How to create Instagram reels.
Instagram has recently released a short TikTok-like video feature called Instagram reels.
It allows users to create entertaining 15 second videos with audio effects and other new creative options.
If you don’t feel inspired, you can just watch what other people are creating!
The reels can be shared with your Instagram followers as well as your home feed. If your account is public, you can make it visible to the whole community in the new Explore section of the platform.
This way anyone can become a creator and reach a global audience!
You can watch your own Reels in the Profile section of your account.
How to watch Instagram reels
If you want to explore Reels posted by others, follow these steps:
1. Open Instagram on iOS or iPadOS.
2. Press the To explore tab, the magnifying glass icon available in the Instagram menu at the bottom left.
3. A reel automatically starts playing in a video window displayed in the center of your screen titled “Reels”. Press it and you will enter the Instagram Reels feed.
4. You can now interact with the video using the same gestures that work on the normal Instagram feed.
Point: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the next reel.
How to interact with an Instagram reel
– Double tap the screen love the coil! (or press the “Heart” icon, available in the lower left corner to achieve the same result).
– Tap the text bubble to leave a comment. You can also scroll through the comments and see what others are saying on the Reel and join the discussion.
– Use paper airplane icon if you want to add the video to your story or direct message it to your Instagram friends.
– The three dots icon allows you to fine tune the Reels feed by notifying the algorithm of videos you don’t like. (Press “Not interested”).
How to make Instagram reels
1. Open the Instagram app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Open the Camera, tap the Camera icon at the top left available on the Instagram home screen.
Tower: or swipe right on the home screen to view Instagram camera.
3. Press on ‘Coils’. available at the bottom of the screen, next to “History”.
4. Press the “Record button” to capture a video for Instagram Reels, or use one that’s already available in your Photos app.
Tower: Slide your finger up to display the CameraRoll.
5. Cut the chosen video. You are only allowed to use 15 seconds of a sequence.
How to edit Instagram reels
6. Enhance your video using the Audio, Speed, Effects and Timer editing tools, available on the left of the viewfinder.
– Audio: Provides access to all the music available on Instagram. The songs are divided into the “For You” tab which provides automatic suggestions. You can also press Browse to search for your own song.
-> Select a song and select the 15 second part you want to use.
– Speed: Press the Play button to change the speed of your video. You can make it faster (up to 3x) or slow it down to 0.3X.
– Effects: You can add AR effects like you do in Instagram Stories. You can choose from an effect that you have used before or scroll for the Browse Effects option.
– Timer: helps you set the duration of a clip. You can create a reel by combining multiple clips that total 15 seconds.
Point: Each recording starts after a 3 second countdown. Repeat until you have completed your spool.
– Stickers, Sketch and Text Tool are also available to provide the ultimate fine tuning for your spool!
– Select a cover: from an existing video image or upload a photo from your Camera Roll.
Share Instagram reels
– Your Instagram Reels are automatically shared on the Explore page and become available in the Reels tab, on your profile.
– However, you can also share your reel with your Instagram stories by selecting the “Stories” tab available at the top of the Share page.
– Check the option “ Also share in feed ” to make the reel public on your Instagram feed.
-> Press “Share” and be patient until the reel is downloaded.
Instagram Reels algorithm
Instagram suggests Reels based on the accounts you follow. the type of content you interact with and what interests you.
Coils are also suggested based on your location.
The more you use the Reels feed, the more accurate the algorithm will become if you help it by liking the videos you like and tagging the ones you don’t.
Instagram Reels tips and tricks
– Borrow audio: If you’re watching a video of a song you like and want to use it in your own Reel, just tap the song tag, available under the caption. You will be taken to a page offering separate playback of the song. It also informs you of how many reels are currently using the song as well as whether to play a video with the same sound.
You want to tap on the “Use audio” label, available at the bottom of the screen. This will redirect you to the Reels creation page and the song in question will already be added to your new Reel.
– Legends: Are very important. Use precise captions and hashtags to make your Reel more visible.
– Your coils: Look at your creations by opening your Profile page. Tap the Reels tab available next to your Instagram post feed.
Instagram Reels vs TikTok
The two content creation options are very similar, as the general consensus is that Instagram copied TikTok when deciding to publish the Reels feature.
The main difference between the two platforms is the length of the video. Instagram reels can be up to 15 seconds long while TikTok videos can be up to 59 seconds long.
Another difference is the music library. Instagram Reels currently has less licensed music than Tik Tok.
While the swipe up gesture to cycle through the new reels is the same as the TikTok gesture, there are many other similar actions: Comment, like, follow and Share.
In either case, videos are paused / played if you tap the screen once.
What do you prefer Instagram Reels or TikTok? Share your opinion in the comments section available below.
Related: How to generate Instagram Qr code for your business profile!