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Move over, TikTok! There's a new way to make entertaining clips on your phone—and you probably already have it downloaded. We're talking about Instagram Reels, the new feature that lets you create brief videos with the potential to go viral on the Explore page. Reels rolled out a short while ago, but the feature is already taking off. We've got the deets on how to make your own Reels, what people are saying about them and which reels are already earning our likes.

Read all about it

In case you haven't already seen the feature—or are still a lil' confused by it—Instagram Reels are 15-second videos you can create and share on the Instagram app. Like IGTV, Reels have their own dedicated space on your profile and in the Explore feed if your account is public. There are tons of built-in filters, effects, and editing tools to help you make an *amaze* vid. 

Roll the cameras

Instagram veterans and newbies can easily learn how to make their own Reels. First things first: tap the button to open your camera in the Insta app. Swipe as you would for a story or Boomerang until you've found the Reels option. A few options will appear on your screen: audio, speed, effects and a timer. All you have to do is mess around with each setting until your Reel is just the way you want it.

Ready for more

If you're filming multiple clips for one vid, there's also an 'align' feature that will help you match yourself and objects to their places in the clip before. When it's all done, add a caption and hashtags, as well as choosing a cover image.

Pay attention to where you choose to share. If you don't put your Reel in your feed, it will appear on the Reels tab in your profile but not in your main grid. If you add the Reel to your story, it won't be shared to Reels in Explore, even if your account is public.

"Reel" talk

It hasn't taken long for the people to sound off with their opinion on the new feature. Some, like the TikTokers below, see this as yet another example of Instagram copying a feature from another platform.

@arisotiny

No fr they stealing everything😂 ##foryoupage ##xyzbca ##trend ##viral ##instagramreels

♬ original sound - vocal.giants

@kaydiannamackenzie

Really tho....🤪 ##viral ##instagramreels ##tiktok ##fyp ##twins ##foryou ##makeviral

♬ TWINS - kaygon__

Not everyone is shying away from the feature. Celebrities like Selena Gomez, Coco Rocha, Shakira and Marshmello have already made Reels with tens of thousands of views. At the same time, regular content creators like the ones below are making funny, relatable Reels you'll want to share.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by K R U T I K A 🔫 (@themermaidscales) on Jul 31, 2020 at 5:05am PDT

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Kat Dennings (@katdenningsss) on Aug 1, 2020 at 8:13am PDT

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by honeybobabear (@honeybobabear) on Aug 1, 2020 at 9:31pm PDT

What do you think about Instagram Reels? Let us know on Instagram and Twitter @girlslifemag!

Slider Image: Julia M Cameron/Pexels

by Bailey Bujnosek | 8/17/2020