For several years now, I’ve seen how Instagram Reels remain one of the most powerful formats for promoting a business on social media. To make Reels truly work for my projects, however, it’s not enough to simply upload a video with music. For successful promotion, it’s essential to know how to create an Instagram Reel correctly — from scripting to editing, from trends to analytics.
What Are Instagram Reels?
Reels are short vertical videos up to 3 minutes long, designed to tell stories, entertain and engage audiences. The format was introduced in 2020 and quickly became one of the most popular on Instagram. Reels are easy to find in the dedicated Reels tab or on the Explore page. Want to understand what Reels are and how to use them for your business? Read this article — I’ve gathered all the key insights.
What Do Reels Offer And Why Should You Use Them?
While working at smm promotion at LuxSite, I’ve repeatedly seen how Reels can elevate content to the next level. These aren’t just trendy clips — this is a tool that truly drives reach, recognition and engagement.
- Short Format. Vertical videos up to 3 minutes long are easy to watch and simple to shoot. Perfect for grabbing attention in the first few seconds — and keeping it.
- Unlimited Creativity. Filters, AR effects, music, speed adjustments — everything you need to make your video vivid, dynamic and unique.
- High Visibility. Reels appear both in the Reels tab and on the Explore page. It’s a chance to reach a new audience, even if you don’t have many followers yet.
- Maximum Engagement. Likes, comments, shares — Reels are made to spark interaction. They help create an active community around your content.
- Monetization Opportunities. For businesses and creators, Reels are also a way to earn: through ad integrations, branded content and official Instagram monetization tools.
How to Create a Reel?
When working on content for LuxSite projects, I always start a Reel with a clear script. I define what the video will be about and what its goal is. To understand how to make a Reel on Instagram, I ask myself a few key questions:
- What topic fits the brand best? It could be fashion, recipes, tips, something useful or inspiring.
- How will this Reel support the overall account strategy? Will it align with Stories, posts, the tone of voice?
- Who is our audience and what format will resonate most? A day-in-the-life, a tutorial, backstage?
Once I’ve answered these questions, I always scroll through the Reels feed. I look at which formats and hooks are trending, what visuals are performing well. This is my source of inspiration — but I filter everything through my professional lens. The main priorities are authenticity and storytelling. I show real processes, real people, backstage moments. That kind of content always builds trust — and it’s exactly what Instagram’s algorithms tend to favor.
Storyboard comes next. I break the idea into several short scenes that need to be filmed. This helps both me and the client visualize the Reel before shooting. It saves time and ensures a more structured, effective workflow.
Open the Reels Editor
Once the script is ready and all scenes are planned, it’s time to move on to the technical part — creating the actual Reel. This starts with opening the Reels editor. If it’s your first time using it, here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Tap the “+” icon at the bottom of your Instagram app or swipe right anywhere on your Feed.
- Select Reels at the bottom. You can add media from your Camera, Photos or Videos. Tap the dropdown menu in the top-left corner to choose the source. Select Camera to start recording.
Set Up Your Video Parameters
Before you start recording, define these key video parameters:
- Instagram Reels Dimensions. Use the standard vertical format — 1080×1920 pixels. This resolution displays best on smartphone screens without cropping or black borders.
- Duration. Choose your Reel length: 15, 30, 60 or 90 seconds. For a first introduction to your audience, start with 15–30 seconds — it’s easier to keep viewers engaged to the end.
- Speed. You can record in slow motion or sped-up mode. Use this to add dynamic editing or highlight certain details with slow pacing.
- Music. Select a soundtrack from Instagram’s audio library or upload your own track.
Tip: Use popular or trending songs — Instagram tends to promote videos that feature in-demand audio.
Editing and Post-Production
After you record or upload clips, the Reels editor will open. Here’s what you can do with it:
- Music Note Icon. Add or change the audio to set the mood.
Tip: Choose music that matches the pace of your video — it helps keep the video cohesive and engaging.
- Aa Icon to add text overlays. Use captions to explain what’s happening or include calls to action like “Save this” or “Watch till the end.”
- Sticker Icon to add stickers such as polls, questions, or emojis. Interactive elements boost engagement by inviting the viewer to interact while watching.
- Stars Icon to add effects to enhance the video’s mood or style. Effects can help create a recognizable brand aesthetic or just make the video more visually appealing.
- Download Icon. Save the Reel to your device.
To fine-tune your Reel, tap “Edit Video” in the bottom-left corner or swipe up. This opens the timeline, where you can precisely adjust all your elements — text, stickers, music and more. Scroll through the timeline to view and edit the entire Reel.
Publish Your Reel
Once you’re happy with the final version of your Reels, tap the blue arrow in the top-right corner. Then tap “Edit Cover” to select a thumbnail image from your video or upload a custom cover from your device.
You can also add a caption, tag locations and people as well as choose to share on Facebook too. Decide whether the Reel appears on your main profile grid or only in the Reels tab. To remove it from the main grid, tap the three dots and select “Remove from profile grid.”
Additionally, you have the opportunity to:
- Save as Draft – Revisit and edit or publish later.
- Schedule Post – Set a date/time for automatic publication.
- Copy Link – Get a direct link to share your Reel on other platforms.
Reels Trends 2025
In 2025, I’m noticing more and more often: a Reel really “takes off” when it has authenticity, energy and engages the viewer. While working on projects at LuxSite, I test different formats — here are some of them:
- Before/After — a classic that still holds strong. We showcase transformations: in interior design, style, product packaging or the brand itself. This always grabs attention. Trending music helps keep viewers engaged and sets the right mood.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHjh4UmMx54
2. Mini-vlogs. 30–60 seconds of company life — a day with the team, production behind the scenes, a trip to an event. We add subtitles, calm music, sometimes a voiceover to eventually get a Reel that builds trust and sparks curiosity. It’s a great format to present the brand as a living story.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCOdluDifXN
3. POV videos. These clips let viewers see things from your perspective — whether it’s a day in your life or a special event. This trend is appealing because it feels close to reality. It’s like a first-person experience, which makes your content feel more personal and relatable.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-kwcAkNW5b
4. Animals on camera. Cats, dogs or even hamsters — guaranteed engagement. If you have a furry star, make the most of it. Add trending music or a popular joke that everyone’s talking about right now.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAbPH9BCzYt
5. Interactive Reels with polls. “This or that?”, “What would you choose?” — viewers love to participate. Use poll stickers and follow up in the next video with answers or reactions. It keeps the audience engaged and coming back for more.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2xNBUjtJ4M
6. Green Screen. The “green screen” feature lets you place yourself in any location or context — from movies to news segments. I use it for explanations, reactions, news hooks, and humor. It’s a versatile tool that adds creativity and relevance to your content.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDhlsZSt0p6
Conclusion
Reels aren’t just a creative format for me — they’re a quick and honest way to make a statement on Instagram. If a business wants to be seen, video content is now a must. That’s why I always advise clients to film more — even with a phone, even without the perfect visuals. Because what works best isn’t perfection, but authenticity: emotion, movement, a simple explanation of how you bring value.
I constantly keep up with trends, test new formats, and see how video boosts engagement, trust, and recognition. Reels are no longer a “trend” — they’re a tool that works. The perfect time to start isn’t tomorrow, it’s today. Try it, and make sure yourself.