In 2020, Instagram launched Instagram Reels, a new feature for creating and viewing video content that is just a few seconds long. The intention? Compete with the gigantic phenomenon TikTok. Thus, the platform could continue in the race to attract and retain users.
This has greatly favored content creators, both users in general and companies and brands, who have thus been able to integrate videos into their content strategy on Instagram. Do you want to do it too?
In that case, you should read this guide, where I will explain what Instagram Reels are and how they work. In addition, we will show you step by step how to make a reel, plus some extra ideas and tricks. At the end, I will tell you about the tools that will help you succeed in this section of IG.
What is Instagram Reels?
Reels is a section of Instagram where short videos on all kinds of topics are published in vertical format. Here, users can edit their content at will, adding text, music, voiceovers, and filters to better convey the video’s message.
Being a fully visual social network, Instagram decided to incorporate short videos into its options so users wouldn’t have to go to TikTok.
The acceptance of Instagram Reels has been overwhelming, so much so that in 2022, they were also added to Facebook. Even YouTube was inspired to create Shorts.
What is the Duration of a Reel?
At first, the reels had a maximum duration of 15 seconds, since the idea was not to extend so much.
But this limit has been extended, and now there are 4 duration options: 15, 30, 60, and 90 seconds. Thanks to this, users can better adjust their content, varying the duration depending on the theme and its purpose.
This is important because viewers are accustomed to an average duration for the theme. For example, with guide-style reels, 15 seconds might be insufficient. While for the funny, meme-type, 90 seconds would be too long.
What are the Measurements of Reels?
For a reel to look good on any screen, Instagram requires that the video be recorded at 1080 pixels by 1920 pixels with a 9:16 aspect ratioof 9:16 . You can also use the 4:5 aspect ratio for reels when they appear in the main feed.
It’s important to follow these steps because the Instagram algorithm will automatically adjust the files you upload (unless you record them directly in the Reels feature).
Advantages provided by reels
If you have a project beyond personal use and you bet on reels, its creation involves developing a content strategy and a Social Media plan.
It is not about making reels because they are fashionable, but because they will help you meet your brand objectives and add value to your audience in some way.
So is it worth including reels in your marketing strategy? Of course. These are the advantages you will get:
Generate more engagement
Video content tends to generate more engagement than images and text on IG. For this reason, reels are a valuable addition to the social media marketing plan due to the engagement they generate.
More visibility
Reels are set by default to display in the Explore section of IG, so more users can see your content without having to be your follower. As an added benefit, those interested in your brand can become followers.
Facebook integration
If you’re not using a social media management tool, you can set your reels to post simultaneously to your Facebook page. This saves you work and makes your presence on Social Media homogeneous.
Help with brand image
Reels offers many video editing features that let you adjust your content to your brand’s style while still pleasing your followers with a quality reel.
You get more traffic
Since more users will see your content, including a link to your website, blog, or eCommerce, it will help more people reach your corporate website, blog, or eCommerce. This way, you will have more visitors to convert into leads.
Increased sales
Whether you’re selling a service or a product, creating a well-edited reel can generate more interest in your reel and drive more people to buy it. To do this, you have to be very creative, making the best possible use of the available editing options.
How Do Instagram Reels Work?
Reels have a simple operation. Although they are shown in a separate section on Instagram, they are actually another type of content available on the platform. Its main features are the video duration and purpose: to offer animated content without going too long.
Users create the reels, and if the account is public, the short videos are displayed in the feed of that section. But if it’s private, then they only show up in the account feed.
The reels are separated from the rest of the content in the accounts and the main feed by the Clapperboard icon. In fact, you can go directly to this section by pressing the button with that icon at the bottom of the screen. Or you could also scroll until you find a carousel of Reels.
How to make a reel in 5 steps?
Instagram created the Reels feature with the intention of making it as easy as possible. Let’s see how to make reels in 5 steps.
Create the reel at the top right
To start creating a reel, you have to go to the ” Add Content ” section with the “+” icon. This is in the top right of the main feed. You can also access it by going to the profile section and pressing the “+” icon.
Now, click the Reel option to start creating your short video.
Upload your video, photos, or record
Step two is to create the content. Here, you can upload it from your mobile device or create it live. If you are going to upload it, you have to click the thumbnail window in the lower-left part of the screen. Or, if you prefer, you can swipe up to see the gallery.
And if you want to create content from scratch, just press the record button at the bottom center of the screen.
Edit your reel
You can edit the reel before or after creating it. In any case, you will have access to these functions to edit them:
- Audio: Here you can choose from a small list of songs. Once you finish recording the reel, you can add other sounds and voice-overs.
- Effects: Add special effects, such as appearance modifiers and filters.
- Your Turn: Choose from multiple stickers to invite your followers and other users to interact.
- Time: select the duration of the reel between 4 different options.
- Speed: adjust the speed of your video. It increases with 1x, 2x, and 3x, and decreases with .3x and .5x.
- Layout: divide the video into several screens, so you can add more than one, like a kind of video collage. You can even use the front and rear cameras for the layout.
- Timer: Set a countdown to automatically start recording. It’s good for hands-free recording.
Fill in the fields and adjust the settings
After creating and editing the reel, you have to set up the post, so hit Next. Here you have the following options:
- Indicate whether you will tag a user.
- Edit the cover with either an image or a video thumbnail.
- Write the copy.
- Choose a location.
- Enable or disable subtitles.
- Change the name of the audio (if you recorded it).
- Activate recommendations on Facebook.
- Indicate if the reel can be shown in the general feed or only in your account.
- If you have the latest Instagram update, you can now natively schedule your reels from this section. If you don’t have it yet, it won’t be long in coming.
The last step is to share the reel.
To do this, you just have to press the Share button that appears at the bottom. You can save it to drafts to post later or to use as inspiration for future reels.
Ideas and tricks for you to succeed with your reels
In addition to creativity, there are some tricks that will help you succeed with your Instagram reels.
Study the Reels algorithm
Reels meets a special need among users: to see fun, short content. Therefore, you have to learn which characteristics your videos must have to reach the right audience. Some factors taken into account include direct interaction between accounts and user preferences.
Use the trends
Creating unique content does not mean ignoring what is popular; in fact, using trending topics can generate more views, likes, comments, and shares. So find out what’s trending on Reels yourself or check out the suggestions when creating a short video.
This will work for both music and filters, as well as other editing settings.
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Remember that reels are to entertain users, so avoid doing commercial-style reels.
Create unique content that entertains and “educates” your followers.
A good way to do it is to show them the product or service and its good results. In this way, you can touch their pain points and show them the solution.
Be consistent
The more content you create, the more opportunities for success you have.
Remember that there are millions of content creators around the world; there is a lot to watch. If you want to stand out, you have to create fresh content to keep appearing in your audience’s reels.
Get inspired by others
As you browse the web, if you see video or audio templates that you like, feel free to save them. Create your own library with your favorite resources.
How to Download Instagram Reels?
Having an archive of your reels is useful for publishing them on other platforms where you can’t share them directly, such as Twitter or your website. To download your own reel, you have these options:
- Before publishing it: press the Download option that will appear on the editing screen after recording the reel.
- After publishing it, search your feed for the reel you want to download, open it, and click the three dots in the lower-left corner. Then click on Save to your device.
If the reel is not yours, you will have to use an external tool to download it.
How to Search for Reels on Instagram?
To find more reels, you can use the general internal search engine using a term that is related to the topic you are interested in. Among the results, you will find reels, although not exclusively, so you will have to filter them yourself.
Therefore, the best option is to use the hashtags from a reel that interests you. This will take you to those with the same tag; those other videos will also have hashtags that will help you get more reels.
Tools for your Instagram reels
If you want to create better Instagram reels, you may need other external tools. Here are 3 suggestions for you.
Canva
Canva is one of the most versatile graphic design tools. In fact, it has a special video editing feature for Instagram Reels. It has more than 600 templates for creating highly customizable 30-second videos. Of course, some are paid, and others are free.
InVideo
InVideo is an online video editor that makes it easy to create amazing visual content for your posts. With InVideo, you can use pre-made templates, drag-and-drop elements, and AI-powered features to create videos that are engaging, informative, and visually appealing. InVideo is a great option for businesses, marketers, and individuals who want to create high-quality videos without needing to learn complex video-editing software.
InShot
InShot is a comprehensive video editing app available for Android and iOS. Here, you can create very striking reels by adding exclusive sources, music, stickers, filters, and adjusting the playback speed, among other features. And of course, cut and paste video pieces.
VideoShow
This is another multi-functional Android and iOS mobile app for creating and editing reels. Although it allows you to create long-lasting videos, its functions work very well for short ones. You will be able to add text, zoom, cut and paste clips, apply filters, add music and other audio, and access many other powerful editing features.
Capcut
CapCut is a very intuitive free tool that lets you create videos with various effects, templates, subtitles, and audio. The results are great and
Conclusion
With this basic guide, you have learned what you need to start using Instagram Reels and incorporate them into your social media marketing strategy. Obviously, beyond knowing how this section works, the most important thing is the content; it has to be valuable and attractive to the audience.
June 4, 2026
June 4, 2026
June 4, 2026
June 4, 2026
June 4, 2026