To become a reel creator on Instagram, you need to regularly post entertaining and engaging short videos that capture viewers’ attention quickly. Focus on creating quality content that aligns with your niche and brand rather than posting random reels.
Set up an Instagram account optimized for reels
First, you need an Instagram account, preferably a dedicated one for your reels if you already have a personal account. Choose a username relevant to your niche or brand name. Craft an appealing bio that describes what you do. Upload a profile picture and cover photo that represent your brand. Include relevant keywords like “reels” in your bio to help people find you.
Turn your profile into a business account so you can access Instagram analytics to see your growth and engagement metrics. Business accounts also unlock more features like promotions and shoppable posts.
Understand the reels format
Instagram reels are short, entertaining videos up to 60 seconds long. They loop playback, so viewers see it repeatedly. Reels have creation tools like audio, effects, timers, and align that help create professional, high-quality content.
Check out popular reels hashtags and accounts in your niche to get inspiration for the types of reels that do well. Make reels focused on trends and challenges, comedy sketches, educational content, behind the scenes footage, and compelling visual content.
Create quality reels consistently
Post reels consistently, at least a few times per week, to build a loyal audience. Batch create reels in advance for a consistent schedule.Capitalize on trending audios, effects, hashtags, and memes, but also create evergreen content.
Ensure your reels are visually appealing and use special effects appropriately. Utilize text, stickers, filters, transitions, and other creative tools. Maintain a cohesive aesthetic for your brand. Film reels in good lighting, horizontal orientation, and steady shots.
Hook viewers in the first 5 seconds with eye-catching visuals, entertaining behavior, curiosity gaps, or valuable information. Provide a clear narrative or story that engages the audience and makes them want to see more.
Strategically use hashtags, captions, tags and locations
Include relevant hashtags and keywords in your reel caption so it’s discoverable by people searching those terms. Do hashtag research to find ones popular in your niche. Mix niche hashtags with some high volume ones.
Write compelling captions that complement the reel. Add personality with some clever or funny commentary. @mention relevant creators, brands, or influencers to reach their audience. Tag the location if it’s relevant.
Promote your reels to grow your audience
Cross-promote new reels on your Instagram profile and stories. Share a preview or teaser to build anticipation. Repurpose top content across platforms.
Engage with your audience by reacting to comments, answering questions, and using interactive stickers. Collaborate with others in your niche to tap into their audience.
Run reel ads to reach those beyond your current followers. Use Instagram analytics to identify your best-performing reels and run ads to extend their reach.
Check if your reels are featured on the Explore page or in other curated placements by Instagram to reach new viewers who don’t follow you yet.
Analyze performance and refine your strategy
Use Instagram Insights to track metrics like views, likes, comments, saves, and shares for each reel. See which perform best. Identify peak posting times when your audience is most active.
Take note of the types of reels, topics, audio, and hashtags that do well. Make more content aligned with your top performers. Stay on top of changing trends and viewer preferences.
Refine your content and strategy over time based on feedback and analytics. Remain adaptable as the reels format and algorithm evolves.
Collaborate with others
Collaborating with others through co-creating reels, shoutouts, and cross-promotion expands your reach to new audiences. Work with creators in your niche who have an audience similar to yours.
Do reel “takeovers” where you post on each other’s accounts. Make a reel together doing a trending TikTok challenge. Appear in their reel or have them appear in yours.
Shout out fellow creators in your captions. Comment on each other’s reels. Share each other’s content. Follow and engage with each other’s followers to build community.
Be authentic and passionate
Showcase your unique personality and passion in your reels. Let your brand’s voice shine through. Share entertaining or helpful videos that provide value to others.
Be genuine, positive and real in your captions and interactions. Build an emotional connection with your audience.
Stay true to your brand identity. While trends come and go, consistent branding cultivates loyalty.
Patience is key when starting out
It takes time and consistent effort to build a following on Instagram as a reel creator. Have patience and keep improving your content and strategy over time.
Focus on organic growth by delighting your audience rather than thirst for vanity metrics like follower counts.
Measure success by engagement, quality views, and interactions rather than just views or followers. Let your audience and content evolve naturally.