How to Create Reels on Instagram

If you want to grow your Instagram followers and boost your engagement, you've got to try Instagram Reels! You can use the editing tools in Reels to create short (up to 90 seconds long) entertaining videos that are easy to share and don't disappear like Stories. This wikiHow article teaches you everything you need to know about creating your first Instagram Reel, from planning share-worthy content to recording and arranging clips.

Quick Steps

Open the Instagram app and tap the plus (+) icon.
Select Reel at the bottom.
Select videos or photos from your phone or record a video.
Add audio, text, stickers, effects, voiceovers, or additional clips.
Tap Next.
Add a caption, hashtags, and a location.
Tap Share.

Section 1 of 5:

What are Instagram Reels?

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They are quick, entertaining, and easy to share. You can create and edit reels up to 90 seconds long using Instagram's built-in video recording and editing tools, or you can upload videos and pictures from your device.^{[1]
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Instagram users see reels from all accounts. Unlike Stories, which users only see from accounts they follow, anyone can scroll through their Reels tab to see content from a variety of content creators. Not just the people they follow. It's similar to TikTok's For You page.
- If you don't want reels to be seen publically by everyone, you can set your account to Private. This will only allow people who follow you to see your content. To set your account to private, tap your profile icon and then tap the icon with three horizontal lines (☰) in the upper-right corner. Scroll down and tap Account privacy. Tap the toggle switch next to Private account.
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Choose from a catalog of popular music, add a creative voiceover to a video, add text to a video or use text-to-speech narration, and use your favorite filters and effects to craft something visually pleasing.

Section 2 of 5:

Creating a Reel

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To start creating a new reel, tap the plus icon (+) at the bottom of the screen. Then tap the Reel button at the bottom of the screen.
If you want to upload a video that's already on your phone, tap the video you want to upload. To record a new video, tap the icon that resembles a camera in the upper-right corner. Reels can be up to 90 seconds long.
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Select a recording option. If you are recording a new video, you will notice some options on the left side of the screen. These will add to your video. Tap the arrow pointing down to view all options. The options are as follows:
- Audio: Tap the icon that resembles two music notes to select music or audio for your video. Use the search bar to search for a song or audio. Tap the audio you want to add to listen to it. Tap the arrow icon to add it to your video.
- Effects: Tap the icon that resembles three stars to add a video effect to your video. Tap an effect to add it.
- Green Screen: Tap the icon that resembles a person in a box to add a green screen effect. This will put an image behind you while you talk to the camera. Tap Change background at the bottom to select an image on your phone to use as a background. You can also tap and drag to change your position in the recording, or use pinch-zoom to change your size.
- Length: To adjust the length of your video recording, tap the icon that resembles a number inside a circle. Then select how long you want your reel to be. Your options are 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, or 90 seconds.
- Speed: To change the recording speed, tap the 1x icon and select your recording speed. Your options are 1x (normal speed), 2x (double speed), 3x (triple speed), .5x (half speed), and .3x (one-third speed).
- Layout: Layout allows you to record multiple videos on a single screen. Tap the icon that resembles a grid with three squares to select a video layout. Tap a grid layout to select how you want to arrange your videos. The square that is not dark is the active video space. This is where your video will be recorded. Once you record a video, you can record another video in another space.^{[2]
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- Timer: The timer will create a countdown before the video starts recording, which allows you to get in position to film. Tap the icon that resembles a clock to set a timer. Tap Countdown to select between a 3-seconds or a 10 second-countdown. Tap and drag the pink bar to select how long of a clip you want to record. Tap Set timer to set it.
- Dual: Tap the icon that resembles two cameras to record two videos using your front-facing and rear-facing cameras at the same time.
- Gesture: Gestures allow you to start and stop recording by raising your right hand. Tap the icon that resembles a hand to use gesture controls.
- Align: Instagram reels allow you to record video clips in small bits. The align tool shows an overlay of the previous video you recorded over the screen. This allows you to align your next shot with your previous shot.
Once you have selected your video options, tap the large circular button at the bottom of the screen to start recording. Tap it again to stop recording. Alternatively, you can tap and hold the button to record for as long as you hold it down. You can record multiple clips in succession. Tap Next in the lower-right corner when you are finished recording all your clips.
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Add elements to your reel. Whether you upload a video or record a new video, there are a few things you can add to your video before publishing it. Tap one of the buttons at the bottom of the screen to add to your video. The options are as follows:
- Audio: To add audio to your reel, tap the icon with two music notes. Use the search bar to search for music or audio. Tap the audio you want to use to hear it. Then tap the arrow icon to add it to your reel.
- Text: To add text to your reel, tap the "Aa" icon at the bottom of the screen. Type the text you want to add. Use the options at the bottom of the screen to change the font, color, add an animation, outline the text, and change the alignment. Tap and drag the text to position it in your reel. Use pinch-zoom to change the size of the text.
- Stickers: To add stickers to your reel, tap the icon that resembles a smiley face sticker. Use the search bar to search for a sticker. Tap it to add it to your reel. You can also use the options at the top of the menu to add a location, caption, GIF, photos, or use your avatar in a sticker. Tap and drag the sticker to position it in your reel. Use pinch-zoom to change the size of the sticker.
- Effects: To add an effect to your reel, tap the icon that resembles three circles joined together. Tap an effect to preview and add it. Tap No effect to turn off effects.
- Voiceover: To add a voiceover to your reel, tap the icon that resembles a microphone. This will open the video editor. Tap the large circular button at the bottom to start recording your voiceover. The audio will be added on top of your reel. Tap Done when you are finished recording.
- More clips: If you want to add more clips to your reel, tap the icon that resembles a play triangle with a plus (+) sign. This takes you back to the recording screen and allows you to record more clips.
- Closed Captions: To add closed captions to your reel, tap the "CC" icon. Instagram will transcribe the speech in your video automatically and add it as captioned text over your reel. You can edit the caption text when it is finished transcribing. Tap Done when you are finished.
- Volume: Tap the icon that resembles two slider bars to adjust the volume of your clip. This allows you to adjust the volume of your videos, voiceovers, and any audio you added to the reel.
- Save: To download or save your reel, tap the icon that resembles an arrow pointing down over a line. This allows you to save the reel to your device, or save it as a draft so you can edit it more later on.
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Edit, watch, or trim your clips. If you want to change anything about the clips, tap Edit clips in the bottom-left corner. You can now tap individual clips that you can trim, reorder, or even remove from the reel. Tap the arrow pointing down to return to the full-screen preview or tap the blue arrow pointing right to move on to the publish screen.^{[3]
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- To trim your video clips. tap a clip to select it, then tap and drag the bars on the left or right side to shorten the video.
- To rearrange your video clips, tap and drag them in the timeline.
- To remove a clip, tap it to select it and then tap the red trashcan icon at the bottom.
- The video editor also has the same options to add audio, text, stickers, captions, voiceover, and volume control buttons at the bottom of the screen.
It's the blue button in the lower-right corner. This takes you to the Publish screen. If you are using the video editor, tap the blue arrow button in the upper-right corner to move on to the publish screen.
Use the space where it says "Write a caption and add hashtags" to write a description or caption for the reel. |Use hashtags to spotlight relevant keywords and phrases the algorithm can use to target viewers.
If there are other Instagram users in your reel, tap Tag people and tap the plus (+) icon. Use the search bar to search for their username. Tap their username to tag them in your reel. Tap the blue checkmark icon in the upper-right corner when you are done.
Tap Add location. Tap a location near you, or use the search bar to search for a specific location and tap it.
In addition to Instagram, you can also publish your reel to Facebook and Threads, if you have an account with them. Tap the toggle switch next to the other platforms you want to share your reel to.
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Tap Share to post your Reel. When you share your Reel, it will be added to your profile's Reels tab, and your followers will see it as they scroll through their Instagram feeds. Your reel will also be shown to relevant users who are exploring their own Reels tabs.
- The more people who like and interact with your Reel, the broader its reach will be.
- Popular Reels also appear on the Explore page (the magnifying glass), making them even more likely to be discovered by like-minded people.

Section 3 of 5:

Why use Reels?

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Reels are designed to be shown to people who aren't already following you. A well-executed reel is likely to appear on the Reels and Explore pages of people with similar interests, making it a cinch for new audiences to discover your content.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Kasey Dunn
Social Media Expert

Expert Interview}
Reels are extremely easy for users to share with their friends, making them the perfect vehicle for your most contagious content.
Along with Stories and posts, users can like, comment, and share your Reels, improving your account's overall engagement rate.
The Reels video recorder and editor has a variety of tools you can use to be creative. You can also use reels to show off your creative interests, such as your paintings or music.
Currently, Instagram reels have an average watch rate of 13.09%, which is higher than TikTok or YouTube Shorts.^{[5]
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Section 4 of 5:

Planning Your Reel

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Do you want to sell more of a particular product this month? Or maybe you're trying to get 100 more followers by the end of the week? Before you film your reel, have a goal in mind, and keep that goal at the center of your storyboarding process. This will help you make more effective reels and make it easy to measure your success.^{[6]
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Kasey Dunn
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Expert Interview}
Before you start filming, ask yourself, "Who is this for?" Is it for people of a specific age, gender, or lifestyle? Is it for people who have a specific interest?
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Select a relevant topic. While reels are a great way to try something new, your reels should relate to your other content in some way. List some topics that get the best reactions from your followers and choose the topics that have the best potential to translate into short, fun videos.
- Find your niche. When you stick to a clearly defined niche, the algorithm will recognize it and recommend your content to other users with similar interests.
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Choose a format. This will help you present your content in a more entertaining way. Scroll through your own Reels tab to check out what others are doing for ideas, or try some of the most popular formats on both Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. The follow are some formats you can try:
- Educational videos: Teach people things they didn’t know with your own unique twist. Tutorials, life hacks, witty Q&As, quick tips, and rare facts all make great short-form videos.
- Hop on a trend: When you scroll through your own reels, you're bound to notice trends like certain dances, filters, memes, music, and filming locations. Take an idea that's already viral and use it to present your topic with your own unique twist.
- Behind the scenes: If you have a business, try a peek into your workspace, your daily routine, and a show-and-tell of your tools to show the human side of your brand. If your account is personal, try to film a day in your life in short clips—the things you see, your habits and rituals, and your progress on projects.
- Before and after: Makeovers, restoring antiques, big cleaning projects, and home remodeling videos will all both shock and satisfy viewers.
- Relatable stories: Find a way to connect your topic to something anyone can relate to, then narrate your connection to the topic over a thoughtful video.
- Listicles: Everyone loves a funny, informative, or thought-provoking list. For example, "10 products to try if you love xxx," "Top 5 best self-esteem boosting songs," "7 unique nail color ideas for fall," etc.
Make sure you know what video clips you need to shoot before you start shooting. If you are speaking, you may want to write a script or at least have an idea what you are going to say before you start filming.

Section 5 of 5:

Increasing your Reach

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People using the Facebook app will also see your reel if you allow your reels to be shared on Facebook and Threads. Tap the toggle switches to share your reels on Facebook and Threads before sharing your video.^{[7]
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This alerts your followers that you have a new reel posted. Open the reel on your profile, tap the paper airplane icon at its bottom-right corner, and then tap Add reel to story. Your story will have a sticker people can tap to view the full reel.
Start with a bold thesis statement or an eye-catching visual. Make sure you include something in the first 3 seconds to try to grab their attention and try to hook them.^{[8]
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When you post frequently, the algorithm picks up that you are a consistent content creator and will recommend your reels to more people. Post reels as frequently as possible. ^{[9]
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Using the creative tools while making a reel sends a positive signal to the algorithm. It also makes your reels more visually appealing and gives you a distinct style.
This helps your content align with what's trending and helps you gain more relevance. When adding audio to your reels, tap the Trending tab to see what audio is trending.
When adding hashtags, make sure they align with the topic, theme, or niche of your reel This will help your reel reach the right audience and help you receive more engagement.
The best way to keep people engaged is to make them laugh or show something that inspires awe. Make sure your reels are fun, entertaining, or inspirational.

Expert Q&A

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Question

How do you get people to like your Reels on Instagram?

Jaclyn Nasland
Social Media Expert
Jaclyn Nasland is a Social Media Expert based in San Diego, California. She works as a Marketing Specialist at Prem, a PR & Social Media Marketing firm. Prem elevates brands through meaningful content & authentic communication. Previously, Jaclyn served as Director of Social Media at Ovello, a female-owned & operated team of remote Executive Assistants and Social Media Managers who are passionate about helping entrepreneurs grow their personal businesses to maximum potential. With 4 years of social media experience, she specializes in helping her clients create a brand, a holistic strategy, and growth through various social media platforms.

Jaclyn Nasland

Social Media Expert

Expert Answer

Focus on using (and repeating!) strong keywords in your Reel text. That helps Instagram categorize the content as well as get it to the right viewers. You can also prompt people with a call to action (in this case, liking your Reel).

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Question

How do I make my Instagram Reels like a pro?

Jaclyn Nasland
Social Media Expert
Jaclyn Nasland is a Social Media Expert based in San Diego, California. She works as a Marketing Specialist at Prem, a PR & Social Media Marketing firm. Prem elevates brands through meaningful content & authentic communication. Previously, Jaclyn served as Director of Social Media at Ovello, a female-owned & operated team of remote Executive Assistants and Social Media Managers who are passionate about helping entrepreneurs grow their personal businesses to maximum potential. With 4 years of social media experience, she specializes in helping her clients create a brand, a holistic strategy, and growth through various social media platforms.

Jaclyn Nasland

Social Media Expert

Expert Answer

Have a goal in mind for everything you post (or have it be part of a holistic strategy). If you're launching a group coaching webinar, everything should be related in some way to that end goal. Focus on creating a strategy that dangles the carrot and drops small pieces of information to intrigue your customers.

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How do you make a reel on Instagram with a lot of pictures?

Kasey Dunn
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Kasey Dunn is a Social Media Expert and the Senior Social Media Manager for Golden Arrow PR in the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area. With over five years of experience, she specializes in business development, marketing, and brand design. She earned her BA in Business Administration and Management from Mount St. Joseph University. She also holds a SEMRUSH for Digital Agencies Certification, an SEO for Social Media Certification, and a Social Media Marketing Strategy: TikTok and Instagram Reels Certification.

Kasey Dunn

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Expert Answer

You can use other templates. If you find a nice and trendy video with photos going to the beat of a song, you can try using the same template to make it easier on you. You can also go to Canva and use some reel templates available, as I think it's easier than simply adding photos through Instagram.

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You can use reels to make reaction and duet videos. The Remix feature (similar to TikTok's Duets) lets you create reaction videos to and collaborate with other users' reels and video posts.^{[10]
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Reels make great advertisements! You can promote a Reel just as you would one of your regular Instagram photos or videos.^{[11]
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