How to Create Instagram Reels From Photos

Instagram Reels are all the rage right now. You can create a short video clip and add background music for a funny effect. But you don’t always need to use a video. You can also create a Reel from photos.

How to Create Instagram Reels From Photos

Follow this guide to learn how to create Instagram Reels from photos.

How to Create an Instagram Reels From Photos

Making an Instagram Reel is easy. The process of creating a Reel from photos is largely the same, with some minor changes.

  1. Open the Instagram app and tap on the + symbol at the bottom of the screen to create a new post.
  2. Select the Reels option at the bottom of the screen.
    Instagram Reels button from camera screen.
  3. Choose the images you want to add to your Reel by tapping the photo icon in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
  4. Arrange your photos in the desired order.
    Instagram Reels; select the order of your content.
  5. Edit each photo individually to adjust the on-screen display time as well as add text, stickers, or drawings, and include transitions.
  6. Add music to your reel by tapping the music note icon and picking a song from Instagram’s music library.
    Instagram Reels; Selecting music for your reel.

Alternatively, you can use one of the best Instagram Reels online editors before posting it on Instagram.

Make Your Reels Stand Out

Now that you know how to create an Instagram Reel with your photos, it’s time to learn a few tried-and-true tips to really make them pop!

Gather Your Photos

The first step in creating an Instagram Reel from photos is to gather the images you want to include. Make sure these photos are high quality and relevant to the story or theme you want to convey.

Also, remember to upload and organize them in the order you intend to use them for added convenience.

Plan Your Story

Every Reel on Instagram has a story to tell. Imagine you’re the viewer, you want to be entertained and informed. Think about how you’re going to use the screen time to get across the story you’re trying to tell. Make sure your message makes sense and isn’t bombarding or starving the viewer of information.

Use Editing Software

Just uploading your photos to the app isn’t always enough to create an engaging finished product that will captivate your viewers.

Viva Cut homepage on browser

Using these tools can also help you find a visual style that suits you and will help you stand out from the crowd. This makes users more likely to remember previous posts you’ve created and assists in generating a following.

Time Your Photos

Ensure you adjust the timing of your photos so they don’t remain too long on screen or so they remain in sync with the music and fit the overall flow of your Reel.

Matching the photo transitions, timing, and effects can create a more captivating experience.

Add Text and Voice

You can add another layer through voice captions and text to your Instagram Reel. This means you can tell a story that goes with your Reel by providing context to the photos.

Instagram Reels text and voiceover options on iOS.

You can also enhance your text by adding fonts, colors, and styles that match your Reel’s theme, further adding to the production value of your finished product.

Preview and Edit

Once you’ve done everything to create your Reel, you need to take some time to preview and edit it. Make sure everything flows well and matches the vibe and style you’re aiming for.

Here you can also delete any photos you deem unfit for your Reel, as well as rearrange photos and trim to make it flow better.

Add Captions and Hashtags

Now you should write an engaging caption that encompasses the content of your Reel to encourage users to watch your Reel. Additionally, you can enhance the discoverability of your Reel by adding relevant hashtags so people looking for your type of content can find it.

Instagram reels caption and related options on iOS.

Publish and Share

Now, if you’re happy with your finished product, you can finally publish your Reel and share it will your followers.

You can share it immediately, or you can decide to schedule it to post at a time when you will get maximum visibility so it doesn’t get lost in the sea of other content posted from around the world.

Repurpose Your Reel

Don’t limit yourself to just one audience; repurpose your Reel to other video-sharing platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok, or embed a link in your videos to your website. This will bring more traffic to your Reels and help extend the life of your content.

The Power of Visual Storytelling

Creating an Instagram Reel from photos is an easy way to share your stories, messages, and photos with an audience. By planning, editing, and crafting a captivating Reel, you can entertain and engage many people with your content. This is especially important if you want to make money and get paid with Instagram Reels.

FAQs

Do I have to edit my photos before posting my Reel?

No, it’s not necessary to edit your photos before you upload your Reel, but it’s recommended to do so. This way, you can make your finished product more seamless and engaging to your intended audience.

How do I add music to my Reels?

Tap the music note icon within the Instagram Reels editor to bring up the list of music available and pick the one you want to add to your Reel.

What types of hashtags should I use to reach my audience?

It depends on what audience you’re trying to reach, try #History or #HistoricalNews if you’re telling historical narratives. If you’re posting your holiday pictures, try using #Holiday, #Vacation, or hashtag for the place you visited.

How can I repurpose my Reels for marketing purposes?

You can embed a link to your Reel within an email marketing strategy or by creating a blog post centered around your Reel. Get creative with how you put your Reel out there.

Disclaimer: Some pages on this site may include an affiliate link. This does not effect our editorial in any way.