This is the 1st installment in our 5-Part Instagram Reels Series
Instagram Reels aren’t new, yet one of our most frequently asked questions is on how to make an Instagram Reel effectively. Especially given the limited resources of many craft makers. So, to kick off 2023 let’s learn or improve this increasingly important skill! Over the next few weeks, we will cover all of our top tips and hacks with our Instagram Reels mini-series. Since its introduction in 2020, Reels have become the platform’s fastest-growing feature and they are not going away anytime soon. But the good news for you is that these short and entertaining videos are a great way to grab users’ attention and garner more engagement for your brand on Instagram.
Instagram Reels 101
Instagram Reels are very similar to Instagram stories because they use photos, videos, music, and stickers to engage users. They also use similar filters, effects, text overlays, and other important elements.
However, there are a few key differences between stories and Reels that make them ideal for brand awareness and relationship building:
Saving – Instagram Reels can be saved on your profile page—alongside their other Instagram feed posts and under the dedicated “Reels” tab. Stories can only be seen from the stories toolbar or in their profile’s “Highlights” section.
Discoverability – Reels can be seen by everyone on Instagram whether they follow the account or not but Stories are only visible to existing followers.
As of July 2022, Instagram simplified video content on the platform by removing IGTV and making all feed videos Reels. That means any video you posted on your feed is now a Reel…so if you’re posting any video content to Instagram at all, you are in fact posting reels. But, what does that mean for you? Now is the time to start incorporating an Instagram Reels strategy into your overall marketing plan and ensure you’re making the most of Reels today.
Make A Reel Step-by-Step
Step One:
First log in to the app and go to the home screen. There are a few options to make an Instagram Reel from here:
- By swiping right on the home screen to see the Instagram Stories tool, and then choosing Reel at the bottom of the screen
- By tapping the (+) icon at the top of the home screen and then choosing the Reels option.
- By tapping the (+) icon at the top of your profile screen and selecting the Reels option.
- By clicking the Reels icon at the bottom of your screen and selecting the camera icon in the top corner.
Step Two:
Next, you will be brought to the Instagram Reel camera where you can start recording your Instagram reel from scratch. Your Reel will be filmed with the dimensions of 1080×1920 with a 9:16 aspect ratio.
Here, you will find several basic options, in order below from top to bottom matching the icons on the left of the image, to add to or help you film your Reel:
- Audio
- Effects
- Add Yours
- Length
- Speed
- Video Layout
- Timer
- Gesture Control
Remember, this is just an introductory overview on how to make an Instagram Reel for now. We will dive deeper into these features in our next article in this series.
Step Three:
Then in the Preview section, you will find a few more tools that are very similar to the Instagram Stories camera. Here you can:
- Add and edit sounds
- Add text
- Add stickers and gifs
- Draw on the screen
- Add effects or filters
- Download the video to the photo gallery
After adding the additional elements and you are happy with your Reel, click the blue next button in the bottom right corner.
Step Four:
Finally, you will be in the publishing section where you will add the final touches to ensure your Reel is ready to be posted on your feed. This is a very important step with many features that help your Reel have a wider reach. Here you can:
- Edit your cover then also select and crop your cover feed image
- Write a caption
- Include hashtags
- Toggle on to share to your feed
- Tag or collaborate with other users
- Add related topics
- Tag products
- Add location
- Add fundraiser
- Toggle on to share to Facebook page
We recommend you use as many of these features as possible to help your Reel reach a larger audience.
You did it!
Now here are a few Instagram Reel ideas for your Craft Alcohol brand:
- Promote products – Record clips of your products being made, bottled, or showcased with details and information on the ingredients or process.
- Behind The Scenes- Show your employees, facility, or even farmers. People love to see where, how and who is making their favorite product.
- Lifestyle – Help your consumers see themselves drinking your products by creating scenarios to showcase your products.
Now that you know how to make an Instagram Reel and you have a few ideas up your sleeve, it’s time to incorporate Instagram Reels into your marketing strategy to help your brand stand out. Stay tuned for our next article in the series covering Instagram Reel tips and features to master!
