Instagram announced a timely update to its video feature reels this morning, alongside the news that the Supreme Court upheld the law banning TikTok in the United States on January 19th. Meta says the update will make it easier for users to find content. Friends and followers will like it on the platform, encouraging users to start conversations about Reels' content.
Meta said the feature will first be released in the United States.
The company is poised to gain more TikTok users in the wake of the U.S. ban, especially creators who rely on social media for income. A sizable group of TikTokers have already taken refuge on Chinese app Red Note to protest the ban, but it will be more difficult for creators to monetize their followers on the app, which is primarily used by Chinese netizens. But American companies and brands won't use it.
In an effort to grab the attention of TikTok users, Meta on Friday added a feature that will appear in the top right corner of the “Reels” tab, making it easy to see what content your friends and followers have liked and commented on. announced that it would be possible (leave a note above). This will appear as a small button with the profile picture of the person who engaged with your content and a small heart icon or conversation bubble to indicate what kind of interaction they had.
Additionally, the company announced that it is introducing a new “reply bar” at the bottom of Reels, making it easier for users to reply to content their friends like. For example, the bar prompts you to respond to a friend's Like as their profile picture and heart pop up on the screen. When you send a reply, it will be sent directly as a direct message to the followers who followed you back and liked or left a note on your Reel.
Mehta said the new features are currently being rolled out.