Instagram Launches “New Edits” Feature to Combat Reels Content Theft
MENLO PARK, CA – November 22, 2023 – Instagram has rolled out a new feature, “new Edits,” designed to protect creators’ Reels content from unauthorized downloading and re-uploading. The tool, announced today, aims to directly address the widespread issue of content theft plaguing the platform, offering creators a proactive defense against copyright infringement.
for months, Instagram creators have voiced frustration over the rampant reposting of their Reels by other accounts, often without credit or permission. This practice not only undermines creators’ original work but also impacts their reach and potential revenue. The “New Edits” feature allows creators to opt-in to prevent others from downloading and sharing their Reels, providing a crucial layer of protection against content theft and bolstering the platform’s commitment to creator rights. The rollout follows increasing pressure on Meta, Instagram’s parent company, to provide more robust tools for content protection, particularly as Reels become a central component of the Instagram experience and a key driver of creator income.
The feature functions by adding a subtle visual indicator to Reels when the creator has enabled the protection setting.Users attempting to download these protected Reels will receive a message explaining the restriction. While the tool doesn’t eliminate all forms of content theft – such as screen recording – it significantly hinders the most common methods of unauthorized reposting.
Instagram detailed the feature’s availability, stating it is indeed currently accessible to all creators and will continue to be refined based on user feedback. The company emphasized its ongoing investment in tools that empower creators and safeguard their intellectual property, signaling a broader strategy to foster a more secure and equitable surroundings on the platform.
