Understanding "This Reel is Unavailable" on Instagram: A Tech Expert‘s Guide

Instagram Reels, the platform‘s short-form video feature, has surged in popularity since its launch in 2020. Reels allow users to create and discover entertaining, 15-90 second multi-clip videos with audio, effects, and creative tools. With Reels now being the largest contributor to engagement growth on Instagram, they have become an essential part of the platform for both creators and consumers.

Navi.

However, you may sometimes encounter a message saying "This reel is unavailable" when trying to view a Reel on Instagram. This can happen for various reasons, ranging from the Reel being deleted by the original poster to Instagram removing it for violating community guidelines. In this guide, we‘ll take a deep dive into the world of Instagram Reels and explore why Reels may become unavailable, how to troubleshoot, and what creators can do to prevent their Reels from being taken down.

What are Instagram Reels and How Do They Work?

Instagram Reels are short, vertically-oriented videos that can be up to 90 seconds in length. Reels can be created using the Instagram camera or by uploading pre-edited video clips. Users have access to a wide range of editing tools, including:

Audio: Choose from the Instagram music library or use your own original audio
AR Effects: Apply various augmented reality filters and effects to your videos
Timer and Countdown: Set a timer to record hands-free or create a countdown for seamless transitions
Align: Line up objects from previous clips before recording the next to create smooth transitions
Speed: Choose to speed up or slow down your video or audio
Text, Drawings, Filters, and Stickers: Add creative elements to your Reels

Once a Reel is created and posted, it appears in the creator‘s Feed and can also be shared to the Reels Explore page, where it has the potential to be discovered by the broader Instagram community. Reels from public accounts may also appear in users‘ Feeds, even if they don‘t follow the creator.

Instagram‘s Reels algorithm recommends content to users based on a variety of factors, including:

User activity: The types of content a user typically interacts with, such as liking, commenting, and watching till the end
Creator activity: How often a creator posts and the performance of their recent Reels
Reel information: Elements like audio tracks, hashtags, and effects used in the Reel
Popularity: How many views, likes, comments, and shares a Reel receives, and how quickly it gets them

The algorithm is designed to surface Reels that are likely to be engaging and interesting to each individual user based on their behavior and preferences.

Instagram Reels vs. Other Short-Form Video Platforms

Instagram Reels is just one of several popular short-form video platforms, with others including TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Snapchat Spotlight. Each platform offers unique features and benefits for creators and users.

TikTok, which launched in 2016, is widely considered the pioneer of short-form mobile video and is known for its highly personalized "For You" feed that serves users an endless stream of engaging content. TikTok offers robust editing tools and an extensive music library, making it popular among younger demographics.

YouTube Shorts, introduced in 2020, allows users to create 15-60 second videos set to music from the YouTube catalog. Shorts are integrated into the main YouTube platform and app, making it easier for YouTube‘s large existing user base to discover and interact with short-form content.

Snapchat Spotlight, also launched in 2020, is a dedicated tab in the Snapchat app featuring short, vertically-shot videos that are algorithmically curated and monetized. Spotlight offers unique AR lenses and effects that are popular among Snapchat users.

While each platform has its own strengths, Instagram Reels benefits from being integrated into the already highly-popular Instagram app, which has over 1 billion monthly active users. This built-in audience, combined with Instagram‘s robust creator tools and e-commerce features, makes Reels an attractive option for both creators and brands looking to expand their reach and engage with their audience through short-form video.

Why an Instagram Reel May Be Unavailable

There are several reasons why you may encounter the "This reel is unavailable" message when trying to view a Reel on Instagram:

The Reel was deleted by the creator: Like any content on Instagram, Reels can be deleted by the original poster at any time. If you try to view a Reel that has been deleted, you‘ll see the unavailable message.
Instagram removed the Reel for violating community guidelines: Instagram has strict community guidelines that prohibit content that is violent, hateful, sexually explicit, or otherwise inappropriate. Reels found to be in violation of these guidelines may be removed by Instagram, making them unavailable to view.
Temporary glitch or outage: Instagram, like any tech platform, can experience technical issues that impact functionality. If there‘s a widespread glitch or outage affecting Reels, you may see the unavailable message when trying to view any Reel.
The Reel is from a private account you don‘t follow: If a Reel is posted by a private account that you don‘t follow, you won‘t be able to view it and will see the unavailable message.
Age-restrictions: Instagram is only available to users aged 13+, and accounts belonging to users under 18 have additional restrictions, such as being set to private by default and having limited interactions with adult content. Some Reels may be age-restricted if they contain content deemed inappropriate for younger users. If your account indicates you‘re under 18 and you try to view an age-restricted Reel, it will appear unavailable.
Region-blocking: In some cases, Reels may be unavailable in certain countries or regions due to local laws, regulations, or content restrictions. For example, if a Reel contains copyrighted music that hasn‘t been licensed for use in a particular country, it may be blocked in that location.

Troubleshooting "This Reel is Unavailable"

If you encounter an unavailable Reel on Instagram, here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue:

Update the Instagram app: Ensure you have the latest version of Instagram installed from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android), as outdated versions can cause issues with Reels and other features.
Restart your device: A simple restart of your phone or tablet can resolve many app glitches and performance issues. Close Instagram, restart your device, then re-open the app and try viewing the Reel again.
Check Instagram‘s server status: Use a third-party site like DownDetector to check if Instagram is experiencing any outages or widespread issues that could be impacting Reels.
Clear Instagram‘s app cache and data: Accumulated cache and data can sometimes cause issues with app performance. The process for clearing this varies by device, but generally involves going to Settings > Apps > Instagram > Storage and selecting "Clear Cache" and "Clear Data." Note that clearing data will log you out of the app.
Uninstall and reinstall Instagram: If the above steps don‘t work, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app from the App Store or Google Play Store to ensure you have a fresh, uncorrupted version.
Try a different device: Attempt to view the Reel on another device logged into your Instagram account to determine if the issue is isolated to a particular device.
Contact Instagram Support: If you‘ve exhausted all troubleshooting options and still can‘t view a Reel, reach out to Instagram Support for further assistance.

Tips for Creators to Keep Reels Available

As a creator, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of your Reels being removed or made unavailable on Instagram:

Understand and follow Instagram‘s community guidelines: Familiarize yourself with what type of content is and isn‘t allowed to avoid accidental violations.
Use appropriate hashtags: Avoid using banned or restricted hashtags that could flag your content for review.
Be mindful of copyright: Only use music and other content that you have the rights to use in your Reels. Instagram offers an extensive music library and a tool to check if your Reel contains any copyrighted material.
Fact-check information: Avoid spreading misinformation or misleading content, which can lead to Reels being removed.
Follow branded content guidelines: If you‘re creating sponsored Reels or partnering with brands, make sure to follow Instagram‘s branded content policies and properly disclose partnerships using the Branded Content tag.
Don‘t engage in inauthentic behavior: Avoid trying to artificially inflate your Reels‘ performance through tactics like buying views or engagement, as this violates Instagram‘s terms of service.

Reels Monetization and the Impact on Availability

Instagram offers several monetization options for Reels, which can incentivize creators to make high-quality, original content. These include:

Reels Play Bonus Program: Allows eligible creators to earn money based on the performance of their Reels. Payouts are based on factors like views and engagement.
Reels Ads: Brands can place ads in between individual Reels, with a portion of the revenue shared with creators whose Reels are shown.
Branded Content: Creators can partner with brands to create sponsored Reels and use the Branded Content tag to disclose the partnership.

While these monetization opportunities can be lucrative for creators, it‘s important to understand how they may impact Reel availability. For example, if a creator violates the terms of a branded content partnership or uses copyrighted music in a sponsored Reel, it may be removed by Instagram. Creators should carefully review and adhere to all monetization policies to avoid having their Reels taken down.

The Future of Instagram Reels

As short-form video continues to dominate social media, Instagram Reels is well-positioned to remain a key player in the space. With a large, built-in user base and a focus on creator monetization, Reels offers a compelling platform for both creativity and business.

However, Instagram will need to continue innovating and iterating on Reels to keep up with competitors like TikTok and YouTube Shorts. This could include expanding monetization options, improving discovery and recommendation algorithms, and adding new creative tools and features.

Instagram will also need to balance the needs and interests of creators, users, and advertisers as Reels grows. This includes maintaining a safe and welcoming environment through effective content moderation, while still allowing for creative expression and diverse perspectives.

As Reels evolves, it will be important for creators and users to stay informed about best practices, guidelines, and troubleshooting options to ensure they have the best possible experience with this powerful short-form video format.

Key Instagram Reels Statistics

87% of Gen Z TikTok users also use Instagram Reels weekly (Source: Cowen)
Nearly 1 in 2 Instagram users interact with a Reel at least once a week (Source: Meta)
In 2022, Instagram Reels accounted for more than 20% of the time users spent on the app (Source: Sensor Tower)
36% of businesses use Instagram Reels (Source: Internettablettalk)
The combined time Instagram users spend watching Reels has increased 30% from 2021 to 2022 (Source: Cowen)

Conclusion

Instagram Reels has quickly become a go-to destination for short-form video content, offering creators and users a dynamic platform for entertainment, expression, and connection. However, the "This reel is unavailable" error can be a frustrating roadblock when trying to view content on the platform.

By understanding the various reasons why Reels may be unavailable, from creator deletion to guideline violations to regional restrictions, users can better troubleshoot and resolve issues when they arise. Creators, too, can take proactive steps to ensure their Reels remain accessible by familiarizing themselves with Instagram‘s policies and best practices around content and monetization.

As Reels continues to evolve and grow, it will be crucial for Instagram to balance the needs of all stakeholders while maintaining a focus on creativity, safety, and innovation. With the right approach, Instagram Reels has the potential to solidify its position as a leader in the short-form video space and provide value to creators, users, and brands alike for years to come.