Today we’re going to show you how to get the most out of Instagram Reels, the new way to share short videos on Instagram similar to TikTok and which is integrated into the regular Instagram app.

We’ll show you all the tips, tricks, and semi-hidden features for creating Reels on Instagram, whether you haven’t yet made any posts in this style on your Instagram or you already have several short videos under your belt 😉.

What are Instagram Reels?

Instagram Reels allows you to record and edit short videos that, until a few months ago, had a maximum length of 30 seconds. But here’s the good news! Instagram has now extended the length of its reels to 60 seconds, so you can add more content to your videos.

With this new feature, you can create short, funny, and entertaining videos that you can share with anyone you want. You can also add Instagram filters, add music to your reels or use the original audio to record whatever you prefer.

Use your feed to share these videos with your followers and if your account is public you can have a greater reach as your content will appear in the “explore” section of this social network. You can also create Instagram filters and use them on your videos.

Log in to Instagram Reels from your Android phone or iPhone and try it out, because it’s very easy to use the function and start gaining followers.

Main features of Instagram Reels

These are the main features of Instagram Reels. Take them into account when using Instagram’s new feature and make the most of it!

• An “Explore Reels” section will automatically appear (check your Instagram).
• You’ll see videos from the most popular and trending accounts in the “Explore” section.
• If your reel appears in “Explore”, you will receive a notification. Featured videos are chosen by Instagram, which will help you discover content that entertains and inspires you.
• Just like TikTok, if you find audio or music you like you can click on “use audio”.
• You can upload your music or audio to Instagram Reels.
• AR effects: if you want to record multiple clips on Instagram Reels with different effects, you must first select an effect from the Instagram gallery.
• Alignment: You can align objects from your previous reels before recording the next video. This creates fun transitions.

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Tips for Reels

Still, have some questions about how Instagram Reels work? We’re here to help you become a Reel expert!

With these Instagram Reels tricks, you’ll be able to make all the videos you want right in the palm of your hand.

How to record reels without pressing the button?

You’ve probably recorded Instagram stories and come across two ways to record: normal mode, where you have to leave the button pressed, and hands-free mode, where you tap once to start recording and once to stop recording.

In Reels you can do a mix of both: the record button is used to make the video by tapping and tapping.

Single tap the record button without holding it down and immediately the seconds start ticking away. Press and hold the button to stop recording. And you’re done!

How to record reels in multiple takes?

The great advantage of recording videos in Reels is that you can record them in multiple takes. Just click the record video button and stop every time you want to record another clip.

Now that the reels are 60 seconds long, you can make as many clips as you want. In the end, all the clips will be shown in the video, one after the other.

How to trim the length of clips in Instagram Reels?

If you’ve recorded one clip too many or a fragment isn’t synced correctly with the music you’ve added to your Reel, don’t worry! You can adjust the length of a clip or trim it down as well.

Just tap the left arrow, press the scissors button and finally use the sliders to determine when the clip starts and ends.

How to add music to reels?

A video without background music is unlikely to make an impact on users. That’s why in Instagram Reels you have the option to add snippets of a song to your videos. Note that you won’t be able to add music to a specific clip, but it will be applied to the whole reel.

First, click on the music note button, then select the song you want to add (you’ll see the current songs or you can also search for more in the Browse option). Finally, choose the fragment you want to add to your video and that’s it!

How to use original audio from another reel?

Just like TikTok, on Instagram Reels, you can add audio from another reel to your video. But, this requires a bit more effort.

To do this, you have to select the video you want to extract the audio from, click on “original audio” and finally click on “use audio”.

How to align clips in Instagram Reels?

If you want your reel to look as if you recorded without any pause, the alignment tool will help you do it. This feature allows you to see the frame where you left off in the previous clip and follow it so the jump doesn’t look bad.

Record a clip, then press the align button (the two overlapping frames). Align the camera with the previous frame and record the next clip. Done!

How to add effects in Instagram Reels?

Want to add a vintage style or change the color of your reels? It’s possible with Instagram’s filters, which are the same ones you use in your stories.

All you have to do is select the smiley face icon, select the filter you want to use, and if none of them convince you, you can explore more effects in Instagram’s filter shop.

How to add captions to Instagram Reels?

Using captions on Instagram Reels will help you create a more inclusive and accessible account for everyone. Here’s how to add them!

1. Tap the “Text” icon at the top right of the Instagram Reels interface.
2. Then click on the “A+” icon and add text by changing the style, color, and size.

With the latest Instagram update, you can animate the text. Just click on the “=A” icon and bring captions to life on your Instagram reels.

These are just a few Instagram Reels tricks you can use, now you just need to let your creativity run wild with your videos and make your followers’ mouths drop open.

How to create better reels?

Among the main tips to keep in mind when creating a short video, the following stand out:

• Create content that inspires and makes others feel like they can join in and create too.
• Share original and authentic content, created specifically with the Reels feature camera.
• Using the music library available in the feature and audio tools.
• Stay relevant to current cultural moments and everyday topics.
• Make videos that amaze or make audiences laugh.
• Engage from the start of the content. The more intriguing the better.
• Add a fun surprise or unexpected twist.
• Understand the community and give them what they expect to receive.

In short, what matters is to create quality clips with the resources the platform offers. At the same time, it’s also key to focus on the trends of the moment and provide a strong surprise element; it can be a trick, a joke, unexpected effects, and more!

What NOT to do when creating reels

The social network also clarifies what users should not do if they want to create successful reels:

• Don’t use music that is outside of Instagram’s music library, unless it’s properly licensed.
• Avoid using content that is shared from another social network (TikTok).
• Lack of a clear storyline that is understandable to all.
• Creating content that goes against the platform’s community standards (hate speech, graphic violence, nudity…).
• In this case, the suggestions are a little more specific. Here Instagram talks about those details that diminish the quality of a reel.

The most important thing is to see how the platform is committed to 100% native content and doesn’t support content that is reposted from other social networks. The goal is for creators to bet on Instagram’s ecosystem and use the tools offered there.