How to Make a Reel on Instagram – 3 Simple Ways [Full Guide]

To establish a strong social media presence, you should utilize all the tools that Instagram provides.

Incorporating Instagram Reels into your social media marketing strategy can yield optimal results and expand your audience.

Here is some useful information and great tips to help you navigate the world of Instagram Reels tab content creation before you create your very first reel.

What Are Instagram Reels?

Instagram Reels and the Reels tab are relatively new features on Instagram. This creative option was introduced in 2019. Since 2022, users have been able to select from various time lengths, extending up to 90 seconds.

An Instagram reel is a highly creative method for expressing yourself or showcasing your brand/product in the digital world.

There are essentially no rules or limits with Instagram Reels—record, cut, edit clips, and transform them into video posts.

Anyone can create Instagram Reels to share their thoughts and ideas through short-form videos.

Once you enter the world of creating Instagram Reels, take your time to explore all the features of this type of post and the available creative tools.

How to Create a Reel on Instagram?

Feeling lost? Don’t worry; let’s take things one step at a time. Here are some important points to consider before you start posting reels for your business or if you want to grow as an influencer.

Have you finished exploring the explore tab and feel inspired? If you’re eager to create your own Instagram reel and enhance your reels tab, click the plus sign in the upper-right corner.

Technically, there are three ways to post reels:

2. From the Instagram Stories camera. Once you have opened your Instagram story camera, slide from the STORY option to REELS at the bottom of the screen.

3. From the Instagram Home Screen. After tapping the plus sign to create a post, simply select Reel here:

However, it’s not merely about posting anything. To engage a wider audience, you need a strategy!

Set an Intention

Before creating your first Instagram reel, ask yourself: what do I want to achieve with this Instagram reel? Aim to remain authentic to your brand and/or personality.

If you are looking to incorporate reels into your Instagram social media marketing strategy, it is important to understand your reasons for doing so.

If you are attempting to sell a product, consider your reel material as an advertisement. If you are an influencer, you can use the reels tab to showcase your personality and connect with a like-minded audience.

Create Content Regularly

Whether you are an iOS or Android user, you can create reels outside the Instagram mobile app camera roll. Record captivating scenery or document your daily life in the form of a vlog; the choice is yours. Additionally, you should consider when to post on Instagram for optimal results.

Some Instagram accounts showcase a range of short videos. These social media posts can extend beyond typical video content.

The video clips in question were recorded using specialized equipment and high-end cameras.

Pro-tip: If you are recording reels to promote a product, you don’t need to invest in expensive professional lighting. Instead, you can use lamps and flashlights that you have around the house.

Even if you do not own or plan to purchase high-end filming equipment, you can still create reels using the camera on your device. The Instagram camera alone is sufficient to get you started.

The finesse is often found not in the price of the equipment, but in your passion and dedication to a project, along with your approach. You may be able to see and capture angles that no one else can – you never know.

If you are a vlogger (video blogger), capturing the simplicity of your daily routines with your front camera may be sufficient.

Super pro-tip: Use natural lighting. Every professional photographer and videographer will advise you to make the most of natural lighting. If you are filming outdoors, create content in bright daylight.

Creating content during the golden hour is also free; just set your timer. This period occurs one hour before sunset and one hour after sunrise.

While other reels on Instagram can provide excellent inspiration, strive to find a distinctive way to convey your ideas. Your Instagram marketing through reels should stand out.

One remarkable feature that can enhance your content is the use of closed captions. These captions enable you to incorporate an audio element wherever text appears in the video.

How to Make an Instagram Reel Stand Out

Now that we have addressed the technicalities, let’s explore what you can do to enhance your reels, making them stand out, capture attention, and boost retention!

Be Authentic, Always

Everything you have learned here will contribute to your success with Instagram Reels content.

Feel free to create an Instagram reel, but remember that these Instagram Reels should only be one component of your overall social media marketing strategy.

Remember to tag people in your reels.

You can generate significant traffic to your account by leveraging the power of Instagram Reels.

Imagine the social media presence you could create online by combining this knowledge with the skills to effectively use various types of hashtags, announce events through Instagram stories, and capture users’ attention with stunning post content.

Once you begin creating Instagram Reels, you may feel inclined to conform to the styles of the videos already present in your explore tab.

I have already explained how important unique videos are to begin with, but now let’s apply this to the bigger picture.

Find inspiration in a color scheme. I prefer imagery and videos with a low-exposure aesthetic, appreciating how the dark and light shades reveal their beauty on the canvas of Instagram Reels.

I genuinely believe this aesthetic will become significant in the near future.

The rules for your creative expression are not fixed; you can explore other styles you may like, such as black and white, minimalism, or maximalism, and choose your preference.

Utilize the Hands-Free Option

Use a tripod, tap the record button once, and create clips hands-free.

Filming will begin, and you will have more freedom if you are creating this as a one-man show or simply do not have a cameraman.

Download Your Content

Save your completed reel by tapping the save to camera roll button. This will preserve your fully edited video.

You can post it later, or you can share it on your Instagram stories. Additionally, you could create Instagram story highlights and easily add them to this section.

Before creating a new reel, you can select a previous clip, download it, and upload it to TikTok, YouTube, or other social media platforms.

In addition to generating engagement on Instagram, you can share your reels on other platforms. Facebook users may appreciate your videos if you upload them directly as a post or even on Facebook Stories.

Utilize the Green Screen Filter

Simply enter your effects section, and you will find the necessary filter.

This means that you can upload a background of your choice based on your needs and preferences. Whether it’s nature, an interior scene, or a magical sparkly background, the decision is yours.

Create a Cover Image

You can continue to post your video as usual, but you also have the option to select a cover image. You can trim and choose a still image from your video, or you can upload one from your mobile device.

A cover image is essentially a thumbnail that appears on the reels tab. This will assist you in achieving the desired visual appearance for your reels tab.

It can also help your video stand out among other reels on Instagram.

Utilize Instagram Reel Features

As I mentioned earlier, you can upload and use pre-recorded video clips, but you can also create reels directly within the Instagram app.

After you’ve enjoyed scrolling through your Instagram feed on the app and checked your friend’s Instagram stories, let’s discuss everything related to reels on Instagram.

Once you select the Reel option, you will discover seven features that Instagram has designed to enhance your reel experiences and assist you with editing tools. You can create smooth transitions. Before posting your reels, be sure to explore the features I have mentioned.

You can select several videos from your camera roll and navigate through them. Browse your clips, move back and forth, add multiple videos, and delete any previous clips. Create engaging video content and entertaining videos.

Similar to the Instagram Stories camera, here you will also have access to certain features. These tools can significantly simplify your editing process.

This is what it appears as:

Music Icon

The Music Note Icon enables you to add music effortlessly. Browse through Instagram’s music library to discover your favorite tunes. The Instagram music library features some of the most popular songs and trending audio tracks. Additionally, you can upload music from your own device.

Utilize the Instagram music library to discover trending music and sound effects that can help you increase views and gain more followers.

If you wish to use your own original audio, you can certainly do so. Perhaps your original audio resonates with a specific user group and could become the next trending sound. You never know!

Be sure to check out the fun and amazing sound effects that let you alter your voice and explore this exciting feature.

The algorithm will recognize your music preferences and will provide you with sounds you may enjoy. I have discovered some amazing new bands and artists. I highly recommend exploring this feature!

Stars Icon

The Sparkle Icon/Stars Icon will direct you to a range of effects that you can apply to your front and back camera for creating an Instagram reel. New effects are uploaded daily, allowing you to select some fantastic options here!

When you open your Instagram stories camera or reels camera, you can slide left and right at the bottom of the screen to browse through various filter options.

Explore a range of common as well as somewhat unusual filters and be amazed by what you might discover!

Length Icon

A Length Icon enables you to select the preferred duration for your Instagram reel. You can choose from durations of 15, 30, 60, or 90 seconds.

Video Speed Icon

The Video Speed Icon enables you to speed up or slow down your video. Creating an urban time-lapse video of a bustling city during rush hour, as well as a breathtaking slow-motion video of Niagara Falls, has never been easier!

Layout Icon

The Layout Icon allows you to view the grid and scale while recording video clips. Capture exactly what you see, and you also have the option to create multiple photos within the layout.

Timer Icon

Use the Timer Icon if you wish to count down the time before the recording is set to begin. Press the record button to start recording with the timer! Drag the bar at the bottom of the screen.

FAQ

Conclusion

Instagram Reels have introduced a completely new dimension to the use of Instagram, allowing creators to express themselves in innovative ways.

Instagram has introduced new ways to post, differing from the familiar formats of IGTV, stories, and traditional posts.

These Instagram shorts, presented as reels, are creating and transforming trends because users are responding positively to this form of creative expression. As a result, more and more users worldwide are participating in the trend and making their first clips every moment.