Instagram Reels allow users to create and share short, entertaining videos up to 60 seconds long. Watching reels is easy and one of the best ways to discover new creators and engaging content on Instagram. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to watch reels on Instagram using both mobile apps and desktop browsers.
Watching Reels on the Instagram Mobile App
The Instagram mobile app makes it very convenient to watch reels. Here are the steps to view reels on Instagram for iOS and Android:
- Open the Instagram app on your mobile device.
- On the main Instagram feed, look for videos marked with the purple Reels label. These are reels created by people you follow.
- Tap on a reel video to watch it. The video will begin playing automatically.
- Swipe up to scroll through more reels from people you follow. The Instagram algorithm shows you reels based on your interests.
- To discover new reels and creators, tap the Reels tab at the bottom of the screen. This will take you to a feed of popular and recent reels.
- Scroll through the feed and tap any reel to watch it. Swipe up to keep watching more reels.
- You can also search for reels on topics you’re interested in using the search bar at the top of the Reels feed.
- Tap the audio title above a reel to visit the audio page. This shows you other reels using the same sound.
- If you come across a reel you really like, tap the Share icon below it to share it with friends.
- Double tap a reel while watching to like it. Tap the comments icon to view and leave comments.
Watching Reels on Instagram Web
It’s also possible to watch reels from a desktop web browser. Here’s how to find and view reels on Instagram web:
- Go to instagram.com and log into your account.
- On your main Instagram feed, look for reels marked with a purple label. Hover over a reel and click to watch it.
- To browse just reels, click the Reels tab in the left sidebar menu. You’ll see a feed of popular reels.
- Scroll down to load more reels. Click any reel to watch it.
- Use the search bar at the top to find reels about specific topics.
- Click the speaker icon on a reel to visit the audio page and see other reels with the same music.
- Click the Share below a reel to copy the link or share it elsewhere.
- Like a reel by clicking the heart icon below it. Click the comment bubble to comment.
Controlling Reel Playback
When watching reels, you have several options to control playback:
- Tap/click once to pause a reel. Tap/click again to resume playback.
- Drag left/right or use on-screen controls to scrub through a reel.
- Tap/click the volume button to mute/unmute sound.
- Adjust speed using the 1x/2x buttons to slow down or speed up playback.
- Tap the progress bar to skip ahead or rewind.
- Swipe up or scroll down to go to the next reel. The previous reel will pause automatically.
- Tap the Back arrow to return to your main Instagram feed from the Reels tab.
Saving and Sharing Reels
When you come across an awesome reel you want to save or share, do the following:
- Tap the Save icon to save it to your saved collection in your profile.
- Tap the Share icon then Instagram Direct to send a reel directly to friends.
- Choose Copy Link to grab the reel URL and share it anywhere.
- Screen record a reel on iOS or use a third party Android screen recorder to save reels.
- On Instagram web, right click and Save Video As to download a reel.
Creating Your Own Reels
Watching reels is fun, but making your own reels can be even better! Here are some tips for creating great reels:
- Use original viral audio clips to make trending reels people want to watch.
- Show off your creativity by using AR effects, filters, and text overlays.
- Keep it short at 20-30 seconds. Shorter reels tend to perform better.
- Post reels consistently to build an engaged audience.
- Interact with your audience by responding to comments.
- Use hashtags and tag other accounts to help discoverability.
- Analyze insights to see which reels resonate and make more of that content.
- Feature yourself, friends, pets, hobbies, and anything else entertaining!
Reels Tips and Tricks
Take your reel viewing experience up a notch with these handy tips:
- Use Reels audio to add music to your Instagram stories.
- Remix other people’s reels to create duet-style collaborations.
- Browse the audio catalogue to find trending songs and sounds.
- Create and save draft reels to post later when your audience is most active.
- Use Instagram stickers like Poll and Quiz to make interactive reels.
- Check out the Top Reels section to see currently viral reels.
- Add #greenscreen to record reels over customizable backgrounds.
- Use effects like Superzoom to make fun transition reels.
Troubleshooting Reels
If you have any issues watching or creating reels, here are some fixes:
- Update the Instagram app to the latest version for bug fixes.
- Check for internet connection issues stopping videos from loading.
- Restart the app or your phone if reels aren’t loading.
- Make sure sound isn’t muted if you have no audio.
- Clear the Instagram app cache and data if problems persist.
- Report glitched reels directly to Instagram if needed.
- Contact Instagram support if you have account or technical issues.
Conclusion
Instagram Reels make it easy to watch, create, and share short-form vertical videos. To recap, open reels directly on your feed, browse the Reels tab to discover new content, use playback controls like pause and mute, and try making your own reels using music, effects and more. Reels provide a fun way to be entertained, express yourself and keep up with trends on Instagram.