out new things that include viewing more popular posts, while it is removing the option of “Recent”.

“We want to see if this helps people connect with more interesting and relevant content on hashtags, while keeping them informed about what is current,” the platform said about this testing feature.

When searching for a hashtag, three sections appear: “Featured”, “Recent” and “Reels”. With the new modality there will be only two options: “Featured” and “Reels”.

That is, it will give preference to more popular publications, leaving down recent publications that have no reach, making it difficult to see new content and making it difficult for users to be seen.

Hashtags had been introduced at the beginning to help highlight or have fun being part of the trends of the moment, however, they are now used to gain visibility on the platform, and consequently to have more likes, comments and followers.

This version will be in the trial period to see if it is deployed to all users. Instagram will review whether users prefer to see new posts, regardless of their reach, or just want to see popular content.

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