How to Use Instagram Reels (Step-by-Step Guide)
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into how to use Instagram Reels, Instagram’s latest in-app feature that lets you record, edit, and post up to 60-second multi-clip videos with audio, filters, and effects.
We will cover the following topics in detail:
Let’s get started!
What is Instagram Reels?
As mentioned above, Reels allow you to publish 60-second multi-clip videos to Instagram. If you’re thinking that sounds pretty familiar, that’s because it is. It’s a lot like TikTok, the number one most downloaded app in the Apple Store. As you can see in the chart below, video has taken over the charts.
Image Source: SensorTower
Not familiar with TikTok (really?), that’s okay. You can check out our Beginner’s Guide to Creating a Marketing Strategy for TikTok or just skip ahead to the topic at-hand and watch this demo video of Instagram Reels in action posted by Stephanie Kase.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvbqH2tb3Q0
Facebook, Instagram’s parent company, planned to challenge TikTok for some time. The first attempt, an app called Lasso, lasted just 20 months after its launch in late 2018 and the timing of Instagram Reels launch is nothing short of strategic. The future of TikTok in the U.S. was called into question on July 31, 2020, amid privacy concerns. By August 5, 2020, Instagram Reels was available in over 50 countries, including the U.S. and Canada. Well played, Zuck. Well played.
Daniel Ndukwu, CoFounder of UsefulPDF explains “Facebook is fond of using the best of its competitors and incorporating it into its apps. It happened with Snapchat and now with TikTok. It’s going to be interesting to see how people adapt to this new paradigm. It may be a good idea to hedge your bets and use both channels in tandem for the time being.”
What’s the Difference Between Instagram Reels & TikTok?
While many might consider Reels to be a clone of TikTok, there are a few key differences:
- Instagram Reels live on Instagram and Facebook. This might sound pretty obvious, it’s an important fact to consider. With Reels being seen across both apps, you will receive a wider reach than if it was just shown on one.
- Time limits TikTok’s maximum video length is currently 3 minutes seconds, while Instagram Reels only allows for 60 second video clips.
- It's all about the algorithm. TikTok is known for have an incredible algorithm. It really takes note of the videos you're watching and engaging with and will continue to show you more videos that follow the same type of topics. This is great for reaching new viewers that you wouldn't necessarily reach on Instagram.
There are a few more differences between the two platforms which are covered in this video by Lemonlight:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYhvEyhx8JE
TIP: Did you know you can use a social media calendar tool like HeyOrca to create and schedule Instagram posts for the multiple brands you manage? You can also take advantage of features like:
- Post collaboration - get real-time, in-app feedback from your team or clients.
- Post approvals - scheduled Instagram posts will go out only after required stakeholders have approved the content
- Reporting - Automatically generate visual, easy-to-understand reports that you can share with clients
- Instagram Grid Previews - see exactly how your posts will appear on your clients' Grid and can drag and drop posts to customize the order
Why You Should Use Instagram Reels for Your Business
According to Instagram, with Reels, “you can share with your followers and can be discovered by the huge, diverse Instagram community on Explore. As one of the fastest-growing social media platforms, Instagram has over one billion monthly active users around the world.”
If you or your clients already have an established following on IG, you won’t have to build a new audience from scratch on yet another platform.
And, while Instagram Reels capabilities and algorithm are perhaps not yet as robust as that of its rival, the app has a history of refining its updates to surpass its competition.
Think Snapchat: after Instagram launched its Stories feature in 2016, it took just eight months for Instagram Stories to exceed Snapchats daily user count, according to CNN.
With the impending threat of Trump’s executive order against TikTok’s parent company, we’ll likely see a flock of TikTokers rushing over to Instagram Reels in the coming weeks.
If you’re overwhelmed by Instagram Reels after you just got the hang of TikTok, don’t worry.
We’ve got you. Let’s dive into how you can access and create Instagram Reels:
Where Can You Watch Instagram Reels?
So, you might be wondering how to find examples of Reels on Instagram. We got you! There are a few different areas where you can watch Reels.
- The play button on the bottom menu. Right when you log into your Instagram account, you will notice that there's a play button in the middle of the bottom menu. By clicking that icon, you will be taken to a page where you can endlessly scroll and watch Reels (very similar to TikTok). You may remember that where this play button icon is used to be a plus sign icon which would take you to the uploading page. Instagram has now moved that icon to the top right-hand corner. You can tell that Instagram is really trying to push their video content!
- The play button icon on a users Instagram profile. If you are looking to watch a certain user's Reels, simply go to their profile and click the first play button icon under their bio.
- Check out the Explore page. By clicking the magnifying glass icon on your Feed page, you will be taken to an area to discover feed posts and Reels that you don't follow already. By scrolling through this page, you will be able to discover new Reels that you have never seen before!
How to Create Instagram Reels
And now, the part you’ve all been waiting for – let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of how to create Instagram Reels.
There are two ways you can access the Instagram Reel’s "Create Mode".
- Create Reels while watching other Reels. While browsing through other peoples’ Reels, all you have to do is click the camera icon (top right of the screen) and you’ll be taken to Create Mode.
- You can also access Create mode from your Home Page. Navigate to the Instagram camera by swiping to the left from the homepage. This will then bring you to the camera where you will see the option at the bottom to create a Reel.
Once you’re in Create Mode, you can upload video clips by:
- Uploading prerecorded videos that live on your phone Click the gallery icon at the bottom left of your screen or swipe up.
- After you’ve selected a video, you can edit the length by using the trimming tool located at the bottom of the screen. The clip will play repeatedly and a bar at the top indicates what percentage of the time you’ve used up. You’ll also see options at the top right of the screen to add Instagram Stickers, draw on the clip, and add text. Just like you would in Instagram Stories.
- When you’re ready to upload the clip, click on the upload button at the top right of your screen.
- You can continue adding clips until your 60 seconds are up by repeating the steps above.
- Filming a video directly from the app like you would with Stories, you’ll just hold onto the Instagram Reels icon at the center of the screen while you are in create mode.
- This method also lets you use the Reels editing tools to enhance your videos while you’re recording them. We’ll talk more about the editor in a moment.
Heads Up: these features need to be selected before you record your clip
- Using videos recorded in your app + prerecorded videos together – You aren’t bound to one method. You can create a Reel using a mixture of in-app and prerecorded videos too!
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How to Sync Text to Video Clips in Instagram Reels
Step 1: Add the videos you'd like to edit into Reels and select Done and Preview. This will then bring you to the edit screen.
Step 2: Once in the edit screen, pop in the text you'd like to show throughout the video (don't worry, all of the text can go here and we will sync it next).
Step 3: As you can see in the screenshot below, at the bottom of your screen there are 2 bubbles that represent your text. We are going to select the first one and drag the trimmer to only highlight where you want this text to show. Once complete select Done in the top right-hand corner. Then, repeat this step for your other text.
Step 4: You're done! Now your text will show when you want it to and disappear when you want it to in your Instagram Reel.
https://youtu.be/ES75fx2qDs4
How to Search & Save Audio
https://youtu.be/8PHJayhIRGg
Step 1: Open up a new Reels video and select the music icon on the left-hand side.
Step 2: Once you've selected the music icon, you'll see a list of music. This will be broken out into sections to make songs more discoverable to you. For me, I have a For You, New Releases and a Throwback Thursday section. If you are looking for a certain artist, simply go to the search bar and type in the artist's name.
Step 3: In the screenshot below, you'll see that I am searching for Justin Bieber. Once I found the song I wanted to use, I swiped that song to the left and selected the flag icon. This means that the song is now saved for me for future use.
How to Save Audio From Someone Else's Video
Step 1: Let's say you're watching a Reel and you really like the song or audio that person used. The good thing is, you can totally save it and use it for yourself! When you're on the video that you'd like to save the audio from, select the music at the bottom of the screen.
Step 2: Once you've clicked the song from the video, you will see the below screen. You can scroll and see how other people have used that audio for inspiration and then you can select the Save button. If you'd like to create a Reel from that audio right at that moment, you can select Use Audio at the bottom.
Where to Find Your Saved Music & Audio
Once you've saved a few songs that you really like, there are 2 spots you can find them. The first spot would be clicking the music icon within your new Reel and selecting the Saved button.
The second place to find your saved music would be by going to your Instagram profile and selecting the 3 lines in the top right-hand corner. From there, select Saved.
How to Change the Length of your Instagram Reel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEXTRmMJF7Y
Step 1: Open Instagram Reels. You'll notice there's a small circle on the left-hand side that has a number inside of it. By tapping that circle, you are able to change your video to a 60-second, 30-second or 15-second video. Select the time limit you'd like for your video then begin recording!
How to Change the Speed of your Instagram Reel
*You can only change the speed of a video you record within Instagram Reels, not pre-recorded content
Step 1: Open Instagram Reels. You will see an option on the left-hand side that says Speed. Select this option.
Step 2: Once selected you will see 6 options for speed. 1x is normal and it ranges up to 4x, which would be the fastest speed. If you would like to make your video slower, select 0.3x or 0.5x. Select the speed you'd like to use and then press record!
Speeding up your video can be super helpful considering Instagram Reels has a limit of 60 seconds.
How to use the Green Screen Effect in Instagram Reels
https://youtu.be/ljrRIYCArks
Step 1: Open up Reels within the Instagram app then select the sparkly Effects icon on the left-hand side.
Step 2: Once you are in the Effects area, you will see a variety of effects pop up. If you don't see Green Screen right away, don't worry! Select the magnifying glass icon and type Green Screen. Once you find it, select it.
Step 3: Once you select Green Screen you are going to tap your Reels screen to begin editing. From here, you will see an option titled Add Media. Select it and choose the photo or video you would like to have behind you. Once select, you're set to start recording your Reel!
How to use the Small Business Q&A Effect in Instagram Reels
Step 1: Open up Instagram Reels and select Effects (just like in the instructions above). Once you're on the effects screen, you will need to select the magnifying glass. When the search menu opens, type in Small Business. There will be a few different ones that pop up but select the first one in the screenshot below.
Step 2: Once you select the Small Business Q & A effect, you will notice a box will appear over your head. This box is going to generate questions for you to answer. To get this effect going, simply press the record button and tap the box. This will start to generate questions. If you would like to answer more than one question, simply tap the box again and it will generate another.
How to Find Trending Effects
It's important to take a look at what Effects are trending within Instagram Reels because this can help increase your reach and discoverability. Take some time and scroll through them because you never know what you'll find!
Step 1: When you are in the Effects area of Instagram Reels, select the Trending tab. This will show you all of the most popular effects people are using.
How to Set a Time Limit on Your Instagram Reels Recording
This is a really helpful tool when you are stitching together multiple clips into one Reel.
By selecting the timer icon, you’ll be able to select how long your clip can be before recording it. A bar will pop up that shows you how many seconds you have left and the slider lets you adjust the length of the video you’ll be adding.
After setting the time limit, you’ll click on the Reels button to start recording and a 3-second countdown timer will appear before the recording starts.
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How to Align Multiple Clips in Instagram Reels
If you’re stitching together multiple video clips of one subject in a Reel, you’ll definitely want to check out the align feature.
This feature will overlay the final frame of your previous clip so that you can align the one you are recording for clean continuity. Just make sure to select the align icon (the last option on the left side of your screen) before recording your next video snippet.
We could explain it for you here, but you’re better off checking out our tutorial!
https://youtu.be/0RUDSFia47o
TIP: The alignment editor will only appear after you’ve recorded at least one clip.
How to Use Text-to-Voice
Step 1: Open the video you'd like to edit within Instagram Reels. Then, add your text by selecting the text icon in the top right-hand corner.
Step 2: After adding your text in, you'll notice a text bubble on the bottom left-hand side of your screen. Select it.
Step 3: Once you have selected the small text bubble in the bottom left-hand corner, you will notice there are 3 dots on the text bubble. If you select those 3 dots, you will see the option to add Text-to-Speech or to delete, select Text-to-Speech.
Step 4: Once Text-to-Speech is selected, you will notice that you have a choice between 2 voices. Select the voice you prefer and you're all set! You now have a voice synced with your text.
How to use Closed Captions in Instagram Reels
Step 1: Upload your video into Instagram Reels where you are speaking or there is some sort of voice in the background. Once that is uploaded, select the Sticker icon in the top row.
Step 2: Once the Sticker icon has been selected, you will see the option for Captions. Select it.
Step 3: Once Captions have been selected, you will then have closed captions on your video! If you notice that it isn't picking up a word correctly, you can tap into the text and edit it to say what you want it to say. You can also move this text around and position it exactly where you would like it.
https://youtu.be/KY47pgGNTzc
How to Add a Voiceover in Instagram Reels
Step 1: Open Instagram Reels and Record or select a previously recorded video. Once you have the video select Add then Preview. This will bring you to the editing screen.
Step 2: Once in the editing screen, select the Music icon at the top.
Step 3: Once inside of the Music screen, select Voiceovers which will be the bottom middle option.
Step 4: Select the red record button and record your voiceover. Once complete, select the same red record button to stop it.
Step 5: When the voiceover is complete, select Done and then you're all set! Your voiceover has been added to your Reel.
https://youtu.be/xXz8ZLoDDAI
How to Remix a video
Remixing a video is a great option if you want to film a reaction to someone else's video or if you want to add some more information. This is a very popular feature on TikTok, but let's chat about how to do it within Reels!
Step 1: Find the Reel you would like to react to and select the 3 buttons in the bottom right-hand corner. Then, select Remix this Reel.
Step 2: Once you are in the Reels creation area, film your video, add some effects or text if you want and then post! It's a super easy feature that can add a lot of value.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xWfkhfKvAQ
Where to find your Reels Insights
It's important to review your Instagram Reels insights to see what is performing well and what isn't. It's best to revolve your content around what your audience enjoys and interacts with. Check out the video below to discover where to find your Reels Insights and how to read them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSvId6UrjPc
How to Schedule an Instagram Reel in HeyOrca
You can schedule your Instagram Reels with HeyOrca! You will be able to plan, collaborate and schedule your Reels all in one place. Check out how it works. Instagram does not allow direct publishing to Reels just yet
Step 1: Create an Instagram Post on the calendar.
Step 2: In the post type section, click the drop-down menu and change the “post” to “Reels”. This will format your post so that it is cropped to the dimensions you need for posting. Your Reels posts will be labelled on the calendar to differentiate from other Instagram posts.
Step 3: Edit your Reel! You will be able to add multiple pieces of media, and then you’ll be able to combine them when posting to the Instagram App. You’ll be able to get your approvals from your team as well as make comments or leave feedback!
Step 4: When your Reel is scheduled, HeyOrca will send a notification to your HeyOrca Mobile App or Email 5 minutes before the scheduled posting time. In order to publish the Reel, now you’ll need to download the media contents from the HeyOrca mobile app/email, and then post to Instagram.
See - easy peasy!
How to Publish an Instagram Reel
Now that you’ve created and edited your first Reel, there’s one final step left: Publishing it for the world to see! Here’s how you’ll do it:
- Click the right arrow that says "Preview" beside the Reels recording button.
- Here you’ll be able to review your Reel in full before publishing it. You can also edit the post with drawings, stickers, or text.
- Once you’re satisfied with your Reel, click the Next arrow at the bottom of your screen.
- Here you’ll be able to select a cover story from the recording (or add your own from your media library), add a caption (don’t forget to include popular Instagram Hashtags), and tag other users.
- You can choose to share it to Instagram Reels, share it as a Story and/or to Facebook. If you choose to share it as a Story, it will disappear after 24 hours, like a typical Instagram Story.
- You also have the option of sharing your Reel to your Instagram Feed. Use the toggle to turn that option on or off.
- If you’re ready to show the world your Reel, press the Share button. If you want to come back to your Reel and share it later, you can always save it as a draft.
Once your Instagram Reel has been published, you can check it out by visiting your profile and clicking the Reels tab on your profile which is located just under your bio. That’s it … you did it!
How to Use Instagram Reels for Your Business and Clients
Now that you know how to record, edit, and post your first Instagram Reel, you’re probably wondering what content you should be sharing.
Here are four ways you can use Instagram Reels to drive reach and engagement for your clients and your agency:
- Share a behind-the-scenes look at your business - Your audience (as well as new potential customers) want to get to know your personality. Create Reels that showcase your team or offer a sneak-peak at a new project. This is an excellent opportunity to have fun, be creative, and show your true colors!
- Leverage influencers - Just as your existing strategy on Instagram and TikTok might involve Influencers, so too can your Instagram Reels strategy. Remember to partner with influencers who represent the values of your brand. Instagram users worldwide two-thirds of which are under the age of 35 are savvy and can easily spot inauthentic partnerships.
- Provide informative and educational content - “How To’s” are an excellent (and non-salesy) way to engage with your audience. The key to success here is to provide helpful resources that will resonate with your prospective audience. If you or your client sell athletic sneakers, you may want to share a series of 15 second stretches to reduce soreness after a run. Run a bakery? Share “So Yummy” style explainer video clips on how to create mouth-watering desserts. You’re probably thinking that 15 seconds is too little time to provide a solid how-to video. You’re probably right, but you can always share a series of Reels or direct people to a link in your bio.
- Showcase your product or service in action - Whether you’re launching a new product or service or highlighting an existing one, you can frame your Reels in a way that subtly promote the benefits of your offerings and address the pain points they resolve.
- Hype people up for your sale or promotion - Tease or announce promotions on your product or service using Instagram Reels. You can even run a social media contest. As always, make sure that you are following Instagram’s Promotion Guidelines.
- Start a challenge - We’ve seen our share of internet challenges over the years, and there’s no doubt that the internet loves them. Get creative and start your own! Just make sure it doesn’t include anything dangerous or offensive (IE: we’re looking at you Tide Pod Challenge folks 🤦)
- Ask engaging questions - Asking questions on social media is a great way to engage your audience and boost interactions. Instagram Reels is the perfect platform to flex your creative muscles while asking fun or thought-provoking questions.
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Get Inspired by These Examples of Brands Using Instagram Reels
Looking for ways to use Instagram Reels for your business or clients? A little inspiration can go a long way.
Here are just a few examples of Instagram Reels from brands and influencers:
HeyOrca Instagram Reel Examples
We love creating Reels here at HeyOrca. Here are some of our favourites.
Social media news & trends
A post shared by #1 Social Media Calendar (@heyorca)
Hiring updates
A post shared by #1 Social Media Calendar (@heyorca)
Our Planet Daily Instagram Reel Example
People on the internet go nuts for cute animals. While you might not have any bear cubs in your (home) office, sharing videos of your pets can be a solid way of generating some engagement and helping people connect with your brand on a personal level.
A post shared by OUR PLANET DAILY (@ourplanetdaily)
Maybelline Instagram Reel Example
Remember when we mentioned creating challenges? Here’s Maybelline’s #maybeitsmaybelline challenge in action.
A post shared by Maybelline New York (@maybelline)
Burger King Instagram Reel Example
Burger King is no slouch when it comes to using humor in their ads. Check out how they leveraged Reels for some serious LOLs.
A post shared by Burger King (@burgerking)
Redbull Instagram Reel Example
Here’s Redbull doing what Redbull does best; engaging their target audience with extreme videos that they’ll love.
A post shared by Burger King (@burgerking)
ASOS Instagram Reel Example
Fashion giant, ASOS, can be seen here using the align feature on Instagram Reels to create instant wardrobe changes.
Netflix Instagram Reel Example
Netflix keeps their IG Reels nice and simple. They just use the original content from their shows and movies and share them directly into Reels. This goes to show that Instagram Reels are just another channel that you could use to get your content in front of the eyes of your audience.
A post shared by Netflix US (@netflix)
There you have it! Now that you’ve learned everything you need to know about Instagram Reels, how are you planning on using them? Let us know on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok or give us a shout if you have any questions! Interested to know more about the Reels algorithm? Check out our article here.
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