What Is Instagram Reels?

Instagram Reels is a feature on the Instagram platform that allows users to create short, 15-second videos with effects, music, or other audio. Users edit videos with various creative tools, such as filters, speed controls, and text overlays. They can then share their Reels with their followers and explore popular Reels from other users in a dedicated app section.

This article introduces the main features of Reels, how to create them, and how to share them.

What Are the Main Features of Instagram Reels?

Some of the primary Instagram Reels features include:

• Video Recording: Users can record and edit videos using the Instagram camera, with the option to add music, text, and other creative effects.
• Music Library: Users can choose from a library of licensed music to add to their videos.
• Duet and Remix: Users can participate in “duet” videos with other users. They can add their footage to an existing video or create a “remix” by adding their elements.
• Speed Control: Users can adjust the speed of their videos to create slow-motion or time-lapse effects.
• Sharing: User can share their videos on the Reel section of their profile, as well as on their Instagram Stories and in direct messages. They can also share the Reels on other platforms like Facebook and TikTok.
• Discovery: Users can browse popular and trending videos across the platform through the Reels tab. Other users can discover their Reels as well.

How to Create Instagram Reels

Creating Instagram Reels is straightforward, but the user interface differs slightly from Android to iPhone.

How to Make an Instagram Reel on Android

Follow these steps to start creating your Instagram Reels on an Android device:

1. Open the “Android Instagram app.”
   
2. Tap on the “+” icon at the bottom of the screen.
   
3. Select “Reel.”
   
4. To add a new IG Reel, skip to “Step 5.” To add an existing video from your device, tap the “gallery box with a plus” in the bottom left section of the “Reel” screen.
5. To create a new IG Reel, tap the white record button at the bottom to start making a clip or video, and tap it again to end the recording. You can repeat to add more than one video.
   
6. When finished with the video(s), tap “Next.”
7. A preview appears. To bypass editing, skip to “Step 12.” Otherwise, choose “Edit video” to make changes to the preview.
8. Tap the “sliding track” (the sliding bar) to trim the video, or select “Add clips,” “Text,” or “Sticker” to enhance it. After making specific changes, you may need to tap the “sliding bar” again to get the editing options back.
9. After editing, tap the “>” icon in the bottom right section to continue.
10. Optional: Tap on “Edit cover” to change how the Reel will appear to others.
    
11. Optional: Tap on “Write a caption…” to insert one into your IG Reel.
12. Tap the “Next” button to continue.
13. Select the “Share” button to post it to your profile and the homepage.
    

If desired, see how to share your Instagram Reel on Facebook.

How to Make an Instagram Reel on iOS/iPhone

The steps to make an Instagram Reel for iPhone are similar to Android, except for a slightly different user interface. Here’s how to do it.

1. Tap on the “+” icon at the top.
   
2. Select “Reel” in the bottom section.
   
3. Press and hold down the “white record button” to start making your video.
   
4. To record multiple clips, release the “white record button” and press it again to start a new one.
5. Tap the “Next >” button once you’ve recorded your clips.
   
6. Select “Edit clips” to trim the clip and add transitions, such as “swirling,” “zoom,” or “spin.”
   
7. Select other editing options at the top, such as “music,” “effects,” “stickers,” etc., then tap the running preview to return to the editing screen if needed.
8. Select the “Next >” button when finished editing.
9. Optional: Tap “Edit cover” to change it from what the preview displays.
10. Optional: Tap “Write a caption” to add one to your Reel.
11. Tap the “Share” button when finished with all your edits.
    

If desired, see how to share your Instagram Reel on Facebook.

Based on the Instagram policy, effective since July 2022, most videos can only be shared as Reels. However, this change will not affect videos previously published on the Feed or Instagram web. They will not be converted to Reels and will remain as videos.

Who Can View and Share Your Instagram Reels?

By default, Instagram Reels are visible to all your followers and are shareable by anyone who can see them. On the other hand, you can also make Reels private so that only people you approve can see and share them. It depends on your account’s privacy settings.

Setting Instagram Reels to Public

Anyone on Instagram and Facebook can see your Reels when set to ‘Public.” People can see your Reels on pages like the Reels tab, hashtag, effect, and audio. Additionally, anyone on Instagram can create a Reel with your original audio or create a remix using your Reel.

Setting Instagram Reels to Private

With this setting, only your followers can see and share your Reels. Your original audio can’t be used by anyone else to create a Reel.

Instagram Reels can potentially help develop more of an audience due to its substantial user base. According to the Kepios social media statistics report, As of January 2023, Instagram ranked fourth among the most popular social media giants, with 1.38 billion active users based on advertising audience information. The user count shrank during the previous three months but still offers massive audience potential.

Reels provide users with a new and engaging way to share their content, increasing visibility to a broader audience. The increased visibility can lead to more followers, higher engagement rates, and ultimately more opportunities for monetization and development. These are some of the reasons why more companies and influencers now incorporate Reels into their marketing strategies. They use it to create brand awareness, promote products and services, and expand their reach. Personal accounts get used to grow an audience and earn income.

Instagram Reels FAQs

Can I make reels more extended than 15 seconds?

Initially, users could only upload 15-second videos to Instagram Reels, but adjustments were made to extend the duration of the video up to 60 seconds. And after another update, you can now upload longer videos up to 90 seconds.