Since their launch in 2020, Reels have become a central part of Instagram, rapidly gaining popularity among users (we are firmly in the era of short-form video content!) and providing brands with an effective way to reach new audiences on the platform. Over the years, Reels have evolved significantly, with a steady stream of new features, updates, and tools designed to simplify the creation of engaging videos directly within the app. In this blog, we’ll take a look back at all the updates from 2024, helping you master the Reels editing interface and create standout content that connects with your audience.
Reels update #1 – Trial Reels
In December 2024, Instagram launched Trial Reels, a feature that lets creators test video content to non-followers before sharing it with their audience. Hidden from the main feed and profile grid but visible on the Reels tab, these drafts allow creators to experiment with new formats, branding, or concepts without immediate exposure to their audience. They can later decide to share these Reels as normal based on performance insights, such as likes and shares per reach. This tool is especially valuable for creators with large followings who want to refine content without risking engagement, while smaller creators may find direct interaction with their loyal audience more impactful.
Reels update #2 – Audio Updates
In 2024, Instagram made significant strides in enhancing its audio features, offering exciting new tools that are particularly useful for brands looking to create engaging Reels. One key update is the ability to add up to 20 different audio tracks to a single Reel. This feature allows brands to layer multiple sounds, creating a dynamic audio experience that can capture the attention of viewers in more creative ways. Whether it's blending music, voiceovers, sound effects, or popular audio clips, this flexibility helps brands craft more engaging and immersive content that resonates with different audience segments.
Another major update is the option to import custom audio directly into Reels. This gives brands the ability to use unique sound clips, jingles, or even their own branded audio, offering an opportunity to reinforce brand identity. By leveraging custom audio, businesses can create a consistent sound that becomes recognizable to their followers, enhancing brand recall. This also opens the door for brands to create exclusive content that stands out, allowing for greater personalization and a stronger connection with their audience.
Both of these updates are game-changers for brand strategy on Instagram, as they provide greater creative freedom, enhance storytelling, and support more unique, tailored experiences for viewers.
Reels update #3 – Algorithm Changes
In 2024, Instagram made a significant update to its algorithm, specifically designed to benefit smaller creators. The new approach prioritizes original content over reposts, ensuring that creators who produce fresh, unique videos are more likely to be recommended to a wider audience. This change levels the playing field by reducing the dominance of larger accounts or content aggregators that previously gained more reach through reposted content. As a result, smaller creators now have a better chance to grow their audiences and gain visibility, even without a large following. This shift encourages creativity and originality, empowering creators of all sizes to connect with new viewers and build their presence on the platform.
Reels update #4 – Reels length
As of 2024, Instagram Reels can be up to 5 minutes long. This update allows creators to produce more in-depth content, such as tutorials, storytelling, or longer creative pieces, expanding beyond the previous time limit of 90 seconds. The extended length provides more flexibility for engaging viewers and developing richer narratives. This change is particularly useful for brands and creators who want to provide more value in a single post while still maintaining audience attention.
Reels update #5 – Reels Inspiration
Instagram has introduced a new "Inspiration" section within the Professional Dashboard, designed to help creators and brands stay ahead of trends and spark new ideas. This section highlights Reels and audio tracks that are similar to your content, trending at the moment, and resonating with your audience. By analyzing what’s popular and performing well, brands can gain valuable insights into current content strategies and refine their approach to better connect with followers. This feature serves as a creative resource, offering fresh inspiration and helping brands understand what’s working on the platform at any given time. It's an invaluable tool for staying relevant and optimizing content creation.
Reels update #6 – Interactive Stickers
Stickers, a long-time favorite on Instagram Stories, finally launched on reels in 2024, opening up new opportunities for interactive and engaging reels creation. Brands and creators can now add a variety of stickers to their Reels, including polls, sliders, quizzes, and location tags, encouraging audience participation and fostering a deeper connection with viewers. These interactive elements not only make Reels more engaging but also provide valuable feedback from followers, allowing brands to understand preferences and adjust their content strategies in real-time. Additionally, the new “cutouts” sticker offers even more customization by letting users upload their own stickers directly from their camera roll. This flexibility enables brands to showcase unique branding elements or create personalized visuals that stand out. The addition of stickers to Reels, empowers users to create more dynamic, fun, and interactive content, making it easier to connect with followers while enhancing the overall viewer experience.
Reels update #7 – Enhanced Editing Tools
Instagram has significantly enhanced its editing interface, making it easier for creators to produce high-quality Reels directly within the app without the need for external editing apps. With these new tools, you can now quickly apply a variety of editing techniques, speeding up the content creation process (words we love to hear!). Features include the ability to speed up or slow down clips, split videos, add voice effects, replace clips, crop videos, and record voiceovers. Additionally, you can now import your own audio, offering even more customization options. These improvements make Reels creation faster and more efficient, eliminating the hassle of editing in third-party apps and downloading / uploading files manually. By keeping everything in one place, Instagram is empowering creators to edit and publish their content seamlessly, enhancing both productivity and creativity.
Reels update #8 – Best Practices
Instagram introduced a "Best Practices" section within the Professional Dashboard to offer creators valuable tips, advice, and strategies for crafting engaging Reels and other content that resonates with their audience. This section is designed to guide creators in optimizing their content, increasing their reach, and achieving their goals on the platform. While it provides general guidance for success, the focus is heavily on Reels, offering up-to-date insights on what types of Reels perform well and how to engage viewers effectively. By using this resource, creators can refine their strategies and stay ahead of trends, ensuring their content stands out on the app.
Reels in 2025
Instagram has made significant investments in Reels in 2024, and we expect 2025 to follow suit. Short-form video content is here to stay, and it’s clear that Instagram will continue rolling out new features to enhance the creation of dynamic and engaging Reels directly within the app. While advanced video creators may still rely on external software for professional-level edits, the Instagram app offers all the tools needed for beginners and intermediate creators, or anyone looking to produce great content quickly. With powerful editing tools, audio flexibility, and numerous engagement options, Instagram provides everything you need to create high-quality Reels.
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