A series of updates to Instagram Reels adds new creative tools, new ways to engage, and an update that changes how videos are shared.

New features for Reels today include:

Improved remixes.
New templates
Automatic conversion of video recordings to drums
The ability to promote drums as commercials
Here’s more on each of the new features for Instagram Reels.

Enhanced Remixes.
Instagram is expanding its remix capabilities for drums, allowing you to respond to videos from other users.
You’ll now have the ability to remix public photos and record your reaction to them as a Reel.

The new remix layouts allow you to choose from a green screen, split screen or picture in picture reaction.
For the first time, you’ll be able to add an entry after the original clip instead of having both pieces of content appear at the same time. New templates.
You can now create reels using templates that pre-load audio and clips so you can add photos or video clips.

The new dual template allows you to record video from your phone’s front and back camera at the same time.

To access the templates, click the camera icon on the Drums tab.

Converting video posts to reels
Instagram automatically converts all videos shorter than 15 minutes to Drums.

This change applies to new videos only. Existing videos shorter than 15 minutes will remain as videos.

The video and reel tabs on your Instagram profile will join as one when this change rolls out in the coming weeks.Increase reels as ads
Companies can now boost reels in the Instagram app by turning them into ads. This creates an opportunity to accelerate its path to more views and engagement.

To boost a reel, it must be 100% original content, less than 60 seconds long, and recorded in a 9:16 (vertical) aspect ratio.

Once published, you can boost the reel by reviewing your content and clicking Boost Post. Boosting the reel gives you access to engagement insights exclusive to advertising.

Boosted reels appear in the Instagram main feed, Stories, Reels tab and Explore page.