Facebook launches a new TikTok clone, Instagram Reels

Facebook’s Instagram is launching its answer to hit short video app TikTok — Instagram Reels .

Instagram Reels will let users record and edit 15-second multi-clip videos with audio, and will let users d visual effects. Users will be able to share Reels with followers in Instagram in a dedicated section called Reels in Explore, or in Story feature where posts disappear after 24 hours.

Reels option will be available at bottom of Instagram camera.

Facebook has a long trition of cloning competitive services. Instagram “Story” feature, which lets people share photos and videos that expire in 24 hours, is similar to Snapchat. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg faced tough questioning about company’s habit of copying rivals before a congressional hearing on July 29.

w, though, TikTok is under fire, possibly opening an opportunity for Facebook.

Microsoft is in talk s to buy parts of TikTok in what would be a forced sale following threats from President Donald Trump to ban Chinese-owned video app, which claims 100 million U.S. users and hundreds of millions globally.

Reels is launching in over 50 countries, including US, India, Brazil, France, Germany, U.K., Japan, Australia and ors on iOS and Android.