How to Create Better Instagram Reels With Templates

How to Create Better Instagram Reels With Templates

Published on 3rd of January 2025

If you have a brand or business on Instagram, you've probably already heard about how important it is to use Reels. It's the newest feature on the platform, so the algorithm highly favors it. It can generate significantly more engagement than other formats, making it a powerful addition to your marketing strategy.

However, Reels can be intimidating if you have no experience filming and editing videos. Fortunately, Instagram introduced a new feature this year that takes the worry out of the process. Called Reel templates, they help you create attention-grabbing Reels with less time and effort. Here's everything you need to know about it.

What Are Instagram Reel Templates?

Reel templates come with time stamps and pre-set music to guide you in creating videos. When you use a template, all you have to do is replace the current clips with yours. They'll automatically follow the set time durations and sync with the music, saving you from manual adjustments. In addition, you don't have to use third-party apps to edit your Reels anymore.

Reel templates are Instagram's way of encouraging users to create original videos instead of reusing content from other social media apps like TikTok. Because Reel templates make it so much easier and faster to make Reels, creators and brands are more eager to hop on trends.

How to Use Instagram Reel Templates

Reel templates are easy to use, even for those with zero video-making and editing experience. Follow these simple steps to create your first Reel using a template:

  • Find a Template and Add Your Clips

    There are two ways to find a Reel template. The first method is by searching within the video editor. Go to the Reels tab, tap the camera icon, and switch to the "Templates" tab. You'll see various creative Reel ideas here that you can use to make your own. When you like a template, select "Use template" and add photos and videos from your camera roll.

    The second method is to use existing Reels as templates. As you browse your feed and Explore page, look for Reels with the "Use template" sticker and tap on it. Alternatively, you can tap the three-button menu on the side and select the "Use as template" option. You'll then see the various clips the creator used and their time stamps. Select "Add media" and replace the existing photos and videos with your own.

    Note that only Reels created within Instagram are usable as templates. If a creator stitched their video with a third-party app, Instagram can't identify the clips and their time stamps. When you find Reels with the "Use template" sticker, save them so you can find them easily when you're ready to use them.

  • Adjust Your Clips

    Making Reels without a template can be very time-consuming. You have to manually move and cut the clips to line them up with the beats of the music. Fortunately, most of the work is already done for you when you use templates. The clips have fixed lengths that sync with the audio.

    However, you still need to adjust your clips to show the correct portions of your videos. Tap the one you want to edit and slide the white box to your desired part. When you're satisfied with all your clips, tap "Next."

  • Add Other Elements and Upload

    Just because you're using a template doesn't mean you can't make your Reel your own. You can customize them with drawings, filters, stickers, and text. That way, they'll be more eye-catching to your audience and can encourage them to interact with your post.

    If you're adding on-screen text to your Reels, you should be mindful of its placement. Put it within the 4:5 ratio so your audience can easily see it. After adding the necessary elements, choose the cover for your Reel, add a caption, and tap "Next" to publish.

Tips to Help You Create Better Reels

Aside from using templates, there are other ways to improve your Instagram Reels. Here are some tips to help you out:

  • When you're looking for Reels to use as templates, it'll be advantageous to pick trending ones. Because there's interest in the format and people are already familiar with it, you can expect higher engagement on your Reel. Another trick is to use trending music. Your Reel will appear on the track's page, giving you more visibility.

  • Repurpose Your Stories Into Reels

    If you don't have the time to create Reels from scratch, you can use your Stories as material. It's easy to do so with Reel templates. Download the Stories you want to repurpose to your phone. Once you've found a suitable template, replace the existing clips with your saved Stories to make a Reel.

  • Share Your Reels to Your Feed and Stories

    Reels are great for driving engagement. But you can expose your Reels to an even larger audience and make them go viral when you share them on your feed and Stories. That way, your whole community can see them.

    Before you publish a Reel, turn on the "Also share to feed" option. If you don't want to mess up your feed's curated aesthetic, upload a cover for your Reel.

  • Include Three to Five Hashtags

    Hashtags aren't just for in-feed posts. They can also help put your Reels in front of the right people. When you include three to five hashtags, the Instagram algorithm can better understand your content and present it to interested users.

  • Find Your Niche and Be Consistent

    The competition on Instagram is stiff, with millions of other users posting creative and engaging Reels. While you can't catch everyone's attention, you can find that group of people who resonate with your content. Once you have a niche, dominate it by being consistent.

The Bottom Line

Instagram Reels are one of the most effective ways to get your brand or business out there. And fortunately, Reel templates make it much easier to create high-quality content that will help you stay ahead of the competition.

Published by Stormlikes.com

Stormlikes is the ultimate solution to your Instagram growth. We're the pioneers of viral Instagram marketing so make sure to explore our products or venture down the rabbit hole that is our blog. You'll find hours of learning materials related to Instagram marketing and other social media.

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