Is Instagram Removing Reels? What You Need to Know
Instagram might soon make a big change: separating Reels (its short video feature) into a new app. Here’s what this means for you.
What’s Happening?
Meta (Instagram’s parent company) is thinking about making Reels an independent app. The goal? To compete better with TikTok, improve video recommendations, and add longer videos (up to 3 minutes).
This isn’t the first time Meta has focused on short videos. Earlier this year, they launched Edits, a tool to compete with CapCut (TikTok’s video editor).
Why Would Meta Do This?
- Fight TikTok: Reels is Instagram’s answer to TikTok. A separate app could attract new users, especially in the U.S.
- Fix a Messy App: Many users complain Instagram is too cluttered. Separating Reels might make Instagram simpler again (like its original photo-sharing focus).
- Better Videos: A Reels-only app could improve video recommendations and support longer content.
Good or Bad?
For Users:
- 👍 Good: Easier to watch Reels without ads, shopping posts, or photos mixed in.
- 👎 Bad: You’d need to download another app.
For Creators:
- 👍 Good: More tools and focus on videos.
- 👎 Bad: Starting over on a new app could mean losing followers.
What’s Next?
Meta hasn’t confirmed this yet. But if they do, Instagram might return to its roots (photos and Stories), while Reels becomes a TikTok-style app.
Should You Worry?
Not yet! But if you love Reels, keep an eye on updates. For creators, this could mean new opportunities—or more work to grow on another platform.
Questions
- Do you think Reels should stay on Instagram or become a separate app? Why?
- Would you download a new app just for Reels?
- Do you prefer Instagram as a photo app or a video app?
- Has Instagram become too cluttered with Reels, ads, and shopping posts?
- Is TikTok still better than Reels for short videos?
- Would you watch longer (3-minute) Reels if they had their own app?
- Do you trust Meta (Facebook/Instagram) to make good decisions for users?
- For creators: Would a Reels-only app help or hurt your content?
- Should Instagram go back to focusing only on photos and Stories?
- Is splitting Reels a smart way to fight TikTok, or a desperate move?
