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Instagram Reels is a feature of the Instagram platform that allows users to create short 15-second videos with effects, music, or other audio. Users edit videos with various creative tools, such as filters, speed controls, and text overlays. They can then share their Reels with their followers and explore other users’ popular Reels in a dedicated app section.
This article introduces the main features of Reels, how to create them and how to share them.
What are the main features of Instagram Reels?
Some of the main features of Instagram Reels include:
- Video recording: Users can record and edit videos using the Instagram camera, with the option to add music, text, and other creative effects.
- music library: Users can choose from a library of licensed music to add to their videos.
- Duo and remix: Users can participate in “duet” videos with other users. They can add their footage to an existing video or create a “remix” by adding their elements.
- Speed control: Users can adjust the speed of their videos to create slow motion or time-lapse effects.
- Exchange: The user can share their videos in the Reel section of their profile, as well as in their Instagram Stories and in direct messages. They can also share the Reels on other platforms such as Facebook and TikTok.
- Discovery: Users can search for popular and trending videos across the platform through the Reels tab. Other users can also discover your reels.
How to create Instagram reels
Creating Instagram Reels is simple, but the user interface differs slightly from Android to iPhone.
How to make an Instagram reel on Android
Follow these steps to start creating your Instagram Reels on an Android device:
- Open the “Instagram app for Android.”
- Play the “+” icon at the bottom of the screen.
- Select “Reel.”
- To add a new IG Reel, go to “Step 5”. To add an existing video from your device, tap the “gallery box with a plus” in the bottom left section of the “Reel” screen.
- To create a new IG Reel, tap the white record button at the bottom to start creating a clip or video, and tap it again to end recording. You can repeat to add more than one video.
- When you’re done with the videos, tap “Next.”
- A preview appears. To skip editing, go to “Step 12.” Otherwise, choose “Edit video” to make changes to the preview.
- Tap on the “sliding track” (the slider bar) to trim the video, or select “Add clips” “Text,” either “Sticker” to enhance it. After making specific changes, you may need to tap the “sliding bar” again to recover the editing options.
- After editing, tap the “>” icon in the bottom right section to continue.
- Optional: tap “Edit cover” to change how the reel appears to others.
- Optional: touch “Write a subtitle…” to insert one into your IG Reel.
- Tap on the “Next” button to continue.
- Select the “Share” to post it on your profile and home page.
If you want, see how to share your Instagram Reel on Facebook.
How to make an Instagram reel on iOS/iPhone
The steps to create an Instagram Reel for iPhone are similar to those for Android, except for a slightly different user interface. Here’s how to do it.
- Play the “+” icon at the top.
- Select “Reel” in the lower section.
- Press and hold the “white record button” to start making your video.
- To record multiple clips, release the button “white record button” and press it again to start a new one.
- Tap on the “Next >” once you have recorded your clips.
- Select “Edit clips” to trim the clip and add transitions, such as “swirl” “zoom,” either “spin.”
- Select other editing options at the top, such as “music,” “effects” “stickers” etc., then tap the running preview to return to the editing screen if necessary.
- Select the “Next >” when you finish editing.
- Optional: tap “Edit cover” to change it from what the preview shows.
- Optional: tap “Write a subtitle” to add one to your reel.
- Tap on the “Share” when you are done with all your edits.
If you want, see how to share your Instagram Reel on Facebook.
According to Instagram policy, effective July 2022, most videos can only be shared as Reels. However, this change will not affect videos previously published in the Feed or on the Instagram website. They will not be converted to Reels and will remain as videos.
Who can see and share your Instagram Reels?
By default, Instagram Reels are visible to all your followers and can be shared by anyone who can see them. On the other hand, you can also make Reels private so that only people you approve can see and share them. It depends on your account privacy settings.
Set Instagram Reels as public
Anyone on Instagram and Facebook can view your Reels when they are set to “Public.” People can view your Reels on pages like the Reels tab, hashtag, effect, and audio. Additionally, anyone on Instagram can create a Reel with your original audio or create a remix using your Reel.
Set Instagram Reels to Private
With this setting, only your followers can see and share your Reels. No one else can use your original audio to create a reel.
Instagram Reels can potentially help develop a larger audience due to its significant user base. According to the Kepios Social Media Statistics ReportAs of January 2023, Instagram ranked fourth among the most popular social media giants, with 1.38 billion active users based on advertising audience data. User numbers dropped over the previous three months, but it still offers huge audience potential.
Reels give users a new and engaging way to share their content, increasing visibility to a broader audience. Greater visibility can lead to more followers, higher engagement rates, and ultimately more monetization and development opportunities. These are some of the reasons why more and more companies and influencers incorporate Reels into their marketing strategies. They use it to build brand awareness, promote products and services, and expand their reach. Personal accounts are used to grow audience and earn income.
Instagram Reels FAQ
Can I make reels longer than 15 seconds?
Initially, users could only upload 15-second videos to Instagram Reels, but adjustments were made to extend the video length up to 60 seconds. And after another update, you can now upload longer videos, up to 90 seconds.