WatchesMay 23, 2022
Steven Kaiser, Watch Industry Veteran and Beloved Mentor, Dies at 68 Kaiser, whose illustrious career spanned decades, died suddenly on Friday.
TechnologyAug 10, 2020
Instagram Rolls Out Reels, Its Answer to TikTok
Introduced last Wednesday, the new feature allows users to create 15-second videos using a single shot or stitched-together clips.
Special effects, as seen at left, are one of the features of Instagram Reels, the app’s answer to TikTok that debuted last week. (Photo courtesy of Instagram.com)
Menlo Park, Calif.—Instagram has introduced a feature that allows user to create short, looping videos complete with music, filters and special effects, its answer to TikTok, which exploded in popularity during the pandemic.
Called Instagram Reels, it rolled out last Wednesday in the midst of uncertainty about TikTok’s future in the United States.
Reels works from the app’s camera function (top left of the screen when on the home page). Users simply slide over to Reels, then hit record.
On the left-hand side there are a handful of editing functions, including tools for controlling the speed, adding effects and timing the clip.
Reels are only 15 seconds long, but multiple clips can be stitched together to create a montage.
Examples of montages from some of Instagram’s most-followed users include actress and entrepreneur Jessica Alba (@jessicaalba), who did one to promote her Honest company face masks, and model Karlie Kloss (@karliekloss), who strung together her best catwalk looks from over the years.
Reels live in a separate tab right above the main profile grid, where others will be able to see all the Reels a user has done.
The short videos also can live in the main profile grid if the user chooses to share them to their feed.
Duvall O’Steen, a communications strategist, senior consultant for Luxury Brand Group and co-author of the Creative Connecting column for National Jeweler, said on Friday she had not personally tried Reels yet, but would give much of the same advice she has for TikTok.
Use a tripod when filming to keep the camera steady and get better-quality video, and “keep it fun and lively.”
“This is not the place for classic jewelry video,” O’Steen said.
She also recommends creating custom or branded audio to go with the video. Retailers, for example, could use the music from their latest commercial.
More information about how to put together Reels is available on Instagram.com.
RELATED CONTENT: Creative Connecting—TikTok TipsThe launch of Instagram Reels came one day before U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order directing U.S. firms to stop doing business with both TikTok, which is owned by ByteDance, and WeChat, a multi-purpose app developed by tech firm Tencent.
Trump cited national security concerns and data privacy issues as the reasons for his move to ban the Chinese-owned apps in the U.S. The ban is set to take effect in 45 days, with
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
those violating the order facing a $300,000 fine per violation and even criminal prosecution.
NPR reported over the weekend that TikTok owner ByteDance plans to sue the Trump administration over the executive order, which it says is unconstitutional.
NPR reported over the weekend that TikTok owner ByteDance plans to sue the Trump administration over the executive order, which it says is unconstitutional.
More on Technology
The Latest
IndependentsMay 23, 2022
Long’s Jewelers to Open New LocationThe family-owned jeweler is relocating its Braintree, Massachusetts, store to a new space.
IndependentsMay 23, 2022
Luxury Goods Veteran Olivier Stip Joins Chicago Jeweler CD Peacock He will step into the retailer’s newly created role of chief development officer.
Brought to you by
Dive into GIA’s Pearl ExpertiseWhen it comes to knowing the identity and quality of your pearls, count on GIA as your independent pearl experts.
GradingMay 23, 2022
Gem-A Launches Digital Entry-Level Gemology CourseGemIntro is meant to give a broad introduction to gems and gemology.
Weekly QuizMay 19, 2022
This Week’s QuizTest your knowledge of the latest jewelry news with this quick test.
Recorded WebinarsMay 20, 2022
Watch: Responsible Sourcing and the Gold Supply Chain Three industry experts discuss “recycled” gold vs. mined, their challenges and benefits, and how jewelers can navigate the area.
FinancialsMay 20, 2022
Richemont’s 2022 Jewelry Sales in the Americas Nearly DoubleCartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Buccellati put on stellar performances.
Brought to you by
A.I. Grading is Changing Conversations at the Retail CounterAdvanced technology levels the playing field, helping jewelers give customers what they want.
AuctionsMay 20, 2022
Piece of the Week: ‘Birds in Flight’ by Oscar Heyman The New York jeweler made this incredible, colorful Art Deco bracelet featuring tropical birds in 1927.
SurveysMay 19, 2022
5 Predictions for Jewelry Retail in the Second Half of 2022From a slowdown in sales growth to rising costs, Fruchtman Marketing outlines its expectations for the second half of the year.
MajorsMay 19, 2022
As It Nears 75, Here’s How Grandview Klein Stays CompetitiveOnce a part of Julius Klein Group, the diamond company combines its direct supply and cutting expertise with a keen eye to the future.
SourcingMay 19, 2022
De Beers’ Rough Sales Up 21% So Far This Year One analyst cited rising diamond prices and the sanctions on Alrosa as contributing factors.
CollectionsMay 19, 2022
Brilliant Earth Collaborates with Jade TrauThe two have partnered on a capsule collection.
MajorsMay 19, 2022
Jewelers Mutual Adds 2 Industry Veterans to Its Board John A. Green of retailer Lux Bond & Green and Niveet Nagpal of Omi Privé have joined the board of directors as of May 18.
FinancialsMay 18, 2022
Watches of Switzerland’s Jewelry Sales More Than Doubled in Q4The retailer also said demand for Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet watches continues to exceed its supply.
AuctionsMay 18, 2022
Jewels from Bette Midler Are Headed to BonhamsThe auction house’s upcoming sale also includes collections from American heiresses.
IndependentsMay 18, 2022
Jeweler Lewis Baribault Celebrates 50th Work AnniversaryThe Connecticut jeweler reflected on five decades in the industry and what the future holds for the family business.
Events & AwardsMay 18, 2022
Visit A Mine in New Jersey With WJA New York MetroThe chapter has organized a day trip to the Sterling Hill Mine and Museum in Ogdensburg on Saturday, May 21.
SourcingMay 17, 2022
A New Source in Tanzania Is Producing Cobalt-Blue SpinelThe stones come from a deposit close to Mahenge and have been on the market for several months.
SourcingMay 17, 2022
‘Pop’ the Question With Stephanie Gottlieb’s New Diamond CutThe jewelry designer is partnering with popcorn brand Angie’s Boomchickapop on a whimsical diamond cut.
ColumnistsMay 17, 2022
What You Need to Know About the Google Analytics 4 RolloutIn the latest article from The Smart Lab, Emmanuel Raheb outlines the website changes jewelers can expect with this new software.
Events & AwardsMay 17, 2022
‘Cartier and Islamic Art’ Exhibition Opens in DallasFollowing its Paris debut, “Cartier and Islamic Art: In Search of Modernity” has landed at the Dallas Museum of Art.
IndependentsMay 16, 2022
Mejuri Plans to Triple Its Store Count This YearThe fine jewelry brand expects to open 17 new locations, mostly in North America.
IndependentsMay 16, 2022
Karats Jewelers Plans Expansion Into 30,000-Square-Foot StoreThe Kansas retailer is aiming for a fall 2023 opening.
MajorsMay 16, 2022
Pandora Announces Plans to Build Third Factory, First Outside ThailandIt will be located in Vietnam’s Binh Duong Province, and construction is slated to start early next year.
IndependentsMay 16, 2022
MJSA Has Released its 2022 Buyer’s GuideIt’s full of hundreds of contacts for jewelry-making supplies and services.
FinancialsMay 13, 2022
Brilliant Earth Reports Strong Q1 But Lowers 2022 GuidanceThe company is feeling the impact of the uncertain geopolitical and macroeconomic environment, said CEO Beth Gerstein.
