New 'Use as Reference' Lets You Record Reels Alongside Another Clip

Instagram added a recording tool for response videos and trend recreations.

How to use it

1. Open a reel shorter than 90 seconds.
2. Tap the three dots and choose Use as reference.
3. The reel opens in a small, movable window in your camera. Watch it as often as you like, pause it, and use the countdown to start recording in sync.

Who gets it

iOS users first. There's no Android date yet.

Why creators will like it

Recreating a dance, a recipe step or a meme format used to mean switching between apps. Now it happens in one screen.

Source

• Social Media Today – Meta adds audio links and reference Reels (Oct 15, 2026)