According to an Insider story, Instagram is testing a new tool called Templates, which will allow creators to create Reels by borrowing forms from current films on the platform (via TechCrunch). The functionality looks to be similar to TikTok’s own templates feature, which lets users drag and drop their own material 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. According to a screenshot shared by Hill in March, users may substitute their own video into preset frames and add their own music. As Hill pointed out to Insider, this might minimize the need for users to rely on third-party templates from sites like Canva or to painstakingly follow online tutorials in order to get an exact structure.
“We are always experimenting on new approaches to make Reels simpler to create,” a Meta representative told Insider. “We’re putting it to the test to see if you can make a reel from a Template from another reel.” According to Insider, Instagram is presently testing the functionality with a small group of users. The Verge contacted Instagram for comment, but did not receive a prompt answer.
The trial comes as Instagram strives to attract more artists to Reels while simultaneously tackling one of the platform’s biggest problems: TikTok reposts. Last year, Instagram declared that it would no longer promote Reels with TikTok watermarks, and this week, Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri revealed that the site will be cracking down even further by downranking reposts. It may become easier to produce films on Reels by including templates in the mix, encouraging the development of more innovative stuff.
