Your Simple Guide To Instagram Reels
Just when you think you have become a master of your Social Media domain, Instagram adds a new feature. Drumroll, please….Introducing Instagram Reels!
Instagram Reels can be intimidating, especially if you don't see many others join in on the fun (trust us, it IS fun), which is why it is the perfect time to join Reels! Early adopters tend to be the most influential people within any market space and typically are considered thought leaders in their industry. Sounds great, right?
By the end of this blog, you will know how to use the key features of Instagram Reels, so you can be camera ready to start creating!
What are Reels?
Instagram Reels is a new way to create and discover short, entertaining videos on Instagram. This new feature is similar to the popular app TikTok. Unlike regular posts to the feed, Reels are silly, creative, and imperfect. Embrace your quirks on this platform as they are what make you unique!
What should I post on Reels?
Start by getting familiar with the format. The best way to do this is by scrolling through your Reels feed on Instagram. Save anything that grabs your attention, makes you laugh, or stops you from scrolling.
We like to scroll through Reels to find popular sounds and put our own twist on it.
Check out our reel where we did a twist on the classic song "Jump in the Line" by Belafonte to share common questions we get from small business owners.
Like the rest of your social content, what you post should relate to your audience's interests in your niche. Aim for digestible, informative, and entertaining content.
How do I make Reels?
Go to your Instagram Camera and select Reels. You will see a menu on the left side of your screen with a variety of tools.
Audio: You can select featured tracks to find popular tunes or use the search bar to find a specific sound.
Speed: Choose to speed up or slow down your videos.
AR Effects: Like stories, you have a gallery of effects available to add to your Reels. We like to add brand-friendly filters to our to keep a cohesive look between videos.
Timer: Set your timer and record clips hands-free; you can use the timer feature to select how long you want to record. You have the option to set a 3-second or a 10-second countdown.
Align: This function lines up a still from your previous clip; this can help create seamless transitions or consistency when filming multiple takes.
Reels can be recorded in the Instagram app or uploaded from your image gallery. Reels duration can be up to 30 seconds. In our experience, shorter is better; it increases the chances of rewatches and increasing your view count.
How should I share my Reels?
Once your Reel has been filmed, like stories, you can add text, stickers, and draw.
Add closed captions in your Reels, so your video is accessible to the hearing impaired or people who are scrolling with their volume off.
Pay attention to your dimensions when editing your Reels.
One mistake we see a lot is accounts adding text that is not readable. Add text to the center of the screen; text in the top and bottom half of the video will get cut off if you share your Reel to your feed. Refer to our dimensions guide below for further information on this topic.
Like a regular post, you can add a caption and hashtags. You can either select a frame from your Reel or upload your own photo from your image gallery for your preview image.
We like to create cover photos in Canva that includes a clear clickable title and our 365 branding.
When you are about to post, your "share to feed" button will be enabled; this can be manually turned off. Sharing to your feed will allow your followers to see your creation in both the Reels feed and the standard IG feed. If you aren't ready to share your Reel just yet, you can save it as a draft.
Creating and posting your first Instagram Reel can be nerve-wracking and an overwhelming experience.
It is expected to second guess yourself on something you have never tried before.
However, trust us, it WILL get easier over time; we promise, just give it a go!
If you need more inspiration on what to post, check out this blog by Social Media Camp on Ideas on What to Post on Reels.
For more Reels, ideas and tips, follow us on Instagram @365daymedia.