Instagram is working on a “Spins” feature for Reels, its short-form TikTok video clone, the company confirmed to TechCrunch. The feature, which was first spotted by reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi, would allow other users to swap the text or audio on your reels. Instagram says Spins is an internal prototype and is not being tested externally.
The feature could be used as a way for users to start trends by creating templates that other people can then put their own creative spin on. If there is a modern template that someone has created, you will be able to swap out the text or audio to change the meaning to fit another scenario. For example, you could record a video of your dog yawning and then share it with the text “Me on Monday mornings”. If you switch to Spins, someone else could repost your video and swap the text for something like “I’m trying to stay awake in class.”
According to a screenshot posted by Paluzzi, it looks like creators would get credit for their original reels every time someone creates a Spin of them, allowing them to reach a wider audience. The screenshot also indicates that users will be able to toggle the feature on and off for different reels via a “Spins” switch that would appear before you publish a reel.
#Instagram continues to work on “Spins” for #Rola 👀
ℹ️ Allow people to exchange text or audio on your wheel. For every spin added, you will reach their audience. pic.twitter.com/W3DIgWAeuT
— Alessandro Paluzzi (@alex193a) March 12, 2024
Reels are not to be confused with Reels’ existing “Remix” functionality, which is a clone of TikTok’s duet feature that lets you appear in a video alongside an original side-by-side to offer feedback or reactions. Spins, on the other hand, allow for a bit more collective fun and creativity.
If released, the new feature will give Reels users and viewers access to a feature not available on TikTok. Since Reels is essentially a clone of TikTok and has the same features, the addition of Spin will introduce a differentiator, albeit a small one, between the two products.
As with any internal prototype, it’s unknown when or if Instagram plans to release Spins publicly.
