Instagram Reels are short-form videos that allow you to create and share 15-60 second videos. Instagram Reels offer a way to express creativity, entertain, and engage with the Instagram community — think of them as Meta’s version of TikTok. Reels provide various editing tools — such as adding music, effects, and filters to enhance the content. You can record multiple clips, add text, stickers, and filters, and align clips for seamless transitions.

Make an Instagram Reel in 5 Steps

  1. Open Instagram and tap the plus (+) icon at the bottom of the screen to create a new post. To make that post a Reel, use the bar at the bottom to scroll over to the Reels tab. Choose one or multiple photos or videos from your device’s camera roll, and use the sliders at the bottom of the screen to trim their length. Tap “Next.” Alternatively, if you want to record your Reel in-app, hit the record button at the bottom center of the screen.
  2. Tap “Add clips” to add additional clips to your Reel, and “Edit” to trim your individual clips.
  3. Enhance your reel: Tap the music note icon on the top right to add music, sound effects, or original audio, the stars icon to add a photo filter, the smiling sticker icon to add animated graphic elements, and the “Aa” icon to apply text.
  4. Add transitions by swiping up and tapping the bar in between each clip. You can also add the previously mentioned enhancements to individual clips here by tapping each clip.
  5. When you’re done editing, tap “Next” at the bottom right. Choose a cover image from your Reel to display on your Instagram profile feed, then add an engaging caption below, and scroll down to tag people or products in your Reel features. Tap “Save draft” to save your Reel and finish it later or tap “Share” to post.

Tips for Making Engaging Reels

  1. Be Creative – Use Instagram Reels to experiment with different types of content to see what engages your audience.
  2. Use Trending Sounds and Hashtags – Take advantage of the Instagram Reels algorithm by staying up-to-date with the latest trends and incorporating them into your Reels. Use popular tunes and hashtags to increase the chance of your Reels popping up in people’s Instagram feeds.
  3. Tell a Story – Use your Reels video to tell a story or showcase a product or process. Use captions or voiceovers to provide context and keep your audience engaged.
  4. Be Authentic – Don’t be afraid to show your personality. Audiences appreciate authenticity and are more likely to engage with content that feels genuine.
  5. Use Editing Tools – Use editing tools like filters, effects, and transitions to make your vertical videos visually appealing. Consider creating a unique cover photo — either from scratch or from a template — to make your Reel really stand out. Don’t forget to adjust the aspect ratio of your videos to best fit the Instagram Reels format. You don’t even have to record your Reels in the Instagram app. You can use Instagram Reels templates and video editing tools from sites like Adobe Express and upload your videos on IG or TikTok when finished.