An Instagram reel is a short video clip that can be created and shared directly within the Instagram app. Reels allow users to record multi-clip videos up to 30 seconds long and add creative effects, audio, and more. Reels aim to provide an engaging way for users to share content in a fun, creative format.
Creating Reels in the Instagram App
To create a reel, simply open the Instagram camera and swipe left to access the reels camera. From there, you can record clips up to 10 seconds each while adding effects, audio, timers, countdowns and more. Instagram offers a variety of creative editing tools to help make your reels stand out. You can add popular songs, use Instagram effects and filters, adjust speed or apply AR effects. Once you’ve assembled your clips into a reel up to 30 seconds long, you can share it on your Instagram feed or stories.
Sharing Reels on Instagram Feed and Stories
After creating a reel, users have the option to share it in different ways. You can post a reel to your Instagram feed, where it will appear on your profile like a standard photo or video post. Reels shared this way are more permanent. You can also share a reel as a story, either as a stand-alone story post or added into a story alongside other photos and videos. Story reels disappear after 24 hours. Users can also send reels directly to friends via Instagram Direct messaging.
Discovering Reels from Other Users
In addition to creating your own reels, a major feature is discovering reels from accounts you follow as well as popular, trending content. When scrolling the Instagram feed, reels are displayed full screen similar to IGTV videos. You can like, comment and share public reels posted by other users. Instagram also has a Reels tab in the Explore section where you can discover top trending reels on an endless scroll feed. The algorithm aims to show you entertaining, relevant reels based on your interests.
Interacting with Reels
Instagram offers several ways to interact with reels you come across in your feed or Explore tab. You can like reels to show appreciation. Leaving comments is a great way to connect with the creator. You can also share a public reel with friends by sending the post via DM. Instagram also lets you create your very own reel remix by recording a reel over the top of someone else’s reel audio. This allows you to put your own spin on popular trends.
Building a Following with Reels
For content creators and businesses, reels provide an engaging new format to reach and grow your following. Creating fun, entertaining reels consistent with your brand voice allows you to showcase your style while participating in trends. Instagram aims to highlight quality reels by recommending them across the app, helping them gain more views. Having a presence on the reels tab can expose your brand to new audiences. Users who enjoy your reels may also choose to follow your account after discovering you there.
Measuring Reels Performance
To understand how your reels are performing, check the view count and engagement metrics on reels you’ve posted. You can also go to the Reels tab in your Instagram Insights. Here you can see more data like plays, likes, comments and saves for your individual reels as well as how they measure up to your other content. Analyzing top performing reels allows you to refine your strategy and continue creating engaging content.
Reels Ads for Businesses
Instagram also offers Reels ads, allowing businesses to promote reels in the same way they boost posts. Reels ads appear in between non-paid content in Feed and in the Reels tab. Companies can use their top organic performing reels for paid promotion to expand reach. Reels ads allow brands to tap into viral trends and showcase products or services in an engaging, creative format.
Music and Audio Options for Reels
A key creative element of reels is the ability to add music, voiceovers and other sounds. When creating a reel, you can browse Instagram’s vast library of licensed music clips to find the perfect track. Trending song snippets are updated daily based on what’s currently popular. Alternatively, you can use the microphone to record an original voiceover or audio commentary. Many users upload reels with a cappella singing or beatboxing showcasing their talents.
Camera and Editing Tools
Instagram provides a suite of built-in editing tools so you can get creative with your reels visuals. Options include AR effects, timers, countdowns, stickers, filters and more. You can adjust clip speed to create dramatic fast-forward or slo-mo effects. Story camera tools like green screen mode are also available. For editing, you can rearrange clips, trim segment lengths, split clips and add closed caption text. Basic editing makes it simple to customize the look and vibe of your reels.
Trends and Challenges
Reels has given rise to popular Instagram trends and challenges, which users recreate with their own unique spin. Trends like outfit transitions, dance challenges, lip-syncing songs and more have spread through users emulating and iterating on each other’s reels. Using trending audios and hashtags allows your reels to tap into what’s current and have a better chance of going viral. But you can also use reels to start your own trend.
Collaborating on Reels
In addition to creating solo reels, Instagram allows you to collaborate with others through its co-author feature. When making a reel, you can designate it as a collab and invite friends to contribute clips that are seamlessly stitched into the final reel. This allows for fun creative partnerships, duets and joint participation in trends. It’s an easy way to create engaging content with others.
Effects and Filters
Instagram offers an array of built-in effects and filters to take your reels to the next level. Effects powered by AR technology let you do things like face morphing, object tracking and lighting filters. More practical effects help with color correction and video stabilization. You also have access to Instagram’s standard filters along with third-party filters for more advanced editing. Effects help give your reels a polished, professional look and feel.
Reusing Content
Existing video content can be repurposed into reels, allowing you to maximize assets. You can take snippets from longer YouTube videos, previous posts, IGTV content and more. Fashion and beauty creators often break down tutorials and reviews into concise reels. Businesses can highlight product demos. Reels make it easy recycle media into fresh, snackable content.
Scheduling Reels
To help manage your reels content calendar, Instagram allows scheduling reels up to 75 days in advance through creators tools. This allows you to plan out and stagger your posts rather than sharing all at once. Scheduling also prevents having to remember to post manually at specific times. And you can update or adjust any scheduled reels before they go live. It’s an essential tool for maintaining a consistent reels strategy.
Reels vs. TikTok Comparison
Reels is often compared to TikTok as both feature short-form, vertical video content. However, there are some key differences. While TikTok focuses entirely on its video feed, Reels is integrated into the larger Instagram ecosystem. Reels creators and influencers already have their own organic Instagram followings. Instagram also offers more filters and editing vs. TikTok’s more DIY style. But both platforms are popular for creative, user-generated video content.
Purpose of Reels for Users and Creators
At its core, Reels aims to meet growing demand for more video-centric, entertaining short-form content especially among younger users. For individual users, it’s a fun outlet for self-expression through content creation. It expands on people’s stories and connections. For influencers, creators and businesses, Reels provides a vital channel to expand reach, gain visibility and engage audiences through engaging videos.
Evolution of the Product
Since launching in August 2020, Instagram has continued rolling out new Reels features. Early updates focused on creation tools, but more recent additions revolve around discovery, analytics, monetization and ads. Reels is now interfaced directly with the Shop tab for business product tags. Instagram is also testing integrating reels into feed posts. The product will likely continue evolving with a focus on Commerce and revenue-driving capabilities for creators.