If you are unable to see or access the Reels feature on your Instagram account, there could be a few possible reasons for this. Here are some things you can try to get Reels working on your Instagram account again:
Update the Instagram App
The most common reason the Reels option may not be showing up is because you need to update your Instagram app. Reels is a relatively new feature that was added in 2020, so you need to make sure you’re running the latest version of the app.
Go to your device’s app store and search for Instagram. If there is an ‘Update’ button next to it, tap that to download the newest version. Once updated, open Instagram and check if you can now see and access Reels.
Your Account is Restricted
In some cases, Instagram may have placed restrictions on your account which can limit access to certain features like Reels. This can happen if you have violated any of Instagram’s community guidelines.
To find out if your account has any restrictions, go to your profile, tap the menu button (3 horizontal lines) and select ‘Settings’. Then go to ‘Account’ and see if there are any messages about account restrictions.
If your account is restricted, you will need to resolve whatever issue Instagram has identified – such as deleting any flagged content – in order to restore full access to features like Reels.
The Feature is Slowly Rolling Out
While Reels has been launched globally, Instagram is slowly enabling the feature for users around the world. So even if you have the updated app, Reels may not have been activated for your account yet.
Be patient and keep checking the Instagram app over the next few days or weeks. As they complete the gradual rollout, Reels should become available for your account soon.
Your Device is Not Supported
Reels works best on newer smartphones specifically running iOS 11 and up or Android 8 and up. If your device is too old or running outdated operating software, the Reels option may not display at all.
You can go into your device settings to check what OS version you are currently on. If it’s older than the recommended versions, you may need to update your device software or get a newer phone model altogether.
Location Based Availability
Instagram has stated that they plan to take a phased approach with launching Reels, especially in new markets. So in some countries, the feature may not have reached nationwide availability yet.
Using a VPN could help you determine if Reels access seems to be tied to your location. If you are able to see Reels while connected to a VPN in another country, but not in your own country, then they are still slowly enabling the feature in your specific location.
Try Logging Out and Back In
Like any app, Instagram can sometimes have bugs or glitches that temporarily affect certain features. Something may have gone wrong that is preventing the Reels option from loading properly in your Instagram app.
Try fully logging out of your Instagram account, force quit the app, then log back in and see if Reels is now appearing. This reboot can clear out any problematic cached data or other minor issues.
Still No Luck? Contact Instagram
If you’ve tried all other troubleshooting tips and Reels is still not enabled, you can reach out to the Instagram team for help. In the app, go to your profile and:
- Tap the 3 horizontal lines menu button
- Select ‘Settings’
- Tap ‘Support’
- Choose ‘Report a Problem’
Describe your Reels issue and submit a request for support. The Instagram team can then look into your specific account to identify and resolve the problem.
How to Use Instagram Reels
Once you have Reels showing up in your Instagram app, here are some tips on how to use it:
Creating Reels
Tap the Reels icon at the bottom of the Instagram app screen. Or, you can start from the Instagram Stories camera, then select Reels at the bottom.
Record clips up to 15 seconds each. Use audio, effects and more creative tools. Trim clips, arrange them how you like and share!
Sharing Reels
Reels can be shared publicly to your main Instagram feed, or you can post it just to your story where it disappears after 24 hours. Make sure your account is public if you want to build an audience with Reels.
Discovering Reels
Check out the Reels tab on the Explore page to watch popular Reels from accounts you don’t follow. The more you like, share and interact with Reels, the better Instagram gets at showing you relevant content.
Reels Music
Use the Reels music library to add popular or trending songs to your Reels. You can also use your own original audio by simply recording it directly in the Instagram app.
Reels Effects
Make your Reels visually standout using AR effects, filters, timers and other built-in creative tools. Browse the effects tray and play around to find your favourites.
Reels Editing
Trim and rearrange clips to perfect the order and pacing. Use the timer to check your Reel stays under 15 seconds. Delete any clips you don’t want before sharing.
Reels Tips
- Have fun and be original! Ride trends, showcase your passion or just entertain.
- Engage your followers by producing Reels consistently.
- Cross-promote your best Reels to your Instagram Stories and feed.
- Check analytics to see what content is performing best.
- Study popular accounts in your niche for inspiration.
Reels FAQs
How many clips can you use in a Reel?
You can use a minimum of 2 clips and up to 15 clips, each up to 15 seconds long, in a single Reel. All clips together must add up to 30 seconds or less.
Can you edit/rearrange clips in Reels?
Yes, the Reels editor lets you easily trim, delete or rearrange clips until you have the perfect order and pacing.
Do Reels disappear?
If shared just to your story, Reels disappear after 24 hours like normal stories. But Reels posted to your Instagram feed remain there and can be enjoyed long-term.
Do Reels videos have to be original?
Reels you create and share on Instagram should use only original content – video you filmed yourself. Reposting others’ content as your own Reel goes against Instagram’s guidelines.
Can Reels be downloaded?
Users cannot download others’ public Reels directly through the Instagram app. But there are some third-party apps that allow saving Instagram videos.
We hope this guide covered all you need to know about troubleshooting and using Instagram Reels. Let the video creativity begin!