What are Instagram Reels?
Instagram reels are brief, enjoyable videos meant to entertain.
They’re showcased in two spots on a user’s profile: within their feed and on the dedicated Reels tab
How to make Instagram Reels
You have multiple ways to create Instagram Reels:
- Swipe right on the home screen to access Instagram Stories, then select Reel at the bottom.
- Tap the (+) icon at the top and choose Reels.
- Remix any Reel you see on Instagram to create your version.
- Use Reel templates that come with key technical elements, adding your content.
- Upload a video post; if it’s under 15 minutes, it automatically becomes a Reel.
Explore our comprehensive guide on crafting Instagram Reels, perfect for social media managers or e-commerce owners venturing into video creation
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What is Instagram Reels length?
The duration of Instagram Reels varies, spanning from 90 seconds to 15 minutes, contingent upon how the Reel is generated.
If crafted through the Instagram Reels tool within the app’s camera, the Reel extends up to 90 seconds.
By default, users can generate 15-second Reels via the IG camera.
However, users can extend both the Reel and music length in two ways: adjusting settings during in-app recording or uploading a video as a post, later shared as a Reel.
Instagram’s announcement, per TechCrunch, outlined that any video shorter than 15 minutes would automatically convert to Reels when posted after the platform introduced this feature.
Prior videos remained unaffected, staying as regular videos.
source : socialbu
In 2023, Instagram streamlined its video format within the app, altering video post uploads, which is why some Reels now surpass the 90-second limit.
How to determine the best Instagram Reels length?
Consider the optimal Instagram Reel duration based on your objectives.
In order to stop and get attention
If you aim to instantly engage viewers, the suggested Instagram Reel duration is 2-10 seconds, keeping content concise and impactful.
For quick engagement, an energetic introduction like knocking on the camera, speaking directly to the viewer, and maintaining eye contact is crucial. A captivating cover with a clear hook in titles or intriguing questions tends to work well.
However, for longer Reels, such as educational or advocacy content, the initial 3-5 seconds hold utmost importance. They demand a compelling hook and dynamism. Following this, the video can extend up to a minute or a minute and a half.
So as to increase views
Creating shorter content of 3-10 seconds can boost views significantly.
However, to make users want to rewatch, consider these tactics:
- Surprise Factor: Include a surprising element at the end, prompting users to consciously rewatch the Reel.
- Fast-Paced Videos with Text: Incorporate background images and essential text that flashes too quickly for viewers to read in one watch. While a tactic to make users pause and read during a second viewing, it’s a nuanced approach.
- Infinite Loop: Utilize dynamic, fast-paced visuals or seamless transitions in short Reels. This strategy, adaptable across various niches, encourages viewers to stay engaged till the end and potentially realize they’ve watched the same video multiple times. The key lies in smooth music transitions connecting the end to the beginning
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To achieve this objective, aim for an Instagram Reel duration of 15-30 seconds.
Your primary focus is to maintain user engagement until the conclusion, where you’ll place a clear Call-to-Action (CTA), directly prompting viewers to take a specific action:
- Comment now!
- Share this with your friends!
- Leave an answer in the comments!
- Comment your best tip!
- Share your worst experience!
To build a connection
Craft an Instagram Reel with a narrative that resonates. Stories hold immense power, shaping favorable or unfavorable perceptions of a brand or individual.
Narratives that evoke the former often create an instant connection.
Given the depth of a story, shorter durations like 5 seconds might not suffice; aim for a longer video spanning 60-90 seconds, even considering uploading it as a regular post.
However, it’s prudent not to stretch the narrative to 15 minutes, as it becomes challenging to retain the viewer’s attention for that duration.