Instagram on Tuesday announced a new multi-track audio feature for Reels that is rolling out to users. The development comes days after Instagram head Adam Mosseri stated that the video and image sharing platform would prioritise short-form content over long videos. With the rollout of the improvement to Instagram Reels, users can now add multiple audio tracks in a single Instagram Reel, enabling them to produce creative mixes using their smartphone.
Instagram Rolls Out Multi-Audio Track Support
Mosseri announced the rollout of multi-audio track support via a post on Instagram, stating that users can add up to 20 tracks to a single Reel on Instagram, giving users more creative freedom to make content. They can align the audio with text, and edit the Reel with stickers, clips and other items. The audio clips can also overlap, and the app will generate a fade effect.
Announcing the feature, Instagram said, “With the flexibility to pair the right tracks with the right clips at the right time, one can express their creativity the way that feels right for them and their audience.”
When a user creates a mix, it will get saved with attribution to them. Others can reuse these mixed audio clips too, according to Instagram. This feature is available to users in India starting today. However, Gadgets 360 staff members were unable to access the multi-track feature, which means it could be rolling out to users in a phased manner.
Instagram to Prioritise Short-Form Content
The rollout of multi-track support for reels comes shortly after Mosseri said that Instagram would focus on prioritising short-form content on its platform. When a user comes across a short video clip that interests them, they often share it with their friends who have similar interests, according to the executive. This is claimed to satisfy two “symbiotic” objectives: connecting users with their friends, and enabling them to explore their interests.
As a result, Instagram will prioritise short-form content over long videos. The Meta-owned service previously operated a standalone long-form video platform called IGTV which launched in 2018, enabling users to upload hour-long videos. However, it was discontinued in 2022 due to the company shifting its focus towards supporting short-form content, particularly due to the introduction of Instagram Reels which arrived the previous year.