If you’re a social media nerd (a term of endearment here at Hootsuite HQ), you’ve probably already studied our guide to the Instagram algorithm in your quest to achieve better engagement for your business Instagram account. But if you really want your Instagram Reels in particular to make a splash, it’s important to know that this Instagram feature has its own specific algorithm to wrestle with. So grease up and get ready to enter the ring.

According to a Twitter post by social media consultant Matt Navarra, people who are part of the test will see an in-app message that says, “video posts are now shared as reels”.

Instagram Reels, of course, are the short-form videos Instagram introduced in 2020 as a competitor to TikTok. Simple editing tools allow creators to use effects and filters, string together multiple shots, and incorporate music clips to craft fun, engaging Instagram Reels in just a few minutes (and unlike Instagram Stories, they don’t disappear after 24 hours).

According to the snapshot, “Video posts are now shared as reels.” Instagram believes that by encouraging all videos to become Reels, videos will have greater engagement, have access to video effects, and be able to have music added and be remixed into new Reels.

This means that in a public account on Instagram if someone posts a video, it ends up being into a Reel. The message also notes that anyone can create a remix with someone’s reel if the account is public. But remixing can be prevented by going to the account settings.

“We’re testing this feature as part of our efforts to simplify and improve the video experience on Instagram”, a Meta spokesman said.

The modification is being evaluated, and it is unclear whether it will last. It’s also unclear what will happen to already-posted Instagram videos and whether you will still be able to upload 10-minute videos (or up to 60 minutes on verified accounts), as reported by GSM Arena.

The testing comes as Meta is betting big on Insta Reels. According to Q1 2022 earnings, Meta revealed that Reels make up more than 20% of the time that people spend on Instagram.

Last year, Instagram head Adam Mosseri declared that the platform was “no longer a photo-sharing app” about a year ago since it had moved its emphasis to “creators, video, retail, and messaging”.

In August 2020, Instagram Reels made its debut in the US. The short video format of Reels has received a tonne of engagement.