How to make a Reel for Instagram 

Spending hours scrolling through Instagram Reels is fun, but what’s even more fun is making one yourself and watching the views increase every day. If you’re looking to make an Instagram Reel for your business or personal account but aren’t sure where to start, we’re here to help. This article covers everything you need to know about how to make a Reel for Instagram. Before you know it, your post will go viral and attract more people to your account. 

 

What are Instagram Reels?

Instagram Reels are short, compelling videos that let you express your creativity and share fun moments with your audience. Unlike long-form videos, these bite-sized video clips can be up to 90 seconds long and include elements like music, text, effects, and filters. Reels are meant to be easily discoverable on Instagram. They appear on profile pages, in the Explore section, and—of course—in dedicated Reel feeds. This makes them an easy way to reach a wider audience.

With the growing popularity of short-form video content, learning how to make Instagram Reels has become essential for anyone looking to boost their social media presence. You can create everything from entertaining sketches to informative tutorials—all while maintaining your unique style. 

 

 

How to make an Instagram Reel in 3 steps 

Creating an Instagram Reel is easier than you may think. This step-by-step guide shows you exactly how to make a Reel.

 

Choose a template

Go to Renderforest and pick one of the many social media video templates available. Other than Instagram Reel templates, you can also find YouTube video templates, TikTok templates, and more. For this article, we’ve picked the Instagram Reel Toolkit template.

 

Select scenes 

First, choose the scenes you want to include in your Reel. You can preview the scenes by hovering over them. Once you’ve picked all the scenes you like, click on “Add to Video.” You can find scenes for different thematics, including Valentine’s Day, Halloween, and Christmas.

 

 

Customize

Next, you’ll be forwarded to the video editor, where you can customize your scenes’ colors, fonts, music, and other elements. You can also add your own media or even create a voiceover using the AI text-to-speech generator. After making all the edits, preview the draft before exporting it. 

 

 

Export and share

That’s pretty much it. Choose the video resolution you want to export your Reel in and share it on Instagram. 

 

 

 

Top 5 tips on making the best Reels 

Your visuals matter, but so do the captions 

Instagram Reels are all about creating quality visuals, but that doesn’t mean you should forget the captions. If done right, captions can be your secret to success. 

If you write long, interesting captions for your Reels, your viewers will stop scrolling to read the text. This will signal the algorithms that your content is great. In other words, it’s a green flag for Instagram, and it will push your reel further, boosting its reach and improving the chances of it going viral. 

But here’s the catch: while having longer captions is great, it’s often better to keep it short. Long paragraphs in the caption will trick the algorithm into thinking your viewer rewatched your reel several times when, in fact, they just lingered on to read your caption. 

 

Make those transitions smooth 

One of the easiest ways to elevate your Instagram Reels is by mastering seamless transitions. These smooth, often creative cuts between clips can make your Reel feel more polished and visually appealing. Be it a simple swipe of the hand to change scenes or a more elaborate outfit change, transitions can make your videos feel more professional and keep your viewers glued to their screens. 

If you’re new to video production and editing, think about the flow of your content and where a transition can enhance the narrative. A fashion Reel, for example, can have a quick spin or a jump cut to switch from one outfit to another. If you’re showing a process, like cooking or DIY, a smooth transition between steps can make your reel feel more fast-paced and dynamic.

Of course, you don’t need to be a video editing pro to pull this off. Instagram has built-in tools to help you create basic transitions. You can also experiment with mobile apps like Renderforest and see what works for your style. Well-made transitions can turn a simple clip into something that goes viral and attracts followers left and right.

The best part about these transitions is that Instagram itself is full of tutorials where creators share how they’ve edited their videos and achieved their fun transitions. Here’s, for instance, a tutorial of a quick Matcha dispenser transition, which only takes a couple of steps to pull off. 

 

 

Stay very demure, very mindful, very aware of the trends

See how we don’t waste your time with overly generic tips? Very demure, very mindful, very classy of us. Make sure you do the same with your Reels and don’t post evergreen content only; from time to time, give the audience what they crave by playing around with the trends. Of course, not every trend will match your brand, so choose the ones that are relevant to you and your audience. 

That being said, you can always twist the trend a bit to make it match your specific case, so don’t be afraid to experiment with it as much as you need.

 

And for those of you who have no clue where all the “demure and mindful” references are coming from, here’s the original reel from  @joolieannie that went viral pretty much overnight.

 

 

Introduce your own narrative 

Following trends is great, but so is making your own signature content. While you can hop on the trendy stuff from time to time, it cannot be your main strategy. So, how exactly do you build content that engages your audience and attracts new followers? You introduce a unique, never-done-before narrative that you’ve built yourself. But what exactly do we mean by building a narrative?

Take a look at what @derschutze_london fashion brand did for their Reels; they built a series of short, fun stories that usually revolve around the same characters and their outfits.

But what’s fun about it is the way these vertical videos are made. The characters talk without really talking; it’s all voiceover, mainly set in London, and usually has smooth jazz music playing in the background. In other words, they’ve managed to build their own style, which is unique to their brand and not repetitive with everything else that goes on on Instagram. 

 

 

For your Reels, try to do something one-of-a-kind. Think about what makes your brand, personality, or message stand out, and weave that into a narrative your audience can connect with. It can be a specific visual style, a recurring theme, or even a signature audio—whatever feels true to you. Developing your own narrative gives your content a consistent vibe that people will start to recognize.

Don’t stress too much about getting it perfect on the first try. Experiment with different ideas until you find what clicks with your followers. The more authentic and original your narrative is, the more likely it is to grab attention and keep viewers coming back for more. At the end of the day, your goal is to create Reels that not only entertain but also reflect your unique voice and style.

 

Engage with your audience

One of the best ways to make your Instagram Reels stand out is by actively engaging with your audience. It’s not just about posting content and walking away; you want to create a dialogue. Ask questions, encourage comments, and invite viewers to share their thoughts. This interaction not only boosts your content in the algorithm but also builds a community around your brand or profile.

Let’s say you’re posting a cooking reel. Ask your viewers what their favorite ingredient is, or challenge them to try the recipe and tag you in their version. When you get comments, take the time to reply, even if it’s just with a quick emoji. These small interactions can make your audience feel valued and more connected to your content.

Another fun idea is to create a reel that directly responds to a question or comment from one of your followers. This shows that you’re paying attention and makes your audience more likely to interact with your future posts. Remember—social media is all about being social, so make sure you’re not just talking at your audience but with them.

 

How to make Reels that go viral

So you’ve got the basics down—now let’s talk about how to make Reels that actually go viral. While there’s no magic formula, certain strategies can definitely boost your chances.

 

Hook them in the first few seconds

The first few seconds of your Reel are crucial—they’re make-or-break moments. If you don’t grab your viewers’ attention right away, they’ll just scroll past. Think of the opening as your elevator pitch; it needs to be catchy and interesting and should give people a reason to keep watching. This can be an eye-catching visual, a surprising moment, or even a bold statement.

For example, if you’re creating a travel Reel, kick things off with a jaw-dropping view or a quirky moment that sparks curiosity. This initial hook is what will stop people in their tracks and make them want to see more. The goal is to create an immediate impact that makes viewers curious about what’s next.

 

Use trending audio wisely

Audio plays a huge role in what makes Reels so compelling. If you’ve spent time on Instagram, you’ve probably noticed that certain songs or sound bites go viral. Jumping on these trending audios can help your Reel reach a wider audience—since the algorithm tends to push content that uses popular audio tracks. But here’s the thing: don’t just slap on a trending audio and call it a day. Make sure it fits with your content and complements your message.

Suppose you’re looking to share a fitness routine. Find a beat that matches the energy of your workout. If you’re posting a funny moment, pick an audio clip that adds humor or irony. The right audio will tie your Reel together. 

 

Optimize your Reels for the Explore page

The Explore page is where the magic happens—if you want your content to go viral, that is. To increase your chances of landing there, focus on creating entertaining videos that are high-quality, relatable, and shareable. You’ll also want to make sure your Reels are optimized for Instagram’s algorithm. This means using relevant hashtags, adding a catchy caption, and even geotagging your location if it’s relevant to your content.

Hashtags, in particular, are like the keywords of Instagram—they help your content get discovered by people who are interested in similar topics. Don’t just use generic hashtags; mix in some niche ones that specifically relate to your content. This approach helps your reel reach the right audience, which can lead to more engagement and, ultimately, a spot on the Explore page.

 

Post at the right time

Timing is everything on Instagram. Posting your Reel when your audience is most active can make a big difference in how well it performs. If you post at a time when most of your followers are online, your Reel is more likely to get immediate engagement. This can boost its visibility in the algorithm.

To figure out the best time to post, you can check your Instagram Insights to see when your followers are most active. Generally, mornings and evenings are good times, but this can vary depending on your audience’s time zone and habits. Experiment with different times and see what works best for your content. Once you find the right pattern, stick to it to maximize your reach.

 

Keep it short and sweet

While longer Reels can work, there’s something to be said for keeping things short and sweet. Quick, punchy Reels often perform better because they’re easy to watch from start to finish—and more likely to be rewatched. Remember, Instagram’s algorithm loves it when people watch your content multiple times, so creating something easily digestible can work in your favor.

Aim for short-form videos that are around 15 to 20 seconds long, especially if you’re trying to go viral. This length is perfect for delivering a clear, impactful message without losing your audience’s attention. If you can get your point across quickly and leave the viewers wanting more, you’ve hit the sweet spot.

When it comes to learning how to create Instagram Reels, these tips will help you stand out in a crowded feed. The key is to be strategic, stay authentic, and have fun with it, whether you’re making animated videos for business or just trying to share an interesting moment from your day.

 

 

Creating Instagram Reels is easy

In a nutshell, crafting eye-catching Instagram Reels is pretty straightforward. With a little creativity and the right approach, you can make content that attracts your audience and stands out in their feed. Remember, every reel is a chance to connect, so don’t hesitate to showcase your unique voice and personality. And with tools like Renderforest’s Instagram video maker to give you a head start, your next viral reel can be just a few taps away.

 

Related reading:

• How to make an AI video in 4 steps
• How to make videos for Instagram
• How to make a YouTube Short in 3 steps

 

How to make a Reel FAQ 

How do you make a Reel on Instagram?

Creating a Reel on Instagram is a straightforward process. First, open the Instagram app and tap the camera icon at the top left of your feed, or swipe right to access the camera. From there, select the “Reels” tab at the bottom of the screen. You can record a new video by holding the capture button or upload existing clips from your gallery. In the former case, aim to record multiple clips and choose the best one. Add music from Instagram’s music library as well as text and effects using the icons on the left side. Once you’re happy with your video, tap “Next” to add a caption and choose your sharing options. Finally, hit “Share” to publish your creation.

 

How do you make a Reel?

To make a Reel, start by brainstorming content ideas that your audience can relate to. You can go for trends, challenges, or unique narratives that showcase your personality or brand. After planning your content, record your video. Then, use Instagram’s editing tools to trim clips, add transitions, and overlay audio. Aim to include eye-catching visuals and clear messaging for the best results. Don’t forget to add relevant hashtags to boost discoverability. Once your video is ready, share it with your followers and watch the engagement roll in.

 

How do you make the best Reels?

Making the best Reels is all about creativity and authenticity. You’ll want to hook your viewers within the first few seconds; you can do this with an eye-catching visual or a surprising moment. It also helps to keep your content short and catchy. This is because quick, punchy Reels tend to perform better. Don’t forget to use trending audio to complement your message and reach a wider audience. Using a specialized Reel maker tool can help you streamline your editing process and add professional touches. Most importantly, stay true to your style and connect with your audience—authenticity is key to standing out. 

 

How to make a Reel with photos?

Creating a reel with photos is easy and a great way to showcase your favorite moments or products. Start by choosing the photos you want to include from your gallery. Then, open the Instagram app and tap the camera icon to access the Reel feature. Instead of recording a video, select the photos you want to feature. You can adjust the duration each photo is displayed and add music or transitions between them for a polished look. Once your Reel is complete, add any text or effects and share it with your followers.

 

How to make Reels with existing videos?

To make Reels with existing videos, start by opening the Instagram app and heading over to the Reels section. Then, tap the camera icon and choose the option to upload from your gallery. Pick the videos you want to include and arrange them in the order you like. You can edit clips by trimming or cutting them to create a cohesive story. Don’t forget to add music, captions, or special effects to tie the Reel together. Once you’re happy with your creation, hit “Share” to send it on its way.