If you’re wondering about how I create reels, I decided to share my reel creating process with you. It might not be the simplest process out there, but it is very thorough, and it doesn’t take as much time as you may imagine.
So, my reel creating process actually consists of 15 steps and I will walk you through all of them. Some of them take seconds, while some might take some time to do them.
Planning part of the reel creating process
1. Pick reels audios
Whenever you go through reels, save the audios you enjoy. Or, if you are a part of my Content Blueprint Bank membership, save the suggestions you enjoyed the most. Now is the time to go through your saved audios and pick the ones you want to film today.
2. Add audio links to your ideas bank
If you still don’t keep an ideas bank, you can download one here. This is the bank I use for all of my content. I both keep ideas and script content there. It’s an Asana board, so if you already use Asana, just upload the file there. If you don’t use Asana yet, set it up and I guarantee you’ll love it! Just add a link of your audio to your ideas, so you don’t have to go through saved audios each time.
3. Write the concept of the reel
This is probably the most fun part of my reel creating process. This is where I map out the entire reel. What will I do, what will I say, what will appear on screen and when. This is a very creative part, and a very enjoyable one.
Creating part of the reel creating process
4. Film the reel (prepare at least 10 per filming session)
Now it’s time to film the reel. This can take anywhere from less than a minute per reel to more than half an hour. It is probably going to take you more at the beginning, but as you practice, it will become something very quick and easy. All you need to know is that this part of the reel creating process is supposed to be fun. Prepare at least 10 reels to film per filming session, so you don’t have to do it often. Read more about batching content and why it’s super cool.
5. Save all the finished reels
Since you probably don’t want to (and shouldn’t) post all your filmed reels at once, you should save them. You can save them in drafts, which is available on Instagram. However, I strongly suggest that you also download them to your phone to be on the safe side. Drafts on Instagram tend to disappear, so just keep that in mind.
6. Edit the reel
This might be the most time-consuming part of the reel creating process. It consists of adding the on-screen text, cutting and trimming clips (if you didn’t use the timer feature), adjusting any transitions, and other various adjustments. To edit the reels, I use the Instagram app, YouCut or even the Android built-in editor, which is pretty good. There is a bunch of different video editing apps out there, so find the one you enjoy the most.
7. Design the cover image
Every reel needs a cover image. Instagram will automatically select a frame from the reel and use it as the default cover, but designing one is always a good idea. The cover image size should be the same size as Instagram story, which is 1080 x 1920 px. You can add your brand colors, different elements or photos, but make sure that the important information fits into a 1080x1080px square. This is going to be visible on your feed. Make sure you crop the profile picture before you post, so it fits the square. I design everything using Canva, and you can try Canva Pro for free.
8. Research your hashtags and decide on up to 30 for this reel
The next step in the reel creating process is hashtag research. I wrote all about hashtags already, so make sure you read that. Do your research and decide on the ones you want to use for this reel. Use up to 30 of them (I usually go for 29).
9. Write your caption
It’s time to write your caption. Talk about what is in the post. Don’t just say “New post, link in bio”. Actually describe your post. You want to use as many keywords as possible, because Instagram is really focusing on becoming a search engine. That means that SEO on Instagram is now a real thing. So, use keywords your audience would search for in order to find you. Also, don’t forget to add a strong hook and a strong CTA.
Posting part of the reel creating process
10. Add the caption to your reel
It’s time to post your reel. All you have to do is add the caption you’ve written out for your reel. Paste it from your ideas bank.
11. Add up to 3 topics to your reel
You can now add up to 3 topics to your reels. Reels topics vary, so choose the ones you resonate with the most. The ones you fit the best.
12. Add the cover image and crop your profile image
It’s time to add your designed cover image to your reel and crop your profile image. Make sure that everything important is visible after you crop it. Use Canva to see what fits into a 1080 x 1080 px square.
13. Publish your reel
Once everything is added, including the video itself, the caption with hashtags, the cover image and up to 3 topics, it’s time to hit that ‘Publish’ button. Yes, you should always share your reels to your feed as well, so make sure that feature is on. Don’t think about it too much. Good enough is good enough!
14. Share the reel in your stories
Share the reel to your stories to let your followers know that you have posted something new. Your story views will count towards the total reel views, so that’s an additional benefit.
15. Engage with comments, reply and comment on other people’s posts
Don’t post and ghost. Now is the time to engage with the community. Comment on other people’s posts (your followers, big accounts in your industry and your potential clients) and reply to comments on your new post. It’s also a good idea to engage with people before you post.
My reel creating process conclusion
As you can see, my reel creating process might be an elaborate one, but I believe it’s a good one to follow. If you do decide to follow it, it will save you time. Batching content is something I firmly believe in, especially when it comes to reels.
Let me know if you decide to try it yourself! Follow me on Instagram to get even more tips and tricks of content creation.
