Reels on Instagram: Making Reels is a simple way to produce creative videos of up to 90 seconds on Instagram. You can add music, text, and filters, change the playback speed, and other editing features.
To learn how to use Reels, we explain the step-by-step steps to create one from scratch. Check!
What is a Reels?
Table of Contents
Reels is an Instagram video creation tool, which brings together features similar to those of the social network TikTok. Therefore, it offers resources to dub songs and do choreography challenges. And, of course, create “magical” transformation effects, famous in the “neighboring network”.
Instagram’s algorithms prioritize original content. This means that an entire movie created on Reels is more likely to be considered relevant by the platform. As a result, you’ll be more likely to reach more people in the Explore section.
But this condition only applies to public account profiles. Those who have the private profile can use Reels, but the result is only displayed in their feed and can only be seen by their followers.
How to Make Reels on Instagram
How to record a Reels
1. Open the Instagram app and tap on the + icon at the top of the screen on the right. In the menu that opens, go to Reels Video;
2. Note that on the next screen, there will be a circle at the bottom, which simulates a shutter button. Tap on it and hold to record. When you want to stop recording, just take your finger out of the circle;
3. In Reels, you can record multiple sequences separately. Each time you hold the circle/shutter and release, a new snippet is recorded, in sequence;
- The sequence, however, can be changed through the post-editing tools, as we will explain further below.
4. You can also add photos and videos that are already in the phone’s gallery. To do this, simply tap on the square with a + icon at the bottom left of the screen.
5. Then you can continue recording the sequence or add more files from the device, as explained in the previous steps. When you’re done, go to the Preview button in the lower-right corner of the screen to access the post-production features.
Reels editing tools
When recording your Reels, you’ll notice some icons on the side, top, and bottom of the screen. Each of them corresponds to an editing tool, such as including music, timer or changing the playback speed, for example.
We explain the function of all to know exactly which ones to use.
Duration
By default, Reels have 15 seconds. But if you want a longer duration, just tap on the Duration icon and select between 15, 30, 60, or 90 seconds.
Attention: it is necessary to choose the time before you start recording. After the recording has started, you can no longer change.
Audio
Through the feature, you can choose the soundtrack of your Reels, when searching for songs in the Instagram Library. On the iPhone, there’s also the option to import audio from videos available on the camera roll.
The user is able to select exactly what part of the melody will use. This excerpt will play throughout the film.
Playback speed
You can change the playback speed of Reels videos by speeding it up or down (slow motion effect). Just tap on the 1x icon to make the switch to one of the following options.
- 1/3: makes the speed 3 times slower than normal.
- 1/2: reduces speed to half of normal
- 1x: Normal speed, no change
- 2x: Accelerates to normal speed by two times.
- 3x: Accelerates to normal speed by three times.
- 4x: Accelerates the normal speed by four times.
On Android, the speed options are displayed as .3x (the equivalent of 1/3), . 5x (5 times slower than normal), 1x, 2x, and 3x.
Layout
By tapping the Layout function icon and then tapping Change Grid, you can split the screen into different arrangements. Between them, screen divided in half horizontally or vertically, in three, four or six parts.
Videos from each of these parts of the screen will be recorded separately but displayed at the same time. In fact, the audios of each of them are superimposed.
Timer
The timer allows you to record the videos without using your hands, that is, without having to hold the shutter, at the bottom of the screen, while recording. You can use the feature during the entire production or only in some stretch.
The user can also opt for the 3 or 10 second countdown, as per their need. Then just tap on the shutter button to start shooting.
Double
The Dual feature has as an icon the image of a camera and allows you to record, simultaneously with the rear and front camera. By giving two taps of the larger screen, the app changes the camera that appears prominently, even while recording.
Align
As we have already said, it is possible to record the excerpts of Reels at different times. If you want the transition from one to the other to be seamless, we suggest that you use the Align feature.
By tapping on the icon of two squares, a kind of “figure” is displayed, with its last position in the previous section. For continuity to be good, just “fit” the image and then go back to recording.
Effects
You know those famous Stories effects? They are also available at Reels. Just tap on the icon formed by three stars to see all available options.
If you want to search for a specific one, go to the magnifying glass icon in the left corner of the filter menu. Tap on the one you like to use in your video.
Reels post-production tools
We call post-production tools the features that allow you to edit the video after it is recorded and before it is published. They are accessed by completing the shoot and tapping on the Preview button.
Save
Tapping on that little arrow-down icon at the top of the screen saves the video, as is, to your phone’s gallery.
Audio
The feature allows you to adjust the volume of the music (if you have included) and the audio of the camera of the phone, separately. In the Sound Effect option, the user can also add fun effects. There are sounds like applause, evil laughter, punch, gas, among others.
If you want, you can also record a narration or any audio, tap Voice overlay. You can choose the snippet of the video where you want this audio to start.
On Android, the Voice Overlay feature is available outside of audio tools. The function can be accessed through the icon of a microphone at the top of the screen.
Effects
Allows you to insert effects and filters, even after the video has been recorded. The feature works in exactly the same way as the Effects during recording. The main difference is that it will be applied to the whole film and not just to the selected excerpt.
Figurine
Not everyone knows, but just like in Stories, Reels has the Stickers feature, but with fewer options. There are stickers, GIFs, and stickers, and also poll, test, and question box with thermometer.
Design
The feature allows you to draw freehand on your Reels. Among the available styles are pencils, text markings, and neon dashes. You can also trace arrows and change colors.
Text
As the name suggests, the feature allows you to insert phrases and text into the videos. There are different types of fonts, colors, and even presentation effects.
It can be a good option for those who need to subtitle the contents. After all, the user is able to choose the time to start and end the display of the text.
Just tap on the text at the bottom of the screen. Then, you must select the moment, in the timeline, displayed just below, as shown in the image.
Edit clips
The feature allows you to reorder the snippets, as well as add a new one if there is still time available. You can also delete the snippets and edit the start and end time of each.
Just tap on the part you want and choose to Delete or drag the timeline to the sweet spot.
How to Share Reels
After recording and making all the desired adjustments, tap the Next button to access the Reels publishing screen. Now there’s little left to share the video with your Instagram followers. Check out the available options below.
Edit cover
Note that above the thumbnail, there is the Edit Skin option. By tapping on it, you can select a different snippet from the one automatically chosen by the social network. Or, if you prefer, you can use an image from your phone’s gallery.
The cover is the static presentation image, displayed in the Reels tab of your feed.
Caption
In the Write a caption field, you can type a video description, an explanation, or simply include text that you find interesting. If you want to attract new followers, don’t forget to use hashtags that have to do with the content.
Tag people
As its name implies, the option allows you to tag other Instagram users in your Reels. If your account is private, you’ll only be able to add followers. If it’s public, you can include people who don’t follow you, if they also have public accounts.
Add location
Through the feature, you can insert a location to the video. It can be the name of the neighborhood, city, establishment, etc. If you have the profile open, you’ll allow people searching for the location on Instagram to find your Reels.
Share
Tap on the Share button to complete the process and publish Reels.
How to make Reels with a ready-made video
Creating a Reels using ready-made video, from your phone’s gallery, is simple. However, Instagram offers fewer editing and customization features than those available to make the film entirely on the platform.
1. Open the Instagram app and tap on the + icon at the top of the screen on the right. In the menu that opens, go to Reels Video;
2. By default, Reels videos are 15 seconds long. But you can change it to 30, 60, or 90 seconds by tapping on the icon available in the side menu;
3. Now, go to the square icon with a +, in the lower left corner of the screen, to access the gallery of images of the mobile;
4. Tap on the video you want to share on the Reels. And that’s it!
You can resize the video and change the playback speed, as well as edit the start and end of the movie through the timeline. Then, go to Add and go to the post-production screen in Next.
From now on, the editing and publishing process is the same as recording a Reels all through the app, as we explained in the steps above.
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