Instagram’s looking to help users create better Reels, by making it easier to discover and use templates based on high-performing short-form clips.

First off, Instagram’s launching a new and improved Template Browser process, which will enable users to search Reels templates in different categories, organized by ‘Recommended’, ‘Trending’, and those that you’ve previously saved.
It's a more centralized approach to using templates and might make it easier to lean into key trends and formats, and help you come up with more effective video approaches.

The new browser will be accessible from within the Reels creation flow using your existing image gallery options, while you'll also be able to find the template browser by tapping the camera icon on the Reels tab.

Also, Instagram plans to improve template editing - with new elements that will better align to the flow of creation.

"When you create from a template today, the audio, number of clips, duration of the clips, and AR effects will automatically be added to your reel. In the coming weeks, we'll also start automatically adding text and transitions that were used in the original reel.
The details will be completely customizable, but by having all the elements listed, that could make it easier to repurpose each and therefore maximize your use of effective formats.

In addition to the existing Reels template process, which allows viewers of Reels to replicate popular clips by tapping the 'Use Template' button in-stream.
Instagram added that functionality last April, which it's since expanded to also include links to examples of how others have used the same format.

Which can be good for giving you that extra surge of inspiration. However, there is always a question as to how much you can stand out when replicating an existing style or process.

Indeed, the Reels and TikTok clips that cut through are those which possess an interesting spin or format that captures viewers' attention sharply.

A good recent example is this running video style by emerging rap duet Flynaboss, which is everywhere on TikTok for the moment.
Such an impact video style stands out in-stream, as evidenced by the viral success of Flynaboss. Here again is proof of getting your own approach instead of copying top styles.

That isn't necessarily easy, but it's worth considering other formats outside of what's already worked, trying to think of new angles relative to your products rather than relying too much on trends.

But if you need ideas fast, templates can also be helpful, and these new options make them easier to find and use in the app.