Recently, Instagram unveiled Instagram Reels, a new short-form video format that's clearly inspired by TikTok. You can record, edit, and publish video clips between 3 and 15 seconds in length to your Instagram feed.
Making your own Reels is pretty straightforward; the hardest part is likely finding where Instagram has placed the feature. Here's how to make your own Instagram Reels.
How to record a new Instagram Reel
1. Start the Instagram app on your iPhone or Android device.
2. Tap the camera icon at the top left of the screen.
3. At the bottom of the screen, tap "Reels," to the right of "Live" and "Story." If you don't see the "Reels" option, update your app to the latest version in the app store.
4. Check out the wide assortment of effects available on the left side of the screen. For example, tap the "Audio" button to choose a song to use as your soundtrack for the Reel. After selecting a song, you can pick the part of the song you want to use (remember, Reels can be no more than 15 seconds). You can also add visual effects, change the playback speed of a clip, and more.
5. Record your clip. There are three ways to record:
- Tap and hold the "Record" button. When you release the button, recording stops.
- Tap the "Record" button. If you tap and release the button quickly, it'll continue to record – tap again to stop recording.
- Tap the Timer button on the left side of the screen and choose how long to record, then tap "Set Timer." When you tap the "Record" button, you'll see a countdown and then the app will record for the time you specified.
6. You can record your clip in segments until you've used up your entire 15 seconds.
7. Tap the right arrow to preview your video. If you're happy with the result, tap the right arrow again.
8. On the "Share" page, enter a caption and then tap "Share" to post it.
How to make an Instagram Reel from video you've already recorded
You don't need to create a new, original video every time to publish a Reel. If you already have video on your phone, you can easily convert it to a Reel and publish it.
1. Start the Instagram app on your iPhone or Android device.
2. Tap the camera icon at the top left of the screen.
3. At the bottom of the screen, tap "Reels."
4. Swipe up to see your camera roll. Be careful not to swipe up from the very bottom of the screen on an iPhone or you'll close Instagram.
5. Locate the video you want to turn into an Instagram Reel and tap it.
6. Using the control at the bottom of the screen, choose the part of the video you want to use and then tap the check mark.
7. Apply any other effects and choose a musical soundtrack, if you want to.
8. Use the right arrow to preview and then publish the video as a Reel to your Instagram feed.
Related coverage from Tech Reference:
-
How to add a quiz to your Instagram story and customize it for your followers to answer
-
How to set up a donation sticker on an Instagram story to aid your favorite cause or nonprofit organization
-
How to publish a suggested highlight on your Instagram profile, or add your current story to an already published highlight
-
How to ask for song recommendations on Instagram and get music suggestions from friends and fans
-
How to add a 'Challenge' on Instagram stories and use the sticker feature to join trending hashtag challenges
