What is instagram Reels?

These are the steps in the Instagram app on a phone. You can also upload a video as a reel from Instagram on a computer by choosing Create, then Post.

1. From your Feed, tap Create at the bottom.
2. Tap REEL at the bottom.
3. Tap the camera to record a new clip, or tap your camera roll in the bottom left to add a video you already have.
4. Use the tools on the left to add audio, effects or a layout, then tap Next.
5. Add text, stickers or music, and tap Edit video if you want to trim or reorder clips on the timeline.
6. Tap Next, choose a cover, write your caption and add a location.
7. Tap Share.

Instagram's help centre says you can record and edit reels of up to 20 minutes. It also says reels over 3 minutes won't be recommended to new audiences, so if a reel's job is to reach people who don't follow you, keep it to 3 minutes or less.

Reels can be uploaded with an aspect ratio between 1.91:1 and 9:16, but full-screen vertical (9:16) fills the phone and is what most people expect. If you want to boost a reel as an ad, Instagram's help centre says it must be 90 seconds or less and in full-screen 9:16.

Trial reels let you test a reel on people who don't follow you before your followers see it. You need a public account with at least 200 followers for a professional (business or creator) account, or 1,000 followers for a personal account.

You choose Trial before sharing. Insights arrive within 24 hours, and if the reel does well you can share it with everyone. It is a low-risk way to test a new style or hook.

Zolyp can plan and publish Instagram Reels for you, but the basics below apply however you make them.

• Show the most interesting moment in the first second or two; that is the hook.
• Keep one idea per reel. A tip, a transformation or a behind-the-scenes moment is enough.
• Add on-screen text so the reel makes sense with the sound off.
• Keep text and faces away from the very top and bottom, where the app's buttons cover the video.
• Post original video rather than clips with another app's watermark.
• Write a caption that adds context and tells people what to do next.