According to a report from an insider, Instagram is testing a new tool called Templates that would allow artists to produce Reels by borrowing formats from existing films on the network (via TechCrunch). The functionality looks to be comparable to TikTok’s own templates tool, which allows users to drag and drop their own footage into pre-made sequences.
In January, reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi uncovered an early version of Templates, which marketing manager and influencer Josephine Hill had previously tested out. Users may substitute their own video into preset frames and add their own music, according to a screenshot released by Hill in March. This might eliminate the need for consumers to rely on third-party templates from sites like Canva or to carefully follow online tutorials, something Hill pointed out.
In a response to Insider, a Meta spokeswoman stated, “We are continually exploring on new methods to make Reels simpler to build.” “We’re putting it to the test to see if you can construct a reel out of an existing Template from another reel.” Instagram has confirmed to Insider that the functionality is presently being tested with a select number of users.
The trial comes as Instagram tries to entice more creators to Reels while also addressing one of the platform’s major issues: TikTok reposts. Instagram said last year that it will cease promoting Reels with TikTok watermarks, and Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri announced earlier this week that the site would be cracking down even further by downranking reposts. Adding templates to the mix might make creating movies on Reels and spur more original content.
Other companies, such as Facebook, YouTube, and Snapchat, are seeking to compete with TikTok by launching their own short-form video apps, but matching TikTok’s popularity is challenging. Creators frequently prefer to submit TikToks to Reels rather than develop material for Instagram, but this might change that or at the very least level the playing field. Reels have already added features comparable to TikTok’s, such as Remixes, which debuted last year. TikTok updated the tool earlier last year to allow users to remix any publicly uploaded video, not only Reels.
