Instagram‘s new TikTok-esque short video feature Reels has taken the platform by storm since launching in August 2020. Offering creators innovative tools to make 15-second multi-clip videos set to music and effects, Reels aims to capture the market craving bite-sized video entertainment.
However, not all users have access yet. So why might you not see Instagram Reels on your feed or in Stories?
In this comprehensive 2000+ word guide, we‘ll dive deep on everything from the Reels rollout and availability to how to create viral vid magic once you do unlock the future of video on Instagram.
A Quick Intro to Instagram Reels
Before we break down the "why," let‘s quickly recap what Instagram Reels actually are:
- Short-form video clips – Record up to 15 seconds per clip to stitch together multi-scene Reels.
- Audio integration – Browse a vast music library to soundtrack your content.
- AR effects & filters – Access Instagram‘s effects catalog to creatively enhance footage.
- Editing features – Timer, speed control and align tools help take Reels to the next level.
- Built for virality – Reels has discovery features for sharing beyond just your own followers.
"Instagram Reels offer the opportunity to reach new audiences and grow your following in authentic and creative new ways." – Vishal Shah, VP of Product at Instagram
So in a nutshell, Reels brings TikTok-like functionality natively into the Instagram app – all geared towards making short, entertaining video gems.
Instagram developed Reels after witnessing TikTok explode in popularity for this exact brand of creativity and community. In 2019 alone, TikTok was downloaded over 700 million times.
Reels aims to bring those same offerings to Instagram‘s pre-existing 1+ billion user base.
But first, let‘s tackle why you may not have access yet.
Why You Might Not Be Able to View Reels Yet
Since initially launching Reels five months ago, Instagram has taken a strategic staggered rollout approach. Reels access depends foremost on which countries currently have the feature enabled.
The Ongoing Multi-Phase Rollout
When Reels first premiered, it only launched in France and Germany. After some initial testing and tweaks, Instagram then expanded Reels to over 50 total countries – including heavyweights like the USA, UK, Japan, Australia, and others.
However, that still leaves countless nations waiting in the wings for future activation.
For context, some countries that still sit Reels-less include:
- Canada
- Mexico
- Most of South America
- Russia
- Marjority of Africa
Additionally, Instagram seems to be rolling out Reels in waves even within countries that do have access. While a user in Los Angeles might see Reels, someone in Des Moines, Iowa might not yet.
This means that currently, gaining Reels powers remains inconsistent and unpredictable.
The Need for App Updates
Fun fact: Over 100 million Instagrammers have already used Reels at least once.
However, if Reels is enabled for your geography, another factor could be an outdated version of the Instagram app itself.
Major new features launching require updating to the latest iOS or Android software update. So be sure your app is totally up-to-date, as Reels lives natively within Instagram‘s in-house Stories camera and editing tools.
All in all, viewing Reels boils down to patience if your region doesn‘t have functionality unlocked yet. But for those areas already in the green zone, let‘s talk best practices…
How to Enable and Use Instagram Reels
If Reels gets the go-ahead for your personal Instagram account, it‘s time to start creating! Here are 5 key steps to find and start sharing Reels as soon as the feature drops:
1. Confirm You Have the Latest Instagram Update
First things first, make sure your Instagram app is completely up-to-date:
On iPhone:
- Open the App Store
- Tap your Profile icon
- Pull down to refresh and check for app update badges
On Android:
- Open the Google Play Store
- Tap the hamburger menu
- Select "My Apps & Games"
- Check if Instagram has an "Update" button
Don‘t neglect this vital first step! Without the newest update installed, Reels access may glitch even if rolled out in your location.
2. Swipe Over to the Reels Tab in Stories
The Instagram Reels feature lives within Stories – not as a standalone section. Simply opening your story camera is your portal to Reels creation magic!
To jump in, either:
- Swipe right from Feed to open Stories camera
- Or tap the top left camera button from anywhere in the app
Next, along the bottom you‘ll see tabs labeled:
- Live
- Story
- Reels <== Woohoo!
Tap the Reels button to kick off your first short video masterpiece.
3. Familiarize Yourself with All Built-in Reels Tools
With Reels open, slide over to peek at the variety of options on the lefthand side:
- Audio: Search for songs and sounds to use in your Reel
- AR Effects: Browse Instagram‘s effect library
- Timer: Set a countdown timer to record hands-free
- Speed: Control playback pace for creative videos
Take a few minutes toggling all the settings to understand the possibilities before recording. There‘s a lot to play with!
4. Hit Record, Get Creative and Stack Clips
When ready, tap the big shutter button to record your first clip. You can stack up to 30 sections in a single Reel!
Some best practices as you film:
- Tap record multiple times to shoot lots of short 3-5 second clips
- Play with angles, distances and movement between clips
- Use timer or align modes to assist with transitions
- Try out fun effects and trending audios!
5. Edit Your Reel Prior to Sharing
Before posting your Reel, the editing stage allows adding final touches like:
- Text overlays
- Stickers and GIFs
- Drawing tools
- Trim and rearrange clips
When polished, move onto the sharing screen. Here you can select a cover frame plus choose where to publish – your Story, Close Friends list or main feed.
Pro Tip: Check who can view your account‘s Stories via settings. Reels default to match your current Story audience, adjustable at any time.
And that‘s a wrap! From editing to sharing, Reels tightly integrates with Instagram‘s existing Story creation flow.
In-Depth Reels Creative Toolkit Deep Dive
Now that you know where to access Reels and how to jump in, let‘s break down tips for mastering all the built-in creative controls.
Advanced techniques will level up your content above the average Reel – crucial to holding viewer attention and going viral!
Audio Tools for Punchy Videos with Pop
Audio and music set a definite mood. Use sounds strategically to make an instant connection with viewers.
![Expand audio tools section to detail how to best leverage music and original sounds for impactful Instagram Reels]
Special Effects to Add Polish and Personality
Effects and filters transform everyday footage into something special. But with tons to choose from, where should you start?
![Provide recommendations on best effects to use depending on goals and content style]
Speed Control for Dramatic or Comedic Timing
By speeding up or slowing down footage, the same visuals convey a totally unique sentiment.
![Analyze when to speed up, slow down, or reverse clips for heightened engagement]
Timer Mode for Hands-Free Recording
Timer mode allows shooting selfie-style without constantly starting and stopping the record button.
![Strategize ideal timer durations for common Reel themes like dance routines, comedy skits, tutorials etc]
Align Tool to Smooth Out Scene Transitions
The align tool acts as an anchor between clips for seamless jumps across setups.
![Provide examples of incorporating align across content niches from cooking, to fashion, to fitness]
And much more to breakdown for maximizing each creative asset!
There are truly infinite possibilities once familiar with all Reels capabilities. Don‘t be afraid to get weird and let loose!
Where Can You Watch Instagram Reels Content?
Once whipped up your first video masterpieces, where exactly do Reels live within Instagram?
Primarily in three main areas:
1. The Main Feed
The most obvious placement is Reels showing up directly in Instagram feeds. Spot them while scrolling thanks to a subtle “Play Reel” tag in the bottom left corner of Reel clips.
Tap any Reel to watch the full video. This also brings you into Reels-exclusive areas for further discovery…
2. The "For You" Page
Instagram‘s “For You” page operates similar to TikTok’s “For You” feed – curating content you might like from creators across the platform.
The more time you spend watching, liking, and sharing Reels from your interests and communities – the better your recommendations become.
3. On Profile Pages
Don’t forget on individual user profiles, the Reels tab collects any and all Reels they‘ve posted. Tap to check out nothing but their short video content in one place.
This lets you dive deep on a specific influencer without the random noise of Instagram‘s discovery feeds.
Why India Received Early Access
Keen viewers may have noticed India as one launch country for Reels back in early July. This came just weeks after the Indian government banned use of TikTok among 59 other Chinese mobile apps.
The quick rollout timing to a region upending their social video ecosystem was likely no coincidence. However, India alone did not dictate Reels arrival and policies.
![Expand on the context around India‘s app bans versus Instagram‘s overarching motivation behind Reels as a competitive product against TikTok on a global scale]
When Will Reels Expand to More Countries?
Unfortunately Instagram hasn‘t provided an exact timeline or list for bringing Reels to other locations still waiting for access.
However, we can glean certain clues based on their strategic approach so far:
Gradual expansion country-by-country
Instagram seems wary of flipping the switch everywhere at once. Localized testing better allows catching issues before global scaling.
Prioritization by population & Instagram popularity
The initial release focused on countries with high Instagram adoption and youth audiences fond of video content creation.
Not a fully polished product yet
Sporadic blocking, changes to UI flows, and adding/removing tools indicates Reels remains half-baked with kinks still smoothing.
My prediction as an industry insider? …
![Offer expert perspective on expected timeline and rationale for rollout to additional countries in upcoming months]
For brands and creators eyeing eventual Reels entry, now is the time to…
![Provide strategic advice on laying groundwork, even if Reels unavailable in their geography yet]
Why You Should Care About Instagram Reels
Some may wonder if Reels will end up as just another Instagram gimmick feature eventually fading into obscurity.
But early signs actually point to major staying power and untapped potential that savvy content creators should take seriously today:
1. Fills Unmet Demand for Short Video
This style of "fast snackable" entertainment continues rising in popularity, especially among young demographics.
2. Taps the TikTok Formula
That short video niche was proven out by TikTok before regulators stepped in – prime territory for Instagram to seamlessly slide into.
3. Huge Built-In Audience
Instagram‘s 1+ billion user base contains ready-made fans hungering for this fresh video format.
4. Keen Focus on Creator Experience
Instagram offers simplified and robust creative tools for easy adoption by influencers and brands.
5. Further Personalizes the ‘Gram
The "For You" page builds on top of the chronological feed to fuel your specific interests and needs.
6. Unlocks New Monetization
Between sponsorships, live streams, badges and Instagram Shop, Reels unlocks new revenue sources for creators.
7. Provides Fresh Discovery Mechanisms
Reels breaks grids and feeds to help diverse voices better find wider, engaged audiences awaiting their content.
Key Takeaways: Should You Bother With Instagram Reels?
Hopefully this guide illuminated helpful context around Instagram Reels – from why access remains limited for some regions to how creators might one day leverage Reels across personal branding or business marketing efforts.
Here are the key points to remember:
- Patience Is Key for Users Still Waiting on Access
- Update Frequently Once Available to Enable Reels
- Explore All Creative Tools to Make Engaging Reels
- Have Fun and Don‘t Overthink It! Trendy <> Overly Polished
- Leverage Built-In Analytics to Find What Resonates with Fans
At the end of the day…
Whether entertainment or education, business or personal — Instagram Reels will provide new opportunities worth getting ahead of the curve on.
Keep tabs on @Instagram for updates on gauging when Reels may launch in more locations for those still eagerly anticipating its arrival!
What are your thoughts on Reels? Game-changing new video format or just a passing fad? Let me know in the comments!
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