Instagram Reels are short multi-clip videos with audio, effects, and creative tools. Stories are photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours. Reels are designed for sharing creative video content to explore interests and be discovered, while Stories are for ephemeral sharing of moments.
What is an Instagram Reel?
An Instagram Reel is a short-form video clip that can be recorded and edited directly within the Instagram app. Reels can be up to 30 seconds long and allow users to record multiple clips and edit them together with audio, effects, timers, countdowns, stickers, and more creative tools.
Key features of Instagram Reels include:
- Multi-clip video recording – Record clips hands-free with countdown timer.
- Audio and music – Add original audio or background music from Instagram’s music library.
- AR effects – Augmented reality effects and filters.
- Creative editing tools – Timer, countdown, align tool and more.
- Speed control – Control the speed of clips.
- Sharing – Post reels to Explore page or share directly with followers in Feed.
- Discovery – Chance to be featured on the Explore page and seen by wider audience.
Reels are designed for users to express their creativity through short-form video content. The focus is on entertaining, trending, and viral content rather than personal everyday sharing. Reels allow users to participate in current trends and challenges, showcase talents or skills, try out creative video effects, and potentially have their content discovered by new audiences.
What is an Instagram Story?
An Instagram Story is a photo or video post that disappears after 24 hours. Stories allow users to share moments, behind-the-scenes, and everyday updates through casual photos and videos.
Key features of Instagram Stories include:
- Disappearing content – Stories disappear after 24 hours.
- Photo and video posts – Capture photos or videos up to 15 seconds long.
- Creative tools – Draw, add text, stickers, GIFs, and location.
- Augmented reality filters and effects.
- Close friends list – Share some Stories only with close friends.
- Viewers list – See who has viewed your Story.
- Direct messaging – Reply privately to any Story.
Stories enable more personal, in-the-moment sharing with followers you choose. The ephemeral format creates a lighter pressure to overthink posts. Stories allow connecting with followers in a casual way throughout the day without cluttering permanent profiles.
Differences Between Reels and Stories
While Reels and Stories can both utilize video content, there are some key differences:
- Length – Reels can be up to 30 seconds long. Stories can be up to 15 seconds per clip.
- Music and audio – Reels allow use of licensed music from Instagram’s library. Stories only allow original audio.
- Effects – Reels offer AR effects. Stories offer filters and drawing tools.
- Editing – Reels provide multi-clip editing with timers, countdowns, etc. Stories only edit by trimming clips.
- Sharing – Reels get shared to the Explore page. Stories get shared to followers.
- Purpose – Reels for entertainment content to get discovered. Stories for ephemeral life updates.
In summary, Reels cater to creatives looking to produce fun content and potentially gain a wider audience. Stories allow casual sharing of everyday moments with followers you already have.
Creating an Instagram Reel
Here is how to create an Instagram Reel within the Instagram app:
- Open Camera – Swipe right on Feed or tap the (+) plus icon in top left. Select “Reel” at the bottom.
- Record clips – Tap record button to capture clips hands-free with timer, or hold record button to film.
- Add audio – Search for a song from Instagram’s music library, use your own original audio, or borrow audio from another Reel.
- Edit clips – Rearrange clips, trim clip length, speed up or slow down, add countdown timer or align tool.
- Add creative effects – Browse effects tray and add AR effects, filters, text overlays, stickers, drawings, and more.
- Preview and share – Preview reel with chosen audio and effects. Then post to your feed or share to Explore.
Reels editing makes it easy to create professional-looking content even from your phone. Take time to explore all the creative tools available.
Creating an Instagram Story
Posting an Instagram Story is quick and simple:
- Open Camera – Swipe right from Feed or tap profile picture then tap (+) plus icon.
- Capture story – Tap record button to take photo or video up to 15 seconds long. Videos record hands-free.
- Add creative elements – Add text, stickers, drawings, GIFs. Search for location or hashtag to tag.
- Add filter or effect – Swipe through filters at the bottom. Tap face icon for face filters or effects.
- Edit story – Doodle, trim length, rearrange story frames.
- Share story – Tap “Your Story” to share to all followers. Or tap “Close Friends” to share to some.
Stories have less editing capabilities than Reels, but provide an easy way to give live updates throughout your day to followers.
Reels vs. Stories – Which Should You Use?
Should you share your content as a Reel or Story? Consider:
- Audience – Reels if you want to be discovered by new audiences. Stories for casual updates to your current followers.
- Content type – Reels for entertaining, viral, or trending content. Stories for everyday slices of life.
- Time investment – Reels if you want to spend time editing a polished video. Stories for quick informal sharing.
- Purpose – Reels to showcase or be creative publicly. Stories to share personal moments privately.
Reels and Stories can fulfill different goals. Use both formats to expand your reach and engage followers, or stick with one that fits your needs.
Tips for Creating Great Reels
Follow these tips to make compelling Reels that captivate viewers:
- Use trending audio and effects to increase chances of going viral.
- Show off your skills or talent – cooking, dancing, comedy, etc.
- Educate or provide tips and hacks for your niche.
- Tag relevant accounts, locations, hashtags to help discovery.
- Use dynamic editing – quick cuts, zooms, pans, transitions.
- Add captivating text overlays.
- Use countdown timer for challenge videos or reveals.
- Film horizontally not vertically.
- Check viewer metrics and pivot content accordingly.
Watch what types of Reels go viral in your niche and model their formula while adding your own flair.
Tips for Creative Instagram Stories
Make your Instagram Stories fun and engaging with these tips:
- Show quick behind-the-scenes of your daily activities.
- Do unfiltered Q&As or live interactions with followers.
- Create polls and questions to spark engagement.
- Share candid moments, a laugh or mistake.
- Use stickers, GIFs, drawings to liven things up.
- Highlight new products, launches or announcements.
- Cross-promote your latest Reels and feed posts.
- Tag friends and collaborators to loop them in.
Stories create a personal window into your world. Use them to form deeper connections with your engaged community.
Best Practices for Reels and Stories
Keep these best practices in mind for both Reels and Stories:
- Post consistently and stay active to build engagement.
- Use relevant hashtags so followers can discover you.
- Analyze metrics and insights to improve.
- Engage with your audience by responding to comments.
- Save drafts in advance for easy scheduling.
- Review Instagram algorithm updates.
- Promote your best content on your Instagram profile.
- Reuse evergreen content when applicable.
Craft content tailored for each format – make Reels cinematic and entertaining, while keeping Stories spontaneous. Dedicate time to both for a multi-pronged Instagram presence.
Why Reels and Stories Matter
Succeeding with Reels and Stories is important on Instagram today. Here is why:
- Huge audiences – Expand reach from your followers to the Explore page audience.
- Stand out – Top content gets featured on Explore and promoted.
- Go viral – Creative trending content can gain huge views.
- Engage followers – Shareable glimpses into your day build connections.
- Analytics – Gain data to optimize and pivot strategies.
- Monetization – Potential to earn from content through Instagram’s bonuses.
Leveraging Reels and Stories helps build your Instagram presence, express creativity, connect with audiences, and open new opportunities.