Highlights
- Instagram has added the ability to post GIFs in comments.
- This feature was earlier in testing but it is now rolling out to everyone globally.
- Instagram also announced new editing tools for Reels.
Instagram users can finally add GIFs in comments. The new feature was announced by Mark Zuckerberg and Adam Mosseri through Meta’s Instagram Channels. Zuckerberg has been making announcements for Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp on Instagram Channels which you can find in the app’s DM section.
Instagram comments GIFs
Instagram had started testing GIFs in comments earlier this year so some users could add GIFs in posts. But the feature is now available globally to all users on Android and iOS. Instagram has partnered with GIPHY to bring GIFs to comments in posts.
You can add a GIF in comments by tapping on the new GIF icon on the right side of the text box. Then you can type whatever GIF you’re looking for and pick one from the available options. GIFs can be shared in comments for Instagram posts and Reels as well.
New editing tools for Reels
Separately, Instagram hosted an event in Mumbai where it announced GIF comments along with Instagram Gifts and new editing tools for Reels. Instagram’s Reels editor is also getting new features including ‘Split’ that lets you easily split a single clip into two clips. Then there’s ‘Speed’ to either speed up or slow down your clips, and ‘Replace’ to swap out one clip for another without having to change anything else in your Reel. The new editing tools will be available to all users globally in the coming weeks.
Instagram users in India will also soon be able to send virtual gifts to their favourite creators. This feature has been in testing since November last year and it will roll out in India in the next few weeks.
Zuckerberg had also mentioned that Instagram has started testing lyrics in Reels. So just like how lyrics appear in Stories, similarly it will appear in Reels as well. This is a test though with not word on when it will roll out to all users.