Lights, Camera, Action: How to Make a Reel on Instagram

There’s nothing more satisfying (and captivating!) than watching Instagram Reels. They account for 50% of the time people spend on Instagram. It’s like once you start, you just can’t stop! But while watching these short videos only takes a few seconds, creating and editing them takes hours of work.

Want to know the creative process behind them? Here’s the ultimate guide on how to create a Reel on Instagram.

How to Make an Instagram Reel with Photos and Videos from Your Camera Roll

Have you finally gathered enough photos and videos for the amazing Reel you’ve imagined? If so, here’s how to create a Reel on Instagram using media from your gallery:

Open the Instagram app.
Create a new post by tapping the plus icon at the bottom of the page and selecting Reel.
Instead of tapping the record button, swipe up to open your photo roll.
Select the media (photos and videos) you want to add. These will appear in the order you select them at the bottom. Once you’ve selected everything, tap the arrow.
Instagram will recommend music for your Reel. You can use one of these tracks or skip it if you prefer to use the original sound from your clips.
Edit Video: Choose any photo or video, trim them, and rearrange as needed.
Add text by tapping to create text overlays in your video.
Tap Add Audio at the bottom to open the Reels music library.
Browse and select the music or sound effects you want to use, adjusting the specific part of the track you’d like to include.
Preview your Reel. When you’re satisfied, tap the blue arrow at the top of the screen.
Tap Cover Edit and choose a frame for your cover photo. Then, hit Done.
Write a creative caption and add final details.
Finally, tap Share.

How to Create a Reel with Live Photos on Instagram

Adding Live Photos adds dynamism and versatility to your Reels. Here’s how to create an Instagram Reel using Live Photos:

Open the Instagram app and create a new Reel.
Swipe up to open your phone’s gallery.
Select Recent from the dropdown menu and choose All Albums.
Scroll down and select Live Photos.
Choose a Live Photo and select the format you want – either a photo or a “live” video.
Edit Video: Add music, trim clips, add text overlays, and more.
Set your cover photo and tap Share.

How to Make a Looping Reel on Instagram

Ever seen a Reel that loops seamlessly? These are super engaging and can keep you watching over and over! Here’s how to create a Reel that loops endlessly:

Create a storyboard for your Reel, planning how the beginning and end will flow into each other.
Record the video clips you need for your Reel.
Import the clips you want to use into Instagram.
Ensure that the first and last clips align perfectly so the transition is smooth.
Trim the first and last clips to make the transition flawless.
Record a voiceover to help with a smooth transition for the loop.
Add creative effects and other elements.
When you’re happy with the result, tap Share!

How to Make a Slideshow Reel on Instagram

Slideshow Reels are quick and easy to create! Here’s how:

Import the photos you want in the Reel.
Choose transitions for each photo.
Add music that perfectly matches the vibe of your slideshow.
Once you’re happy with the result, share your Reel!

Instagram Reel Maximum Length: How Long Can Reels Be?

When Reels first launched, they were limited to 15 seconds. However, Instagram has since expanded the maximum duration of Reels to 90 seconds. This gives creators more time to make captivating videos. If you need even more time, you can split a long video into multiple parts and release them as a series of Reels.

More Tips to Make Your Reels Go Viral

Knowing how to create a Reel is important, but to succeed, you need to set it up for virality. Here are some tips:

Post when your followers are online. The best time to post a Reel is when your followers are active on the platform. This ensures your content gets seen right away and allows for instant engagement.
Use popular and relevant hashtags like #likeforlike and #reelsviral to boost visibility.
Share your Reel on your Story to make sure your followers don’t miss it.
Experiment with third-party editing apps for a more professional look.
Add captions and text for easier viewing, especially for those watching without sound.

Conclusion: How to Create a Reel for Instagram!

Creating impactful Reels can draw more attention to your Instagram account. With engaging video content, you can showcase your creativity and personality while gaining more visibility on the platform.

Need help promoting your Reels? Path Social can help! With organic promotional strategies, we can get you more followers and engagement quickly.

Visit Path Social and gain more Instagram followers today!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make Reels on Instagram with photos and music?
When creating a new Reel, import your photos and add music from Instagram’s library.

How can I share my Instagram Reel with my followers?
Post your Reel so it appears in your main feed. You can also share it on your Story for added visibility.

How can I turn my Instagram Story into a Reel?
Save your Story to your Camera Roll, create a new Reel, and import the saved Story. Edit it as needed and share!