If you’ve spent time on Instagram Reels or TikTok, you’ve probably seen the format where creators overlay their video on top of the content they’re reacting to. It’s become a staple style, especially since these reactions tend to perform well.
X is now leaning into that trend with a new feature called “React with Video,” allowing users to record reaction videos directly inside the app.
The idea is simple: instead of typing a reply, you can respond to a post with a recorded video of yourself reacting to it. The feature shows up in the Repost menu, and when selected, it opens the original post in the background while your camera feed appears as an overlay.
From there, you can start recording, pause when needed, and preview your response before posting it as a reply.
X also includes a range of editing options. Your video can appear as a floating overlay with background removal, and you can resize or reposition it anywhere on the screen. If the post includes media, you can switch to full-screen view or use split-screen and picture-in-picture layouts to adjust how your reaction is displayed.
Overall, it lowers the effort required to create reaction content and makes it easier to jump into the ongoing stream of commentary on the platform. Whether that leads to more meaningful discussion or just faster hot takes is something time will tell.
If you have spent any time scrolling Instagram Reels or TikToks, you have come across a video format in which a creator overlays their video on top of the content they are talking about. This has become a popular format with creators, as these videos often go viral.
X, a platform that has become a home for unnecessary outrage, wants to ride this wave of trendy reaction videos by allowing users to record them directly inside the app. The feature lets creators react with video on X posts, giving them even more opportunity to express themselves.
The feature dubbed “React with Video” appears as one of the options in an overlay menu when you hit the Repost button on a post. When you tap on it, X opens the post in the background with your video overlayed at the top.
You can then hit the record button and start recording your thoughts. I like that you get the option to pause the recording, giving you ample time to recollect your thoughts. Once you are finished recording your thoughts, you can hit the checkmark button to preview your content.
If the original post has media attached, you can choose to make it full-screen and hide the text. This will come in handy if you want to focus more on the image than the post’s text. You can also choose to show your video in other styles, including picture-in-picture and split-screen modes.
If you love making reaction videos, this will considerably decrease the effort required to create them. As for why anyone would choose to spend time on such an endeavor, that’s a question only they can answer.
