Instagram’s Reels feature is shaking up the social media game. Released in mid-August, Reels allows users to easily create and share 15 second, multi-clip videos set to music. It has quickly reached global acclaim and captured the attention of millions of users. If you’re interested in diving into Reels and wondering how to get them onto your Instagram, read on to learn the basics of creating and posting Reels.
I. Understanding Reels Feature in Instagram
The Reels feature in Instagram, as part of the platform’s appeal of creative expression, has been rolling out globally since August of 2020. The feature, which is similar to TikTok and enables users to create 15-second multi-clip videos and add audio, visual and AR effects to them, has proved to be a great hit. Here is an overview of what you need to know about the Reels feature.
- Creating reels. Creating a Reel is a simple process. You can reach the Reels tab from the toolbar at the bottom of your profile and begin from pre-existing video clips or record a new one. You can also preview half-finished Reels in order to make slight changes or abort it. Reels can be saved as drafts and edited later.
- Adding effects.You can style your Reel with features such as speed and timer, so that you may produce creative content more accurately. Additionally, Instagram provides a variety of AR effects that you can apply, such as lenses and countdown triggers. Soundtracks and audio controls are also available to better control your visual flow.
- Sharing your reels. Once you are satisfied with the Reel you have created, you can directly share it on your feed, or can make it available in the discover tab, where wider audiences can see and react to it. You can also add a hashtag to your Reel for a wider spread of your post.
- Exploring other reels. Just like its parent application, the Reels feature is also greatly interactive. You can find trending Reels with hashtags, explore content from different corners of the world, follow creators to keep track of their content, or interact with reels yourself.
The Reels feature is a great way to explore, create and share creative content with the world. Explore different Reels, create your own content and gain insights into the minds of others – Reels can take you far, that is a guarantee.
II. Steps to Post a Reel on Instagram
1. Open the Instagram App
To post a reel on Instagram, you need to open the Instagram app. At the bottom of your screen, you will see five icons, one of them looking like a camera. Tap on this camera icon to open Instagram’s creation studio.
2. Choose Reel
Once you’re in the creation studio, you will see the options to “Create”, “Story” and “Live”. Tap on the “Create” button to get the list of options. Here, you will also see an option of “Reel”. Tap on it to proceed with the next step.
3. Upload Your Content
After you choose the “Reel” option, you will be asked to upload the content you want to post. You can either take a new video or you can choose a video already existing on your phone. You can also choose photos or GIFs from other apps like GIPHY and Upload them to your reel.
4. Add Music and Other Effects
Now add music to your reel or any other audio as you desire. You can also add text, filers, animations, effects or anything to your reel from the various options available on bottom of the reel.
5. Post Your Reel
Once you’re done adding all the elements you want on your reel, you can click the “Share” button on the bottom right corner of the screen to post it. You can also save it as a draft or share it publicly.
III. Tips for the Best Reel Content
When it comes to creating content for your reel, there are several tips to consider. Here are some of the best tips to help create attention-grabbing reel content.
Decide on the topic. Think about the topics that you’re passionate about or have a strong expertise in. Make sure you focus on one specific topic that you can talk about in detail. When deciding on the topic, try to think outside the box; this will help you stand out from the crowd and make your reel more engaging.
Tell a cohesive story. Make sure each clip tells part of a story and has a cohesive narrative. Each clip should demonstrate a clear beginning, middle, and end. This will make your reel more cohesive and professional.
Showcase your expertise. Highlight your expertise and skills throughout the reel. You may have a series of videos that all focus on one specific skill. Or you may have clips that showcase different techniques or ideas. Either way, you want to make sure that your expertise shines through in each clip.
Showcase your personality. Talk to the camera in each clip and show off your personality. Try to keep the clips short, but engaging. If you can make a connection with your viewers, they’ll be more likely to keep watching.
- Decide on the topic.
- Tell a cohesive story.
- Showcase your expertise.
- Showcase your personality.
IV. Troubleshooting Reel Posting Issues
When trying to post reels onto social media, some problems can occur. Here are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them:
- Content Not Showing Up – If the content does not appear on the website, users should check the network connection and make sure the reel is successfully loaded.
- Connection Error – If the reel cannot be sent, users should check their connection and make sure their devices are within the supported range.
- Content Not Getting Posted – If users find that their content is not appearing within a certain timeframe, they should try adjusting their settings or increasing the timeout period.
Deleting Content – If users want to delete their content, they can do so by going to their profile page and selecting the “Delete” button. This will erase the reel from their feed.
Installing Updates – If the reel-posting tool is out of date, users should install the latest version. Doing this will increase the efficiency of the software and ensure that the reels are uploaded correctly.
Restarting the App – If the reel-posting tool is not responding, users should restart the application. This will reset the application and usually fix any issues.
We’ve covered how to get the Reels feature on Instagram and what to do once it is available. Reels can help you reach and engage a wider audience while adding a creative touch to your posts. With Reels, Instagram is giving people a window to reach and engage with larger audiences through creative and exciting content. Don’t wait – get Reels on Instagram and make your presence on Instagram more meaningful.
