How to Make an Instagram Reel (Step-by-step Guide):
Here’s how to make Instagram Reels, in four simple steps:
Prefer following along on video? Watch our YouTube tutorial: How to Make Instagram Reels (Film & Edit – Full Beginner’s Tutorial!)
Step #1: 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 to get you started:
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What topic would make the most sense for your business or brand — fashion and styling? Food recipes? Wellness tips?
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How will your Reels content be cohesive with your Instagram feed posts or Stories?
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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. Keep in mind that authentic content and storytelling resonate more with audiences and are favored by Instagram’s algorithm. Share relatable stories and behind-the-scenes content to connect with your audience. Genuine storytelling fosters trust and enhances engagement.
Once you’ve got a solid understanding of your direction, storyboard your content by breaking down the clips you need to shoot in order 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.
Step #2: Shoot Your Instagram Reel
Now it’s time to shoot your Instagram Reel.
You can make and access Instagram Reels in three different ways:
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The Reels tab
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Your Instagram home screen
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The Instagram Stories camera
1. How to Make a Reel From the Reels Tab
To create a Reel from the Reels tab, tap the Reels tab and press the camera icon on the top right of your screen:
2. How to Make a Reel From the Instagram Home Screen
To make a Reel from the Instagram home screen, tap the “+” on the bottom of the screen and tap “Reel” from the bottom menu:
3. How to Make a Reel From the Instagram Stories Camera
To create a Reel using the Instagram Stories camera, swipe left from Instagram’s home screen to access the Stories camera.
From there, tap “Reel” from the bottom menu:
Reels can be recorded in a series of clips, in a single stream, or shot externally and uploaded.
To add external clips from your camera roll to your Reel, select the “+” icon in the bottom left corner:
To shoot footage internally in the Reels app, hold the recording circle at the bottom of the screen:
You can add music to your footage by tapping the audio icon and searching for a song from Instagram’s music library. Or, use your own original audio by tapping “Import” and uploading it:
You can also select which part of a song you want to feature:
When you share a Reel with original audio, your audio will be attributed to you.
So, if you have a public account, users can create Reels with your audio by selecting “Use Audio” from your Reel.
From the left sidebar, you’ll also have the option to choose the speed of your video (the default is 1x) from .3x, .5x, 1x, 2x, 3x, or 4x:
For hands-free filming, take advantage of Instagram’s timer and countdown effect.
The timer allows you to record any of your clips hands-free. Once you press record, you’ll see a 3-2-1 countdown, before recording begins for the amount of time you selected:
You’ll also have the option to align your clips. This tool comes in handy when you’re looking to create seamless transitions between moments in your footage:
To access effects, tap the three-star icon above the record button. There you can browse Instagram’s effects gallery:
To easily trim, reorder, or add additional clips, tap “Next” then “Edit clips.”
To delete a clip, tap it and press “Discard.”
Ready to plan all your Instagram content in advance? Create a account today and easily plan, organize, and schedule your content on Instagram in one platform.
Step #3: Preview and Add Additional AR Effects and Text
Once you’re happy with the clips, tap “Next” and “Preview.”
To bring your content to life, you can take advantage of Instagram’s many effects. Because a lot of Instagram users watch videos without sound, incorporating on-screen text and captions has become essential. To enhance accessibility and engagement, use on-screen text and captions in your Reels. Instagram’s closed caption sticker can automatically generate subtitles, making your content more inclusive.
If you’re familiar with Instagram Stories tools, you’ll recognize most of these:
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Text: Say more by adding text to your Reels.
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Draw: Use the draw tool to add some extra flair.
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Stickers: Include captions, GIFs, the time, and a plethora of fun Instagram stickers.
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AR effects: Search from Instagram’s endless gallery of AR effects created by Instagram and creators around the world.
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Filters: Swipe left to access filters to add to your Reels.
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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.
TIP: 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. Leveraging trending audio can increase the visibility of your Reels, as the algorithm favors content that uses popular sounds.
ICYMI: Bookmark our Instagram Reels trends blog to keep up with trending Reels sounds.
Step #4: Share Your Instagram Reel
Now it’s time to share your creation.
Choose a cover photo by tapping “Edit cover” and write a captivating caption that speaks to your Reel:
From here, toggle whether you’d like to share your Reel to the Instagram Feed. We recommend sharing on Feed for the best reach.
To tag Instagram accounts in your Reel, tap “Tag People” — here you’ll also have the option to invite a collaborator.
If the user accepts your invite to collab, your post will be shared with their followers, and they’ll be shown as a co-author on the post:
You can also add a location, tag products, add up to three topics, and toggle “Recommend on Facebook” to increase your reach.
Finally, tap “Share.”
And just like that, you’ve successfully posted your very first Reel — job done!
