# Embracing the Scrolling Revolution: X (Previously Twitter) Launches “Reel-Like” Video Feature
In the rapidly changing landscape of social media, various platforms are continually competing for user engagement by integrating features that appeal to contemporary audiences. The most recent entrant into the “reel-like” video phenomenon is **X**, formerly called Twitter, which has rolled out a new video-focused component as a reaction to the escalating popularity of vertical video styles initiated by TikTok and Instagram Reels.
## **Key Highlights**
– **X’s Latest Video Tab**: The platform has unveiled a specific video section on its Explore page, providing users a captivating, scrollable array of one-minute videos.
– **Inspired by TikTok and Instagram**: This feature displays vertical videos customized to users’ preferences and the accounts they monitor, akin to TikTok and Instagram Reels.
– **Mobile-Only Launch**: At this time, this feature exists solely on X’s mobile application and was made available to users in the U.S. starting January 19, 2025.
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## **The Surge of Vertical Video: X’s Tactical Decision**
X’s move to introduce a video feed occurs while TikTok’s leadership in the short-form video sector is experiencing pressure, especially within the U.S. The platform’s uncertain status, marked by provisional bans and regulatory investigations, has created openings for rivals to engage viewers.
In a lighthearted yet revealing tweet, X teased its latest offering with a clip featuring the vertical video tab, wittily captioned, “You better not be making a dedicated video tab when I get home.” The intent of this feature is to furnish users with an “immersive new home for videos,” merging the platform’s conventional text-based posts with captivating video content.
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## **Operational Mechanics**
The new video feed on X is crafted to replicate the scrolling experience made famous by TikTok. Users can glide through a handpicked array of videos, encompassing both vertical (9:16 aspect ratio) and landscape styles. The content is customized to reflect user interests and the accounts they follow, ensuring it remains engaging and pertinent.
This innovation aligns with a larger trend in social media, with platforms increasingly incorporating short-form video content to sustain user engagement for extended durations. Although X has historically prioritized text, this strategy suggests its commitment to broadening its content offerings and vying for prominence in the video-centric arena.
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## **The Competitive Environment**
X is not alone in aiming to leverage TikTok’s vulnerabilities. Other key players in the social media sector have also unveiled features and tools influenced by TikTok’s triumphs:
– **Instagram’s “Edits” App**: Instagram has recently introduced a standalone video editing application named “Edits,” which reflects the capabilities of ByteDance’s CapCut. This tool equips creators with a variety of resources to craft polished videos directly from their smartphones, further bolstering Instagram’s video framework.
– **YouTube Shorts**: YouTube continues to develop its Shorts feature, granting creators monetization prospects alongside a vast audience.
– **Snapchat Spotlight**: Snapchat’s Spotlight function similarly addresses the short-form video trend, utilizing its current user base to promote innovative content.
These initiatives underscore the industry’s collective transition towards video-first strategies, motivated by evolving user desires and the accomplishments of platforms like TikTok.
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## **Hurdles and Prospects**
While X’s novel video feed offers an exhilarating chance to draw in new users and keep existing ones, it also encounters various obstacles:
1. **User Embrace**: X’s foundational audience has typically valued the platform for its real-time text interactions. Encouraging users to adopt a video-centric experience may demand considerable effort.
2. **Quality of Content**: Competing with TikTok and Instagram necessitates a strong ecosystem of creators and high-caliber content. X must inspire creators to generate appealing videos suited for its platform.
3. **International Expansion**: Currently, the video feed is exclusive to U.S. users. Broadening this feature to global markets will be key for its sustained success.
Despite these obstacles, the initiation of a video feed resonates with larger industry currents and positions X as a more adaptable platform capable of meeting a variety of user preferences.
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## **TikTok’s Fortitude**
Interestingly, X’s new offering was launched just as TikTok confronted a brief ban in the U.S., promptly followed by its rapid return. Over the weekend, TikTok’s official Policy account on X shared that the app had resumed service after gaining assurances from the U.S. government. The company expressed gratitude to President Trump for providing clarity and enabling the app to continue serving over 170 million Americans.
This resilience highlights TikTok’s strong presence in the short-form video arena, even amidst regulatory hurdles. However, the temporary disruption created a chance for rivals like X to entice users searching for alternative platforms.
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## **The Future of Social Media: A Video
