The reason why Instagram prioritizes Reels: short-form videos are search engines.

The REAL reason why Instagram is focused on Reels is that short-form videos (IMO) are the best search engines. Teenagers use videos within Tiktok to search for the things they care about, and Instagram wants those viewers. Short-form videos provide that information in easy-to-understand, quick bites versus longer YouTube videos or blog posts - so more viewers mean more $$ for digital ads.