What Is Instagram Dual?

Social media continues to evolve and shift with trends. One of the newest trends uses both your front and back phone cameras. People who watch video game steamers are probably already familiar with using both cameras, and now you can adapt this feature to your Instagram content with Instagram Dual.

Recently, using both cameras has risen in popularity since another social media app, BeReal, skyrocketed to the top of the app charts. As new features pop up across social media, it’s common to find Instagram experimenting with adding them. But will Instagram Dual be a popular tool, or will it fade and morph into something different like IGTV?

Let’s take a deep dive into what Instagram Dual is, how it works, and how you can use it.

Instagram Dual: What Is It

Most smartphones these days have a front-facing camera and a back-facing camera. You can usually choose which camera you want to use depending on whether you want to take a selfie or a photo of something you’re looking at. There have been a few apps that aimed to incorporate both cameras at the same time, such as Frontback. More recently, the app BeReal has become extremely popular and uses the dual camera mode to capture both what you’re looking at and your selfie simultaneously.

But with Instagram Dual, you can create short videos with your back camera, while the front camera is also filming and can appear like a smaller reaction video within the larger rear camera-filmed video. The Dual feature is available in the Reels section of your Instagram account.

And unlike other apps that use both front and back cameras, you can use Instagram Dual over and over throughout the day—you’re not limited to a single window of time.

How to Use Instagram Dual

To try out Instagram Dual for yourself, start by:

• Clicking the plus (+) in the top right corner of your Instagram app.
• Then, choose the Reel option.
• Next, look at the icons that come up on the left of your screen.
• Scroll down by pressing the down arrow to find the camera icon labeled Dual.
• Click record to make your Dual video.
• You can add effects and music like your other Reel videos once you finish recording.

Some things to keep in mind about Instagram Dual—at this time, you can only use Dual to make Reels. In addition, Instagram is rolling all video content into Reels in an effort to make recording video more seamless and because it has found that users are more likely to engage with Reels content.

How to Use Instagram Dual for Marketing

Social media users are increasingly flocking to features that help them feel the content they’re viewing is more authentic and genuine. Younger users especially have indicated in many polls that they prefer to follow and purchase from companies that offer an authentic feel.

Some ways you can explore using Instagram Dual as part of your marketing toolbox include:

• Showcasing one employee’s view of their workday. Perhaps a maker can make a Dual video of what they’re crafting while also featuring their face as they make the item.

• Taking a tour of the ‘office.’ Whether your office space is a desk in your living room or a more traditional office, make a Dual of you touring the space and saying hi to other employees if you have them.

• Encouraging your customers and followers to make Duals where they react to opening a box or using a product. Then, feature those Duals on your Stories or your page.

User-generated content (UGC) is an effective way to drive engagement and get your followers to feel more invested in your brand. It’s another way to show a more authentic side since you’re showcasing content featuring real, relatable users.

The Appeal of Streaming, But Shorter

Many people like the idea of connecting with the person generating the content. It feels more personal and friendly, and the Dual feature is an attempt to bring the person making the content into the video. You can use the Instagram Dual feature in your Reels to create content for all the same reasons you did before.

Then, layer on other elements to grab your viewers’ attention. Here are some tips on doing that:

• Add audio: Include your own audio, narrate what your viewers see, or layer on a music track. Reels with audio get far more engagement than silent ones.

• Include multiple clips: You can record several clips and stitch a video together after you arrange the clips in the order you want them.

• Don’t forget the effects: Keep an eye out for trending effects that you can use in your Reels, and add them after you record but before you post.

• Try changing the speed: If your Dual Reel goal is to showcase an hour or a ‘day in the life of,’ then you can use the speed option to accelerate through more extended periods.

• Use a timer: If you’re nervous about making Reels or the idea of using Dual to be in the Reel makes you anxious, set a timer. Then, you’ll have time to put the camera on a tripod and position yourself in a good place.

Try New Things with Instagram Dual

Short-form videos are increasingly popular on Instagram and other social media apps, so adding the dual-camera feature seems like an expected evolution. But many brands might be wondering what else they can do with it. Don’t be afraid to try it out in different ways and watch your analytics for changes. For example, while Instagram does feature many types of ads, some businesses are looking for ways to sell products and services that are more subtle or less traditional.

A Reel featuring Instagram Dual could help to take the ad-like edge off your product selling. You could also use the Dual feature to answer frequently asked questions or show off a new product while discussing its features. In addition, explore what others are doing with Dual to see if any of those ideas and techniques can work for you.

Instagram will continue to roll out and change features, and not all of them will be ideal for your business. But it’s always a good idea to test the waters since a new feature like Dual could be an integral tool in forging solid relationships with your audience base.