A new leak suggests that iOS users may soon be able to enjoy Instagram’s Reels feature without having to install the app on their devices. According to 9to5Mac, the latest beta version of the Instagram app (319.0.2) via TestFlight has added an App Clip, which is a small part of an app that allows users to perform a quick task, such as ordering food, paying for parking, or renting a bike. App Clips can be accessed through Safari, Maps, and Messages, as well as through NFC tags, QR codes, and App Clip Codes, which are special markers that link to specific App Clips.
The Instagram App Clip is designed to let users watch Reels, which are short videos similar to TikTok, within the app’s native interface, even if they don’t have an Instagram account or the app installed. For instance, if a user receives a text message with a link to an Instagram reel, they can open it in the App Clip instead of their default web browser. They can also scroll through other popular reels and share them with their contacts. However, there is a catch: after viewing about six reels, the app clip will prompt the user to download the full Instagram app if they want to continue watching more.
This new feature is a clever way for Instagram to attract more users to its platform and to compete with TikTok, which also has its own app clip. It could also appeal to those who are not interested in the full social media experience of Instagram but still want to keep up with the latest viral trends and content.
Speaking of social media and apps, a recent study showed that the average daily screen time of Americans on their phones decreased slightly from 4.42 hours in 2022 to 4.34 hours in 2023. This may not seem like a significant change, but every minute counts in the digital world. The study also revealed which apps dominated the US market in terms of usage and revenue in 2023. You can read more about it in our detailed article.