Instagram reals: A complete guide to successful Insta reals

The secret to viral growth on Instagram right now? You've guessed it: Instagram Reals.

But finding the perfect real strategy - and knowing how to use all the different features - is no easy feat.

We share everything you need to know about Instagram reals in this ultimate guide:

Let's face it, manually publishing all your video content can be time-consuming - especially when you have other tasks waiting to be done on your list.

Programming Instagram reals is the best way to save time. You can create reals in batches and schedule them days, weeks or even months in advance. The Boostfluence tool also lets you do this in addition to boosting your visibility on the social network.

What are Instagram Reals?

Instagram Reels are short-format vertical videos that can last up to 90 seconds.

Instagram users can record and edit together video and photo clips set to music and share them on their feed, Stories and the Reals exploration page.

The video feature is available in the U.S. and 50 other countries.

Since their inception, Instagram reals have been an incredible way for brands and businesses to flex their creative muscles and add a visual experience beyond an insta feed post.

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

Reals are currently the best feature for boosting your visibility on the social network. But then, how do you create an Insta real?

How to create an Instagram real (a step-by-step guide):

Here's how to create your first Instagram real in four steps:

1. Storyboard Concept
2. Filming the Instagram video
3. Previewing and adding effects
4. Sharing the Instagram video

We detail all the steps below.

Step 1: Storyboard your concept

You know the saying: failing to plan is planning to fail. So, before you run a red light, it's best to have a plan in place.

Here are some questions to answer that will get you started in creating your publication:

• What topic would be most relevant to your business or brand - fashion and styling? Cooking recipes? Wellness tips?
• Are there any topics that are a natural fit for your brand right now?
• How will the content on your real ones be consistent with the posts on your Instagram feed 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 some time browsing the app and take stock of the visuals, texts, trends and aesthetics you could draw inspiration from.

Once you have a good idea of your direction, storyboard your content by breaking down the sequences you need to shoot to make the concept work.

This way, you'll have a visual idea of how your Reels will be made - and you'll have a clear plan to work from!

Step 2: Shoot your Instagram video

Now it's time to shoot your Instagram video.

You can create and access Instagram reals in three different ways:

• The Reals tab
• Your Instagram home screen
• The Instagram Stories camera

1. How to create a real from the real tab

To create a real from the real tab, tap into the real tab and press the camera icon at the top right.

2. How to create a real from Instagram's home screen?

To create a real from Instagram's home screen, press the "+" at the top right then prepare your video post.

3. How to create a real from the Instagram Stories camera

To create an Instagram real using the Instagram Stories camera menu, proceed as follows:

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":

Reals can be saved in a series of clips, in a single feed, or shot externally and uploaded.

To add external clips from your photo library to your Instagram Reels, select the "+" icon in the bottom left-hand corner. (1)

To shoot footage internally in the Reals app, hold the recording circle in the middle of the screen. (2)

You can add music to your footage by tapping the audio icon and searching for a song in Instagram's music library. Or, use your own original audio by simply recording a Real with it. (3)

You can also select the part of'a song you want to highlight.

When you share a Real with original audio, it's attributed to you. If you have a public account, users can create reals with your sound by selecting "Use sound" in your real.

In the left sidebar, you can also choose the speed of your video (1x by default) from .3x, .5x, 1x, 2x, 3x or 4x.

To film hands-free, take advantage of Instagram's timer and countdown effect.

The timer lets you record any of your clips hands-free. Once you press record, you'll see a 3-2-1 countdown, before recording begins for the duration you've selected. (1)

You also have the option of aligning your clips. This tool is very useful when you're looking to create seamless transitions between moments in your footage. (2)

To access effects, press the three-star icon above the record button. You'll then be able to browse the Instagram'effects gallery. (3)

To easily trim, rearrange or add additional clips, press "Edit clips".

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

Step 3: Preview and add additional AR effects and text.

Once you're happy with the clips, tap "Preview".

To bring your content to life, you can take advantage of numerous Instagram effects.

If you're familiar with the Stories Instagram, you'll recognize most of these tools:

• Text: Say more by adding text to your real ones.
• Draw: Use the drawing tool to add a little extra flair.
• Stickers: Include captions, GIFs, the time and a plethora of fun Instagram stickers.
• AR effects: Search the endless gallery of AR effects created by Instagram and creators around the world.
• Filters : Swipe left to access filters to add to your real ones.
• Audio : In case you missed it earlier, you can also add audio from Instagram's music library at this stage - in addition to recording a voiceover, or adding sound effects.

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TIP: Explore the audio trends on Instagram by going to the Reels tab'scroll down and note any tracks that have the "trend" arrow for your next clip.

Step 4: share your Instagram real

Now it's time to share your creation.

Press "Next", choose a cover photo and write a captivating caption that talks about your real.

From here, choose whether you'd like to share your real on the Instagram feed. We recommend sharing to the news feed for better reach.

Then crop your cover, as this is how the cover image will display on your profile grid.

To tag Instagram accounts in your real, press "Tag People" - here, you'll also have the option of inviting a collaborator.

If the user accepts your invitation to collaborate, your publication will be shared with his or her subscribers and he or she will appear as co-author of the post.

You can also rename your audio (if you've created your own), add a location and activate the "Recommend on Facebook" option to increase your reach.

Finally, press "Share".

And just like that, you've successfully posted your very first real - done'

Real Instagram dimensions: recommended ratio and video size

Like Instagram Stories, Reels Instagram are designed to be viewed vertically, full-screen and on mobile.

With this in mind, it's best to create content with a aspect ratio of 9:16, and with a size of 1080 pixels x 1920 pixels.

Filming and editing directly on mobile is a good way to respect the optimal dimensions.

Don't forget that the bottom fifth of a real is where the caption of the video is displayed. If possible, avoid having important visual elements in this section.

Also, if you'd like to know the correct dimensions for general posts, check out our guide to Instagram post format.

Should you shoot and edit reals on Instagram?

As far as the Instagram reals algorithm is concerned, it's best to create original content for IG reals.

But, that doesn't mean you have to shoot and edit all your footage in the Instagram app.

If you're looking to control transitions and edit content to a specific beat, it might be easier to record footage and edit it using a third-party app'before uploading it to Reels.

The most beginner-friendly apps for editing Reels include:

• Splice
• InShot
• Videoleap
• Beatleap

To get the best results, add on-screen text, captions, voice-overs and'audio on Instagram after uploading your edit - this will help the real'algorithm to accurately categorize your content, and will also ensure that your video is displayed on the relevant audio discovery page.

TIP: Instagram's algorithm dislikes content obviously recycled from other apps (such as TikTok), as well as low-quality video content.

The best practice is therefore to create Real content on Instagram rather than on TikTok.

How to find and add audio to Instagram Reals

Music plays an important part in Reals, just as it does on TikTok.

There are several ways to find and add'audio to your Instagram Reels:

1. Scroll through the Reels to find trending audio and select "Use audio".
2. Use Instagram's music library or browse your saved audios.
3. Search for specific audio clips.
4. Consult Later's weekly Real trends resource.

Once you've found a good soundtrack, take a look at other videos using that audio and see what's out there. It never hurts to get inspired and jump on a trend.

Why can't I access Instagram Real music?

If you notice that your account doesn't have access to the entire Instagram music library, it could be due to your location, account type, device settings or business account category.

The majority of business account categories have a restricted library due to copyright conditions, but "Entrepreneur" categories have full access.

If you still don't have access to music from Instagram Real, there are ways around the problem.

Either record original music and sound, or edit your video outside Instagram Real.

NOTE: if you upload original music outside Instagram Réels, your videos may not display under the associated Audio page - which will reduce the visibility of your Réel.

How to access Instagram Réels statistics

You can access statistics for Instagram Réels. Previews are available in two areas:

1. On individual Réels.
2. The Instagram Previews tab

How to access Instagram Real previews on individual Reals:

To see the performance of a specific Instagram Real, proceed as follows:

Visit the Real tab on your profile page and open the Real you want to see stats on.

From there, tap the three-dot icon in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen, then select "Statistics"."

Here, users can see metrics including:

• Reads: The exact number of times your real has been read.
• Accounts reached : How many'Instagram users have seen your real.
• Likes: How many'users have liked your real.
• Comments: The number of comments.
• Saves: The number of times your real has been saved.
• Shares: How many Instagram users have shared your real with another Instagram user or on Instagram Stories.

How to access Instagram Reels Insights:

To see the overall performance of your Reels, go to your Instagram profile and select "Statistics".

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From there, you can browse and see how your different Real videos are performing alongside each other.

You can organize your Reals by:

• Comments
• J'likes
• Registrations
• Links
• Play
• Shares
• Reel interactions

How does the'Instagram Reals algorithm work?

As the Instagram Réels feed is made up entirely of suggested content, knowing how the Instagram Réels algorithm works is a major advantage.

The'Instagram Réels algorithm favors Réels that:

• Have high engagement (such as comments, likes, shares, saves and view time).
• Use creative tools such as text, filter or camera effects.
• Have vertical dimensions.
• Use music from Instagram's music library and/or original audio you create or find on Reals.

With these positive indicators in mind, it's worth creating Reals that:

• Are entertaining and fun (i.e. delight people, grab their attention, make them laugh or have a surprise or fun twist).
• Are inspiring (i.e. they start a trend that others can easily get involved in).
• Are experimental! Try something new, be yourself, and see what works for you.

On the other hand, the Réels algorithm does not favor Réels that:

• Are blurred due to low resolution.
• Are uploaded with a border around them.
• Have the majority of the image covered by text.
• Do not comply with Instagram's community guidelines.
• Are visibly recycled from other apps (containing logos or watermarks).

With this in mind, it's worth creating high-quality real ones directly on Instagram.

How to make money with reals with Instagram Reels Play bonuses?

According to Instagram, "Reels Play bonuses are opportunities for creators to earn money directly from Facebook and Instagram for creating content their communities love."

It's simple: creators can earn money based on the number of plays their real.

As long as you have a business or creator account (and access to the program), all you have to do is share real on Facebook and Instagram. Instagram will pay for reals that have been viewed at least 1,000 times over a 30-day period.

NOTE: the Reels Play bonus program is currently only available to selected creators in the United States. Other countries will have to wait.

5 tips for creating real virals on Instagram

#1: Use on-screen text and captions

We know that 85% of videos on Facebook are watched without sound, so adding on-screen text and captions to your videos is a no-brainer when it comes to reaching more users.

Moreover, subtitles are not only very useful for people watching without sound, but also for those with hearing difficulties.

To add video subtitles, you can use the subtitle sticker from'Instagram.

Tap on the'sticker icon and select "Captions".

Transcribing audio data can take a few seconds. Once it's complete, you can edit the text to make sure it's correct.

TIP: Make sure your closed captions are visible in all parts of the Instagram app by positioning them in the center of your screen.

#2: Use trends as inspiration

As on TikTok, the real ones come and go pretty quickly.

To take advantage of a trend before it becomes obsolete, take a few minutes each morning to browse Instagram's Reels tab and other creators' profiles to see what they're sharing.

Is there something that seems to keep coming back - a particular song? An audio clip? A dance trend?

If so, click on the music to see how many other creators have used the'audio. Scroll through the videos to get an idea of the trend.

You can also read our dedicated article sharing the best Instagram themes for your reals.

You can also upload Instagram reals that inspire you to make a base of'inspiration.

#n° 3: generate traffic by encouraging viewers to head to your link in the bio.

The best way to generate traffic from Reels is to include a clear call-to-action (CTA) that encourages people to head to your link in the bio.

This can be an on-screen text placement, a verbal callout, your video caption, or all of the above.

You can use a link in bio tool, like ohmy.bio, to create a mini landing page with multiple link buttons and clickable images:

This is a great way to get more value out of your link in bio, and it only takes a few minutes to set up.

#4: Find your niche and post consistently

One of the best ways to gain virality on Instagram Reels is to find your niche and post consistently.

There are so many Instagram users with a wide range of interests and hobbies. No matter what your brand or business does, there's a niche for you!

If you're a skincare brand, you could give product tips like @glowrecipe. And if you're a bakery, you could go behind the scenes of the kitchen like @jennaraecakes:

And even if your real firsts don't generate much interest or engagement, keep at it! As with all things social networking, it's a matter of trial and error.

#5: Include 3-5 hashtags

Including 3-5 hashtags can be a great way to help Instagram's algorithm "understand" your content and serve it to relevant audiences.

For example, using hashtags like #easyrecipes, #mealideas and #dinnerinspiration will tell the Instagram Reels algorithm that your content is about food. This can increase the likelihood that it will be shown to users who are actively engaging with similar content.

Every little bit counts!

Whatever your brand or business, a creative opportunity awaits you with Instagram Reels.

Are you ready to take the plunge and create your first real Instagram?