Instagram Reels have taken social media by storm, and it's no surprise why. With short, engaging videos that can reach massive audiences, creating Reels is one of the best ways to grow your Instagram following and keep your content fresh. But how do you actually go about making one? Whether you're a seasoned Instagram user or new to the platform, this guide will walk you through how to make a reel on Instagram from start to finish.

Ready to get creative? Let’s jump right in!

Why Instagram Reels?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to make a reel on Instagram, it’s worth understanding why Reels have become such a game-changer. Reels allow you to create up to 90-second videos that can showcase your creativity in a fun, engaging format. Plus, Instagram actively promotes Reels on its Explore page, meaning your content has a better chance of being discovered by new audiences.

Step 1: Access the Reels Feature

To begin, you need to access the Reels feature on Instagram. Here's how:

1. Open your Instagram app.
2. Swipe left to open the camera.
3. At the bottom, you’ll see three options: "Live," "Story," and "Reel." Select "Reel."

Alternatively, you can go to your profile and tap the "+" icon at the top-right corner. From there, choose "Reel" from the list of options.

Step 2: Choose Audio for Your Reel

One of the most fun parts of making a reel on Instagram is picking the perfect soundtrack. Audio is key to making your reel engaging and setting the tone for your video. Here’s how to add music:

• Tap the "Audio" icon on the left side of your screen.
• Browse Instagram's extensive music library or search for a specific song.
• Once you've found your song, select the portion of the track you want to use.

If you’re speaking in your video or using original audio, you can skip this step. Your own audio will be recorded along with the video when you film it.

Step 3: Set Your Reel Length

You can create Reels that are 15, 30, 60, or 90 seconds long. To set the length:

• Tap the “Length” icon on the left-hand side of the screen.
• Choose your desired length. If you're just starting out, shorter reels (15-30 seconds) tend to perform better since they’re easier for people to consume quickly.

Step 4: Adjust the Speed of Your Reel

Next, you can adjust the speed of your video. Want to film in slow motion or speed things up for a cool time-lapse effect? Here’s how to do it:

• Tap the "Speed" icon (a 1x button) on the left side of the screen.
• Choose between slowing down your video (0.3x or 0.5x) or speeding it up (2x, 3x, or 4x).

Changing the speed can add a dramatic or playful touch, depending on your vibe.

Step 5: Apply Effects and Filters

Instagram Reels come loaded with fun effects and filters. To add an effect:

• Tap the "Effects" icon (a smiley face with sparkles) on the left.
• Scroll through the available effects or search for specific ones.

Whether you want to add a vintage look, a glitch effect, or some AR filters, effects can elevate the overall quality of your reel and make it more engaging.

Step 6: Record or Upload Clips

Now, it's time to start filming! You have two options here: you can either record a new video or upload one you’ve already taken.

• To Record: Hold down the capture button to start recording. Release it to stop. You can record multiple clips, and Instagram will automatically stitch them together into one reel.
• To Upload: Tap the square icon at the bottom left of your screen to upload a video from your gallery. This is a great option if you’ve already filmed content and want to compile it into a reel.

Pro tip: If you’re filming in parts, you can tap "Align" to perfectly align the end of one clip with the beginning of the next. This is especially useful for seamless transitions.

Step 7: Preview and Edit Your Reel

Once you’ve recorded or uploaded all your clips, tap "Preview" to see how everything looks. Instagram offers a range of editing tools, allowing you to fine-tune your reel before posting it. Here’s what you can do:

• Trim Clips: If a section of your video runs too long, you can trim it down by selecting the scissors icon.
• Add Text: Tap the "Aa" icon to overlay text on your reel. You can even set the text to appear or disappear at certain points in the video, which is perfect for storytelling or highlighting specific moments.
• Stickers and GIFs: Add stickers, emojis, or GIFs to enhance your video. Instagram has plenty of options to choose from, and using them creatively can make your reel stand out.

Take your time to perfect these small details; they can make a huge difference in how polished your reel looks.

Step 8: Add Captions and Hashtags

Now that your reel is edited to perfection, it’s time to craft your caption. A strong caption can provide context and make your reel more relatable. Don’t forget to add a call-to-action like “Follow for more tips” or “Let me know what you think in the comments!”

Also, be sure to include relevant hashtags to increase your reel’s discoverability. Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags, but using 5-10 highly relevant ones is usually the sweet spot. Try to mix popular hashtags with niche ones to reach a broader yet targeted audience.

Step 9: Select a Cover Image

Instagram lets you choose a cover image for your reel, which will appear on your profile and in the Explore feed. You can either select a still from your video or upload a custom cover image.

• Tap the "Cover" option before posting.
• Drag to find a frame you like, or upload a custom image from your gallery.

Choosing an eye-catching cover is crucial, as it’s the first thing people will see when browsing through Reels or your profile.

Step 10: Post Your Reel

Once you’ve completed all the steps, it’s time to hit "Share." You can either post your reel immediately or save it as a draft to post later.

When you share your reel, you’ll also have the option to add it to your profile grid, where it will be more visible to your followers. If you want your reel to be featured on the Explore page, make sure your account is set to "Public."

Bonus Tips for Viral Reels

Now that you know how to make a reel on Instagram, let’s talk about a few extra tips to maximize your chances of going viral:

• Be Authentic: Authentic content tends to perform better because it resonates with viewers on a personal level. Don’t be afraid to show your real self!
• Stay on Trend: Keep an eye on trending audio, challenges, or effects. Jumping on trends while they’re hot can increase your reel’s reach.
• Post Consistently: The more you post, the higher the chance one of your reels will take off. Consistency is key in building an audience.
• Engage with Your Audience: Reply to comments, ask questions in your captions, and encourage interaction. The more engagement your reel gets, the more likely it is to be promoted by Instagram’s algorithm.

Bonus Tip - here's How to Find Trending Reel Audios!

Final Thoughts

Creating a reel on Instagram is not only fun, but it’s also a fantastic way to grow your audience and engage with your followers. With these simple steps and tips, you’ll be creating high-quality, eye-catching reels in no time.

So grab your phone, tap into your creativity, and start filming your next viral reel today!