Learn how to create an Instagram Reel

This article was first published on September 4th on Navii.

Reels represent a small but significant shift in how we consume content on Instagram in 2021, so learn today how to create an Instagram Reel, the right way!

They have become the new way of creating and discovering short, entertaining videos on Instagram and have become increasingly popular since the head of Instagram, Adam Mosseri announced in July 2021 that Instagram is “no longer a photo-sharing app.” 

However, the magic behind a reel starts with how you choose to develop it. Capturing your own thought process and turning it into a video is an effective technique known as storyboarding. You’d be surprised how engaged your users are when you share content that has (1) value, (2) an entertaining component and (3) an enticing caption that encourages users to read more. 

Check out some of these best practice examples below:

Make sure you click the unmute button on the bottom right-hand side.

Soft promotion of business services

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lazy River Estate (@lazyriverestate)

Attraction

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by #VisitNoosa (@visitnoosa)

Travel inspiration

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kapa????Melbourne (@whereiskapa)

Does this spark any ideas for your business?

Do you still need more reasons to incorporate Reels into your marketing strategy?

Here are five reasons why you should:

1. Instagram prioritises reel content with the reel tab taking centre stage on the navigation bar 
2. Reels allow you to be creative as you want (music, stickers, transitions)
3. Provides a way for businesses to showcase their personality, products and services and business team 
4. They are extremely shareable and engaging 
5. Reels have a permanent location on your Instagram (that is separate from your Instagram feed). 

Here is your Step-by-Step Guide to Create your First Reel: 

1. Go to your business profile and click the + button on the top right-hand side.
2. Click on ‘Reels’ 
3. Select the 15, 30 or 60 second Reel length (second button down on the left-hand side) 
4. Next, tap and hold the centre bottom to record and again to end the clip. You also can choose to add a video from your camera roll by tapping your camera roll in the bottom left corner of your screen.
5. To watch, trim or delete the previous clip you just recorded, tap on the left-pointing arrow. This is where you can edit the length of each video, one by one until you have reached the time length.
6. Here you can add stickers, drawings, or text to your reel by tapping on the right-pointing preview arrow. 
7. Next, tap the right-pointing arrow, to add a cover photo, write your caption and add hashtags. 
8. Tap Share and then tap Done.

For a visual walkthrough demonstration, watch our video tutorial of Reels below. 

Don’t be afraid to experiment and create an Instagram reel. Remember that Instagram is about entertainment, so have some fun! If you want to learn more about Instagram, check out our in-depth Make Instagram work for your business course and outlined topics here.