Reels are the perfect opportunity to extend your reach, boost engagement, as well as build your community. Their popularity (as well as their viral nature) is undeniable.
However, creating Reels on Instagram does take time, skill, as well as effort. In this guide, we’ll help you tap into the power of Reels, create your own, as well as share our tried-and-tested tips for making them great.
What Are Instagram Reels? –
Instagram Reels are fun, short-form videos well-suited to share entertaining, educational, as well as inspiring content on the app.
Similar to TikTok, Reels are displayed in vertical format for an endless, scrollable feed. You can record as well as edit 15 to 60-second clips set to trending music, as well as add filters or text. Along with the best part? Instagram Reels are suggested to users based on their interests, making them a great way to tap into new, relevant audiences.
Storyboard Your Concept –
You know how the saying goes, failing to plan is planning to fail. So, before you step in front of the red light, it’s best to put a plan in place. Here are some questions to answer and get you started:
- What topic would make the most sense for your business or brand – fashion and styling? Food recipes? Wellness tips?
- Are there any that feel like a natural fit for your brand right now?
- How will your Reels content be cohesive with your Instagram feed posts or Stories?
- Who is your target audience and what type of content will speak to them? It could be tutorials, behind-the-scenes, or a “day in the life.”
From there, spend time perusing the app and take stock of visuals, text, trends, and aesthetics that you could borrow inspiration from. Once you’ve got a solid understanding of your direction, storyboard your content by breaking down the clips you need to shoot to make the concept work.
That way, you’ll gain a visual understanding of how your Reels will turn out – and have a clear plan to work from!
Shoot Your Instagram Reel –
Now it’s time to shoot your Instagram Reel. You can create and access IG Reels in three different ways:
- The Reels tab
- Your Instagram home screen
- The Instagram Stories camera
- Preview and Add Additional AR Effects and Text
Once you’re happy with the clips, tap on over to “Preview”. To bring your content to life, you can take advantage of Instagram’s many effects. If you’re familiar with Instagram Stories tools, you’ll recognize most of these tools:
- Text: Say more by adding text to your Reels.
- Draw: Use the draw tool to add some extra flare.
- Stickers: Include captions, GIFs, the time, and a plethora of fun Instagram stickers.
- AR effects: Search from Instagram’s endless gallery of AR effects created by Instagram and creators around the world.
- Filters: Swipe left to access filters to add to your Reels.
- Audio: In case you missed it earlier, you can also add audio from Instagram’s music library at this stage – in addition to recording a voiceover, or adding sound effects.
Explore trending audio on Instagram by heading to the Reels tab – take a scroll and note any tracks that have the “trending” arrow for your next clip.
To sum it up
Equipped with a plan, some creativity, and an effect or two, you’ll be reaping the rewards (engagement) of Instagram Reels in no time.
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