Instagram reels are strikingly similar to TikTok and allow users to create their content by adding music to their videos. These videos can be 15 seconds long, allowing content creators to show their skills in just enough time to catch the user’s attention. You can edit and add effect to these and then post them.
This feature was recently introduced in India, and Instagram downloads went up by 11.4%. However, this feature is still new, and many people are unaware of it. So, we have listed all that you need to know about Instagram Reels and how you can make Reels on Instagram. Let’s dive in!
In this article
Part 1. How to Make an Instagram Reel With The Built-in Editor
How to Make Instagram Reels in 2 Ways
There are two ways to create Instagram reels. You have the option to use the built-in editor or create and edit the video externally and then upload it. Both of these methods are very simple. Let’s have a look.
1. Open the Instagram application and tap on the camera icon in the top left of the screen.
2. At the bottom of the screen, select Reels.
3. You could now see a wide array of effects on the left side to help you edit your video.
4. Tap the Record button to start recording the reel. Tap it again to stop the reel.
5. As an alternative, you can also set and start the timer for a specified video length.
6. Record the video in one go or divide your 15 seconds into segments and record short clips.
7. Tap the right arrow once to preview the video. If you are satisfied and content with the result, tap the arrow again to save it.
8. Once you are done, tap and open the Share page, caption your video and share it.
If you have a private account compliant with your settings and privacy, the video will only be visible to your followers. Your followers can use neither the original audio nor share it with people who don’t follow you.
If you have a public account, the video will be discoverable by a larger Instagram community. Considering the popularity, it will also stand a chance to land in the Explore section, where it can be viewed and shared by millions of other people.
Part 2. How To Make Reels Using Wondershare Filmora Video Editor
Instagram does not limit you to the features embedded in it but allows you to create videos elsewhere and then upload them on Instagram as reels. Wondershare Filmora is one such app that will enable you to create your short videos quickly and easily.
The video editor has an array of powerful functions and tools that will let you be creative. The intuitive design and user-friendly interface are perfect for beginners.
Method 1: Enhancing Instagram Highlights with Filmora's Smart Scene Cut
Scene Smart Cut is incredibly helpful during the rough-cut phase of video editing. It scans your footage, identifying key moments, characters, and objects, and then pulls out the highlights for you to place on the timeline for further editing.
It’s especially useful when you need to:
- Cut down a long event recording into shareable Instagram reels.
- Segment a detailed tutorial video into bite-sized clips for Instagram.
- Pick out key moments from a podcast or webinar for reels marketing.
This tool makes short video production much faster and smoother.
Step-By-Step Guide on How to Enhance Instagram Highlights Using Smart Scene Cut
If you want to make a reel with Filmora, just follow these quick and easy steps:
Step 1: Install the latest version of Filmora on your computer and set it up.
Step 2: You can set the aspect ratio to Instagram’s standards before making your reel. Ideally, the ratio for Instagram Reels is 9:1. Once selected, click New Project to start editing.
Step 3: Import your video clips and click the Smart Cut Scene option on the video thumbnail.
Step 4: Choose the video type for Smart Scene Cut to process. Since you are going to make marketing reels, you can click on the Marketing option.
Step 5: Next, select the scenes detected by Smart Scene Cut. You can either choose the highlight based on a specific highlight scene or character. To add them to the workspace, click the "Add" button for individual clip, or select "Add All" to include all the detected scenes. To proceed with the editing, click Edit in the Main Timeline.
Step 6: Review the result once Smart Scene Cut finishes. Now, you can make some adjustments to your video.
Step 7: To give your marketing video reels better accessibility, you can automatically generate dynamic captions in Filmora using the Speech-to-Text feature. Simply right-click on your video and choose the Speech-to-Text option.
Next, adjust the Speech-to-Text settings, including selecting the language and whether you want to translate the captions into another language. Click on "Try Free" to proceed.
Filmora will generate the captions and place them in the Media window. You can then drag and drop the captions into your video timeline.
To edit or customize the captions, simply double-click the caption track to open the settings for further adjustments.
You can also modify the font style by going to the Preset tab. Filmora offers many font templates from which you can choose. Select a font that complements your video's aesthetic for a more visually appealing result.
Step 8: To change the voiceover, you can use the Text-to-Speech feature. Select the caption track again and go to the Text-to-Speech tab in the property panel. From there, you can adjust settings such as language, voice type, speed, and pitch to ensure the voice sounds natural. Additionally, Filmora also provides a recording feature that allows you to add your own voice.
Step 9: Review your edited video in the Preview box. Once satisfied, click the Export button to either share it directly to social media or save it to local storage.
Method 2: Crafting Smart Short Clips for Quick, Engaging Videos
The Smart Short Clip feature in Filmora can automatically convert a video into an Instagram Reels format. It works by quickly identifying and extracting key moments from your footage. After processing, it presents you with a selection of clips, each rated to help you assess the quality of the generated content.
Steps to Convert Long Videos to Shorts in Filmora
Step1Launch Filmora and Access Smart Short Clips
Open Filmora on your computer and locate the Smart Short Clip option below the New Project button. Click on this option to enter the Smart Short Clip workspace.
Alternatively, you can also open the Toolbox to find the Smart Short Clips feature.
Step2Import Your Video
Start by importing your video. Filmora allows you to import videos from YouTube URL. Or you can also upload videos locally from your computer or access them through Filmora's Cloud Drive.
Step3Pre-editing the Video
Once your video is imported, Filmora's AI-powered video editing tools take over. You can set parameters such as speech-language and choose a duration for your short clips. Then, select from a variety of themes like podcasts, educational videos, gaming & sports, marketing, etc. to fit your content style.
In the Advanced menu, select the aspect ratio and enable BGM Smart Generation to automatically generate fitting background music for your content. Enter a few keywords about your content in the Main Topic box to help the AI add relevant animations.
Scroll down to choose a selection of high-quality short video templates. By hovering over each one, you can see the animated stickers or sound effects included in the template. Once you find a template you like, click "Generate" to continue.
Step4Choose and Edit Clips
After uploading your video, you'll see it divided into several shorter clips, each rated to help you decide which best fits your project. Review the clips and click "Edit" on the one you prefer to make any necessary adjustments.
In the Smart Short Clips editing interface, you'll find auto-generated captions from your video's audio, as well as sound effects, background music (if BGM Smart Generation is turned on), animated stickers, and more. You can switch between two main viewing modes: Select Mode (where you can toggle captions on or off) and Time Code Mode (to view captions based on their timestamps).
Review the captions for any errors. To modify the text, select the caption track and go to the Text > Basic section in the property panel. From there, you can edit the text and even merge or highlight specific words.
Step5Choose and Edit Clips
Once you are done making adjustments, click "Export" and select whether you'd like to save the video to your local folder or share it directly on social media.
Conclusion
Short videos have revolutionized social media, offering anyone the chance to gain fame through creative content. Instagram Reels makes it easy to edit and share videos, reaching a global audience in a quick and engaging format. Whether you're looking for inspiration or want to enjoy great content, Instagram offers a wealth of short videos to explore.
If you're wondering how to make Reels on Instagram, don't worry—it's simple! This guide will help you get started, even if you're new to the format. With just one app, you can create and share photos, stories, videos, and Reels, making Instagram a complete platform for all your creative needs.
