Designed to take on TikTok, Instagram Reels looks set to carve out a niche as a short-video sharing platform. What gives it an edge over many other rivals is the seamless integration with Instagram. That integration not only offers massive exposure to Reels right from the start, but also allows it to make the most of all the eye-catching filters and effects that Instagram already comes with. If you have set your sight on this all-new TikTok rival, now is the perfect time to use Instagram Reels on your iPhone or Android device.
How to Use Instagram Reels on Android and iOS
Instagram Reels has arrived at a time when its biggest rival TikTok has just been banned in India and is facing the impending ban in several countries including the US. So, it’s crystal clear that the Facebook-owned platform wants to cash-in-on the opportunity to fill up the void and also present itself as a better substitute for those hunting for a video-sharing platform where they can unleash fun-loving and lip-syncing clips.
Currently, Reels is available only in a few countries including Brazil, France, Germany, and India. Considering the massive hype, Instagram may soon launch it in several countries. So, just in case the brand-new video sharing feature hasn’t yet rolled out in your country, you shouldn’t lose your heart. Now that you are familiar with what Reels has to offer, let’s get started!
Quick Links of the Topics Covered Below
- Record Instagram Reels Videos
- Add an Elegant Music to Your Instagram Reels
- Adjust the Instagram Reels Video Recording Speed
- Add a Fascinating Filter to Instagram Reels Video
- Set a Timer for Instagram Reels
- Align Your Instagram Reels
- Save Your Instagram Reels
- Beautify Your Instagram Reels By Adding Text, Emoji, and Cool Sticker
- Share Your Instagram Reels
- Protect Your Instagram Reels and Your Original Audio
- Check Who Liked and Commented on Your Reels
- What are Featured Instagram Reels?
- How to Delete Your Instagram Reels
Record Instagram Reels Videos
1. Launch Instagram on your device and then tap on the camera icon at the top-left corner. On the next screen, tap on the Get Started option.
2. Next up, you should see three options at the bottom: Live, Story, and Reels. Tap on Reels.
3. Now, go ahead and give your best to create a stunning Instagram reel. Make sure the overall length of your video clip is 15 seconds. When you are all set, hit the big white circle icon to start recording the clip. Once you are done, tap on the same button to stop the recording.
Add an Elegant Music to Your Instagram Reels
To make your clip easily win attention, you can also add suitable music to it. To do it, tap on the music icon on the left. Then, search for the music that you want to add. There are two tabs called For You and Browse. While the For You section automatically curates songs as per your taste, the Browse section offers a variety of songs from different genres.
Interestingly, you can view the lyrics on-screen and select any part of the song. Save it for the times where you want to create fun-filled lip-sync videos.
Adjust the Instagram Reels Video Recording Speed
There is also a way to adjust the video recording speed. To do it, use the right arrow icon that looks like the play button. Right now, Reels allows you to record videos in slow motion at up to .3x and .5x. You can also speed up the clip by choosing 2x and 3x. By default, 1x is selected.
Add a Fascinating Filter to Instagram Reels
Before getting started with recording, you can choose from plenty of cool effects to make the clip look fascinating. Simply, tap on the smiley button and then swipe right on the big white circle to access all the available effects. Then, pick the one that looks bang on for the theme.
Set a Timer for Instagram Reels
Instagram Reels also lets you set a timer so that you can get perfectly prepared for the shot. To set a timer, tap on the timer icon on the left and then set the duration for your clip (0.1 to 15 seconds). Once you are done, tap on Set Timer. When you start recording the clip, the timer will appear on the screen.
Align Your Instagram Reels
If your video looks a bit messed up, you can perfectly align it. To do it, simply tap on the Align button.
Replay Your Instagram Reels
Once you have recorded the Instagram Reel, tap on the back arrow at the bottom to replay the video.
Save Your Instagram Reels
If you want to save your Instagram reel on your device, tap on the forward arrow at the bottom. Then, tap on the Save button at the top to save your clip.
Beautify Your Instagram Reels By Adding Text, Emoji, and Cool Sticker
Should you wish to make your Instagram reel stand out, you can add eye-catching text, emoji, and sticker. After you have recorded the clip, tap on the forward arrow at the bottom. Then, tap on the emoji icon at the top to choose from a variety of stickers and emojis.
If you want to scribble, tap on the scribble button at the top and then use your creativity to add something unique. To add text, tap on the text button at the top right corner of the screen and then add a suitable text.
Share Your Instagram Reels
After you have edited your Instagram Reel, you can share it with your friends and followers. To do it, tap on the forward arrow at the bottom. Next, add a cool caption and choose how you want to share your reel with others. For instance, you can choose to share your clip to feed or stories. In the end, hit the share button and you are ready to go!
Note:
- You can also record a reel with your own original audio.
- Keep in mind, when you post a reel on a public account, anyone on Instagram can create a reel using your original audio.
- If your account is set to private, no one will be able to create a reel using your original audio.
- Do note that the reels posted to Feed or Explore will appear in the Reels tab on your Instagram profile. However, the reels shared with Stories and Direct will automatically be deleted after 24 hours and you won’t find them on your profile.
Protect Your Instagram Reels and Your Original Audio
When you share your Instagram Reels, anyone can view and share them. Your reels may appear on Explore and places like effect, hashtag, and even audio pages. That’s how a clip goes viral and grabs millions of views. And if that happens, you may become a star overnight.
It’s worth noting that anyone on Instagram can make a reel by using your original audio if your account is public (which is the default). Just in case, you prefer to have privacy and wish to protect your reels, you can enable the private account to allow only your approved followers to view and share your reels. Whenever someone shares your reel, only your followers will be allowed to view it. Moreover, no one will be allowed to create a reel using your original audio.
To get it done, head over to profile tab -> menu button that looks like three horizontal lines -> Settings -> Privacy -> Account Privacy. Now, turn on the switch for Private Account.
Check Who Liked and Commented on Your Reels
You can keep a tab on the likes and comments made on your reels from the Reels tab of your profile. Navigate to your Instagram profile -> Reels tab. Now, tap on the reel to check out:
- The people who liked and commented on your reel
- The number of times your reel starts to play. Do note that it doesn’t include replays.
- Whether or not your reel has been selected to be featured on Reels
What are Featured Instagram Reels?
As part of the effort to motivate creators to create top-notch videos, Instagram will also feature the Reels that standout. The social networking app chooses reels based on several things like genre, style, and more significantly how entertaining they are.
Keep in mind that only the reels from public accounts will be featured. If your reel is selected, you will receive a notification from Instagram.
How to Delete Your Instagram Reels
If you no longer want to keep any reel, you can easily delete it right from your profile. To get it done, launch Instagram on your device and head over to the profile. Then, tap on the Reels icon. Next, choose the reel you want to delete.
On your iPhone, tap on the three horizontal dots. On your Android device, tap on the three vertically placed dots in the bottom. Up next tap on Delete. You will need to tap on Delete again to confirm the deletion.
Note that, you will also get the option to save the reel to camera roll, copy the link of the reel and even share it others in the same menu.
Use Instagram Reels on Your iOS and Android Device
So, these are the best tips and tricks through which you can make the most of Instagram Reels. Even though Instagram’s offering has just hit the market, it seems fully equipped to fill up the void and also offer something exciting to both the creators and users. We have compared Instagram Reels with TikTok, so go read that article if you are making the switch. What’s your take on this short-video sharing feature? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Abubakar Mohammed
