EXCLUSIVE: Instagram Reels is being quietly tested in India just days after the TikTok ban

• Instagram Reels is currently being tested in India.
• Facebook had recently shut down its TikTok clone app Lasso and was concentrating on ‘Reels’ to capture markets.
• Instagram Reels lets users record 15-second videos with music and audio clips.

Just days after the TikTok ban and speculation over the possible launch of Instagram Reels in India to take on the opportunity – it has happened. Instagram Reels is currently being tested in India, sources told Business Insider.

Instagram Reels lets users record 15-second videos with music and audio clips and add them to their stories. The feature seems eerily similar to TikTok, although more details on Reels is awaited.

Interestingly, Facebook and Instagram had recently partnered with Indian music label Saregama to give users access to Saregama’s library for Instagram music.

Sources confirmed that certain users have started receiving the update from Instagram which includes Reels.

"We're planning to start testing an updated version of Reels in more countries. Reels is a fun, creative way for people to both express themselves and be entertained. We're excited to bring this new version to more of our global community. No further plans to share on launch date or countries for now,” a Facebook spokesperson told Business Insider.

Facebook had recently shut down its TikTok clone app Lasso and was concentrating on ‘Reels’ to capture markets. Reels had earlier launched in France and Germany and was reportedly being tested in Brazil as well.

The Indian government had recently banned TikTok along with 58 other Chinese apps. The ban on TikTok left a huge market opportunity for Indian apps to fill up the space for the thousands of content creators. Indian apps like Chingari, Roposo, Khabri, Bolo Indya have taken over the space and are witnessing a huge surge in traffic. The launch of Instagram Reels to the already existing millions of users of Instagram in India could be a threat to the rising users of the Indian apps.

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