Video Making Instagram Reels: What W advice has gotten complicated with all the outdated tips and platform changes flying around. Here’s what actually works in 2026.
Making Instagram Reels: What Works
Reels are Instagram’s answer to TikTok. Here’s how to make them without spending hours.
The Basics
Reels can be up to 90 seconds. Vertical format. Lives in its own tab on Instagram but also shows in feed and Explore.
Algorithm pushes Reels hard right now. If you want reach on Instagram, you need to be making them.
What Performs
Hook in first second. Literally one second. People decide that fast whether to keep watching or scroll.
Trending audio helps but isn’t required. Original content with good pacing beats trend-chasing with weak content.
Text on screen for people watching silent. Most people don’t have sound on when scrolling.
Creating Reels
You can film directly in Instagram or upload pre-made videos. I prefer editing elsewhere (CapCut, Premiere, whatever) and uploading – more control.
Add music from Instagram’s library or use original audio. Cover songs and copyrighted music get flagged.
Length Strategy
Shorter usually wins for engagement rate. 15-30 seconds is the sweet spot for most content. Use full 90 seconds only when content truly needs it.
Watch time percentage matters more than total watch time. A 15-second Reel watched to completion beats a 90-second Reel where everyone drops off.
Posting
Write a caption with relevant hashtags. 3-5 targeted hashtags beat 30 random ones.
Post when your audience is active. Check your insights for when followers are online.
Share to your feed for extra visibility, not just to the Reels tab.
The Reality
Some Reels flop. Some pop off. Consistency matters more than any single post. Keep making them and pay attention to what your audience responds to.
