Tips to Use Instagram Reels on Android and iPhone Like a Pro

Jul. 10, 2020

Designed to take onTikTok, Instagram Reels looks set to carve out a niche as a short-video sharing platform. What gives it an edge over many other rivals is the seamless integration with Instagram. That integration not only offers massive exposure to Reels right from the start, but also allows it to make the most of all theeye-catching filtersand effects that Instagram already comes with. If you have set your sight on this all-newTikTok rival, now is the perfect time to use Instagram Reels on your iPhone or Android device.

How to Use Instagram Reels on Android and iOS

Instagram Reels has arrived at a time when its biggest rival TikTok has just beenbanned in Indiaand is facing the impending ban in several countries including the US. So, it’s crystal clear that the Facebook-owned platform wants to cash-in-on the opportunity to fill up the void and also present itself as a better substitute for those hunting for avideo-sharing platformwhere they can unleash fun-loving and lip-syncing clips.

Currently, Reels is available only in a few countries includingBrazil, France, Germany, and India. Considering the massive hype, Instagram may soon launch it in several countries. So, just in case the brand-new video sharing feature hasn’t yet rolled out in your country, you shouldn’t lose your heart. Now that you are familiar with what Reels has to offer, let’s get started!

1. LaunchInstagramon your device and then tap on thecamera iconat the top-left corner. On the next screen, tap on theGet Startedoption.

2. Next up, you should see three options at the bottom: Live, Story, and Reels. Tap onReels.

3. Now, go ahead and give your best to create a stunning Instagram reel. Make sure the overall length of your video clip is 15 seconds. When you are all set, hit thebig white circle icon to start recording the clip. Once you are done, tap on the samebutton to stop the recording.

To make your clip easily win attention, you can also add suitable music to it. To do it, tap on themusic iconon the left. Then, search for the music that you want to add. There are two tabs calledFor You and Browse.While the For You section automatically curates songs as per your taste, the Browse section offersa variety of songsfrom different genres.

Interestingly, you can view the lyrics on-screen and select any part of the song. Save it for the times whereyou want to create fun-filled lip-sync videos.

There is also a way to adjust the video recording speed. To do it, use theright arrow iconthat looks like the play button. Right now, Reels allows you to record videos in slow motion at up to .3x and .5x. You can also speed up the clip by choosing 2x and 3x. By default, 1x is selected.

Before getting started with recording, you can choose from plenty of cool effects to make the clip look fascinating. Simply, tap on thesmiley buttonand thenswipe right on the big white circle to access all theavailable effects. Then, pick the one that looks bang on for the theme.

Instagram Reels also lets you set a timer so that you can get perfectly prepared for the shot. To set a timer, tap on thetimer iconon the left and then set the duration for your clip (0.1 to 15 seconds). Once you are done, tap onSet Timer. When you start recording the clip, the timer will appear on the screen.

If your video looks a bit messed up, you canperfectly align it. To do it, simply tap on theAlignbutton.

Once you have recorded the Instagram Reel, tap on theback arrowat the bottom to replay the video.

If you want to save your Instagram reel on your device, tap on theforward arrowat the bottom. Then, tap on theSavebutton at the top to save your clip.

Should you wish to make your Instagram reel stand out, you can add eye-catching text, emoji, and sticker. After you have recorded the clip, tap on theforward arrowat the bottom. Then, tap on the emoji icon at the top to choose from a variety of stickers and emojis.

If you want to scribble, tap on the scribble button at the top and then use your creativity to add something unique. To add text, tap on the text button at the top right corner of the screen and then add a suitable text.

After you have edited your Instagram Reel, you can share it with your friends and followers. To do it, tap on theforward arrowat the bottom. Next, add a cool caption and choose how you want to share your reel with others. For instance, you can choose to share your clip to feed or stories. In the end, hit theshare buttonand you are ready to go!

Note:

When you share your Instagram Reels, anyone can view and share them. Yourreels may appear on Explore and places like effect, hashtag, and even audio pages. That’s how a clip goes viral and grabs millions of views. And if that happens, you may become a star overnight.

It’s worth noting that anyone on Instagram can make a reel by using your original audio if your account is public (which is the default). Just in case, you prefer to have privacy and wish to protect your reels, you can enable the private account to allow only yourapproved followers to view and share your reels. Wheneversomeone shares your reel, only your followers will be allowed to view it. Moreover, no one will be allowed to create a reel using your original audio.

To get it done, head over toprofile tab -> menu button that looks like three horizontal lines ->  Settings ->  Privacy ->  Account Privacy. Now, turn on the switch forPrivate Account.

You can keep a tab on the likes and comments made on your reels from the Reels tab of your profile. Navigate to your Instagram profile -> Reels tab. Now, tap on the reel to check out:

As part of the effort to motivate creators to create top-notch videos, Instagram will also feature the Reels that standout. Thesocial networking appchoosesreels based on several things like genre, style, and more significantly how entertaining they are.

Keep in mind that only the reels from public accounts will be featured. If your reel is selected, you will receive a notification from Instagram.

If you no longer want to keep any reel, you can easily delete it right from your profile. To get it done,launch Instagram on your device and head over to theprofile. Then, tap on theReels icon. Next,choose the reel you want to delete.

On your iPhone, tap on the three horizontal dots. On your Android device, tap on the three vertically placed dots in the bottom. Up nexttap onDelete.You will need to tap on Delete again to confirm the deletion.

Note that, you will also get the option to save the reel to camera roll, copy the link of the reel and even share it others in the same menu.

So, these are the best tips and tricks through which you can make the most of Instagram Reels. Even though Instagram’s offering has just hit the market, it seems fully equipped to fill up the void and also offer something exciting to both the creators and users. We have comparedInstagram Reels with TikTok,so go read that article if you are making the switch. What’s your take on this short-video sharing feature? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

An old school bibliophile who turned a tech nerd out of obsession. When he is not digging into hacks and tracking down stories that are breaking the internet, you may find him reciting poems.