Have you ever tried to create a trending reel from memory and ended up watching it like fifteen times just to get the moves right? Instagram just launched a new tool to make this process less frustrating.
The app now has a new in-camera tool that floats the reference reel on screen while you record your own version, so you don’t have to memorize the steps. This feature is especially useful for creators creating dance routines, lip syncing to songs, or trying to match popular reel timing.
How does Instagram’s new Reel referral tool work?
To start, find a reel you’re obsessed with, but make sure it’s under 90 seconds. Instagram hasn’t explained why there is a 90-second limit, but I hope they drop that for longer videos.
For the next step, tap the three-dot menu on the reel, and select “Use as a reference.” That will pull up your camera screen with the original reel playing in a small window right next to you. You can repeat the video as many times as necessary before recording.
That window can also be moved anywhere on the screen so it doesn’t get in the way. You can also pause the reference clip as many times as you need while practicing specific moves or transitions.
When you’re ready to record, there’s a customizable countdown option on your screen to help sync your movements with the original video. It’s a handy feature that makes it easier to match the timing of the first frame.
When can you use the new feature of Instagram?
Instagram says the feature is available starting today, but there is a limitation. The Reference Reel tool is currently only available on iOS. Instagram says that Android support is on the way, so creators on that side will have to wait a little longer before they can use it.
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