Let’s talk about IG Reels. If you’re not already using Instagram Reels, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity. With over 100 billion Reels played daily, these short, punchy videos are dominating feeds and driving major engagement.
Whether you’re an influencer aiming to grow your audience or looking to add something fresh to your content mix, Instagram Reels can help you make that happen.
In this guide, I’m going to walk you through how to make Reels on Instagram that stand out. We’ll cover everything from the basics to advanced tips, like how to turn a video into a Reel or create Instagram Reels from photos.
Are you ready to create Instagram Reels?
Understanding Instagram Reels
What Are Instagram Reels?
Instagram Reels are short, vertical videos that last up to 90 seconds. They’re designed to be quick, engaging and easily shareable. Unlike Instagram Stories, Reels don’t disappear after 24 hours—they stick around on your profile, giving you more chances to go viral. You can add captions, music, text, effects, cover photo, text overlays and more, making them a fun way to connect with your audience and showcase your creativity.
Why Reels Matter
Reels aren’t just a trend or a short entertaining videos—they’re a powerful tool for growing your presence on Instagram. The Instagram algorithm loves Reels, often prioritizing them in the Explore feed, which means more eyeballs on your content. Whether you’re trying to gain followers, boost engagement, or simply share your latest creative idea, using Reels like a pro are an essential part of the mix.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Instagram Reels
Planning Your Reel
Before you start filming, it’s crucial to have a plan. Think about what message you want to convey and how you want your audience to feel.
For influencers, aligning your Reels with your brand’s vibe is key. Are you going for something funny, informative, or inspiring? Also, consider current trends and relevant hashtags to help your Reel get noticed.
Shooting Your Reel
- Accessing Reels: Open Instagram app, swipe right to access the camera, and select “Reels” from the options at the bottom. Or you can directly access the Reels Tab.
- Recording: Press and hold the record button. You can record multiple clips, add effects, add audio using Instagram music library or add own original audio and adjust the speed for different segments.
Pro Tips:
- Use good lighting to enhance video quality.
- Experiment with angles and transitions to keep things visually interesting.
- For hands-free shooting, use the timer feature.
- To create show stopping reels, use trending sounds from Instagram’s music library.
- Always use Public account to reach your target audience.
Editing Your Reel
- Music: Tap the music icon to search for a track. Sync the music to match the vibe of your video.
- Text and Effects: Add text overlays to highlight key points or add effects for extra flair. Instagram’s editing tools make it easy to get creative.
- Transitions: Use the align tool to create seamless transitions between clips.
- Advanced Editing: If you want more control, try third-party editing tools like InShot or Adobe Premiere Rush to edit your Reel before uploading.
Optimizing and Sharing Your Reel
- Cover Image: Choose or upload a cover image that grabs attention and reflects your content.
- Captions: Write a catchy caption that complements your Reel. Don’t forget to include relevant hashtags to increase discoverability.
- Posting: Consider the best times to post based on your audience’s activity. Scheduling tools like RecurPost can help you time your posts perfectly.
Once you’ve finished editing your Reel, you’ll have the option to share it either to your feed or to Reels. This decision can significantly impact your reach and engagement. For a deeper dive into the pros and cons of each option, check out our guide on Share to reel vs Share to feed.
Advanced Strategies for Growing Your Audience with Reels
Creative Content Ideas
- Jump on Trends: Keep an eye on trending challenges and sounds. Participating in these trends can help your content gain traction. Tools like TikTok, YouTube Shorts or the Explore page on Instagram are great for spotting what’s hot.
- Storytelling: Use Reels to tell a quick, impactful story. Whether it’s a day in your life or a behind-the-scenes look, storytelling helps build a deeper connection with your audience and you will always appear in their Instagram feed.
- Mix It Up: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different content styles. Try creating Reels from photos, turning videos into Reels, or combining both for a unique twist.
Collaboration and Engagement
- Partner with Others: Team up with other influencers or brands for joint Reels. This cross-promotion can introduce your content to new audiences.
- Encourage Interaction: Ask your followers to recreate your Reels or start a challenge. More interaction means more visibility.
- Engage Back: Always respond to comments and DMs related to your Reels. It boosts engagement and shows your audience you care.
Using Reels for Business Growth
Showcasing Products and Services
- Product Demos: Use Reels to highlight your products in action. Quick demos or tutorials can show off the features that make your product stand out.
- Before-and-After: If you offer a service, showcase transformations with before-and-after clips. This is a powerful way to demonstrate value in just a few seconds.
- User-Generated Content: Feature your followers’ content in your Reels. It builds community and shows real people using your products.
Building a Community
- Behind-the-Scenes: Give your followers a sneak peek into your daily routine, workspace, or creative process. It makes your brand feel more personal.
- Participate in Trends: Engage with trends that align with your brand’s message. This keeps your content relevant and connects you with a wider audience.
Driving Conversions
- Call to Action (CTA): Always include a clear CTA in your Reels. Whether it’s “Shop Now,” “Follow for More,” or “Check the Link in Bio,” guide your audience on what to do next.
- Track Performance: Use Instagram Insights to see how your Reels perform. Focus on metrics like reach, shares, and saves to understand what resonates with your audience.
Essential Tools and Resources
Editing and Scheduling Tools
- Editing Apps: If you want to step up your editing game, try apps like InShot, Adobe Premiere Rush, or Splice. These creative tools offer advanced features that go beyond Instagram’s native editing options.
- Scheduling Tools: Use tools like RecurPost, Later or Hootsuite to plan and schedule your Reels. This helps you post consistently and at times when your audience is most active.
Resources for Inspiration
- Trend Spotting: Check out TikTok and Instagram’s Explore page to find the latest trends. Following popular influencers can also spark new ideas.
- Community Platforms: Join Instagram-related forums or groups where creators share tips and inspiration for Reels.
Top 5 Instagram Reels of All Time
Here’s a look at five of the most popular Instagram Reels ever produced, showing how they captured the internet’s attention:
1. Zach King’s “The Magical Waiter 🍾”
Date: April 2024
Views: Over 120 million
Why It’s Popular: Zach King is known for his mind-bending visual effects, and this Reel plays with the illusion of a Champagne bottle fillings up the glasses on it’s own. It’s a perfect example of his signature style.
2. Khabane Lame’s “POV: The Bad Boys doing too much 🔨🥒”
Date: May 2024
Views: Over 350 million
Why It’s Popular: Khabane Lame gained fame for his humorous takes on overcomplicated life hacks, using simple and straightforward solutions. This Reel exemplifies his style, highlighting how easy it is to open a pickle jar which was made very complicated by Ride Or Die stars. It was some sort of promotional video for the movie.
3. Bella Poarch’s “M to the B” Lip Sync
Date: August 2020
Views: Over 60 million
Why It’s Popular: Bella Poarch’s lip-sync to the viral song “M to the B” became an internet sensation, with her precise timing and exaggerated facial expressions. This Reel’s simplicity and infectious energy made it go viral instantly.
Link: (https://www.instagram.com/bellapoarch/)
4. Kylie Jenner’s “BritishVogue”
Date: August 2024
Views: Over 150 million
Why It’s Popular: Kylie Jenner shares a cute moment with her daughter Stormi, featuring in British Vogue for the first time. The combination of celebrity status and heartwarming content drove this Reel to massive popularity.
5. Will Smith’s “This is getting out of hand!”
Date: Feb 2024
Views: Over 160 million
Why It’s Popular: Will Smith posted a short video on “AI video getting out of hand”, showing off a video generated by AI on random eating styles of Will Smith. There is a popular trend going on social media where random things are happening in a video which are generally generated by AI. So basically they are trolling AI generated content.
These Reels are prime examples of how creativity, humor and sometimes just a touch of celebrity power can turn a simple video into a viral sensation.
Conclusion
Mastering how to make Reels on Instagram can seriously boost your online presence. Whether you’re looking to entertain, inform, or sell, Reels are your go-to tool for reaching more people and driving engagement.
Start by planning your content, then dive into shooting and editing. Don’t forget to experiment with trends, music, and creative sound effects to make your Reels stand out. Keep track of what works, stay consistent, and watch your influence grow.
Ready to make your next Reel? Time to hit record button!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do you make a Reel on Instagram?
To make an Instagram reel or a Reel, open Instagram, swipe right to access the camera, select “Reels,” and start recording. You can add music, effects, and text using the tools provided, then share it to your feed.
2. How to make Reels on Instagram with photos and music?
To create a Reel with photos and music, select your photos from the gallery, arrange them in a sequence, and add music from Instagram’s library. You can also adjust the duration each photo is displayed.
3. How do you make a Reel first on Instagram?
To make your first Reel, swipe right to open the camera, choose “Reels” from the options, and follow the prompts to record or upload the video content. Experiment with different effects and sounds to get comfortable with the process.
4. How to make trending Reels on Instagram?
To create trending Reels, use popular sounds, participate in trending challenges, and keep up with what’s currently hot on the Explore page. Adding your unique spin can help your Reel stand out.
5. How to make Reels on Instagram Story?
To add a Reel to your Instagram Story, create your Reel, then tap the share icon and select “Add to Your Story.” Customize it with stickers or text before sharing.
6. How to make swipe Reels?
Swipe Reels aren’t an Instagram feature. However, you can create video clips with a similar effect by using a sequence of photos or additional clips that transition smoothly to mimic a swiping motion.
7. At what time should I post Reels?
The best time to post Reels depends on when your audience is most active. Generally, evenings and weekends are good, but check Instagram Insights to find the peak times for your specific followers.
8. What are the best tools/apps to edit Instagram Reels?
Top tools for editing Reels include InShot, Adobe Premiere Rush, Splice and Canva. These apps offer more advanced editing features than Instagram’s built-in tools.
9. How do I find trending audio for Reels?
Trending audio can be found on Instagram’s Explore page or by watching other Reels. If you see an upward arrow next to the original audio and title on Reels, it means the audio is trending.
10. How often should I post Reels to grow my following?
Posting Reels 3-5 times a week is generally recommended to keep your content fresh and maintain engagement. Consistency is key to growth.
11. Can I monetize my Reels on Instagram?
Yes, Instagram offers monetization options through features like Reels Play bonuses for eligible creators. You can also partner with brands for sponsored content.
12. What type of content works best for Reels?
Content that is entertaining, educational, or relatable typically performs well. Humor, tutorials, and behind-the-scenes clips are popular types of short videos that can engage viewers.
13. How do I analyze the performance of my Reels?
You can analyze Reels performance using Instagram Insights. Look at metrics like reach, plays, likes, comments, shares, and saves to understand what resonates with your audience.
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