Hey friends! In last week’s episode, we talked about how important it is for you to create Instagram reels – because reels are natural algorithm hackers, and they get your content in front of the widest audience.
This week, we will talk about how to start making reels. I understand that it helps to have someone holding your hand with something new.
That’s why I’m here. Let’s dive in!
Step One — The Basics.
I want to repeat one thing; making reels is extremely easy and fun.
So, let’s talk about the basics…
Before you even think about creating a reel, you should think about who you are talking to and what one message you want to get across during this reel.
Is it to inspire them? Celebrate an accomplishment? Teach them something? Speak to a pinpoint?
What is your main message?
How do you want them to feel after the reel is done?
When you have an idea of what you want them to get out of with your reel, your content for the reel will come off more valuable.
Create the Video
To create your first reel, you need to open your Instagram stories camera and then select the reel option.
The next step is to set your timer and countdown.
The timer allows you to record any of your clips hands-free.
Once you press record, you’ll see a 3-2-1 countdown before recording begins for the time you selected.
Step 2 — Shoot The Video
Recording a reel is very similar to recording a video for Instagram stories.
All you need to do is point, press the capture button, and then hold. Or, if you used the countdown timer, you press it once and take a step back to prep to start recording.
You’ll see a progress indicator at the top of the screen as you record.
Now, there’s one thing you must remember.
Reels can be recorded in clips.
That is, you can record little bits of video and then piece all of them together to make one reel.
That’s why it seems like some people can piece together videos from two different places and even times on their reels.
You don’t even have to record these videos through the reel app.
You can just add them by clicking the small square box beneath the Reels capture button.
Once you’re done with your video, you can spice it up by adding other effects to your videos, like GIFs, stickers, and text.
Reels also allow you to select the point where your texts appear, giving you more control over how your content eventually looks.
That’s how you actually create a reel. If you need, head on over to my Instagram @lisaannecoaching. I have a lot of step-by-step tutorials on how to do transitions and add in text.
Step 3 — Share Your Reel
Now that you have made your reel, there’s only one thing left to do.
And that’s sharing it.
One of the reasons why the reel feature is so popular on Instagram is the different ways you can share content made on the platform.
For example, when you share Instagram Reels, you can edit the thumbnail with a customized photo.
You can also add a caption and hashtags to increase visibility, tag your friends, and even select where you want it to be shared.
If you have a public account — which you should have if you’re running a business account, your reel can also appear in the explore tab.
When someone sees your reel, likes it, and shares it, the audience that they share it to will see your username, caption, hashtags, music, and effects.
If you make your reel with certain effects, songs, or hashtags, people will also be able to see it when they go through the catalogue of people who have used those effects, songs, or hashtags.
Of course, this increases the chances of people seeing your video and engaging with it.
Aside from all this, you can also post the reel on your Instagram feed, and it will appear under a new Reels section.
It Keeps Getting Better
These amazing sharing options are one thing that Instagram stories don’t have, and that’s just one of the reasons why Reels are better at reaching new audiences than Instagram stories or any other tools – at this point, at least.
I’ve got to say, guys, there is so much more I want to share with you about creating reels.
How to create a great soundtrack, add hooks and hashtags and everything that will get your reels in front of all the others.
So, click through for this week’s episode – it’s packed with free reel-making goodies. I will see you there!
