Instagram Reels in 2024: 101 Guide

In this whole guide, there are a few integral aspects of Instagram reels we will discuss, as mentioned below:

• How to create high-performing Instagram reels
• Unlocking trending ideas for Instagram reels
• Understanding the IG Reels algorithm
• Benefits of making Instagram reels in 2024
• Tips to Make Viral IG Reels

Keep reading to explore the most studied guide on IG reels you would have ever found!

We all know what Instagram reels are! No doubt, it is the most trending topic in the media world.

Meta introduced IG reels in 2020 as short-form video content that users can record, edit, clip, and put together with music and post on their feeds. As of now, Instagram reels can be stretched up to 15 minutes (there’s rarely any reel of 15 minutes).

The standard reel size on Instagram is 90 seconds to a minute. But did you know the reels started from a timeframe limit of 15 seconds?

Love from users and extreme fame have stretched the time limit to a zillion times more!

Since IG reels’s inception, it’s been game-changing for users and brands to excel at creativity and promotion! Let’s find out more about Instagram reels and the following trends led by a flood of content creators.

Creating Reels on Instagram is quite simple, and all newbies become familiar with the reel-making process as soon as they start. A lot of people find it interesting to make IG reels.

If you are a keen visual learner, make your creative reels on IG in just 5 simple steps!

Step 1: Go to your home page on Instagram and tap on the + Icon

When you open the Instagram app, you will see your profile picture at the bottom. Click on your Instagram profile picture icon. You will get to your profile page. Here, you will find the + icon. From there, click on the Reels option.

Step 2: Upload your recorded video clip

When you have a recorded video clip, upload it. You can also select pictures and create a reel. We’ll tell you how to edit your reel in the next step.

Step 3: Edit Your Reel

Instagram has multiple editing options for your IG reels.

• You can select audio from the music library on Instagram or, import from your audio box. You can choose a part of the audio which you want.
• You can increase or decrease the length of your Instagram reels at your convenience.
• You can change the speed of your videos to 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, or more
• You can add multiple recordings in one frame and change the layout
• You can use a Timer before recording and set a time limit before you record the next clip.
• You can use Dual to record videos through your front camera.
• You can use Align after recording the first clip. You can line up objects from the previous recording.

Step 4: Adjust Reel Settings

The next step is to set your Reel cover.

• You can choose a frame from the reel or add an image from the camera roll.
• Then, add a suitable caption along with the hashtags. You can tag people if you want and also add location. However, they are optional.
• When you use the option ‘Enable Facebook Recommendations, your reels will surface to FB users. You don’t need to have a Facebook account to utilize the feature.
• Rename your audio when you add your own. You can give a name that shows up to other users when they use your sound.

Step 5: Post Your Reel

Once you are done with all the editings and settings, click on Upload, and your reel will start uploading. It will take a few seconds, and your reel will get uploaded.

Knowing the size, dimension, and required proportions helps with quality measurements of IG reels. Henceforth, you must know how long can instagram reels be, and the various sizes and dimensions of the Instagram reel by heart.

Here is a quick guide on Instagram reel size specifications.

#1. Instagram Reel Cover Photo

The cover photo of the IG reel is the image that you choose while uploading the IG reel. You can either upload it from the reel or choose one from the camera roll.

Aspect reel ratio: 9:16

Apt Size to Upload: 1080 pixels x 1920 pixels.

#2. IG Reels Thumbnail

The Instagram reel thumbnail is the default picture on the reel page. The thumbnail provides an idea of the content to the viewers.

Aspect ratio: 1:1

Display size: 1080 pixels x 1080 pixels

Apt Size to Upload: 1080 pixels x 1920 pixels

#3. Instagram Reels

We are all familiar with the concept of Instagram reels. It is the bite-sized video you are uploading.

Aspect ratio in full-screen mode: 9:16

Aspect ratio in Instagram feed: 4:5

Apt size to upload: 1080 pixels x 1920 pixels.

#4. Reel and Caption Length

The Instagram reel length stretches up to 15 minutes, and the caption size goes up to a maximum limit of 2200 characters, including space.

Having a good knowledge of Instagram algorithms is great for gaining higher visibility on this platform. To help you avoid hunting for learning algorithms, here’s an apt insight into the basics that are perfect for beginners.

#1. User Engagement

User engagement determines the response of the users interacting with your reel. It is based on comments, shares, likes, and views. It helps figure out content working well amongst the Instagram audience and rank your content on top of their IG feeds. Some users even choose to buy Instagram comments to enhance their engagement, making their content appear more popular and attracting even more organic interactions.

#2. User Preferences and Interests

The Instagram algorithm also tries to find the user and account relationship. When Instagram finds a closer relationship between users and particular content, the feed has posts from such accounts. Even stories are organized priority-wise.

#3. Content Relevance

IG algorithm also configures the multiple types of content on the user’s feeds. All posts, videos, and reels with a higher engagement rate are more likely to appear to more users. Trending hashtags and events are also given preference.

#4. Watch time

Watch time also impacts the Instagram algorithm. When a user is watching your content more frequently, the algorithm takes note of the activity. Posts from such profiles appear on the user’s feeds, and they enjoy more.

#5. Hashtags and Captions

Hashtags and captions provide the IG algorithm information about trending content and content loved by more people on Instagram. Inserting popular search keywords will help in ranking the content better. It then appears to more users to search for similar keywords.

#6. Trending and Virality

Trend and virality are timely concepts. One content used and loved is considered viral on Instagram. Viral content has the original user’s IG tag that accounts for the original creator’s growth and popularity on Instagram.

Have you been waiting for the day when one of your reels goes viral and you see a vast influx of followers?

Well, luck might be a factor in driving your reel and making it go viral, but hard work matters most. While creating engaging content is key, some users also choose to buy Instagram followers to give their accounts an initial boost and increase their chances of going viral.

If you necessarily want your reel to go viral, you must follow the below-given steps instead:

#1. Understand Your Audience

It is integral to know your audience before you decide to make content. You need to know your audience’s major interest areas and perform a detailed study on the age group and gender. This is how you make the right content creation strategy.

#2. Focus on High-Quality Content

High-quality content is a definite factor in making your reel popular amongst the audience. It pitches for quality, and viewers love accounts that swear by good quality content. Hence, supervise high quality in your content, and you will notice the difference.

#3. Keep It Short and Sweet

The whole concept of an Instagram reel is realistic short videos or a few clips. When you try and stretch the duration of IG reels, it becomes a video. Hence, try to keep reels short and crisp, keeping up with the concept and idea.

#4. Use Trending Music and Challenges

Using trending audio is well-promoted by the Instagram algorithm. Using trending audio helps in ranking your content on Instagram while entertaining the audience and bagging likes, views, comments, and followers on your Instagram reels. Some creators even choose to buy Instagram likes to further boost their engagement and increase the visibility of their reels.

#5. Utilize Relevant Hashtags and Captions

Leveraging the best tools to generate hashtags and captions can further enhance reach and contribute to local SEO and traffic. It will further provide more clarity to the viewers about your content. After all, a brief content description always acts like a topping.

#6. Collaborate and Engage with Others

A noteworthy trend on Instagram is finding creators with whom you can collaborate for content. It helps benefit from each other’s followers while also helping reach a wider set of IG users and establish fame and credibility.

#7. Promote Across Multiple Channels

You must also promote the video across multiple digital channels to amplify visibility and reach. For instance, you can link your Instagram and Facebook pages to reach both platform’s users. When you do it, your Instagram post will also reflect on Facebook.

#8. Post Consistently and Experiment

Consistency is the key, and this phrase will never become outdated. Whether you work hard, smart, or both ways, consistency has to be a significant point everywhere. Only consistent efforts will bear fruits for you. Hence, keep making content and ensure the hustle is on!

#9. Boost the Reel

Instagram has allowed you to boost your IG posts and widespread reach beyond what you get organically. Utilize this feature for good content and boost them with the right targeting, selecting a good audience size and investing a little from your pocket.

Though making a reel is simple, it is not so simple! This means you should have an executable idea and an apt knowledge of methods, tools, and steps to build impactful content.

Hence, we have prepped up this section where we illustrate five great ways to create a high-quality and content-rich Instagram reel! Such a reel would drive the traffic and engagement you are seeking.

Step 1: Build a Concept and Use Content Planner

Think of what to showcase in the reel and become a storyteller to craft an idea capable of representing in 30 seconds to a minute. Prepare a brief on the scenes and shots you will be shooting using content planners.

Leverage AI, Google, and references from competitors’ accounts to get vivid concept strategies and content.

Step 2: Arrange Products and Good Lighting

When narrating a story, arrange proper props that go with your script. For shooting a product, get a solid product that looks beautiful. You don’t want to show old and ugly product packaging.

Lighting can change the whole game. Even if your IG reels are a zero-investment plan, spend some money to get good lighting. It amplified quality.

Step 3: Shoot the Clips

There are two ways to shoot the video: you can either take the long route and shoot everything in one go or divide it into several clips and shoot one at a time.

We suggest shooting clips when the video is about to go longer than 15 seconds. It helps avoid any possible errors and eliminates chances for multiple reshoots.

Step 4: Combine Clips and Put the Trending Audio

You must also decide on audio for your IG reel while devising a concept. After shooting the clips, you must edit and insert audio to conclude the reel-making process.

Ensure using the best editing tools and filters to create a premium-quality Instagram reel.

Step 5: Post As Per the Latest Algorithm Trend

When we say post the reel as per trending algorithm, it means that you need to learn the latest algorithm update.

Know how to write impactful reel captions, sync them with the right hashtags, and use the ideal number of keywords.

We are sure you must have predicted the benefits of Instagram reels for all business and creator accounts. However, we would love to make it clearer and prompt. Let’s look at some absolute benefits of leveraging IG reels.

#1. Increased Visibility

Instagram users have a better interest in Instagram reels than statics and carousels. IG stories work better, too; however, reels occupy the first position in better engagement and conversions. Hence, Instagram reels amplify visibility.

#2. Brand Awareness

IG reel’s better reach paves the way for increased brand awareness. Through product promotion in detail and highlighting the brand’s USP in reels, you can call out for the brand and spike awareness levels for others.

#3. CTA opportunities

Always insert a Call to Action statement in your reel to help people drive to your stores. You can either have it in the beginning, in the middle, or at the end. However, we suggest putting a CTA at the end.

#4. Showcasing Product/Services

Feature product showcasing videos or a service-talk video idea in your IG reel calendar. You must have reels that talk in detail about the product or the service you are providing. It will get you better conversions than other kinds of content.

#6. Trend Participation

Instagram is all about the latest trends. People who are closely engaging with reel videos are trying to look for trends that are worth following. Hence, you should feature trendy content in your IG reels.

#7. Cross Promotion

Cross-promote your reel on another digital content sphere. Such an activity ensures that you are rightly utilizing the content while also benefiting from it with each use. The best platform to cross-promote your IG reels is TikTok and YouTube Shorts.

#8. Monetization Opportunity

Earning through IG reels is one of the most looked forward to benefits. Look for ways through which you can monetize your digital rights and increase the creditworthiness of your reel content. You can expect returns and opportunities through it!

It’s finally time to look at some trending reel ideas you can follow in 2024. All these content ideations have been doing pretty well for IG accounts, and hence, you must consider trying them out.

All these ideas are selected after expert checks and reports!

#1. Day in the Life

Day in the Life kind of Instagram reels inspire people who watch Instagram reels. Inspiring content performs better. Many wellness, lifestyle, fashion, tech, and other creators have started making ‘A Day In My Life’ kind of content.

#2. Behind the Scenes

Behind the Scenes or BTS are very realistic content. People like it when they are given a glimpse of reality and behind the scenes are categorically realistic pieces of content. Everybody’s excited about “What happens behind the scenes.”

#3. Get to Know Videos

When you have been making content for a while, your audience becomes curious to know about you and your life. Hence, answer five questions (or less) in reels that talk about your personal life (not so personal).

#4. Product Advertising

Product advertising is a basic video idea; however, it is a must-do content plan. When you have a product, the prime goal is to sell it. Henceforth, you should do advertising videos. The only parameter you need to follow is to not overdo it!

#5. Answer Comment Queries

More comments mean more engagement. The best way to get more comments is to answer the already-given comments. When users see that you are answering the comments, they get the encouragement to write more comments on your IG reels.

#6. 1 Minute Stories

‘Everything in 1 minute’ has become quite popular. It is because people get to watch smaller pieces of content but get major insights into the Industry’s know-how and a lot more beyond it. It requires a good script and prompt editing, but can do well!

#7. Mimicry Videos With Personal Theme

Mimicry is doing extremely well on social media platforms, especially on Instagram. Many mimicry artists have gained fame in a shorter time span through IG reels. You can also utilize the mimicry concept and feature product content.

#8. Customer Stories

Nothing is more convincing than powerful customer stories on the IG reel. Work on brilliant UGC (user-generated content), extract them from customers, edit them, and post them on IG reels. You will see a notable difference when you start building UGC content for Instagram.

How do you feel after reading such an extensive yet crisp guide about Instagram reels?

There’s hardly anything you need to search separately about reels on Instagram after you have read this guide. We have enlisted the algorithm, reel ideas, trending concepts, benefits, the right ways to curate a content calendar, and a lot more.

Leverage the information to craft something better and create a fast-forwarded progressive calendar.

If not anything, we hope to have added a knowledge factor for you. Always remember, a little information goes a long way.

All the Best!