2023: Guide to Instagram Reels
1. Getting Familiar with the Reels Platform
A note from the C&C TeamIf you’re new to Reels, welcome! Before we dive in, I wanted to share some words of encouragement: We were all new to Reels at some point. Like learning any new skill, it will take a little time, some trial and error, and a dash of patience but soon enough the Reels platform will feel like an old friend to you. Our team is SO HAPPY to share what we’ve learned about Reels over the last few years with you here. Let’s dive in!
The nuts & bolts: A tour of the Reels platform
Reading an owner’s manual for a new gadget is not exactly fun, but I’ve never regretted the foundation of information it provides when I’m tearing open a new package.
Similarly, I learned SO much from watching what I call the “Reels Manual” video. Linked below is the video I recommend to anyone who wants a comprehensive picture of the Reels platform.
In the video, Stephanie covers the buttons, features, and capabilities of the Reels platform. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just getting started, I’m confident you will learn something from this video.
A quick tour of Reels with buttons & feature overview:
To Access the Reels Platform:From your Instagram home screen, swipe a finger from left to right. This will open your camera. On the bottom menu, toggle to “Reel.”
On the left toolbar, you’ll see the following icons:
2. Choosing Your Reel Topic
Ideas and inspiration: What should your Reel be about?
So you’ve picked the topic you’re going to share about, now it’s time to write your script. A few things to keep in mind when writing your script:
Write your script conversationally as if you’re speaking to a friend
Keep the script brief - under 1 minute, or ideally, less than 30 seconds
Remember you can elaborate on your topic in the caption - don’t feel like you need to cram everything into your script!
Next, follow the outline below for writing a compelling hook:
Part 1: Start your script with a strong hook to grab the viewer's attention
Part 2: Next, make sure to include 2-3 main takeaways or “lessons” the viewer can walk away with.
Part 3: Finally, include a compelling “Call-to-action” or CTA - encouraging your audience to take action.
Let’s break this down:
Part 1: Writing a strong hook
A powerful hook can be used to stop the viewer in their tracks and encourage them to keep watching for more. A hook should also hint at the value the person will receive by watching the Reel!.
Types of hooks:
Use the “Wow” factor: We all love to be wowed… your Reel viewer is no different. Here are some examples:
Ask a question: This will immediately pique the interest of your viewer. Here are some examples:
Make a bold statement: This is a great technique because it doesn't matter if your audience agrees or disagrees - they'll want to stick around to see your argument. Here are some examples:
Part 2: Main point (with 2-5 main takeaways)
Whether you’re telling a personal story, sharing some informational tips, or riding a trend, make sure you’re clearly relaying the main point(s) of the video to the viewer.
There are several ways to do this:
List the takeaways within the Reel
List the takeaways within the caption
Record your own audio and speak what the takeaways are
Part 3: Call to Action (CTA)
The best part (in our opinion!). This is the time where you ask your user to take action on the information you just shared. A CTA can come in many different forms. Here are some examples:
“Learn more about [topic] in my recent blog post, link in bio”
“Sign up for this free [name of your freebie] at the link in my bio”
“Learn more about this topic by watching my story highlights”
“Comment the word “keyword” for more information on the topic.”
“Send us a DM with the work “keyword” and we’ll send you more information.”
Now that we’ve covered the components that make a compelling Reel script, it’s time to write your own!
4. Writing Your Reels Script
Take a few minutes to pull together the three elements of your reel script. Here’s an example:
Topic: Local breakfasts spots to know about
Hook:"Whatever you do, do NOT skip the french toast… My 3 favorite breakfast spots in Tampa Bay (& what I order!)"
Main Points: "Starting with Goody Goody: This place screams classic Diner vibes with it’s checkered flooring and antique lighting. This spot is perfect for families on the weekends. Ask for the chef’s special and let him surprise you with something delicious! Bonus tip: Ask for a side of cheesy grits and thank me later.
Next up: Supernatural - if you haven’t tried their breakfast sandwich… RUN. Alton Brown, Food Network’s famed chef named it the best breakfast sandwich he’s ever had... Say less!
Last but certainly not least: Oxford Exchange - not only is the setting gorgeous, with skylights and lush vines, the menu is to die for. I have dreams about the fluffy, fresh French toast. Grab a coffee or tea at their bar on your way out!"
CTA:"Looking for more local inspiration? At the link in my bio, grab the “Locals Guide to Tampa Bay” for all of my favorite spots!"
I need help writing my script
If you’re lacking confidence in your ability to write a script, you’re not alone! It can feel daunting and overwhelming. Employ the assistance of Chat GPT to help you write your script draft. If the website is at capacity, be patient and keep trying!
Plus! Use our [FREE guide to Chat GPT] to help you generate a compelling script. The guide covers the following topics:
What is chat GPT?
How to use Chat GPT in real estate marketing
How should I word my questions to ChatGPT to generate great results?
50 prompts to ask Chat GPT
Looking for other sources to help you write your script? The Captions App can also assist you in generating a script based on your chosen topic. At the time of publishing this article, the Captions App is available to iPhone users only.
5. Recording your Reel
You’ve written your script - hooray! Now, let’s get down to - it’s time to record your Reel!
When it comes to filming your Reel we stand by simple advice:
Film the video vertically
Record near a solid light source (this could be a window, or in front of a ring light)
Hold your hand steady or grab a tripod. If you will be recording with your phone, make sure the tripod can hold the phone in a vertical orientation
Although not necessary, you can take your Reels production up a notch with a professional camera and microphone, or by hiring a professional videographer.
6. Editing your Reel in Instagram
You’ve filmed your Reel, now it’s time to edit! These are our best practices for editing Reels like a pro:
Add on-screen captions - A staggering 85% of videos on social media are watched without sound (Later.com), so adding captions is a MUST. To add on screen captions within the Reels app: Once you’ve finished recording, click “next”. Click the smiley face icon on the top right corner of the screen. You will see a blue button labeled “Captions”. This will auto generate captions for you!
Find your center - If you are adding on-screen text, keep text within the center of the design. If you are adding a Reel Cover photo, (think of this as the Reels thumbnail image that will live on your instagram profile), keep in mind that only 1080x1080 will be visible on your profile grid, once the Reel is uploaded. (C&C Members, use our Reel templates to ensure your text placement is right every time!)
Limit text on-screen text - Speaking of adding text, keep your on-screen text limited within your Reel, and elaborate in your caption. No one wants to see a huge block of text while watching a Reel, and chances are they might scroll away if they’re overwhelmed with a big block of text.
Remove Watermarks - If you’ve filmed the video outside of the Reels app, it’s important to remove the 3rd party’s watermark. Have a TikTok you want to add to Reels? Use the app SaveTik app to remove the Tiktok watermark.
Add a branded cover image - We recommend making your Reel cover photo a personal branding image of yourself. This graphic should also be given a compelling title that explains what the Reel is about. Keep in mind, the font and colors used should also be in line with your branding. This way, your Reel cover photo will be uniform with other content on your Instagram profile.
7. Editing Your Reel using other Apps
While editing your Reel exclusively in the Reels App is perfectly fine, we occasionally employ the help of other apps to take our Reels to the next level. Here are a few of our favorite Reel editing apps:
CapCut is a video editing software available on mobile, desktop app, and web with lots of functionality. Here are a few features we use:
Match Cut (Mobile only) - Automatically edit your videos to match the beat of a song using match cut feature. Easily “snap” your video clips to match the beat.
Background remover
Auto captions
Teleprompter
Manipulating the speed of the video - speeding up or slowing down.
Price: Free or $75 for the pro version which allows you to remove the video watermark.
Captions is a powerful tool to assist in video creation and editing. With tools like AI generated scripts, teleprompter, and dynamic captions, we use this app regularly! At the time of publishing, this app is only available to iPhone users
AI script generation - Type in your topic, set the tone of voice, and CapCut will generate a script. Edit the script for length, clarity, and voice
Teleprompter with variable speed - This teleprompter text is received as push notifications while you record
Captions - Captions app automatically adds dynamic captions with emojis over your video
Helpful editing capabilities - Removes filler words, pauses and gaps in your dialogue to create a clean, more face-paced editing style
Price: $9.99/mo or $54/year ($5/mo)
8. Final thoughts...
There you have it! Our 2023 comprehensive guide to Instagram Reels.
If you made it this far, congratulations! You are well on your way to becoming a confident and competent Reel creator.
Our final words of advice: Play! We highly encourage you to simply play around with the Reels platform. You will definitely learn by tinkering! And remember: you don’t have to post every video you make. Your confidence will grow as you get more familiar with the platform.
Have questions? Don't hesitate to reach out to our team. We always look forward to hearing from you! ([email protected])
