Can you make reels on desktop?

Yes, it is possible to create Instagram Reels on a desktop computer. While the Reels feature was originally designed for mobile devices, Instagram has added ways for users to make Reels using a web browser on their desktop or laptop. There are a few different methods users can try to make Reels on desktop.

Use the Instagram Website

The easiest way to make Reels on desktop is directly through the Instagram website. In August 2022, Instagram rolled out the ability to create Reels from the Instagram web interface. This allows users to access Reels creation tools like audio, AR effects, timers, and more from their browser without needing the mobile app.

To create a Reel on the Instagram website:

Go to instagram.com and log into your account
Click the + icon in the top right and select Reel
Record or upload your Reel clips just like in the mobile app

Edit your Reel with effects, audio, text and more
Click Next and then Post to publish your Reel

The Reels creation process works very similarly to the mobile app. The only limitation is that you cannot record video directly from your webcam – you will need to upload pre-recorded clips. Overall, the Instagram website provides the simplest way to get access to Reels tools on desktop.

Use the Instagram Windows App

Instagram has also developed a dedicated app for Windows 10 and Windows 11 users. The Instagram app from the Microsoft Store allows Windows users to access their Instagram account and create Reels right from their desktop.

To make Reels using the Instagram Windows app:

Download and install the Instagram app from the Microsoft Store

Log into your Instagram account within the app
Tap the + icon and select Reel
Record clips with your webcam or upload videos

Add effects, audio, stickers as desired
Tap Share to post your finished Reel

The Instagram app for Windows provides the most native Reels creation experience on desktop. You can record, edit, and share Reels without ever needing to go to your phone. The only potential downside is you must install the separate app rather than using Instagram through your browser.

Use Third-Party Apps

There are also a variety of third-party apps and tools that allow you to make Instagram Reels on a desktop computer:

InShot – A free cross-platform video editor with templates and effects for creating Reels.
Clipchamp – A web-based video editor with Instagram integrations and templates.

Kapwing – An online creative platform supporting Reel creation and editing.
Splice – A video editor for iOS and Android that allows exporting to Reels.

The advantage of third-party apps is they often provide more powerful editing tools compared to Instagram alone. However, you will need to export your finished Reels and upload them rather than posting directly. Some apps will charge fees or subscriptions for certain features.

Use Emulators

Emulators allow you to mimic a mobile environment on desktop. By running Android or iOS emulators like BlueStacks or Nox App Player, you can access the Instagram mobile app on a PC. This provides full functionality for recording, editing and sharing Reels from your computer.

However, emulators have some disadvantages:

Can be complex to set up and configure

Require high system requirements for optimal performance
Mobile interface does not adapt well to desktop screens
Certain features like push notifications may not work properly

Emulators work best for accessing mobile-exclusive features like Reels on an occasional basis rather than daily Instagram use.

Use Scheduling and Analytics Tools

Social media management platforms like Hootsuite, Sprout Social and Buffer allow you to schedule and analyze your Instagram content – including Reels – from a desktop interface.

Key features include:

Uploading prerecorded Reels videos
Previewing Reels before posting
Scheduling future publication dates/times for Reels

Viewing Reels analytics like views, likes and comments

Scheduling tools are useful for planning and managing your Reels feed, but they do not offer creation and editing capabilities on desktop.

Considerations for Making Reels on Desktop

While the above methods enable Reels creation on desktop, there are some factors to keep in mind:

The Reels experience will not be as seamless as on mobile.
Functionality may be limited compared to the Instagram app.
You cannot record video directly on most desktop options.

Getting set up may require installing new apps or tools.
The vertical orientation used by Reels may not be ideal for desktop.

Reels were designed first and foremost for mobile. While Instagram is expanding cross-platform options, creating Reels on desktop still comes with some limitations. For the best experience, using the Instagram app on your smartphone remains the optimal choice.

Conclusion

Instagram is now providing official options for creating Reels on desktop web browsers and Windows devices. Third-party apps and emulators also enable Reels creation, but may offer limited functionality. While making Reels on desktop is possible, the experience is still adapted from mobile and comes with some restrictions. For the fullest Reels capabilities, a mobile device remains the best choice. But Instagram’s roll-out of cross-device support provides more flexibility for those who prefer crafting social content on their computers.

Method	Pros	Cons
Instagram Website	Simple, official option from Instagram Useful for quick edits and uploads	Limited capabilities compared to app Must upload prerecorded clips
Instagram Windows App	Full native app experience Record directly from webcam	Requires separate app install Only for Windows users
Third-Party Apps	More powerful editing tools Cross-platform options	Added complexity vs Instagram alone Must export and upload Reels
Emulators	Full mobile app experience Familiar interface	Complex setup and config System resource intensive
Scheduling Tools	Upload and manage multiple Reels Preview and plan content	No creation/editing capabilities Analytics limited without paid plans

What are the advantages of making Reels on desktop?

Some potential advantages of creating Instagram Reels on a desktop include:

Larger screen, mouse and keyboard can make editing more comfortable

Easier to multi-task with Reels creation open in one window
Faster editing workflows with keyboard shortcuts
Access to more powerful desktop tools and utilities

Easier file management when uploading from existing clips

The larger canvas of a computer monitor and the precision of a mouse can facilitate quicker editing decisions and changes. The ability to readily upload media from existing folders is also a major benefit over mobile-only workflows.

What are the disadvantages or limitations?

Some of the current disadvantages include:

No native webcam recording – must upload clips
Multi-clip editing can be trickier without touchscreen
Adapted interface from mobile may not be ideal

Features still rolling out – some options not available
Troubleshooting technical issues can be harder

The lack of webcam recording is a major limitation on desktop – you cannot create spontaneous Reels the same way as on your phone. Technical difficulties can also be harder to pinpoint and solve compared to mobile apps.

What tips help create better Reels on desktop?

Some tips for creating great Reels on desktop:

Use an external camera for higher quality webcam footage
Take advantage of desktop tools like screen recording/capture

Leverage shortcuts and hotkeys to speed up editing
Plan out your clips and sequence in advance for complex Reels
Use a vertical monitor orientation if possible

Preview your Reels on a mobile device before posting

Planning your content and workflow can help overcome limitations like the lack of webcam recording. Testing on a mobile device will also give you the closest sense of how your final Reel will look to viewers.

How does the experience compare to mobile?

The Reels creation experience on desktop has improved significantly but still cannot match the simplicity and capabilities of mobile. Key differences include:

More seamless editing workflows on mobile touchscreens
Faster recording via built-in cameras on phones/tablets
Mobile apps receive new features and updates first

Multi-clip editing easier with direct touch control
Previewing Reels is closer to real user experience on mobile

The mobile apps remain the priority for development attention from Instagram. So those looking for the fullest set of features in the most refined experience will still benefit from using mobile devices when possible.

The Future of Reels on Desktop

Creating Reels on desktops and laptops is still an evolving experience. Instagram will likely continue improving and refining cross-device support given the popularity of Reels content among creators and viewers. Some potential developments include:

Direct webcam recording and live streaming support
Enhanced multi-clip editing and manipulation

Cross-posting and management of Reels across accounts
Expanded augmented reality effects and interactive tools
Dedicated desktop apps similar to IGTV and Boomerang

More powerful desktop-specific creation tools could also help separate the desktop experience from simply mirroring mobile. This could include features like green screen effects, better clip trimming, effects and transition automation, and more advanced analytics.

As Instagram continues adapting Reels into a versatile short-form video platform, the company will need to cater to diverse audiences and use cases. While built first for smartphones, expanding desktop and web support helps content creators of all kinds capitalize on the expanding opportunities with short-form video.