Instagram Reels for Beginners: Your Ultimate Guide to Getting Started

Have you ever scrolled through Instagram, landed on an engaging 15-second clip, and wondered, “How do they do that?” Well, you’re not alone. Instagram Reels have taken the world by storm, offering users a fun and creative way to share short videos packed with music, effects, and a dash of personality. If you’re new to the world of Reels, this guide is here to help you navigate it like a pro, while keeping things simple and fun. Let’s dive in!

Instagram was launched on October 6, 2010, by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger. Initially called Burbn, the app was later streamlined to focus primarily on photo sharing.

What are Instagram Reels?

Instagram Reels are short, vertical videos that can last anywhere from 3 to 90 seconds. They’re a direct competitor to TikTok, and let’s be honest, they’re just as fun! These bite-sized videos allow you to showcase your creativity, share quick tips, entertain your followers, or even just give a behind-the-scenes glimpse into your life.

The best part? You don’t need to be a professional videographer to make a Reel. All you need is your phone, some ideas, and a little bit of creativity!

Why You Should Use Instagram Reels?

Before jumping into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.”

Instagram gained 1 million users within just 2 months of its launch and hit 10 million users within the first year, making it one of the fastest-growing social media platforms at the time.

1. Boost Your Reach:

Reels are prioritized by Instagram’s algorithm. When you post a Reel, it’s more likely to be seen by users who don’t follow you. This means greater exposure, more followers, and higher engagement.

Facebook (now Meta) acquired Instagram in 2012 for $1 billion in cash and stock, just 18 months after the app was launched.

2. Easy to Create:

Unlike long-form video content, which can take hours to edit and perfect, Reels are quick and fun to create. Even a few seconds can convey a powerful message or showcase your talent.

3. Showcase Your Personality:

Reels are not about perfection—they’re about authenticity. Whether you’re dancing to a trending song or sharing a quick hack, Reels give you the opportunity to let your personality shine.

4. Stay Relevant:

Social media trends move fast, and Reels are a great way to stay up-to-date with the latest crazes. Plus, jumping on trending audio or challenges can significantly increase your reach.

How to Create Your First Instagram Reel

Now that you’re sold on the benefits of Instagram Reels, let’s break down the steps to creating your very first one.

Instagram launched its Stories feature in 2016, inspired by Snapchat. Today, more than 500 million people use Instagram Stories every day.

Step 1: Update Your Instagram App

First things first, make sure your Instagram app is up to date. Reels were rolled out in 2020, so if you haven’t updated your app since then (gasp!), head to your app store and get the latest version.

Step 2: Open the Instagram Camera

As of 2024, the most-followed Instagram account is Cristiano Ronaldo, with over 600 million followers, making him a global social media icon.

Creating a Reel is super simple:

Open your Instagram app and swipe right on your home feed to access the camera.

At the bottom of the screen, you’ll see three options: ‘Live’, ‘Story’, and ‘Reels’. Select ‘Reels’.

Step 3: Choose Your Audio

Audio is a big part of what makes Reels so engaging. You can either:
Choose a trending song from Instagram’s music library by tapping the **music icon**.
Use your own original audio by simply recording yourself speaking or making sounds.
Pro tip: If you use trending audio, there’s a higher chance your Reel will be featured on the Explore page!

Step 4: Record Your Reel

Now for the fun part—recording! You can record your Reel in segments or all at once. Here’s how:

Hold down the ‘record button’ to start filming, and release it to stop.
If you want to record multiple clips, simply press the record button again for each segment.
Instagram also offers a ‘timer’ feature, so you can record hands-free. Set the timer for a few seconds to prepare before the camera starts rolling.

Instagram introduced its popular filters early on, allowing users to edit photos with various effects. The first-ever Instagram filter was called X-Pro II.

Step 5: Add Effects and Filters

Here’s where your creativity can really shine. Instagram provides a variety of filters and effects to make your Reels pop. Whether you’re adding an augmented reality (AR) effect or slowing down/speeding up your clip, these tools make it easy to create something eye-catching.

To access effects:
Tap the ‘sparkle icon’ on the left side of your screen and browse through different filters. For beginners, don’t stress too much about using every effect. Simple is often better, and you can always experiment as you get more comfortable.

Step 6: Adjust Speed and Align Clips

You can also adjust the speed of your video (0.5x for slow motion or 2x for fast) by selecting the ‘speed icon’ on the left of your screen. If you’re shooting multiple clips, Instagram offers an ‘Align’ tool to seamlessly transition between shots.

This is particularly helpful if you’re doing a jump cut or transition effect, like changing outfits or locations within the same video.

Step 7: Review, Edit, and Post

Instagram has contributed significantly to the rise of influencers. As of 2024, it’s estimated that businesses spend over $10 billion annually on influencer marketing, with Instagram being one of the primary platforms for brand promotions.

After you’re satisfied with your creation, tap ‘Next’. You’ll then be able to write a caption, add hashtags, and choose a cover image for your Reel. Once you’re ready, hit ‘Share’ to post your Reel to your followers and the world!

Pro Tips for Creating Engaging Reels

Now that you know how to make a Reel, here are a few insider tips to help you create content that’s not only engaging but also stands out:

Keep It Short and Sweet: While Reels can be up to 90 seconds long, shorter videos (around 15-30 seconds) tend to perform better. People have short attention spans, so make your point quickly.

Follow Trends, But Make Them Your Own: While jumping on trends is a great way to get noticed, adding your unique twist can make your Reel even more memorable. Don’t just copy—get creative!

Use Hashtags and Captions Wisely: Just like regular Instagram posts, hashtags help your content get discovered. Use relevant hashtags but avoid overloading your caption with too many. A catchy caption can also grab attention!

Post Regularly: Consistency is key when it comes to Instagram Reels. The more you post, the more likely you are to reach new audiences and keep your followers engaged.

Engage With Your Audience: Don’t forget to reply to comments, engage with other users’ Reels, and stay active. Social media is a two-way street, after all!

Wrapping It Up

Instagram Reels offer a fantastic opportunity for anyone—whether you’re a brand, an influencer, or just someone who loves sharing content—to connect with a broader audience. And the best part? You don’t need fancy equipment or editing skills to get started. Just your phone, a little creativity, and the willingness to experiment.