Meta's focus is clear: Instagram Reels. One improvement after another is being rolled out to boost the popularity and effectiveness of this video format. Instagram users currently spend 20%* of their time watching, creating, and sharing Reels. But if Meta has its way, this number will only increase.
We all know it by now: with Reels, Instagram wants to steal the attention from the popular TikTok. The majority of TikTok's success is due to its powerful algorithm. TikTok is unparalleled in its ability to draw you into a trap of exactly what you want to see. It's a tough fight to compete with. Meta has its work cut out for it, and they're certainly doing just that.
Scheduling Reels via Social Media Tools
On June 28, Meta announced Reels API access for third-party platforms, with the expectation that it would be rolled out to all Instagram accounts today (July 6). This API access will allow users to use scheduling platforms like HootSuite, Sprout Social, and Later to schedule, post, edit, and analyze Reels.
This new option makes it much easier for companies to incorporate mobile database Reels into their content mix. Once you can schedule and prepare something, it's easier to deploy. The expectation (and Meta's desire) is that this API access will encourage companies to create and share Reels more often.
Besides the introduction of API access, another news item caught our attention. Meta is running a test where all videos shared on Instagram are displayed as Reels.
This is something we're testing (and have been!) with parts of our global community. – Meta
Currently, if you want to post a video on Instagram
I you can choose between "post as a post" and "post as a Reel." If you post your video as a post, it will appear in your feed and be shared with your followers. If you post your video as a Reel, it will be included in the Reel algorithm, so it's up to you who will see it. Is this desirable?
