How long can an instagram reel be 2022

“Since introducing Reels to our Instagram channel last year, we’ve seen our engagement grow by 280%,” shares Later’s Social Media Manager, Mel Brittner.

But landing the perfect Reels strategy — and knowing how to use *all* the different features — is no mean feat.

We’re sharing everything you need to know about Instagram Reels in this ultimate guide:

Table of Contents:

  1. What Are Instagram Reels?

  2. How to Make Reels on Instagram

  3. How to Add Audio to Reels

  4. How to Access Instagram Reels Insights

  5. How the Instagram Reels Algorithm Works

  6. What Are Instagram Reels Bonuses?

  7. 5 Things You Need to Know When Creating Instagram Reels

ICYMI: You can now schedule and Auto Publish Reels with Later.

Let’s face it, manually posting all of your video content can be time-consuming — especially when you have other tasks waiting in the wings to be checked off your list. 

Instagram Reels scheduling is the ultimate time-saver. You can batch-create Reels and schedule them days, weeks, or even months ahead of time.

Start scheduling Reels with Later, the #1 visual marketing platform — today!

What Are Instagram Reels?

Instagram Reels are short-form, vertical videos that can be up to 60 seconds long.

Instagram users can record and edit together video and photo clips set to music and share them to their Feed, Stories, and the Reels explore page.

The popular video feature is available in the United States and 50 other countries.

Since their inception, Instagram Reels have been an amazing way for brands and businesses to flex their creative muscles and add a visual experience beyond a grid post. 

And what makes Reels different is that instead of user’s only seeing Reels from accounts they follow, users see Reels from all Instagram accounts on the Reels tab.

How to Create an Instagram Reel (a Step-by-step Guide):  

Here’s how to create your first Instagram Reel in four steps:

  1. Storyboard Concept

  2. Shoot Instagram Reel

  3. Preview and Add Effects

  4. Share Instagram Reel

We're breaking down all the steps in this post (keep scrolling!) – but if video is more your thing, check out this quick YouTube tutorial:

Step #1: Storyboard Your Concept

You know how the saying goes, failing to plan is planning to fail. So, before you step in front of the red light, it’s best to put a plan in place.

Here are some questions to answer and get you started:

  • What topic would make the most sense for your business or brand – fashion and styling? Food recipes? Wellness tips?

  • Are there any that feel like a natural fit for your brand right now?

  • How will your Reels content be cohesive with your Instagram feed posts or Stories?

  • Who is your target audience and what type of content will speak to them? It could be tutorials, behind-the-scenes, or a “day in the life.” 

From there, spend time perusing the app and take stock of visuals, text, trends, and aesthetics that you could borrow inspiration from. 

Once you’ve got a solid understanding of your direction, storyboard your content by breaking down the clips you need to shoot in order to make the concept work. 

That way, you’ll gain a visual understanding of how your Reels will turn out – and have a clear plan to work from!

Step #2: Shoot Your Instagram Reel

Now it’s time to shoot your Instagram Reel.

You can create and access IG Reels in three different ways: 

  1. The Reels tab

  2. Your Instagram home screen

  3. The Instagram Stories camera

1. How to Create a Reel From the Reels Tab

To create a Reel from the Reels tab, tap into the Reels tab and press the camera icon on the top right.

How long can an instagram reel be 2022

How long can an instagram reel be 2022

2. How to Create a Reel From the Instagram Home Screen

To create a Reel from the Instagram home screen, tap the “+” on the top right and scroll to the Reels tab at the bottom of the screen.

How long can an instagram reel be 2022

How long can an instagram reel be 2022

3. How to Create a Reel From the Instagram Stories Camera

To create an Instagram Reel using the Instagram Stories camera menu, follow these steps:

Open the Instagram Stories camera and find the Reels icon positioned either between the default Normal mode and Create mode or on the bottom menu next to “Story”:

How long can an instagram reel be 2022

How long can an instagram reel be 2022

Reels can be recorded in a series of clips, in a single stream, or shot externally and uploaded. 

To add external clips from your camera roll to your Instagram Reels, select the “+” icon in the bottom left corner. 

How long can an instagram reel be 2022

How long can an instagram reel be 2022

To shoot footage internally in the Reels app, hold the recording circle in the middle of the screen.

How long can an instagram reel be 2022

How long can an instagram reel be 2022

You can add music to your footage by tapping the audio icon and searching for a song from the Instagram music library. Or, use your own original audio by simply recording a Reel with it.

How long can an instagram reel be 2022

How long can an instagram reel be 2022

You can also select which part of a song you want to feature.

How long can an instagram reel be 2022

How long can an instagram reel be 2022

When you share a Reel with original audio, your audio will be attributed to you, and if you have a public account, users can create Reels with your audio by selecting “Use Audio” from your Reel.

From the left sidebar you’ll also have the option to choose the speed of your video (the default is 1x) from .3x, .5x, 1x, 2x, 3x, or 4x.

How long can an instagram reel be 2022

How long can an instagram reel be 2022

For hands-free filming, take advantage of Instagram’s timer and countdown effect.

The timer allows you to record any of your clips hands-free. Once you press record, you’ll see a 3-2-1 countdown, before recording begins for the amount of time you selected.

How long can an instagram reel be 2022

How long can an instagram reel be 2022

You’ll also have the option to align your clips. This tool comes in handy when you’re looking to create seamless transitions between moments in your footage.  

How long can an instagram reel be 2022

How long can an instagram reel be 2022

To access effects, tap the three stars icon above the record button. There you can browse Instagram’s effects gallery. 

How long can an instagram reel be 2022

How long can an instagram reel be 2022

To easily trim, reorder, or add additional clips, tap "Edit clips".

How long can an instagram reel be 2022

How long can an instagram reel be 2022

To delete a clip, long hold it and press the minus icon.

How long can an instagram reel be 2022

How long can an instagram reel be 2022

Ready to plan your Instagram Reels content in advance? Start scheduling Reels with Later, the #1 visual marketing platform — today!

How do you post a 3 minute video on Instagram 2022?

As mentioned above, if you have a video that exceeds the 10 minute mark that you'd really love to post to Instagram then you can get around this by using the in-platform editor to trim the video, or you can upload the video in segments as a carousel post.

How long can Instagram feed videos be 2022?

You can upload a video with an aspect ratio between 1.91:1 and 9:16. Videos should have a minimum frame rate of 30 FPS (frames per second) and minimum resolution of 720 pixels. The maximum file size for videos that are 10 minutes or less is 650MB.

What is the maximum length of a reel on Instagram?

Instagram allows Reels to be 15, 30, 60, or 90 seconds long.

How do you make a 2022 reel on Instagram?

Open the Instagram app. Find Reel in the tabs by clicking the plus button in the upper right corner of the screen. ... .
Open the Instagram Stories camera. Swipe left. ... .
If you are already in the Reels player, click the camera button in the upper right corner to create a Reel..