How to Make Reels on Instagram

If you’ve been wondering how to make reels on Instagram, this will walk you through it all, step by step. 

Whether you want to entertain your followers or promote your brand, learning how to make Instagram Reels on Instagram will boost your profile. 

We’ll explain it simply, with no jargon, and show you how to make Reels that grab attention.

How to Make Reels on Instagram: 9 Steps Guide

Lots of people use Reels to show off their creative side and they’re perfect for businesses or creators who want to engage with their audience through video content. 

Unlike regular posts or Instagram Stories, Instagram Reels stay on your profile forever and are often on the Explore page, so they get more visibility.

The best part? Instagram Reels are super easy to make and anyone can do it.

1. Open the Instagram App

The first step is easy: open the Instagram app. Once in, tap the + at the top of the screen or if you’re on your profile page you can tap the camera icon. 

This opens up the options for different kinds of posts-Reels, Instagram stories, or regular posts. To make an Instagram Reel choose the Reels tab. It’s right next to the Post and Story options.

2. Swipe to The Reels Tab

Once you’re in the camera section swipe to the Reels tab. Here you’ll find all the tools you need to make your Instagram Reel. 

Instagram’s Reel mode has options to record videos, and music, and use filters or effects. 

This section of the app is designed to make creating numerous clips as easy as possible. You can either record the clips directly using Instagram’s camera or upload them from your gallery.

3. Choose Reel Length

You can choose from different video lengths-15, 30, or up to 90 seconds. Tap the time icon on the left side of the screen to choose your length. 

Remember short-form videos (15-30 seconds) perform better because they hold the Instagram users' attention more easily.

But if you have more content or want to show something more in-depth the 90-second option is better. Try out different lengths to see what works for your audience.

4. Record or Upload Video

Now the fun part is making your Reel. You can either record numerous clips directly in the app by holding the record button or upload pre-recorded videos from your phone’s gallery. 

If you’re recording in the app you can pause and resume recording which is great for creating smooth transitions between scenes.

If you’re uploading from your gallery tap the gallery icon to choose from your pre-recorded videos. 

This is especially useful if you’ve already shot some footage and just want to cut it together into visually interesting Instagram Reels.

5. Add Music

One of the best features of Instagram Reels is the ability to add trending music. To do this tap the music note icon. 

You’ll be taken to Instagram’s music library which has a ton of trending songs and tracks, which will give your Instagram Reels great sound effects. 

You can even add your original audio if you want to make your Instagram Reels more personal. This is great for setting the tone for your video or making it more interesting.

6. Edit and Trim Your Instagram Reel

Now that you’ve recorded or uploaded your video, it’s time to edit. Instagram has all the editing tools you need to make your Reel shine.

You can trim the clips, change the order, or speed up, or slow down parts of it. If you recorded a bunch of clips, you can use these tools to cut out the extra and focus on the good stuff.

For example, you can slow down a part of your Instagram Reel to highlight an action or speed it up to fit the whole process into the time limit. 

You can also use Instagram’s Align tool to create seamless transitions between clips. 

This is great for transitions like outfit changes or “before and after” shots where you want the subject to stay in the same position.

7. Use Effects and Filters

Instagram has tons of filters and effects to make your Reel pop. You can choose from classic filters or try out some of the fun ones like augmented reality (AR) effects.

You can access these by tapping the smiley face icon. Don’t be afraid to get crazy with these visual effects to make fun and engaging Reels.

One cool feature to try is the timelapse effect, which lets you speed up long actions like cooking or setting up a space. 

This is great if you want to condense a longer activity into short entertaining videos.

8. Preview Your Reel

Before you share your Instagram Reel, make sure to preview it by tapping the play button. This lets you check the video for any mistakes like awkward transitions or out-of-sync audio. 

If something doesn’t look right, you can go back and adjust it using the editing tools. Make sure your transitions are seamless and the music or sound effects match your videos.

9. Add a Caption and Share

The final step is to add captions. Your caption should be relevant and attention-grabbing. 

You can also add hashtags, tag other users, text overlays, and choose a cover image as the thumbnail that will show up on your profile and in the Reels tab. 

Once you finished editing and you’re happy with everything, tap Share to post your Reel. 

If your video is good and has the right mix of content and hashtags, it could end up on the Explore page and get more views.

Why Create Instagram Reels

You might be thinking “Why should I bother with Instagram Reels?” 

Here are a few good reasons:

  • More Visibility - Reels are more likely to show up on the Explore page which means you can reach people who don’t follow you. Perfect for growing your audience.

  • Higher Engagement - Reels get more engagement than regular posts. They’re fun, and interactive and encourage people to like, comment, and share.

  • Creative Freedom - Instagram Reels allow you to try out effects, music, and editing tools that aren’t available for regular posts.

What are the Benefits of Instagram Reels?

Instagram Reels have many advantages for both individuals and businesses. 

First, they allow you to reach a wider audience as Reels are featured on the Explore page and shown to people beyond your followers. 

Reels also get more engagement. The creative freedom with Instagram’s editing tools, music, and effects allows you to create great short-form content. 

For businesses Reels are a way to show products, share tutorials or behind-the-scenes content, and build a stronger connection with your audience. 

Plus the short and snappy format of Reels fits with today’s love of short-form video and is easy to consume and share.

How to Add Multiple Clips to Your Reel

Instead of recording one long video, you can break it up into short-form videos that are easier to manage and edit. 

Here’s how:

  • First, start with recording your first clip. Press record and release your first clip.
  • Second, record additional clips.
    Tap record again to record the next clip. You can repeat this to record many clips in one Reel.
  • Third, trim clips for smooth transitions.
  • After recording use the trim tool to cut out the unwanted parts and make your transitions smooth.

This is great if you want to show different scenes or angles in one Reel. You can also combine uploaded videos with recorded clips to make more interesting content.

Video Clips: How to Make Them Great Reels

When you make an Instagram Reel, the most important part is the video clips you use. 

Whether you’re recording new clips or uploading old ones, here’s what to do:

  • Keep it Short - The attention span is short, so try to keep your videos 5-10 seconds long. Short-form clips are more engaging and easier to follow.

  • Shoot in Good Light - Lighting is everything. Shoot in a well-lit area to avoid dark, grainy footage.

  • Add Music or Original Audio - Music makes your video or audio clips better. Use Instagram’s music library to find a song, or create your original audio for something unique.

  • Edit to the Beat - If your Instagram Reel has music, edit to the beat. Instagram’s beat-sync tool can help you match your transitions to the music.

The Difference Between Reels vs. Regular Posts

What’s the difference between Reels and regular posts on Instagram? Let’s get into it.

Feature

Instagram Reels

Regular Instagram Posts

Length

15-90 seconds

No time limit

Editing Tools

Advanced (music, effects)

Basic (filters only)

Visibility

Shown to all users, the Explore page

Only shown to followers

Lifespan

Permanent

Permanent

Engagement Rate

Higher

Lower

Using Reels for Business

Reels aren’t just for fun-you can use them to grow your brand or business. Here’s how:

  • Show products - Use Instagram Reels to show your product in use. A 15-second demo can help customers see the value of your product.

  • Share customer testimonials - Ask your customers to send you short videos of them using your product. Share those as Instagram Reels to build social proof.

  • Behind-the-scenes - Give your target audience a sneak peek into your daily life by posting behind-the-scenes content. It makes your brand more personal and relatable.

Conclusion 

With a little creativity and the right editing tools, you can learn how to make reels on Instagram and make Reels people will love. 

Remember to keep your videos short, use music from the Insta music library, and post often to get more visibility. 

If you want to increase engagement on your Instagram Reels, sometimes organic growth just isn’t enough. 

By buying likes and views from us you can boost your Reels visibility and give them that extra push to reach more people. 

More likes and views tell Instagram’s algorithm your content is engaging and increases the chances of it being featured on the Explore page or going viral.

We provide a safe and easy way to buy real likes so you can focus on creating more videos while we handle the growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to make reels on Instagram with photos and music?

To make a Reel with photos go to the Reels tab, tap the gallery icon, and select the photos you want to use from your camera roll. 

Once you’ve added them tap the music icon and select a song from the music library. You can adjust how long each photo shows and add text or effects if you want.

How do you make a reel on Instagram from your camera roll?

To make a Reel from your camera roll go to the Reels tab, tap the gallery icon, and select the video clips or photos you want to use. 

You can then add text, music, and effects just like you would when making a Reel from scratch. Once you’re happy with your edits tap “Next” and share your Reel.

How to make a reel first on Instagram?

To make an Instagram Reel first open the Instagram app, tap the camera icon or the + sign, and select Reel. You can record multiple clips or upload them from your camera roll. 

Add effects, add audio, maybe location tags, add captions, and text overlays, use the editing tools for seamless transitions, and hit “Next” to share your Reel.

How to make trending reels on Instagram?

To make trending Instagram Reels use popular songs and keep up with what others are doing on the Reels feed. 

Adding relevant hashtags and using popular effects or challenges can get your Reel more visibility and go viral.