Want to make creative reels on Instagram using just photos? It’s easy to turn a series of static photos into a fun video reel on Instagram. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating photo reels on Instagram.
What are Instagram Reels?
Instagram Reels are short, entertaining videos up to 15 seconds long (in some regions up to 30 seconds or 60 seconds) that live on your Instagram Stories and Profile. Reels can be made using photos, video clips, audio, effects, and more. They allow you to get creative and make fun content to share with your followers.
Why make photo reels?
Turning a series of photos into a reel is a great way to:
- Share memories and moments from an event or trip
- Showcase your photography skills
- Make an Instagram photo dump more engaging
- Show off products, outfits, recipes, and more
- Entertain and connect with your audience
Photos let you get very creative with visual effects and transitions. Plus it’s easy to take high quality photos with your phone’s camera. Read on to learn how to make a reel using only photos!
Step 1: Select Photos for Your Reel
First, go through the photos in your camera roll and select the ones you want to use. Here are some tips:
- Choose at least 5 photos – more is better to create a longer reel
- Pick photos that flow well together in a sequence or tell a story
- Consistency in style/filter can help photos transition smoothly
- Avoid low quality/blurry photos
- Edit or filter photos in advance for ideal look
Move your chosen photos into an album or access them easily in your camera roll. Number them in the order you want them to appear in the reel.
Step 2: Open Instagram Reels Camera
Open the Instagram app and tap the (+) plus button to access the post options. Then select “Reels” at the bottom to open the Instagram Reels camera.
This will bring you into the Reels camera where you can create a new reel from scratch. But since we want to use existing photos, tap the gallery icon at the bottom left.
Step 3: Add and Edit Your Photos
You will now see your camera roll photos. Tap the first photo you want in your reel to add it.
With the photo selected, you can:
- Drag it around to position it
- Pinch/zoom to adjust size
- Tap edit icons to add filters, text, drawings, stickers, and more
Edit the photo how you like, then tap the checkmark to add it to your reel.
Continue tapping photos from your camera roll to add them in sequence. Edit each one before adding it to the reel.
Step 4: Adjust Timing and Add Effects
With at least 2 photos added, you can start previewing your reel. The default duration for each photo is 3 seconds.
Tap the timer icon at the bottom to adjust duration of each photo. You can make some display quicker than others.
Also explore options like:
- AR effects: Fun augmented reality effects and filters
- Timer and Countdown: Add timers/countdowns to transition between photos
- Align: Line up objects between photos for smooth transitions
- Video/Photo Timer: Adjust exactly when next photo appears
- Transition Effects: Add cool transitions between each photo
Get creative with effects to make your photo reel more engaging!
Step 5: Add Audio (Optional)
Tap the music note icon at the top to browse audio and music tracks to add to your reel.
You can:
- Search for a song
- Use your own audio clip
- Browse Instagram’s music library
- Adjust audio volume
Audio helps make your reel more lively. But creative effects can also replace the need for music.
Step 6: Preview and Share
With your photos, effects, timing, and audio added, take one final look at your entire reel.
When you’re happy with it, tap “Share” at the bottom and choose where to share it:
- Instagram Feed Post
- Instagram Stories
- Close Friends or Custom List
- Other social platforms like Facebook, Twitter, etc.
And that’s it! Your photo reel will now be posted for your followers to see and engage with.
Reel Creation Tips
Here are some bonus tips for making engaging Instagram photo reels:
- Storytelling: Show a progression or story that viewers can follow
- Consistency: Use a similar photo style and editing for a cohesive look
- Transitions: Add fun effects between photos to highlight the change
- Text & Stickers: Overlay text like captions or lyrics
- Effects: Use interesting AR effects and photo filters
- Be Creative: Explore all the creative tools Instagram gives you!
Now you know how to easily turn your favorite photos into entertaining Instagram Reels. So grab your camera roll and get ready to share your photo stories as reels!