Instagram is one of the world’s most used and popular social media networks with an estimate of over one billion users as of 2021. It has greatly evolved from its early years of being just a simple and basic photo-sharing platform. Any new feature is a big deal that may change the way how users interact with the service. And now, the Facebook-owned Instagram has introduced music and Reels in Malaysia. Here’s everything you need to know about these two new big features.
You Can Now Use Instagram Reels And Music In Malaysia!
What Is Instagram Reels?
The best way to describe Instagram Reels is that it is a TikTok doppelgänger. This is certainly not the first time Instagram is copying a feature from its competitors. For instance, the idea behind Instagram Stories is lifted straight out of Snapchat’s playbook. Instagram described reels as “a new way to create and discover short, entertaining videos”.
Before making its way to Malaysia, Instagram Reels first debuted in late 2019 and is now available in over 50 countries. Better late than never, right?
How To Use Instagram Reels?
Just like TikTok, Instagram Reels lets you record and edit 15-second or 30-second multi-clip videos in which you can add things like audio, effects, and new creative tools. You can then share the reels with your followers on Feed. If you have a public account, you can also share them to a dedicated space in Explore, where it can be seen and discovered by the wider Instagram community.
To start creating reels, simply swipe right on your Instagram app home page to access the camera and select “Reels” at the bottom options. Start recording by pressing and holding the capture button. Lift your finger to stop recording and end the clip. You can record reels in a series of clips (one at a time), all at once, or using video uploads from your gallery.
On the left side of the recording screen, you will see several creative editing tools which you can configure. Here’s what they do:
- Length: Choose to either record a 15-second or 30-second long video.
- Audio: Search for a song from the Instagram music library. You can also use your original audio by simply recording a reel with it. When you share a reel with original audio, your audio will be attributed to you. If you have a public account, people can create reels with your audio by selecting “Use Audio” from your reel.
- Speed: Choose to speed up or slow down part of the video or audio you selected. This can help you stay on a beat or make slow-motion videos.
- AR Effects: Select one of the many effects in Instagram’s effect gallery, created both by Instagram and creators all over the world, to record multiple clips with different effects.
- Touch Up: Use the slider to adjust the touch-up intensity on the subject’s face.
- Timer and Countdown: Set the timer to record any of your clips hands-free. Once you press record, you’ll see a 3-2-1 countdown, before recording begins for the amount of time you selected.
Music On Instagram Stories Now In Malaysia
You may have noticed that your friends’ recent Instagram Stories featured snippets of a song. That is the new music feature. Now available in Malaysia, music in Instagram Stories allows you to add a soundtrack to your stories that help you better express how you’re feeling at any moment.
How To Add Music To Your Instagram Stories
You should be seeing a new music icon when you tap to add a sticker to a photo or video in Stories. Tap on it to open a library of songs from which you can choose from. Each song comes with a preview button you can tap on to hear a snippet of it.
You can search for a specific song or browse by mood, genre, or what’s currently popular. Once a song is selected, you can fast-forward and rewind through the track to choose the exact part that you want to insert into your stories. On top of that, you can also add in the song lyrics for the extra visual element.
Alternatively, you will also be able to choose a song before capturing a video. To do so, swipe to the “Music” option under the record button in the camera interface. Then choose your song with the part that you want, and record a video as the song plays in the background. However, this ability is currently only available on the Apple iOS app, with Android support coming soon.
There are currently over a thousand songs available in the music library, and more are added every day. Besides Malaysia, music in Instagram Stories is available in select countries that include the US, Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, UK, and Sweden.
Instagram Reels And Music In Malaysia Will Add More Fun And Spice To Your Postings
Posting the best-curated shots and documenting everyday lives in short, ephemeral clips on social media for a closed audience have become a part of the daily routine for many. And with Instagram Reels and music now available in Malaysia, these features will surely make things even more fun for both creators and audiences alike. Go on, show all your followers a more interesting and expressive side of you today!
And while we’re on the topic of Instagram, these Insta-worthy cafes in KL and PJ might interest you too.
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