You can now add up to 20 audio tracks to one Instagram Reel

Instagram on Tuesday announced a new multi-track audio feature for Reels that is rolling out to users. The development comes just days after Instagram head of photography Adam Mosseri stated that the video and image-sharing platform would prioritize short-form content over long-form videos. With the rollout of the Instagram Reels improvement, users will now be able to add multiple audio tracks to a single Instagram Reel, allowing them to create creative mixes using their smartphone.

Instagram introduces support for multiple audio tracks

Mosseri announced the rollout of multi-audio track support via a post on Instagram, stating that users will be able to add up to 20 tracks to a single Reel on Instagram, giving users more creative freedom to create content. They can align the audio with text and edit the Reel with stickers, clips and other items. The audio clips can also overlap, and the app will generate a fade effect.

Announcing the feature, Instagram said, “With the flexibility to pair the right songs with the right clips at the right time, anyone can express their creativity in a way that feels right for them and their audience.”

When a user creates a mix, it is saved with attribution to them. Others will also be able to reuse these mixed audio clips, Instagram said. The feature is available for users in India starting today. However, Gadgets 360 employees were unable to access the multi-track feature, meaning it may be rolling out to users in phases.

Instagram to Prioritize Short-Form Content

The rollout of multi-track support for reels comes shortly after Mosseri said Instagram would focus on prioritizing short-form content on its platform. When a user comes across a short video clip that interests them, they often share it with friends who share similar interests, the executive said. This should serve two “symbiotic” purposes: connecting users with their friends and allowing them to explore their interests.

As a result, Instagram will prioritize short-form content over long-form videos. Meta-owned service previously operated a standalone long-form video platform called IGTV, which launched in 2018 and allowed users to upload hour-long videos. However, it was shut down in 2022 as the company shifted its focus to supporting short-form content, particularly following the introduction of Instagram Reels that arrived the year before.