Instagram’s New Reels Camera Update: Creators, This One’s Big

If you thought Instagram was done after shaking up the bottom navigation bar… think again. The platform is rolling out another round of updates, this time focused on the Reels camera, and it’s clear IG is doubling down on keeping creators inside the app for both shooting and editing.

And honestly? These updates are going to change how a lot of people film on the go.

Instagram didn’t just tweak a few buttons. They rebuilt the Reels camera to make it easier, faster, and more creator-friendly, especially for those who want to film and edit without jumping into CapCut.

Here’s what’s new, and what actually matters.

What’s Changing Inside the Reels Camera

Instagram is officially rolling out:

• Longer recording - up to 20 minutes Yes, you can now record 20-minute videos directly in the IG camera. But (big BUT): Instagram still only recommends Reels under 3 minutes if you want maximum reach. Anything longer won’t be pushed widely. So the new long-form capability is more for convenience… and less for growth.

• Better multi-clip editing (Undo button!) No more deleting your entire timeline because one clip is wrong. Now you can quickly remove the last clip you added with a simple “Undo.” Finally.

• Improved Touch-Up controls There’s now a slider that lets you control the intensity of touch-ups, meaning no more over-smoothing unless you intentionally want it. This puts creative control back in your hands.

• A better green screen experience The green screen tool has been rebuilt, making transitions, layering, and background swaps smoother and more realistic.

• Smarter timers + countdowns A more responsive timer means fewer awkward race-to-frame moments. Small update, big difference for everyday creators.

Instagram’s product, design, and research teams say these changes are directly based on creator feedback, and it’s obvious IG is trying to make native editing strong enough to keep people from running to third-party apps.

But if you need deeper editing capabilities?

Instagram still wants you to use their dedicated Edits app, which is quietly becoming the platform’s version of CapCut.

What This Means for Creators and Brands

Instagram is doing what all platforms do when short-form hits saturation: They’re evolving into a hybrid of short + long-form video. More tools → more time spent in-app → more content → more ad revenue. It’s a circle.

But for creators and brands, here’s the real takeaway:

• IG is pushing tools that support storytelling, not just trends.

• Longer videos won’t get recommended, but they will help build connection and trust.

• Native editing is getting good enough that you can shoot, edit, and publish without leaving the app.

Instagram is making it easier to stay relevant, but only if you learn to use the tools strategically.

Pophaus Take

Instagram isn’t just updating features, it’s rewriting the creative workflow. The message is clear: Creators should be able to film everything inside IG, edit everything inside IG, and publish everything inside IG.

But don’t let the 20-minute update fool you, this is still a short-form platform. Longer tools support storytelling, but shorter videos still win distribution.

✨ The playbook:

Use Instagram’s new camera for speed, convenience, and storytelling, but keep your Reels tight if you want reach.