These new Reels features are initially being launched in the US, with plans to extend to other regions later on. As TikTok faces a potential exit, Instagram is strategically po
sitioning itself to attract users looking for similar content-sharing platforms.
With the US Supreme Court backing a law that might lead to a TikTok ban unless it’s sold by January 19, the app is set to close down in the US by Sunday. Competitors like Instagram are getting ready to draw in users who will be affected by t
he bans. To take advantage of this situation, Instagram has introduced two new features for Reels, designed to enhance engagement and lure in TikTok users.
Instagram has rolled out exciting new features for Reels
including a “Friends’ Interactions” section located at the top right corner of the Reels tab. This allows users to easily see which reels their friends have liked or commented on, making it simpler to discover fresh content. In addition, Instagram has added a reply bar that enables users to respond directly to their friends’ likes or comments on a reel. The platform claims this will create “more opportunities for reels to be seen by people who don’t follow you yet.”
Currently, these features are exclusive to users in the US, with plans to expand to other regions down the line. This strategic move by Instagram comes at a time when TikTok’s future is uncertain, creating a chance for Reels to establish itself as a leading platform for short-form video content.
