2026/10/16

Instagram Edits Have Reference Reels and Audio Links

Edits is a video creation and editing app from Instagram. It lets you create 4K videos without watermarks. You can create videos up to 10 minutes long. It also offers AI and creative tools with analytics and Instagram integration.

The edits app also offers features to edit reference reels and audio links.

Edits Have Reference Reels and Audio Links:

Now you can use another video as a reference to create your own videos.

The new audio links in edits allow creators to add links to sounds and songs. It will display as a tap button.

Creators get access to trending topics and use insight to create engaging Reels. Right now, you can only use it if you have more than 10,000 followers.

The custom kits also help creators to be visually creative.

Edits is an app where you can use unlimited effects without cost. It helps in boosting creativity and content engagement.

Reference Clip Feature in Instagram:

You can also access reference clip features on Instagram. It helps you use different clips as reference.
You can view that in a composer window to create the new responsive clip.

Instagram revealed that you can use any reel shorter than 90 seconds. Just tap on three dots and choose “Use as reference.”

It will open the reference reel in a small window on your phone.

You can pause the playback or move the player.

The countdown option also helps you sync the video.

Benefit of Reference Clip Feature:

Now you can easily use a clip to create response clips. It is a way to be creative and share your own opinion about the specific reel.

Right now, you can only access this feature through the iOS app.

Instagram Removing Link Reels:

On October 28, 2028, Instagram will remove the option to link Reels.

Note: Instagram introduced the Reels linking feature in 2025. It was there to help content creators create series of connected Reels for extended user engagement.

Rather than just being a short video platform, Instagram is trying to build a platform for long videos. The shutdown of Link Reels is just another step to let creators focus on longer videos.

Final Words:

Instagram is not only competing with TikTok but also competing with YouTube. It is launching features that not only appeal to short content viewers but also attract viewers that want in-depth videos.

Instagram has more than 3 billion active users, but its daily time per user is lower than YouTube and TikTok. It is the reason why Meta is trying new features and removing the old ones at pace to stand as the most engaging platform.