Instagram Reels In 2023: A Comprehensive Guide for Businesses And Creators

Instagram Reels has become a popular feature, providing a new way for users to express themselves and engage with their followers.

With Reels, you can record and edit multi-clip videos with audio, effects, and new creative tools, making it easy to express yourself and share your videos with your followers on your Feed.

Whether you’re looking to showcase your dance moves, share a funny moment, or promote your business, Reels provides a fun and engaging way to do so.

And, if you have a public account, you can make your Reels available to the wider Instagram community through a new space on the Instagram Explore page.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a closer look at how to use Instagram Reels, including creating, sharing, and watching videos, as well as some tips and tricks for making the most out of this exciting feature.

Let’s dive in!

What are Instagram Reels?

Instagram Reels is a feature within the Instagram app that allows you to create and share short, entertaining videos with your followers. 

These videos are up to 90 seconds long and can be edited with a variety of creative tools, including text options, filters, and audio tools.

With Instagram Reels, you can record and edit multi-clip videos with audio, effects, and new creative tools. 

You can also share these videos with your friends or anyone on Instagram. Reels offer a fun and easy way to express yourself and showcase creativity.

One of the great things about Instagram Reels is that a wider audience can discover them. 

Why? 

When you post a Reel, it can be featured on the Explore page, which is a section of Instagram that highlights popular content from around the app. 

In addition to being featured on the Explore page, Instagram Reels has its own tab on the navigation bar.

This means that your Reel has the potential to be seen by people who don’t follow you yet, which can help you gain more followers and increase your reach on the platform.

In 2022, video creator Dunna experimented by posting one Instagram Reel every day for 30 consecutive days. The results of his experiment were quite interesting. 

According to Dunna, he ended up gaining 10 times more new followers, a whopping 4000% increase in reach, and a staggering 3000% increase in engagement as compared to the previous month. 

This experiment demonstrates the immense power of Instagram Reels in terms of boosting one’s Instagram presence.

So, let’s get to know how you can create Instagram Reels.

What’s the Difference Between Instagram Reels and TikTok?

While both Instagram and TikTok allow users to create short-form videos, there are some key differences to keep in mind.

1- Video Length

One of the most significant differences between Instagram Reels and TikTok is the maximum video length.

Initially, TikTok had a limit of 15 seconds for videos. However, this limit was later increased to 10 minutes. But recently, users have noticed that the option for longer videos has disappeared. As of May 2023, the official documentation of TikTok specifies that videos created on TikTok can be up to 60 seconds long, while videos that are uploaded can be up to 3 minutes in length.

In contrast, as of May 2023, the Instagram help center states that the maximum duration for Instagram Reels is currently 90 seconds.

2- Editing Capabilities

TikTok lets you record for longer and offers more in-app editing capabilities, such as the ability to add text, stickers, and filters. 

On the other hand, Instagram Reels offers fewer editing tools but allows you to use Instagram’s existing filters, music, and effects.

3- Audience and Reach

Another key difference between Instagram Reels and TikTok is the audience and reach. 

While both platforms have a large user base, TikTok tends to be more popular with younger audiences. 

TikTok has a reputation for being a platform where users can post more unfiltered and authentic content, while Instagram is often seen as a more curated platform. 

What’s the Difference Between Instagram Reels and Instagram Stories?

Instagram Reels and Instagram Stories are both features that allow you to share content on your Instagram, but they have some key differences.

1- Length

One of the main differences between Instagram Reels and Instagram Stories is the length of the content you can share. Instagram Stories videos are limited to 60 seconds, while Instagram Reels can be up to 90 seconds long. This means that with Instagram Reels, you have more time to create longer-form content.

2- Visibility

Instagram Reels and Instagram Stories also differ in terms of visibility. 

Instagram Stories are only visible to your followers and disappear after 24 hours. 

Instagram Reels, on the other hand, are public and can be discovered by anyone on Instagram. 

This means that Instagram Reels have the potential to reach a wider audience than Instagram Stories.

3- Discoverability

Finally, Instagram Reels and Instagram Stories differ in terms of discoverability. Instagram Stories are only discoverable if someone follows you or visits your profile. 

Instagram Reels, on the other hand, can be discovered through the Explore page, which means that they have the potential to reach a wider audience than Instagram Stories.

How Does The Instagram Reels Algorithm Decide Which Videos To Show Users?

Instagram’s Reels algorithm prioritizes videos that it predicts a user will engage with the most. This is determined based on various signals.

According to Instagram, signals include the user’s previous interactions with other accounts, the kind of content they usually engage with, and when they typically use the app. 

However, the algorithm will reduce the priority of low-quality content or content that has been recycled from other apps, like TikTok.

How to Create A Reel On Instagram

Creating Instagram Reels is a fun and engaging way to showcase your content and reach a wider audience. 

Here’s how you can create your very own Instagram Reels:

1. Open the Instagram app and go to your profile page.
2. Click the plus sign button on the top right of the screen and select Reel.
3. You can also access the Reels editor by swiping left to the Instagram camera and selecting Reel from the bottom options.
4. Choose the length of your Reel by tapping the stopwatch icon on the left side of the screen.
5. Once you’ve chosen your length, tap the record button to start filming your Reel. You can record in a series of clips, in a single stream, or upload external clips from your camera roll.
6. Add music, text, and other creative elements to your Reel by tapping the icons on the left side of the screen.
7. Once you’re happy with your Reel, tap the arrow button to move on to the share screen.
8. Choose whether you want to share your Reel to your feed or the Reels section of the Explore page.
9. Add captions, location tags, and other relevant information to your Reel before sharing it with your followers.

Congratulations on creating your very first Instagram Reel! 

If you’re looking for more tips and tricks on how to create engaging and effective Reels, be sure to bookmark our comprehensive guide on how to make a Reel on Instagram, it will provide you with valuable insights and step-by-step instructions on how to create eye-catching and compelling Reels that will help you grow your presence on Instagram.

How To Make Instagram Reels Faster Using A Template?

Using a template can save you time and help you create professional-looking Reels even if you don’t have a lot of experience with video editing. 

Just be sure to choose a template that fits your content and style, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different effects and features to make your Reels unique. 

Here’s how to make Instagram Reels using a template on Instagram:

1. Open the Instagram app on your phone and navigate to the Reels tab.
2. Tap on the camera icon in the top left corner to start creating your Reel.
3. Scroll through the different options until you find the “Templates” tab and select it.
4. Browse through the available templates until you find one that you like and tap on it.
5. Once you’ve selected a template, you can customize it by adding your photos or videos from your camera roll.
6. You can also add text, stickers, and other effects to make your Reel stand out.
7. When you’re finished creating your Reel, tap the arrow icon in the bottom right corner to share it with your followers.

Be sure to bookmark and refer to our guide on using Instagram Reels Templates. This will help you learn how to create amazing Instagram Reels with ease!

Tips for Creating Engaging Instagram Reels

Here are some tips to help you create Reels that will keep your viewers coming back for more.

1- Use Trending Music and Hashtags

One of the easiest ways to get your Reels seen by a wider audience is to use trending music and hashtags. 

When you use a popular song or a trending hashtag, your Reel is more likely to show up on the Explore page and reach a larger audience.

2- Keep it Short and Sweet

Instagram Reels are meant to be short and sweet, so keep your content concise and to the point, and focus on one main idea or theme per Reel.

3- Add Text or Captions to Your Reel

Adding text or captions to your Reel can help make your content more accessible to viewers who may be watching without sound. You can use text to add context, humor, or additional information to your Reel.

4- Use Creative Transitions and Effects

Instagram Reels offers a variety of creative transitions and effects that you can use to make your content more engaging and visually appealing. Experiment with different effects and transitions to find what works best for your content.

5- Collaborate with Other Creators

Collaborating with other creators can help you reach a wider audience and create content that is more engaging and interesting. 

Look for other creators in your niche or industry and reach out to them to see if they would be interested in collaborating on a Reel.

How to Use Instagram Reels Insights

If you want to make better Instagram Reels, you need to understand how your content is performing. 

That’s where Instagram Reels Insights come in. 

With Reels Insights, you can see how your Reels are performing, who is watching them, and how people are engaging with them. 

Here’s how to use Instagram Reels Insights:

1. Accessing Reels Insights: To access your Reels Insights, go to your profile page in the Instagram app and tap the “Insights” button below your bio. Note that Insights are only available for professional accounts. Once you’re in Insights, you can select “Content” and then “Reels” to see your Reels analytics.
   
2. Understanding Reels Insights: There are several metrics you can track with Reels Insights, including plays, likes, comments, saves, and shares. You can also see your Reels’ engagement rate, which is the percentage of people who engaged with your Reel out of the total number of people who saw it.
   
3. Using Reels Insights to Improve Your Content: Once you have access to your Reels Insights, you can use the data to improve your content. For example, if you notice that your Reels have a high engagement rate but a low number of plays, you might want to experiment with different hashtags or captions to reach a larger audience. If you see that people are dropping off your Reel early, you might want to work on making your content more engaging in the first few seconds.
   
4. Comparing Reels Performance: You can also compare the performance of different Reels to see what’s working and what’s not. For example, if you have two Reels with similar content but one has a much higher engagement rate, you can look at the differences between the two and try to replicate the successful elements in future Reels.
   

Instagram Reels Insights are a powerful tool for improving your content and growing your audience on Instagram. 

By tracking your Reels’ performance and using the data to make informed decisions, you can create more engaging and effective content that resonates with your audience.

How to Schedule Instagram Reels

Scheduling Instagram Reels is a great way to save time and ensure that your content is consistently posted at the right time for your audience. 

Here are some steps to help you schedule your Instagram Reels:

1. Choose a scheduling tool: There are many scheduling tools available to help you schedule your Instagram Reels. Later is a popular option that allows you to schedule your Reels in advance.
   
2. Connect your Instagram account: Once you have chosen a scheduling tool, you will need to connect your Instagram account to the tool. This will allow you to access your Instagram account and schedule your Reels.
   
3. Upload your Reel: Once you have connected your Instagram account, you can upload your Reel to the scheduling tool. Make sure that your Reel meets the Instagram Reels guidelines and is optimized for the platform.
   
4. Schedule your Reel: After you have uploaded your Reel, you can schedule it to be posted at a specific time and date. This will allow you to plan your content in advance and ensure that your Reels are posted at the right time for your audience.
   
5. Review and edit: Before your Reel is posted, make sure to review it and edit it if necessary. This will ensure that your Reel is high-quality and meets your standards.

You can easily schedule your Instagram Reels and save time while ensuring that your content is consistently posted at the right time for your audience.

How To Delete An Instagram Reel?

If you have uploaded an Instagram Reel that you no longer want to keep, you can easily delete it from your account. 

Here are the steps to delete an Instagram Reel:

1. First, open the Instagram app on your device.
2. Navigate to the Reel that you want to delete.
3. Open the Reel and tap the three-dot icon in the top right corner of the screen.
4. From the options that appear, select “Delete.”
5. Confirm that you want to delete the Reel by tapping “Delete” again in the pop-up window.

Once you have completed these steps, the Reel will be deleted from your account and will no longer be visible to your followers or anyone else on Instagram.

It’s important to note that deleting a Reel is permanent and cannot be undone. If you want to keep a copy of the Reel for your records, you should download it to your device before deleting it from Instagram.

If you have uploaded multiple Reels that you want to delete, you can also delete them in bulk. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Enter your account on Instagram.
2. Select the menu button (three vertical dots) to access the options in the top right corner.
3. Use the “Your Activity” tab.
4. Choose “Media” from the menu.
5. Select “Posts.”
6. Pick out the Reels that you wish to remove.
7. Tap the three-dot icon in the top right corner of the screen.
8. From the options that appear, select “Delete.”
9. Confirm that you want to delete the Reels by tapping “Delete” again in the pop-up window.

By following these steps, you can easily delete one or multiple Instagram Reels from your account.

Instagram Reels Ads

Instagram Reels Ads are a new placement for ads on the platform, and they’re designed to help businesses reach greater audiences. 

These ads be inserted in between organic Reels content, and people can comment, like, view, save, share, and skip them, just like with organic Reels. 

This means that Reels Ads have the potential to go viral and reach a wider audience than traditional Instagram ads.

To create Reels Ads, you’ll need to use Meta Ads Manager, which is Facebook’s advertising platform. 

From there, you can select the Reels placement and create your ad. 

Reels Ads can be either video or image-based, and they can be up to 30 seconds long. You can also add text, music, and other creative elements to make your ad more engaging.

Our comprehensive guide on Instagram Ads will help you master the art of using Instagram Reels ads like a pro! Dive deep into all the juicy details and take your Instagram marketing game to the next level.

Instagram Reels Editing Apps

Creating engaging and polished Instagram Reels can be a time-consuming task, but with the right apps, it can be a breeze. 

Here are some of the best apps for editing Instagram Reels:

1. InShot
2. FilmoraGo
3. CapCut
4. Clips
5. LumaFusion

We’ve compiled a guide to the best editing apps for Reels, so be sure to check it out! With the right app in hand, you’ll be able to craft polished and engaging Reels that are sure to impress.

Can You Boost Instagram Reels?

Yes, you can boost Instagram Reels, here’s how you can do it:

1. Select the Reel you want to boost: First, go to your profile and find the Reel you want to boost. Tap on it to open it.
   
2. Tap on the Boost button: Below the Reel, you will see a Boost button. Tap on it to start the boosting process.
   
3. Choose your ad goal: When you tap on the Boost button, you will be asked to choose your ad goal. This is what you want to achieve with your boosted Reel, such as more views, more followers, or more website clicks.
   
4. Select your target audience: Next, you will need to choose your target audience. This is the group of people you want to reach with your boosted Reel. You can choose from a variety of targeting options, such as age, gender, location, interests, and more.
   
5. Set your budget and duration: Finally, you will need to set your budget and duration for your boosted Reel. This is how much you want to spend and how long you want your ad to run. You can choose from a variety of budget and duration options, depending on your goals and budget.

Once you have completed these steps, your boosted Reel will be reviewed by Instagram and will start running as soon as it is approved. 

Keep an eye on your insights to see how your boosted Reel is performing and adjust your strategy as needed.

Do Hashtags Work on Instagram Reels?

Yes, Hashtags can help your Reels get discovered by new audiences and increase your reach. However, it’s important to use them strategically and appropriately.

Here are some tips for using hashtags on Instagram Reels:

1. Use relevant hashtags: when choosing hashtags for your reels, make sure they are relevant to the content you are sharing. 
2. Use a mix of popular and niche hashtags: using a mix of popular and niche hashtags can help your reels get discovered by both a wider audience and a more targeted audience.
3. Use branded hashtags: creating your own branded hashtag for your reels can help you build a community around your content and increase engagement.
4. Don’t overdo it: using too many hashtags can make your reels look spammy and hurt your reach. Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per reel, but it’s best to use a mix of relevant and targeted hashtags that add value to your content.

Instagram Reels Wrap Up

Instagram Reels is a powerful tool for businesses and influencers looking to reach their audiences more engagingly and organically. 

With the ability to create short, attention-grabbing videos, Reels can help you increase your brand’s visibility and grow your following on Instagram.

By following best practices such as keeping your Reels short and sweet, using trending music and hashtags, and posting consistently, you can create content that resonates with your audience and helps you stand out from the crowd.

Additionally, by analyzing your Reels’ performance using Instagram’s built-in analytics tools, you can gain valuable insights into what works and what doesn’t, allowing you to refine your strategy and improve your results over time.

Overall, Instagram Reels is a valuable addition to any social media marketing toolkit, and with the right approach, you can use it to drive engagement, increase your reach, and grow your business or personal brand on Instagram.