Yes, it is possible to post reels on Instagram from a desktop computer. While the Instagram app is designed for mobile devices, there are a few different methods that allow you to upload and manage reels directly from a PC.
Using the Instagram Website
The easiest way to post a reel from a computer is by using the Instagram website (www.instagram.com). Although the website has limited functionality compared to the mobile app, it does provide the ability to upload photos, videos, and reels.
To post a reel on Instagram from a PC:
- Go to instagram.com and log into your account
- Click the + icon in the top right and select Reel
- Upload or drag and drop your video clip (up to 60 seconds)
- Edit the reel using available creative tools
- Add a caption, hashtags, tag people, and select a cover frame
- Click Share and the reel will be posted to your profile
The Instagram website has limited editing capabilities compared to the mobile app. You can trim the length of clips, add filters and basic effects, and add text. But advanced editing features like stitching multiple clips, adding AR effects, using green screen, etc. are not available.
Using Creator Studio
Creator Studio is Instagram’s desktop content management platform aimed at influencers, businesses, and creators. It provides more robust editing, scheduling, and analytics tools to manage your Instagram presence from a computer.
To use Creator Studio to post reels:
- Go to business.instagram.com and login to Creator Studio
- Click +Create and select Reels
- Upload your video clips (up to 60 seconds)
- Use the advanced editing tools like trimming, filters, text, effects, etc.
- Preview and edit the sound for the reel
- Add any relevant captions, locations or hashtags
- Click Share and schedule or post the reel immediately
Creator Studio makes it much easier to trim multiple clips, stitch segments together, add professional graphics and effects, and manage all your Instagram content in one place.
Using Third-Party Apps
There are also third-party apps and software that allow you to design, edit, and upload Instagram reels from a desktop computer:
- Later – Social media management platform with reel creation and scheduling tools.
- Previewed – Design Instagram posts and reels with professional templates.
- Planoly – Allows resizing reels for desktop, adding effects and uploading.
- InVideo – Edit video and images to create reels with effects and music.
- Canva – Graphic design app with templates for reels.
These apps connect to your Instagram account and make it simple to create great looking reels by providing ready-made templates, design tools, and the ability to manage your library of content.
Steps to Post a Reel from PC
Here is an overview of the general steps to follow to create and post a reel from a desktop computer:
- Record your video clips on a phone or camera.
- Transfer the video files to your computer.
- Use editing software to import clips, trim length, arrange clips, and add effects.
- Add text, graphics, filters and enhancements to customize the look.
- Export the completed reel video file.
- Go to Instagram on your browser or a third-party app connected to your account.
- Upload the reel video from your computer.
- Add any captions, tags, locations, etc.
- Post or schedule the reel to go live on your Instagram profile.
The specific tools and options will vary depending on the platform you use. But the general process involves assembling the video file on your computer, and then uploading that file to Instagram instead of recording directly in the app.
Advantages of Posting Reels from a Computer
Here are some of the benefits of creating Instagram reels on a desktop computer:
- Larger screen, mouse, and keyboard make editing more comfortable.
- Powerful video editing software provides more options.
- Ability to use stock content, templates, high-quality graphics.
- Batch edit and schedule reels in advance.
- View and manage your full Instagram presence from one place.
- Easier to collaborate with a team to design and manage content.
The advanced tools, larger screens, and ability to plan ahead offered by computers enable creating higher quality, more polished reels compared to just using a phone.
Disadvantages of Posting Reels from a Computer
There are also some potential downsides to keep in mind when making reels on a PC:
- Need access to video editing software and skills.
- Additional time and effort to transfer and optimize videos for reels.
- Multi-clip editing can be tricky without a mobile timeline.
- Harder to spontaneously record quick spur-of-the-moment reels.
- Less ability to interact with or reply to comments on reels.
It takes more preparation and technical ability to craft reels on a computer versus mobile. And engagement can potentially be lower if you lose the impromptu feel.
Common Questions about Posting Reels from a PC
Can I upload reels from my computer to Instagram?
Yes, you can upload prerecorded reel videos from a computer to Instagram using the Instagram website, Creator Studio, or third-party apps. The reel needs to meet the required specifications for length, file type, dimensions, etc.
Is it better to create Instagram reels on PC or phone?
Using a PC enables creating higher quality reels with professional editing tools. But phones allow recording and sharing quick spur-of-the-moment reels easily. The best approach depends on your content goals and audience expectations.
Do Instagram reels look different if created on PC?
The look of a reel will depend on the editing, effects, and export settings used rather than the device it was made on. Reels created on PCs and phones can achieve a very similar look when high quality software and templates are utilized.
Can I use stock footage for Instagram reels?
You can use stock video clips in your reels as long as they adhere to Instagram’s content policies and community guidelines. Be sure to only use stock materials you have proper licensing rights for in your reels.
What are the best apps for making Instagram reels on desktop?
Some of the best desktop apps for creating Instagram reels include Previewed, Later, InVideo, Canva, Kapwing, Adobe Premiere Rush, iMovie, Filmora, and Videolean. Each provides templates, editing tools, and the ability to export properly formatted reels.
Conclusion
Posting Instagram reels from a desktop or laptop computer is very possible using the Instagram website, Creator Studio, or third-party editing and scheduling apps. The process involves creating, editing, and exporting reels using video software before uploading to Instagram.
Creating reels on a computer enables advanced editing tools and planning content in advance. But it does require more technical skill than just using a mobile device. With the right software and workflow, PC-created reels can help take your Instagram content to the next level.
Just remember to focus on crafting high quality, engaging reels that will resonate with your target audience regardless of the tools used to produce them. The content of your reel is ultimately more important than how it was made.