Learn how to edit Reels on Instagram using the in-app video editing tool and alternative applications to level up your content creation.
Learn how to edit Reels on Instagram using the in-app video editing tool and alternative applications to level up your content creation.
Instagram Reels are an incredible way to expose your content to people who might not otherwise see it. But without top-notch editing, even your most spectacular videos can flop.
When creating a Reel, you have to splice clips, merge voiceovers and underlay trending sounds with precision. Timing the rhythm of the music to every transition looks fantastic when you do it right, but it can be time-consuming, especially when you’re producing new content every day. And with such a short timeframe to show viewers what you’ve got, every detail counts.
We’ll show you how to edit Reels on and off the Instagram app to create content that catches attention.
First, what’s an Instagram Reel? Reels are short-form videos that, like TikToks, users can infinitely scroll through — and they’re a great way to boost your content. A showstopping Reel with high-quality clips and trending audio directs users to your profile to view more of your content and inches them toward tapping the follow button.
If you constantly scroll Reels, you know how many new accounts you see daily. Your Reels could be in that mix for other viewers, and when they’re there, they need to catch attention and encourage viewers to keep watching.
When you post a Reel, it appears on your followers’ feeds, but if the algorithm promotes it, it could also appear on the Reels tab and Explore pages. That means users outside of your followers’ list can see it and take note of just how great your content is — potentially looking for more on your profile.
The Instagram algorithm analyzes every piece of new content across the platform, noting what activity it gets and matching it with users who interact with similar videos. For the algorithm to notice you, you have to subtly explain what your content is and who might be interested. Use related hashtags, trending sounds and keyword-friendly captions that match what your audience is looking for to indicate the content’s purpose to the algorithm. After Instagram puts your Reel on someone’s feed, a clear hook and tight edit will keep them watching and potentially grow your audience.
Within Instagram, you can create Reels using templates from other creators or start completely from scratch. Use the tool to auto-sync your clips with perfectly timed audio or carefully transition them yourself.
To use a premade Instagram Reel template, follow these steps:
And here’s how to create a Reel from scratch:
Once you’ve filmed your Reel, you can trim it down, add text and filters, or adjust clips. Here’s a breakdown of how to best edit a Reel within Instagram’s in-app editor:
Audio transforms the vibe of your video instantly. Using Instagram’s editor, you can use original audio from yourself or other creators or add music from your favorite artists – even the most underground bands.
To find the right tunes, press the music note icon in the Reel editor and use the search bar to locate your song of choice. You can browse the “For you” list, a selection of songs that Instagram personalizes for you. If you want to see a list of songs you previously bookmarked, you can tap the “Saved” icon.
While browsing, press the play button to the right of each song for a preview and tap on the music itself to add it to your video. Then, you can slide the sliding bar to choose the segment of the song you want to use and press “Done.”
Instagram will automatically sync the music to your clips, but if you want to trim clips yourself, press “Edit video” and click and drag the end of each clip to extend or shorten. Take things up a notch by importing audio from other videos using “Import,” record a voiceover by selecting “Voiceover,” or insert comedic audio effects with the “Sound effects” button.
Text is an excellent way to capture your audience’s attention quickly, and if you add captions, you’ll better engage users browsing Reels on silent mode.
Once you’ve added music to your Reel, tap the “Aa” icon in the top right corner to add a text overlay. Write whatever you’d like, choose from different fonts, and change the color. You can adjust the text’s duration inside the editor just as you would a regular video clip by clicking on it and dragging its corners, should you want the text to change or only appear for part of the video.
By clicking on the text inside the video editor, Instagram will prompt you to either edit the text yourself or use text-to-speech (TTS). TTS brings your text to life with an automated voice, which can save you time if you don’t want to record a voiceover yourself.
You can adjust the Reel’s visual appearance in dozens of ways. Use filters, special effects, or stickers – it’s all in your hands.
Add a filter by swiping left or right to scroll through Instagram’s premade filters. You can also put in effects, like transitions or user-made filters, by selecting the three stars icon next to the music note icon. If there’s still something missing, you can browse the range of stickers by clicking on the sticker icon.
Although you can create Reels using Instagram’s in-app editor, using other apps can give your Reels a whole new look. They might have more extensive editing options and effects that set you apart from the crowd.
Another perk of external apps is that if you use Instagram’s editor, your video can only be 90 seconds – which flies by when you have tons of great clips. External apps allow you to record up to 15 minutes and upload it into Instagram Reels as a premade video, which bypasses the limit.
Each of these video editing apps offers the basics the Instagram editor covers and other comprehensive features such as advanced filters and effects. Here are five of the best Reel editing apps to bring your creative visions to life:
Clips is a video editing app from Apple that offers creators robust effects to give their videos a twist. You can transform your words into text and overlay playful animated stickers, and there are augmented-reality effects that Instagram can’t do. Just keep in mind this app is for iPhones only – but it’s free.
Capcut’s user-friendly interface has an extensive selection of music, filters and fonts that help you unleash your full creativity. You can readjust your clip dimensions to fit any aspect ratio and use the app’s speed controls to give your clips a slow-motion or time-lapse effect. Capcut even uses AI to help you remove a background. It’s free to use, but there are different pro options that give you access to more effects.
FilmoraGo offers enhanced options for leveling up a video’s visuals. The app has templates for intros and outros, professional transitions and color-grading capabilities. It also has tons of royalty-free music to enhance your Reels without copyright worries. Just keep in mind that this app is on the expensive side, with individual plans starting at $49.99 per quarter.
Inshot’s video editing capabilities provide advanced effects and filters that set your Reels apart. You can upload your video files and resize them to fit Instagram Reel dimensions, add transitions between your string of clips and use moody filters for an artistic vibe. The free version has everything you need, and memberships start at $3.99 per month.
Using Splice, you can seamlessly adjust your video’s background, add aesthetic filters and use cinematic effects. The app’s editor allows you to transform text to speech and add dynamic transitions between each video clip. Splice is also known for its unique plugins that offer capabilities regular editing apps just don’t have. After its 14-day trial, pricing starts at $12.99 per year.
To grow your following or make money on Instagram, you must maximize your reach. Learning how to edit Reels is a great way to offer value to your current followers and connect with a larger audience – placing your engagement on full blast.
Stellar editing with catchy music and transitions showcases your creative talent and serves your video clips justice. Use templates or start fresh using Instagram’s in-app video editor, or scratch that all together and try an alternative app to give your content a creative twist.
The Linktree blog is an excellent place to learn the ins and outs of social media to get the most out of your on-screen time. Besides providing tips on how to make a Reel on Instagram, we cover how to integrate links on Reels and how to add them to your story.
Join Linktree to link to all your channels or sites in one central hub. It’s that easy.
