Instagram has introduced a new feature for Reels, allowing users to add multiple audio tracks to a single reel. This update comes shortly after Instagram head Adam Mosseri announced the platform’s shift towards prioritizing short-form content over longer videos. With this enhancement, users can now incorporate up to 20 different audio tracks into one Instagram Reel, offering greater creative flexibility directly from their smartphones.

Mosseri revealed the new multi-audio track support in an Instagram post, highlighting that users can mix and match audio tracks with text, and edit their Reels using stickers, clips, and other elements. The audio clips can overlap, and the app will automatically generate a fade effect for a seamless audio experience.

Instagram emphasized the creative potential of this feature, stating, “With the flexibility to pair the right tracks with the right clips at the right time, one can express their creativity in a way that feels right for them and their audience.” When users create these audio mixes, they will be saved with attribution, allowing others to reuse them, promoting a community of shared creativity. The feature is now available to users in India, although some users reported not having access to it, indicating a phased rollout.

This new multi-audio track support aligns with Instagram’s strategy to focus on short-form content. Mosseri noted that short video clips are often shared among friends with similar interests, serving dual objectives: fostering connections between users and helping them explore their interests. This strategy reflects Instagram’s shift away from long-form videos, such as those previously hosted on IGTV, which was discontinued in 2022. The discontinuation of IGTV marked Instagram’s pivot towards enhancing and supporting short-form content, particularly with the introduction of Instagram Reels in 2021.

Reels have quickly become a popular feature on Instagram, allowing users to create and share short, engaging video content. The new multi-audio track feature aims to further enhance this experience, providing users with more tools to craft unique and compelling content. By prioritizing short-form content, Instagram is not only adapting to changing user preferences but also positioning itself to compete more effectively with other platforms that specialize in short videos. This strategic shift underscores Instagram’s commitment to innovation and user engagement, ensuring the platform remains a relevant and dynamic space for content creation.