In a major update the Meta-owned photo-sharing platform Instagram has confirmed that it is testing a change that turns video posts into Reels. The change is currently being tested with select users around the world, is part of Instagram’s plan to simplify video on the app.
According to a report from IANS, a screenshot posted on Twitter by social media consultant Matt Navarra showed that people who are part of the test will see an in-app message that says “video posts are now shared as Reels”.
“We are testing this feature as part of our efforts to simplify and improve the video experience on Instagram,” a spokesperson from Meta was quoted as saying to Techcrunch in an email.
The message indicates that if your account is public and you post a video that ends up being turned into a Reel, anyone can discover your Reel and use your original audio to create their Reel, the report said.
If your account is set to private, your Reel will only be visible to your followers, it added. The message also noted that once you post a Reel, anyone can create a remix with your Reel if your account is public. However, you can prevent people from remixing your Reels in your account settings.
Also, Instagram recently announced that it is testing new options for people to verify their age by uploading an ID like driver’s license or ID card, along with other methods in a bid to provide age-appropriate experiences on the platform.
Starting with the US, if someone attempts to edit their date of birth on Instagram from under the age of 18 to 18 or over, Instagram will require them to verify their age. They can verify their age by uploading their ID, record a video selfie or ask mutual friends to verify the age.
The person vouching must be at least 18 years old and must not be vouching for anyone else at that time. The users can choose to upload a video selfie to verify their age. In 2019, Instagram first began asking people to provide their age when signing up.
