Instagram is testing a new feature called Templates that allows creators to create Reels by borrowing formats from other videos on the platform, according to a report from Insider (through TechCrunch†The feature is somewhat similar to TikTok’s own templates tool, which allows creators to put their own content into a pre-made array.
reverse engineer Spotted Alessandro Paluzzi an early version of Templates in January, while marketing manager and influencer Josephine Hill has already experienced the function†In a screenshot Hill posted in March, it appears that users can swap their own clips into preset frames and add their own audio. This could prevent users from using third-party templates from sites like Canva, or having to closely follow online tutorials to achieve a specific format, something Hill pointed out. Insiderâ€
Instagram REELS has announced a new feature! “Use as Template” allows the user to replace the clips with your own clips and they will match the timestamps of the template roll. Let me know what you think of this feature. Do you want to make more roles because of this? pic.twitter.com/rLMJAX89jG
— Jo Millie (@JosephineMedia) March 26, 2022
“We’re always working on new ways to make Reels easier,” a Meta spokesperson said in a statement Insider†“We are testing the ability for you to create a reel using an existing template from another reel.” Instagram also told Insider that it is currently testing the feature with a small group of users. The edge reached out to Instagram with a request for comment, but didn’t hear back immediately.
The test comes as Instagram tries to attract more creators to Reels and tackles one of its biggest problems: TikTok reposts. Last year, Instagram said it would stop promoting Reels with TikTok watermarks, and earlier this week Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri announced that the platform would crack down even harder by lowering reposts. Throwing templates into the mix can make it easier to roll videos and encourage more original content creation.