Instagram is tired of creators creating their videos in rolls and then going to TikTok. While using Reels this week, The edge found that when downloading an edited clip to an iPhone, the audio of the clip disappeared. This means that if you want to export the footage from Reels for use in another app, you must first post the Reel to save the sound. At the end of July, it was possible to download the clip with audio and use it in a separate app, such as TikTok, without posting it first.
The audio has been stripped down on three iPhones we tested, although export with audio was still possible with Instagram on Android. Instagram did not respond to multiple requests for comment as to whether this was a malfunction or an intentional change.
Speaking from experience, TikTok’s in-app tools aren’t particularly useful for more advanced operations. TikTok does not allow you to use certain filters when starting with footage filmed outside the app, and you cannot download clips that are not ready or watermarked. (YouTube Shorts just added a watermark requirement, too.)
To get around this, TikTok users can jump to Instagram, which has similar features to Reels. For example, you can use Instagram’s green screen effect — which is more flexible to edit than TikTok’s version — and then download that clip and send it to TikTok. This trick is used by creators as a way to get around TikTok’s terrible editing tool and as a way to use Instagram-only video features or filters. Or at least it used to be.
While all these steps make filming a bit more time-consuming for creators, relying on downloaded Instagram clips has been one of the easiest ways to create more dynamic TikTok videos while still using filters. Without the ability to download the clips with sound, users are now faced with two choices: relying entirely on TikTok’s poor editing software to use certain features or uploading to Instagram Reels.
This change comes on the heels of Instagram temporarily rolling back TikTok-esque algorithm changes. But it’s still a sign that Instagram is determined to steal the throne of short video platforms.
Janice has been with businesskinda for 5 years, writing copy for client websites, blog posts, EDMs and other mediums to engage readers and encourage action. By collaborating with clients, our SEO manager and the wider businesskinda team, Janice seeks to understand an audience before creating memorable, persuasive copy.