Social Media Managers and Influencers are all over Reels but If you’ve been sitting there recently wondering what they are all about then read on..

What are they?

They are a way to create engaging video content on Instagram and have quickly become “the way” to increase engagement and viral growth. Users can edit 15 - 60 second video clips together using various editing features and share them to their Stories, Explore Feed and the Reels Tab (highlighted on the image below)

The appeal of the reel tab is that it is filled with accounts you follow and don’t follow so popular and trending accounts appear too.

When you’ve created your video content you can then add sounds and effects and then share with your followers, or if your account is public the larger instagram community.

The differences between Instagram stories and reels are small but they are important -

Reels include a wider range of video editing tools
There are more effects and speed controls than Stories.
The align feature within Reels allows you to bring together multiple videos allowing a seamless transition between each one.
Reels must be video content, you can’t use photos as you would with Stories.
Stories can only be shared with your followers, Reels can be shared with a wider community, if your account is public, using the Explore page.

How do I get started?

The best approach is to grab your phone and have a go.

1. From the Home page, swipe as you would to start creating a Story.

2. Choose the Reels option at the bottom of the Instagram camera.

3. Look to the left and you’ll see the editing tools, it’s up to you at this point to decide how you want your Reel to look but knowing what the tools are will help so see below.

Audio - search and choose a song or use your own audio by recording live.

If you make your own bear in mind others can use it if your account is public via Use Audio.

Speed - this is where you can speed things up or slow things down.

Effects - there is the option to add augmented reality effects to your reel from a gallery created by Instagram and other users.

Touch Up - as it says really allows you to touch up, smooth skin etc.

Timer & Countdown - this allows you to record hands free and provides a countdown once you hit record.

Align - this allows you to line objects up from a clip before recording your next so you create seamless transitions. For example, outfit changes which you may have seen on TikTok.

4. If you want to record your video live, hit the button in the middle and record, you can also include your own audio. (Tip - if you add audio to a video with sound, remember to lower the volume on the original recording).

5. If you want to trim or delete any of your clips, choose the arrow to the left of the record button, the screen will display a scissor and bin icon which you click to trim or delete as required.

6. If adding text to your reel it’s probably best to keep it close to the middle as Instagram crops it when you share so you may lose part of what you’ve written.

7. If you are recording a voiceover it’s a good idea to add closed captions to videos as it’s really useful to those watching without sound or those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

8. The last thing to do is edit the cover photo with a video thumbnail or add a cover from your camera roll which could be an on-brand image if you are keen to keep your Instagram aesthetic looking good.

When you’re ready you can share your Reel to your Stories, Explore Feed, and the new Reels Tab (highlighted above).

At Pocket Rocket we love using Reels for our clients, if you’re interested in finding out more about what we can do for your business Get In Touch to book a free Discovery Call.