How to Make an Instagram Reel： Steps, Tips, and Software for 2025

If you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram and found yourself stuck watching one Reel after another, you’re not alone.?

Reels are the secret sauce behind some of the most engaging, viral content on the platform.?

Whether you’re a creator, business owner, or just someone who loves to share cool moments, mastering how to make an Instagram Reel can level up your content game in 2025.

Ready to dive in

Let’s break it down in a way that even if you’re not tech-savvy, you’ll feel like a pro by the end.

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Instagram Reels are short-form, 15-90-second videos that allow you to show off your creativity.?

Imagine a TikTok video but on Instagram.?

You can create Reels using the Instagram camera or upload pre-recorded footage, and then jazz it up with music, effects, text, and more.

The beauty of Reels

They are made for engagement.?

Instagram’s algorithm loves them, and they’re one of the best ways to get your content seen by new audiences.

Whether you’re showcasing behind-the-scenes moments, sharing tips, or even exploring faceless Instagram account ideas, Reels can help you grab attention and grow your presence.

Instagram Reels are like the quick snack that everyone craves. They’re short, attention-grabbing, and perfect for sharing quick bursts of info, entertainment, or product demos.

Here’s why you should be using them:

• Reach More People: Reels are prioritized on Instagram’s Explore page, which means if your video catches the eye, you could go viral.

• Boost Engagement: Reels are designed to be interactive. With tools like music, text, and effects, you can keep viewers engaged from start to finish.

• Easy to Create: You don’t need fancy equipment. Your phone is all you need to make a Reel that looks polished and professional.

• Creativity Unleashed: Whether it’s showcasing behind-the-scenes moments, making a product demo, or just having fun, the possibilities are endless.

Ready to make your own Instagram Reels? Let’s walk through the steps, so you can jump right in and start creating.

Okay, I’ll walk you through everything from scratch to help you make an Instagram reel.

First, open the Instagram app on your device. At the bottom of the screen, you’ll see a plus (+) button in the center. Tap on it, and you’ll be taken directly to the creation screen.?

From there:

• Select Reels: You’ll land on the Reels tab, where you can start creating your new video.

• Choose Your Content: Upload pre-recorded videos from your gallery or use Instagram’s camera to create a Reel in real-time.

This is your starting point for creating something fresh, engaging, and ready to wow your audience! Whether you’re using saved clips or capturing moments as they happen, the Reels tab is where all the magic begins.

Now that you’re in the Reels section, it’s time to gather the videos you want to feature.?

Think about the story you want to tell—whether it’s showcasing a product, highlighting a recent trip, or giving a behind-the-scenes glimpse of your business.?

Make sure the videos are clear and fit the vibe you’re going for.

After choosing your videos, click “Next” to choose the audio for your Reel.

Scroll to the right until you find a music track you like.?

Once you’ve picked one, hit 'Next' to start editing your Reel.?

If you don’t want to choose any music, no worries—you can skip this step.?

And if you do pick one, you can always change it later.

After that, just hit 'Next' to start editing your Reel.

Now that you’ve uploaded your videos, it’s time to make them engaging, eye-catching, and memorable.?

Here’s how to turn a simple slideshow into a dynamic Reel that captivates your audience.

When you enter the editing section on Instagram, you’ll notice a row of symbols at the bottom of your phone screen.

Each symbol represents an editing feature, and you can tap on any one of them to adjust a specific element, like text, stickers, or music.?

If you want to tweak everything at once, you can click on "Edit Video" for a full overview.?

Here’s what you can do:

1. Text on the Screen

Add or adjust text to highlight key points or captions. You can move it around, change its size, and pick a font that fits your style.

Once you click the text icon, you’ll see an interface like this.?

It lets you customize the text however you want.

2. Stickers

Add some fun stickers, GIFs, or interactive stuff like quizzes or an emotion scale to keep your viewers engaged.

Once you click the text icon, you’ll see an interface like this.?

3. Music

Browse Instagram’s music library to add a track that fits your Reel’s vibe.?

You can also trim the song to feature the best part or adjust the volume to balance it with other audio.

Once you click the text icon, you’ll see an interface like this.?

You can have two audio tracks playing at once, adjust the volume of the music, and pick the best part by selecting 'Adjust section.'?

If you want to change the song, just hit 'Replace,' or to delete it, simply click 'Discard’.

4. Add More Footage

Realized you forgot an important footage

No problem! You can upload more footage directly into your Reel.

When you hit the “Add Footage” icon on Instagram’s Reel creation screen, you’ll have two options to bring your vision to life:

• ?Upload Videos from Your Gallery

Tap the Gallery option to browse through your phone’s video library.?

You can select one or multiple videos to create a full-fledged Reel.?

This is perfect for showcasing product shots, memories, or behind-the-scenes moments.

• ?Record in Real Time

If you want to capture the moment live, use Instagram’s built-in camera to record in real time.?

Simply hold down the record button, and your content is instantly added to your Reel.?

This is great for spontaneous shots or on-the-go creativity.

Instagram interface showing steps to capture a video on an iPhone, highlighting user-friendly features and options.

5. Effects

Change the look of your photos with filters or visual effects.

They’ll make your Reel stand out.

6. Cutting Music

Trim your music or audio clips to fit perfectly with your Reel’s flow.

You can also adjust the volume to make it louder or softer.

7. Automatic Captions

Let Instagram auto-generate captions for spoken words in your Reel—great for accessibility!

8. Voiceover

Record your voice directly in the app to narrate or add a personal touch to your video.

9. Color Adjustments

Modify the overall color tone of your Reel to match your mood or theme.

Typically, you’ll want each photo to be displayed for 2-3 seconds to give your audience enough time to appreciate it without losing their attention.?

Instagram allows you to fine-tune this timing, so try different durations to see what works best for your photos.

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10. Preview and Adjust

Before you hit publish, preview your Reel to ensure everything flows smoothly.?

Are your videos timed well with the music? Is the text legible?

?Is the transition smooth

If anything feels off, now’s the time to make adjustments.

Once you're happy with how it looks, hit publish!?

Choose a great cover photo for your Reel (this will be the first thing people see when they come across it).?

You can also share it to your feed or Stories to maximize exposure.

Your Reel may be eye-catching, but the caption is where you can add context, personality, and a call to action.

• Crafting Captions: Keep it concise but impactful.?

Ask questions or share a fun fact to encourage engagement.?

A simple “What do you think?” or “Tag a friend who’d love this!” can invite comments and shares.

• Hashtags for Discoverability: Don’t forget to add relevant hashtags.?

Hashtags are like signposts that help people discover your content.?

Include a mix of popular hashtags (#foryou, #reels, #viral) and niche-specific ones that speak to your audience.?

For example, if you’re a creator sharing tips on growing an Instagram following, you could use #instagrowth or #socialmediamarketing.

Creating Reels with photos is exactly the same as making them with videos.?

Seriously, there’s no difference at all! The steps are identical; the only thing you change is what you’re uploading.?

Instead of selecting a video clip, you choose multiple photos from your gallery. Here’s how:

1. Hit the Plus Button

Open Instagram and tap the “+” button at the bottom of your screen. This will direct you to the Reels tab.

2. Choose Your Photos

Once you’re in the Reels tab, simply select the photos you want to include from your gallery.?

Just scroll through your images and pick the ones that fit your Reel.

3. Arrange and Edit

After selecting your photos, arrange them in the perfect order.?

Instagram allows you to customize how long each photo stays on the screen, add smooth transitions, and apply filters or effects.?

You can also add music to sync with your photos.

4. Preview and Share

Once you’ve finished editing, tap Preview to see how your Reel looks.?

If you’re happy with it, click Next, write a caption, and share your Reel with your audience!

Creating an Instagram Reel that stands out is all about strategy and creativity.?

But how do you take your Reels to the next level

Here are some expert-level tips to make your Reels more engaging and shareable.?

Let’s dive into the secrets of the pros:

If you're looking to get your Reels in front of a wider audience, jumping on trends is key.

According to Hootsuite, posts that tap into trending topics see significantly higher engagement rates since the algorithm favors content that resonates with user interests and current events.

But here's the trick: just because something’s trending doesn't mean you have to follow it to the letter.?

Put your unique spin on it!?

For example, if a viral dance is trending, you don’t have to dance exactly like everyone else.?

You could do it in your own way or incorporate it into your business theme. Make the trend you.

Pro Tip: Search the “Explore” tab regularly to stay updated on current trends.?

The more timely and relevant your content is, the better chance it has of being seen by more people.

Forget about trying to be perfect.

According to Socialinsider, a significant 57.85% of Instagram users want to see more authentic, non-promotional content from brands, indicating a strong desire for genuine engagement over marketing tactics.?

People want to see the real you—the behind-the-scenes moments, the mistakes, the bloopers, the genuine feelings.?

Whether you’re showcasing your business, talent, or personality, don’t be afraid to let your authenticity shine through.

Pro Tip: Share real stories, whether it’s about your journey, your struggles, or your successes.?

Authenticity builds trust, and trust leads to stronger engagement.

You only have a few seconds to grab someone's attention—don’t waste them!?

The most engaging Reels are usually between 15 to 30 seconds long.

?Shorter content is easier for viewers to consume, especially when they’re scrolling quickly through their feeds.

Pro Tip: Edit your content to focus only on the essentials. Cut out the fluff and get straight to the point.?

If your message is clear and concise, viewers are more likely to watch until the end and share it with others.

Instagram is a visual platform, and people are quick to scroll past low-quality content.?

Make sure your Reels are visually appealing—use good lighting, clear images, and steady shots.?

If you’re showcasing a product, make sure it’s shot in the best possible light (literally and figuratively).

Pro Tip: If you don’t have a high-end camera, no worries!?

Your phone’s camera is more than capable.?

Just make sure you’re shooting in well-lit environments, or use editing apps to enhance the video quality.

Or better yet, use Zebracat?

This powerful tool takes your visuals to the next level by helping you create professional-grade Reels with ease.?

Zebracat AI offers:

• AI-enhanced editing for sharper images and smoother transitions.

• Dynamic text overlays and animations to make your Reels pop.

• Instant improvements to lighting and colors—perfect for those quick, last-minute edits.

Boring transitions make for boring videos.?

Spice things up by experimenting with different ways to move from one shot to the next.?

Instagram offers a range of transition effects—think zooms, wipes, and fades.?

These small touches can take your Reel from basic to eye-catching.

Pro Tip: Don’t just use transitions for the sake of it.?

Try to match your transitions to the beat of the music or to the narrative flow of your content.?

Smooth transitions can help your Reel feel more professional and polished.

A Reel without a call-to-action (CTA) is like a conversation without a question—it’s a missed opportunity!?

Always tell your viewers what you want them to do next.?

Whether it’s liking the video, commenting, following your page, or visiting your website, guide them with a clear CTA.

Pro Tip: Keep your CTA simple and direct.?

"Tap follow for more!" or "Drop a comment if you agree!" are effective ways to encourage engagement.?

If you're running a promotion or event, tell your viewers exactly how they can get involved.

While it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of making Reels, it’s just as important to avoid common mistakes that could hold your content back.?

Let’s break down some of the most frequent missteps that can hurt your Reel’s potential—and how to avoid them!

It’s tempting to use every effect, transition, and filter Instagram offers, but less is often more.?

While flashy effects can add flair, too many of them can overwhelm your audience and distract from the core message.?

The key is to use effects strategically—not excessively.

Pro Tip: Use transitions to enhance the storytelling, not to steal the spotlight.?

Keep your effects subtle, only adding them when they genuinely improve the flow of the video or enhance the content’s meaning.

Ignoring what’s trending or what your audience enjoys is a rookie mistake. Instagram Reels thrive on trends.?

If you’re not in tune with the latest challenges, audio, or themes, your content might get lost in the shuffle.?

But here’s the catch: You don’t have to blindly follow trends. Instead, find ways to adapt them to fit your style or brand.

Pro Tip: Monitor the Explore tab for trending sounds and ideas.?

Pay attention to what your audience engages with and adapt trends in a way that feels authentic to you.?

Trends are a great way to increase visibility—but only if they align with your message.

We get it—you’re in a hurry to share your Reel, but rushing the editing process can hurt the quality of your video.?

Poor lighting, shaky shots, or sloppy editing can make your video look unprofessional and turn viewers away.?

First impressions matter, especially on a platform like Instagram where people scroll quickly.

Pro Tip: Take the time to edit your video carefully—adjust lighting, stabilize shaky footage, and remove unnecessary clutter.?

Invest a little extra time in the editing process to ensure the final product is polished and visually appealing.?

If your video looks good, people are more likely to watch it all the way through.

Not everyone watches videos with sound.?

In fact, many users scroll through Instagram Reels with the sound off, whether they’re in a public place or just browsing quickly.?

If you skip captions, you’re missing out on engaging those viewers.?

Adding text or captions ensures your message gets through, no matter the situation.

Pro Tip: Include text overlays that emphasize your key points.?

If you’re using music or voiceovers, add captions to ensure your message is understood.?

You can use tools like Instagram’s built-in text editor or third-party apps to add captions easily.?

Plus, it makes your content more accessible for people with hearing impairments.

So, you’ve mastered the basics of creating Instagram Reels, but what’s next

How do you take your Reels to the next level and make them work harder for you

Let’s dive into some advanced tips that’ll help you maximize the impact of your Reels and keep growing your presence on Instagram.

Why keep a great piece of content confined to Instagram when you can use it on other platforms too

Repurposing your Reels for YouTube Shorts or TikTok not only helps you reach a wider audience, but also saves you time and effort by reusing content you’ve already created.

Pro Tip: Each platform has its own quirks, so tweak your Reels slightly to fit the platform's style.?

For example, YouTube Shorts can allow for a bit more educational content, while TikTok leans more toward fun and quirky vibes.?

You can upload your Instagram Reel directly to TikTok or YouTube Shorts (both apps accept vertical video), or you can make small edits like adjusting captions, changing music, or modifying the intro for platform-specific vibes.

Repurposing your content this way helps you maintain consistency across all channels while expanding your reach.

You might be creating Reels regularly, but how do you know what’s actually working? Enter Instagram’s analytics.?

Instagram offers powerful insights that show you exactly how your Reels are performing—whether they’re generating views, likes, shares, or comments.?

These metrics are gold when it comes to refining your content strategy.

Pro Tip: Check out key metrics like reach, engagement rate, and watch time for each Reel.?

If a Reel is performing exceptionally well, analyze what made it successful (the music, the topic, the timing, etc.) and replicate those elements in future Reels.?

On the flip side, if some Reels aren’t performing well, tweak them—try a different type of music, experiment with video length, or adjust the format.?

Instagram's analytics give you a roadmap for what your audience loves and what they’re ignoring.

Once you’ve created a Reel that’s gotten great organic engagement, why not give it a little extra boost

Instagram’s paid promotions allow you to put your best content in front of a targeted audience, increasing your chances of being discovered by new followers.

Pro Tip: Start by promoting your top-performing Reels.?

These are the ones with high engagement rates, lots of shares, and good reach.?

You can use Instagram’s “Boost Post” feature to promote these Reels to a targeted audience based on demographics, interests, and behavior.?

Try running ads for a limited time to test the waters, then monitor the results.?

If the Reel performs well with ads, you can turn it into an ongoing promotion, generating even more visibility for your content.

Creating the perfect Instagram Reel doesn’t stop at hitting the record button.?

The real magic happens when you enhance your video with the right tools and apps, making it stand out and grab attention.?

Whether you’re adding special effects, fine-tuning your audio, or editing your footage, the right tools can make all the difference.?

Let’s take a look at some of the best tools and apps to enhance your Reels, starting with Zebracat.

Zebracat is a game-changer for anyone looking to create high-quality videos quickly and effortlessly.?

Whether you're a content creator or marketer, Zebracat’s text-to-video technology allows you to turn scripts, blog posts, or even prompts into fully-finished videos.

You can generate engaging Reels with eye-catching visuals, AI-generated voiceovers, and dynamic effects—without breaking a sweat.

What’s so cool about Zebracat? It automates the video creation process, letting you focus on the fun stuff, like being creative and crafting the perfect story.?

Imagine turning a simple Instagram post or an idea into an engaging video reel that grabs attention with minimal effort.

Plus, Zebracat’s AI makes it easy to adapt your content for various social media platforms, keeping it fresh and relevant.

With Zebracat, you don’t just edit videos—you create engaging stories that captivate your audience.

For a straightforward editing experience, InShot is a go-to app.

You can trim, cut, and adjust videos in no time.?

Its built-in filters, music, and transitions make it ideal for creators looking to add flair without thFe hassle.

If you’re looking for more advanced tools, CapCut offers everything from green screen effects to slow-motion editing.

It’s packed with features yet remains user-friendly, making it perfect for creators who want to experiment with their Reels.

Tools for Finding Trending Audio

Audio is key to a successful Reel.?

The right soundtrack or sound effect can take your video from meh to memorable.?

Here are some tools to help you stay on top of trending audio:

• TrendTok Analytics: TrendTok is an excellent tool for finding trending audio for your Reels.?

It tracks viral trends and lets you know what sounds are hot right now, so you can use them in your videos and catch the wave of what's popular.

• Instagram's Search Function: You can also search directly within Instagram to discover trending music or audio clips.?

The "Explore" tab is a great place to find viral sounds or check out what other content creators are using.

When it comes to creating standout Reels, you can either stick to Instagram’s built-in tools or explore third-party apps.?

Each option has its strengths, so let’s dive into what they offer and when to use them:

Instagram makes it easy to create and edit Reels directly within the app, offering tools that are perfect for quick and simple edits.

• Convenience at Your Fingertips: With music libraries, text overlays, and filters ready to use, you don’t need to leave the app to get started. It’s seamless and intuitive, making it a great option for beginners or when you’re short on time.
• Discover Trending Audio: One big advantage is access to Instagram’s trending sounds. You can find popular tracks while creating your Reel, boosting its potential to go viral.
• Basic Effects and Edits: You can trim, reorder clips, and add AR effects, making it ideal for straightforward content without heavy customization.

However, Instagram’s tools are limited when it comes to fine-tuning details or adding advanced transitions.

If you’re looking to elevate your Reels, third-party apps give you the creative freedom Instagram’s built-in features can’t match.

• Advanced Features: Apps like CapCut and InShot offer effects like green screen, speed ramping, and professional-grade transitions. These tools are excellent for creators who want their Reels to stand out with high production value.
• AI-Enhanced Tools: Platforms like Zebracat take things even further. With AI-driven video creation, Zebracat lets you turn scripts into engaging Reels complete with visuals, voiceovers, and animations—perfect for creating unique, polished content without spending hours editing.
• Customization: Whether it’s fine-tuning video timing, adding custom fonts, or designing animations, third-party tools give you full control over the final look.

When to Use Each

• Go Built-In When: You’re creating a quick, casual Reel or testing ideas. Instagram’s tools are great for short timelines or keeping things simple.
• Use Third-Party Apps When: You’re aiming for a professional feel, want advanced effects, or need to create something more intricate than what Instagram can handle.

Both built-in features and third-party tools have their place.?

For most creators, it’s a balance—start with Instagram for quick edits, then take your Reels to the next level with tools like Zebracat, CapCut, or InShot when you want to wow your audience.

Now that you know how to make an Instagram Reel step by step, you’re ready to start creating your own eye-catching videos.?

Whether you're aiming for a fun, engaging Reel or a professional promotional video, following these tips and using the right tools will ensure your content stands out.?

From choosing the right audio to fine-tuning the visuals and timing, your creativity is the only limit.

Remember: the best way to succeed on Instagram is to experiment, stay consistent, and keep up with trends.?

Reels can help you grow your audience, share your message, and even generate revenue if you play your cards right.?

So get started, stay creative, and watch your Instagram game level up!

Instagram Reels can be anywhere from 15 to 90 seconds long.?

However, the optimal length is typically between 15 and 30 seconds.?

This keeps the content punchy, engaging, and perfect for mobile users.?

A quick tip: If you can get your message across in 15 seconds, go for it. Short and sweet often work best.

Unfortunately, once your Reel is published, you can’t remodify the footage or video itself. However, don’t worry—you can still make changes to a few important things after it’s live:

• Caption: Update or refine your text to make it more engaging or fix any typos.
• Thumbnail: Change the cover image of your Reel to make it more eye-catching.
• Tags: Add or adjust the people you’ve tagged in the post.
• Location: Include or update the location to help your Reel reach a broader audience.

The best time to post a Reel largely depends on your audience's habits.?

A good rule of thumb is to post when your followers are most active.?

You can use Instagram Insights (available with a business account) to track your audience's activity.?

General advice: Early mornings and evenings on weekdays often see higher engagement.

To find trending audio, browse the Explore page and check out popular Reels.?

You can also use apps like TrendTok Analytics to see which sounds are going viral.?

Incorporating trending audio into your Reels can help boost discoverability.

Instagram offers various ways to monetize your Reels, such as through Instagram's Creator Fund, brand partnerships, and affiliate marketing.?

You can also drive traffic to products or services by using Instagram video ads in your Reels.

Reels shine when you use them for quick tutorials and behind-the-scenes content, giving your audience a peek into your creative process.?

If you’re stuck for ideas, why not pull inspiration from Instagram story ideas

These can help you create relatable and engaging content that connects with your followers.

For creators who prefer staying off-camera, faceless Instagram account ideas are a great option.?

You can use text overlays, animations, or even product demos to tell your story effectively.

If you’re running a business, look into Instagram story ad examples to get ideas for turning Reels into impactful marketing tools.?

Highlighting your products or services in an authentic way can drive engagement and sales.

No matter what you choose, ensure your content aligns with your audience’s interests and keeps them coming back for more.

Yes! Instagram has a built-in selection of filters you can use directly in the app. You can also experiment with AR effects to add a fun, interactive touch to your videos.

Absolutely! Text overlays are an essential part of engaging Reels.?

You can use them to highlight key messages, add context, or make your video more accessible.?

Don’t forget to use text captions for important points.

Yes, you can save a draft of your Reel and come back to it later.?

Just click the "Save Draft" button before posting, and it will be available in your Instagram profile under "Reels."

If you want to keep your Reels private, you can adjust the privacy settings and make them visible only to your followers or specific people.?

However, Instagram doesn’t have a feature that prevents sharing once the video is out there.

If you want to take down old Reels but not delete them permanently, you can archive them.?

If you want to remove old Reels from your profile but still keep them saved, Instagram makes it simple to archive them. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open the Reel: Find the Reel you want to archive and tap on it.
2. Tap the Three Dots: Look for the three dots at the bottom-right corner of the screen and tap on them.
3. Hit “Manage”: In the menu that pops up, select the "Manage" option.
4. Choose “Archive”: Finally, hit "Archive" to hide the Reel from your profile.

Archiving keeps your Reel out of public view while still saving it in your private archive.?

This is perfect if you want to clean up your profile without losing the content permanently!

Yes, absolutely! Instagram now allows you to schedule Reels directly within the app, making it easier than ever to plan your content.

Here’s how you can do it:

1. Create Your Reel: Once you’ve finished editing your Reel and are ready to post, head to the publishing screen.
2. Tap on “More options”: At the bottom of the screen, you’ll find an option to schedule your post.
3. Set the Date and Time: Choose when you want your Reel to go live. Instagram will handle the rest, so you don’t need to worry about manually posting it later.