All About Instagram Remixes — New Reels' Feature
Written by Gladys Labsan
From being an exclusively photo-sharing app, Instagram dived into the world of videos with Instagram Live. Several new video features later, it launched its most recent addition—Remix. While the concept’s not new, as it’s very similar to TikTok Duets, it’s a fun and useful feature for new and long-time Instagram users. Let’s dive in and get to know about Remix more.
💡Suggested read: Instagram Reels vs. TikTok: Essential Differences
How to Use Instagram Remix
Remix is fairly simple to use.
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner of the video or Reel you want to remix.
2. Click on the “Remix this Reel” option.
3 . The dual-screen will now appear, showing the Reel you chose on the right side and the front camera screen on the left.
4. Once you click on the record button, the Reel will start playing and your camera will start recording you.
5. When you are finished recording, the Preview button will appear, allowing you to see the remix before posting it.
You will notice that you will have the same video enhancement features on the left side, allowing you to add audio, adjust speed, use a timer, and edit the clip you are remixing. At the bottom, you also have the option to add special effects to the remix.
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Reinvent and Collaborate with Others
Instagram users are encouraged by the company to reinvent their Reels and collaborate with other creators. Remix allows users to record videos alongside other videos or Reels, in a split-screen view, creating a new version of it. This is especially useful for those who love creating reaction videos, reviews, dance collabs, and challenges.
All Instagram users can use the Remix feature on both public videos and reels of other users or their own, whether it was recorded via Instagram or created in an online video editor with features such as green screen video editing, screen and camera recording, and a lot more. Owners of public videos will be notified if one of their videos or reels was remixed by another user.
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It’s important to note that this feature can only be used with content that was uploaded after the update went live. Anything else before that won’t have the Remix option.
Enabling and Disabling Remix
Not everyone is open to having their videos or Reels repurposed so the social media app added the option to opt-in or out of Remix. By default, the setting is enabled on all public Instagram accounts. Users can keep it that way but if they aren’t open to remixing, they can disable it.
Here’s how:
- Go to your Instagram account and click on the three lines in the upper right corner.
2. Click on Settings and go to Privacy.
3. Click on Reels and Remix.
4. Move the slider to the left if you want to disable Remix for Reels only, for feed videos only, or both.
There’s also the option to customize this setting. You can enable and disable the Remix feature on individual videos in your account.
To do this:
- Click on your video.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner.
3. Click on Turn off remixing.
What’s in It for Creators and Businesses?
Instagram allows users to disable remixing but the company encourages its users to take advantage of the feature. Whether you are an individual creator or a business marketer, here are some benefits of having your videos remixed:
Free exposure
When other users remix your videos, you get extra exposure at no extra cost. It can help establish your content in your niche and build familiarity among Instagram users.
Social engagement
Remixing allows you and your followers to collaborate and interact with each other. You can invite your followers to remix your video by inviting them to do so on the video itself. It can be something like “Remix this”, “React with a Remix”, “Dance with me”, or something to that effect.
Reach a new audience
It can be a challenge to reach users beyond your follower base. Allowing your videos to be remixed can be your chance to go viral and extend your audience reach.
Repurpose old content
Do you have videos that didn’t receive a lot of attention when you first posted them? Repurpose them with Remix. It’s a fun and easy way to add a new spin to old videos.
Brand and creator collaborations
Businesses with products that complement each other can use Remix to create a unique video collab. It’s a great way to help each other out by captivating the combined attention of each business’s audience or followers.
As for creators, users can remix videos with others to create a partnership that can boost each other’s online presence and reach.
Ready to Get in the Remix?
The concept of Remix may not be new and exclusive to Instagram, but it’s an entertaining and beneficial feature for creators and businesses who prefer Instagram’s platform over other social media sites. Since its launch, users have found it to be a feature worth utilizing. It’s a great means for users to reinvent the awesome videos and Reels being shared on the platform every day.
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About the Author:
Gladys Labsan is a writer with over 10 years of professional experience on various topics under the sun. She is also a self-taught visual artist who specializes in portraits and murals. Gladys loves to make mini Clipchamp videos, share her thoughts through writing, singing her heart out (alone), and eat cake. All while handling four silly little girls who make her heart full.