If you’ve been following Instagram for a long time, and you’re not tempted to build a following on TikTok all over again, Reels is the perfect Instagram thing. Here is a guide to Instagram Reels with deep dives into what Reels is and how to use Instagram reels.
First launched in Brazil in late 2019, Instagram Reels are now available in more than 50 countries, including the U.S., the UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan, on both iOS and Android for the widely anticipated feature of Reels.
What are Instagram Reels?
Instagram Reels went live in August 2020 for the majority of users. Instagram Reels allow you to share 15-30 second videos with others in a new dedicated feed on the Explore page. With Reels, anyone can become a creator on Instagram and reach new audiences worldwide.
Instagram says if your Reel is featured on Explore, you’ll receive a notification. Featured reels are a collection of public reels offered by Instagram to help you discover original content. Facebook attempts to compete with TikTok, which is also aimed at short-form video creation and is especially popular for further generations. Therefore, Reels invites you to create fun videos to share with your friends or anyone on Instagram.
How to create Instagram Reels?
Look at the reels of other accounts or brands you like on the Explore page before making your own. Get a sense of what works, what you want, and what inspires you to create. You can access and develop Reels in 3 different ways:
1. The Instagram home screen
2. The Reels tab
3. The Instagram Stories camera
1] Instagram Home Screen
While browsing through other people’s reels, just hit the plus icon on the top left-hand side of the screen, and it will take you to Create Mode.
2] Reels Tab
You can access the Reels by tapping the + icon on the top right of your Instagram homepage, then scroll to the bottom of the screen and hit the Reels tab. Now create your reels.
3] Instagram stories camera
Here’s how to create Instagram reels using the Instagram Stories camera menu. To get started, first open the Instagram Stories camera and then click on the Reels icon, located either between the default Normal Mode and Create Mode or on the bottom menu next to Story.
When you’re in Create Mode, you can upload video clips by:
Uploading prerecorded videos –
- Tap the gallery icon at the bottom of your screen or swipe up. It’s important to know that Instagram does not currently support the addition of images to Reels.
- Once you have selected the video, use the trimming tool at the bottom to edit the length. The clip will play repeatedly and, a bar at the top indicates how much of the video time you have left. Like in stories, you have access to the same options for adding text, drawing on the video, and adding Instagram stickers.
- Once you have the desired amount of clips you want to include, click on the Upload button at the top right of your screen.
Filming a video directly from the app-
- Like with Stories, you’ll need to hold the Instagram Reels icon when creating Mode.
- You can also use the Reels editor tools while recording to enhance your videos.
- Note that these features are to be selected before you register for the video.
Using videos recorded in your app + prerecorded videos together –
- You don’t have to stick to one method. You can create your Reel using a combination of in-app and prerecorded videos.
- IG Reels enables you to upload only videos to your gallery, which means you won’t need to search through the entire image library to find past recordings. To do this, click the Gallery button at the top left of your screen and select the Videos.
How to download Instagram Reels
Follow our exhaustive guide on how you can download your and other’s Instagram Reels on your computer or smartphone. We have shown how you can do it using Screen Recorder, third-party tools, and more.
How to edit Instagram Reels
There are editing options on the left side of the screen on Instagram Reels. When you upload prerecorded videos from your gallery, you can only use the Music editor. The rest of the features are available only to videos filmed through the app and can only be selected before recording. Here’s what you can do:
- Select Audio: Choose an audio file from the Instagram library. Did you know that you can set up a reel with your original audio? If so, you can share your Reel on Instagram with your original audio, and other people can use it if they have a public account for them to use by clicking Use Audio from the Reel.
- Countdown and Timer: You can set a timer to record any of your clips hands-free. When you press record, a 3-2-1 countdown appears before the recording begins for the amount of time you have selected.
- AR Effects: Record multiple clips with different effects by selecting an effect from the gallery created by Instagram and creators worldwide.
- Align: Align objects from your previous video before you record your new one to help create seamless transitions between the two. This is useful for moments like costume changes or adding new friends to a reel.
- Speed: Choose to slow down or speed up parts of the video or audio you selected. This will help you keep up with the song or slow down the action.
How to share Instagram Reels
After editing and creating your first Reel, it’s time to share it with the world! Here’s how you do that:
- Click on the right arrow next to the Reels recording button.
- Your Reel will be instantly available for review before you publish it. You can also customize it with stickers, text, or drawings.
- Once you’re ready, click the right arrow beneath your screen.
- Add a caption (don’t forget to use popular Instagram hashtags), and tag other users to your Story.
- It can be shared as an Instagram Story or an Instagram Reel. If you share it as a Story, it will disappear after 24 hours.
- Click the Share button if you’re ready to share your Reel. You can permanently save it as a draft and come back to it later.
What if you have a Private Account?
You can share your Reel on your Feed so only your followers can see it. Nobody can use the original audio from your reels, and people cannot share your Reels with others who do not follow you.
When your Instagram Reel is published, you can check it out by visiting your profile and clicking the Reels tab located just below your bio.
So, these are the various ways of using your Instagram Reels. I hope this post will help you create, edit, and share your reels with your friends.
