As Instagram ventures into the realm of short videos with its Reels feature, it introduces an exciting collaborative tool called the Remix feature—functionally akin to TikTok’s Duet. This innovative feature allows you to respond creatively to other users’ content, evoking community engagement and artistic expression. In this guide, we will walk you through the intuitive process of creating your first Remix video on Instagram.
What Is Instagram’s Remix Feature?
The Remix feature enables users to express their reactions by merging their clips or photos with Reels or posts they find captivating. Essentially, it is a shared screen interaction where both the original video and your creative input are displayed side by side or stacked together, making for a dynamic viewer experience. This collaboration fosters community and enhances user engagement like never before.
Keep in mind that not all Reels are available for Remixing; the original content creator must enable this functionality specifically for their video.
How to Remix Instagram Reels
Ready to dive in? Here’s a streamlined process to create your first Remix:
- Launch the Instagram app: Start by opening the Instagram app and navigate to the Reels tab or visit a user’s profile to find a Reel you’d like to remix.
- Select the Reel: Once you find a Reel that piques your interest, tap on the three-dot menu located at the bottom-right corner of the screen.
- Choose Remix: Select the Remix option from the pop-up menu that appears.
- Edit your Remix: The Remix editing screen will load, allowing you to enhance the original clip. You can add background music, stickers, and text to suit your style.
- Capture your response: When you’re ready to record, tap the camera icon in the upper right corner to add your response on the original video.
- Adjust layout: For a side-by-side view, press the people button in the left-hand menu to choose your desired configurations for your Remix.
- Start recording: Hit the large Reels button to record your video. You can also choose to upload a pre-recorded video from your gallery.
- Final touches: After recording, tap Next to make any additional edits before proceeding to the final upload screen.
- Post your Remix: With all edits completed, hit Next one last time to upload your new, collaborative Reel.
Remix a Post into an Instagram Reel
Did you know you can also Remix an Instagram post into a Reel? This feature allows for image-based Reels, a unique way to create a Remix with photos. Here’s how:
- Locate a post: Go to a friend’s profile or your feed to find a post you want to remix.
- Access the Remix option: Tap on the three-dot icon in the upper-right corner of the post and select Remix.
- Choose layout: Press the Camera button and select your preferred layout before proceeding to the Gallery at the bottom to upload images.
- Mix video and photos: After returning to the Remix screen, you can still choose to record a video response if desired. Click Next to continue.
- Finalize and post: After previewing your content and making any adjustments, press Next to upload your creative Remix.
Remix an Instagram Story
While the Remix feature isn’t officially available for Instagram Stories in the same way it is for Reels, you can still creatively share a Story if you have been mentioned. Here’s how you can remix a story:
- Look for mentions: If you’re mentioned in a Story, you’ll receive a notification via DM. Open it to get access.
- Add to Your Story: Click the Add to Your Story button to reshare the Story.
- Edit your shared Story: Here, you can add text, stickers, or music to personalize the content before you post it.
- Access Reels from a Story: If the original post is a Reel, you can select Watch full reel, then follow the Remix steps shown earlier.
Enable Remix for Selected Reels
To allow others to Remix your Reels, you must enable the option. This can be set to apply to all Reels or just specific ones, especially if they were uploaded before April 1, 2021.
- Access your Reels: Open the desired Reel you wish to make available for Remix.
- Tap on the three-dot menu: This icon can be found in the bottom-right corner of the video.
- Select Remixing: Tap on the Remixing option.
- Choose Allow Reuse: Select Allow reuse to enable Remixing for users.
- Disabling Reuse: If you later decide to restrict others from Remixing your content, revisit the same settings and select Turn off reuse.
Disable Remix for Your Profile
While the Remix feature encourages collaboration, there might be instances where you want to keep your content private. Instagram allows you to entirely disable the Remix option for your profile. Here’s how:
- Go to your profile: Open your Instagram profile, then tap the hamburger menu in the top-right corner.
- Navigate to Sharing and Reuse: In the settings, go to Sharing and reuse under How others can interact with you.
- Turn off Remix: Find the section labeled Allow people to create with and reuse your content and toggle off both Reels and Posts.
Now that you’re equipped with knowledge on how to use the Remix feature on Instagram, consider exploring how to use TikTok’s Duet tool to expand your social media skills. For additional insights, check how to navigate changes in usernames on Instagram.
Image credit: Freepik All screenshots by Alexandra Arici
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I remix any Instagram Reel?
No, you can only remix Reels that have the Remix feature enabled by the original creator. Not all Reels are available for this option.
2. How do I know if my Reel can be remixed?
You can check if your Reel can be remixed by tapping on the three-dot menu and looking for the Remix option. If it’s not available, the feature may not have been enabled for your video.
3. What should I do if I want to stop others from remixing my content?
You can disable the Remix feature on your profile by going to Settings, finding Sharing and Reuse, and turning off the options for both Reels and Posts.
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