Have you started using Instagram reels yet? This new function was recently introduced by Instagram and we’ve loved seeing how this new section of the app has opened up a world of creativity for people.

But, we know that with anything new, it can seem overwhelming and a bit confusing on how to get started making your own. We wanted to write a blog post about everything you need to know about Instagram Reels to help you get started.

What are Instagram Reels?

First thing is first, an Instagram Reel is a way to record 15-second clips set to music or voice audio on the app. Reels were rolled out on August 5th in the United States and 50 other countries including Canada.

Everyone is comparing this function to TikTok, and it’s true, they’re both very similar. One of the main differences is TikTok videos are 1 minute compared to 15 seconds. We’re crossing our fingers that Instagram rolls out 1 minute Reels since this function has been a huge success so far!

Where do Reels live on Instagram?

Once a user creates a video reel, they are able to share them to their Stories, Explore Feed and the new Reels tab on their profile. We should also note that this tab won’t show up until you publish your first reel, if you’re wondering why you don’t have it yet.

When you visit the Explore feed on Instagram, the first thing you’ll see is a section for Reels. Instead of only seeing reels from accounts you follow, you’ll see Reels from popular and trending accounts. In terms of the algorithm, that’s still being reviewed. It feels like it’s being influenced by who you already follow, what content you interact with and where you’re located.

BNL Tip: When you’re scrolling through the explore feed, you can click on the audio/music of any videos you’re enjoying. You can then select that music and save it to use on your next Reel.

How do you create a Reel?

Let’s get started on the how-to tutorial of creating your own Reels! Select Reels at the bottom of the Instagram camera currently used for stories. Once you click that, you’ll see a bunch of editing tools on the left of your camera. These tools will help create your Reel. You can either use previously shot video or in-the-moment video. If you do use previously shot video, you won’t be able to use all of the effects Reels offer.

Here are the editing tools offered:

Audio: You can search for a song to use from the Instagram music library. You can also use your own audio by simply recording an in-the-moment Reel with it! When you use original audio and have a public account, people can use your audio on their own Reels. This music will be attributed to you.
AR Effects: Effects include the majority of effects currently available on Instagram for stories/boomerangs like filters and stop motion effects.
Timer and countdown: This timer allows you to record any of your clips hands-free. Once you click record, you’ll see a countdown and the amount of time you’ve selected.
Align: Align is a great way to line up objects from your previous clip before recording your next one. This works great for trying to match music beats with your Reel, outfit changes or adding more people into your Reel.
Speed: You can either speed up or slow down parts of your video or audio. This will help you stay on a beat or create a slow motion video.

Reels can be recorded in a series of clips, all at one, or using video uploads from your gallery as we mentioned. Once you start creating your Reel, you’ll see an indicator at the top of your screen with how much time left you have for your recordings.

When you start creating, you’re not able to go back and remove a previous clip in your Reel. So, be sure of what you want in your Reel or you’ll have to start from scratch!

Sharing Your Reels

When you’ve finished creating your video masterpiece, it’s time to share it with the online world!

As we’ve mentioned before, if your account is public, you’re able to share it in the Explore feed. When you click “publish”, you’ll be taken to a secondary page where you click “share on explore”. You can share it on your feed for your followers to see or on your stories. We recommend always saving it to your feed and then sharing it to your stories after.

If you have a private account, you can only share to your feed since Reels follows your privacy settings on Instagram. People will also not be able to use any original audio from your Reels.

BNL Tip: When you’re crafting your caption for your Reel, use only a few short sentences. People will have to click “more” to read a longer caption and not everyone will do that.

Since Reels are more of a new function, utilize all the bigger hashtags out there! #dogsofinstagram #dinnerideas #sunsetvideo and so on. While we don’t recommend the bigger hashtags to help grow your feed photos because they tend to get lost in the hashtags, it’s totally okay with Reels!

Reeling in the New Instagram Functions

Reels are giving people more freedom to be creative on this social media platform. This new function is allowing people to follow their ambitions of becoming a creator with simplicity and ease.

While it may seem like a lot to start learning a new social media trend, we do believe this one is here to stay. It’s a fantastic way to gain attention on Instagram, engage with followers and brands you love and boost your follower count. It also helps you with inspiration and motivation when watching other people’s Reels! We can’t get enough of the travel Reels, life hack Reels and recipe Reels right now!

If you’re needing some help with social media, reach out to us today. BNL Social is here to help entrepreneurs take charge of their own digital marketing with hands-on social media coaching and online courses.

Curious on where you can get weekly tips just like this LIVE with Megan herself?! Join her private Marketing Guru program right now and start get ready to be inspired, feel supported by other entrepreneurs ready to take charge of their own marketing, and also held accountable to ALL your digital marketing goals check out bnlsocial.com/marketing-guru to learn how to show up confidently online, grow your digital presence while driving all the sales!

Tell Me More!

What Are Instagram Reels and How to Create Them