What Is An Instagram Reel? A Complete Guide To Using Reels For Success

Instagram Reels are the hot new video format taking over feeds. Part TikTok clone, part Instagram stories on steroids, Reels are short-form vertical videos designed to captivate and engage.

Since launching in August 2020, Reels has skyrocketed to become one of Instagram’s most popular features. What started as a simple copycat product has evolved into an essential tool for both organic content creators and brands running ads.

But what exactly are Instagram Reels and how can you make the most out of them? This guide will break it all down.

What Are Instagram Reels?

Reels are creative, 15-90 second vertical videos that live on Instagram. They can include a variety of fun elements:

Audio – Music clips or original sound that plays as the video’s soundtrack
Effects – Augmented Reality (AR) effects that add interactive elements
Filters – Color filters alter the look and feel
Stickers – Graphic stickers enhance the visuals
Timer/Countdown – Automatically record hands-free

The end result is an immersive and engaging mini-video perfect for Instagram’s platform.

Reels videos play in full-screen and can be shared to your followers in the Instagram feed, stories, or in the dedicated Reels tab to gain maximum visibility.

Instagram selected the Reels format to compete directly against the enormously popular app TikTok. While similarities exist, Instagram added their own flavor to enable native video creation vs recycled TikTok content.

Early success shows tremendous promise. According to Instagram, Reels is their fastest growing content format ever. Views of Reels are already accounting for 20% of the time people spend on Instagram.

Why Are Reels So Popular?

Beyond being shiny and new, Reels gained momentum thanks to user-friendly creation tools combined with an algorithm delivering distribution at scale.

Instagram studied what makes TikTok so addictive and replicated the same viral hooks. The short-form vertical videos display full screen for an immersive viewing experience. Dynamic and catchy audio creates a reactive environment where viewers instantly engage.

On the creation side, Reels focused on ease. While some get overwhelmed trying to craft viral videos, Instagram’s excellent creative tools make it simple for anyone. Pre-selected music, AR effects, editing features, and more enable fast and fun content.

But the real innovation lies with Instagram managing to crack the code on algorithmically suggesting relevant entertaining Reels seamlessly based on individual interests.

The “Secret Sauce” recommendations keep viewers swiping endlessly. Instagram invested heavily in technology detecting nuanced signals whether a user will enjoy a particular Reel. Fun content always awaits at your fingertips.

So between captivating content and intelligent distribution, Reels feeds a dopamine rush users crave.

It’s little surprise then that over 50% of Instagram’s most viewed Reels come from non-celebrity accounts finding viral fame. Everyday creators gain huge reach celebrating culture, humor, and creativity. Fans can’t get enough scrolling their custom feeds full of joy.

Key Benefits of Using Instagram Reels

Beyond entertainment value, what do content creators and brands stand to gain from Reels?

Plenty. Used strategically, Reels unlock real opportunities:

Reach New Audiences: Reels gets shown to more people who don’t already follow you via browse/search features. Perfect for raising awareness.
Go Viral Organically: Land a trending track or nail a meme reference and the algorithm rewards engagement.
Grow Your Following: Attract fans based on interests. Short videos allow personalities to shine quickly.
Engage Existing Followers: Give your loyal community fun snippet content between main posts.
Monetization Potential: Link out to products, promote offers, advertise creative services etc directly in the Reel.

Succeeding on Instagram today means having a Reels strategy. Use Reels not just for vanity metrics, but to achieve core business goals.

Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Instagram Reels

Convinced on the power of Reels? Time to start creating your own!

Luckily, getting set up takes just a few quick steps:

Access the Reels Camera

Launch the Instagram app then tap the (+) plus sign to open the content composer. Select “Reels” from the menu.

Alternatively, you can swipe right from the main feed to open the in-app camera directly to Reels capture mode.

Record Clips

Unlike Instagram video which requires continuously recording, Reels allow short multi-clip capture.

Hit record to film your first clip up to 15 seconds. Retry infinite times until satisfied! Stitch various scenes together for dynamic sequences.

Utilize handy built-in creation tools:

Timer: Set up auto record without holding your phone. Perfect for getting in shots yourself.
Audio: Search music clips or use your own original sound.
Effects: Apply one of many AR effects like green screen.
Speed: Alter clip playback speed for engaging effects.

Get creative switching up variables each scene. Align similar movements or transitions from clip-to-clip for pro editing.

Enhance Visuals

Elevate the look by adding visual flourishes:

Filters: Set a color tone using classic filters.
Stickers: Spice things up with graphic stickers.
Text: Include movable captions.
Crop: Zoom and adjust framing.
Drawing: Freehand doodle on screen.

Integrate graphics seamlessly appearing and disappearing clip-to-clip.

Final Touches

Review your masterpiece then apply any last tweaks:

Rearrange Order: Organize clips for ideal sequence.
Trim Length: Condense down to most compelling 15-90 seconds.
Add Hashtags: Include relevant tags for better search visibility.
Tag People: Shoutout key accounts to expand reach.
Share: Post natively to feed or externally.

And scene! Rejoice at a job well done publishing your first Reel.

Instagram Reels Best Practices

You built an awesome Reel. Now what? These pro tips will amplify content:

Hook Viewers Early – Lead with your most visually arresting scene to capture attention immediately.

Use Trending Music – Increase visibility leveraging popular soundtracks people follow.

Timing Matters – According to analytics, Sunday at 11-1 AM ET has the most engagement.

Follow Templates – Model what works based on top performers in your niche. Put your own spin for a fresh take.

Prompt Challenges – Participate in broader trending themes that align like showing off dance moves or outfit changes.

Cross-Promote Content – Repurpose snippets showcasing products/services driving to your link in bio.

Join Collab Houses – Team up with a collective of synergistic creators for cameo crossovers.

Run Ads – Organic virality uncertain? Put some spend behind Reels in-stream advertising.

Analyze Performance – See which variable combinations excel by assessing metrics in Instagram’s Reels Insights analytics.

Why Instagram Reels Are The Future

Some write off Reels as a shameless gimmick chasing TikTok’s glow. Critics argue bite-sized content lacks substance.

Yet dismissing Reels ignores the enormous cultural shift in consumption patterns – especially amongst youth demographics. Viewers worldwide actively choose snackable video as their medium of choice.

And Instagram holds all the cards for an ideal short-form video ecosystem:

Unrivaled Daily Users – Over 1 billion compared to TikTok’s 689 monthly million
Trust & Safety – More protective brand environment than “Wild West” TikTok
Existing Social Graph – Leverage follower connections for built-in audience
Infrastructure – Facebook wealth continues heavy investment in video technology

With the wind at their backs, expect Instagram’s relentless innovators to keep advancing Reels integrating ecommerce, augmented reality, live capabilities, creator monetization options, and more.

Still not convinced? Know that Instagram’s CEO Adam Mosseri declared Reels already Instagram‘s "Number one priority".

The future shines bright for entertaining culture embracing Reels. Savvy voices jump in early. Will you answer that call?

Ready To Create Your First Reels?

Gaining Reels mastery challenges creators to flex creative muscles in new ways. But no need to fret! Start stepping into trends having fun.

The inviting canvas welcomes both simple smartphone selfies like DIY bedroom dancers along with incredibly polished influencer productions. Authenticity wins – so relax bringing your real self.

For those hungry to learn more, our in-depth Ultimate Guide to Reels Content Strategy showcases advanced best practices.

Now cue the music…lights, camera, Reel! 🎥