On the Instagram app, this type of media takes the form of Reels. Similar to Tik Tok, Instagram Reels allow you to create short edited videos and add music, text, and more. Since Reels were introduced, they have become extremely popular, and are being pushed by Instagram on their Explore page. If you’re growing an influencer page or brand to be relevant to the Instagram algorithm, it’s vital to learn how to create Reels.  In this article, you’ll get a tutorial on how to create and post a Reel to your Instagram profile.

How to Make a Reel

To make a great Reel, prepare the video clips you’ll be using or know what you want to film. This will make it easier to create a professional-looking video. Follow the steps below to create your Reel.  From this next screen, you’ll be able to add more effects to your clip, but you won’t be able to trim or delete clips here. However, you can still go back by tapping the back arrow in the top left corner to alter your clips. 

Editing Your Instagram Reel

At the top of the screen, you’ll see some buttons you can tap to add different effects. Here’s what each of them does. When you’ve added all the effects you want to your Reel, you can tap on Next at the bottom right to change your post settings. On this page, you can write your caption, choose to share your Reel to your feed as well, crop the profile image, tag others, rename the added audio, add a location, and choose whether to recommend it to others on a connected Facebook account.  After you’ve changed these settings, you can tap Share to post it now, or choose Save as draft to keep this Reel in your drafts to edit or post later. 

Tips for Making Reels

Anybody on Instagram can make a Reel, but if you want yours to get views and good engagement, there are some methods you can follow. 

One of the best ways to get more views on your Reels is to use audio that’s trending on Instagram. This will get viewers to watch your Reel because they’re hearing audio that is likely familiar to them. To find audio that’s trending on Instagram, you can go to add audio during your Reel creation and go to any section. Tap on See more next to it, and you’ll be able to see the number of Reels using certain audio. Aim for audio that is being used on over 10k Reels. 

Create a Good Hook

You only have a limited time to keep a viewer’s attention, so make sure to capture it. You can do this by urging viewers not to scroll, saying that you are sharing important information, using audio that will grab attention, or starting your Reel with footage that is exciting. It’s also a good idea to have some text at the beginning of your Reel stating what it will be about. This also includes having a good cover image.

Use Relevant Hashtags

Using the right hashtags will ensure that your reel shows up when someone is searching on a related topic. For example, if your Reel involves food, you’ll want to use hashtags that revolve around this niche that are popular on Instagram. You can see popular ones by typing a hashtag and a related term, and similar popular hashtags will appear. 

Utilize Reels on Instagram to Grow Your Profile

The Reels feature is now a central part of Instagram, so it’s important to understand how to create and use them if you want your brand or profile to grow. Thankfully, the learning curve isn’t too steep and there are many simple ways to make professional-looking Reels that will get more eyes on your Instagram page.