Instagram’s testing out a new feature called Templates that will let creators make Reels by borrowing arrangements from other videos on the platform.
The feature is similar to TikTok’s templates tool, allowing creators to drop their content into a premade series.
Reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi spotted an early version of Templates in January, while marketing manager and influencer Josephine Hill has already gotten to experience the feature. In a screenshot posted by Hill in March, it looks like users can swap their clips into preset frames and add their audio.
This could save users from using third-party templates from sites like Canva or having to follow online tutorials to achieve a specific format closely; something Hill pointed out to Insider.
“We are always working on new ways to make Reels simpler to create,” a Meta spokesperson said. “We are testing the ability for you to make a reel using an existing Template from another reel.”
Instagram also said that it’s currently testing the feature with a small group of users. The Verge reached out to Instagram with a request for comment but didn’t immediately hear back.
The test comes as Instagram attempts to attract more creators to Reels and addresses its biggest problem: TikTok reposts. Last year, Instagram said it would stop promoting Reels with TikTok watermarks.
Earlier this week, Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri announced the platform would be cracking down even harder by downranking reposts. Throwing templates into the mix could make it easier to make videos on Reels and spur the creation of more original content.
What is Instagram?
Instagram is an American image and video-sharing social networking service established by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger. In April 2012, Facebook Inc. obtained the service for around US$1 billion in cash and stock. The app authorizes users to upload media that can be reworked with filters and managed by hashtags and geographical tagging.
Posts can be communicated publicly or with preapproved supporters/fans. In addition, users can scan other users’ content by tag and location, view trending content, such as photos, and follow other users to count their content to a personal feed.
Instagram was initially distinguished by permitting content to be framed only in a square (1:1) aspect ratio of 640 pixels to fit the array width of the iPhone at the time. In 2015, the restriction was eased with an increase to 1080 pixels.
It also added messaging features, including numerous images or videos in a single post and a Stories featurecomparable to its main competitor Snapchatwhich permitted users to post their content to a sequential feed. Each position is accessible to others for 24 hours. As of January 2019, Stories is employed by 500 million people daily.