Instagram Reels started as the platform’s response to TikTok. Short-length videos that were engaging, entertaining, and, most importantly, on Instagram. Why download another app when you’ve got all that right here?
Fortunately, the feature became a hit. Reels become a hub for showcasing creativity and engaging with a wider audience, all in video format. But what if you prefer a photo-centric approach or don’t have access to high-quality video footage?
Don’t fret; you can still tell your story on Instagram Reels with photos. Instagram is still the photo app, after all. Here, we’ll show you how to create Reels on Instagram using photos.
Planning Your Photo Reel: Setting the Stage for Success
Before diving into the creation process, here’s how to plan your photo Reel:
- Theme & Narrative: Decide on a central theme for your Reel. What story do you want to tell? It could be a travelogue, a recipe demonstration, a fashion transformation, or a humorous skit.
- Photo Selection: Choose some high-quality photos that complement your theme and narrative. Ensure they have consistent lighting and composition for a visually cohesive flow.
- Music & Audio (Optional but Important): Music and sound effects can significantly enhance your Reel’s engagement. Select a track that complements your theme, and consider adding sound effects to emphasize key moments in your photo sequence.
Creating Your Photo Reel: a Step-by-step Guide
Now, let’s get started with creating your photo Reel:
Launch the Instagram App: Open the Instagram app and swipe right to access the Instagram Stories camera.
- Switch to Reels Mode: At the bottom of the screen, swipe from “Normal” to “Reels” mode.
- Upload Your Photos: Tap the picture icon in the screen’s bottom left corner. Long-tap to select the photos you want to include from your camera roll. You can add up to 10 photos per Reel. Tap “Next” when you’re done.
- Background Audio: Instagram immediately takes you to the audio editing tool here. You can add a song from their suggestions or tap on the search box to find a better music selection.
- Adjust Photo Duration: Instagram automatically tries to adjust your photo durations to match your chosen audio, but they don’t always do a good job. Once your photos are uploaded, swipe up to edit. Tap a photo to select it, then drag the borders to adjust its duration on the screen.
- Edit it Further (Optional): Instagram’s editing tools for reels are robust, and photo reels aren’t different. You can add text, stickers, GIFs, filters, and voiceovers by tapping the corresponding icons at the bottom of the edit screen. When you’re done, press the blue arrow at the top right to proceed.
- Modify Your Reel: On this screen, you can write your caption, tag people, modify who can view your Reel, and add a location tag. You can also share the post to Facebook and tweak deeper things through the “Advanced Settings.”
- Post Your Reel: Once satisfied with your photo Reel, tap the “Share” button at the bottom right corner to publish your masterpiece.
You mustn’t have the best video equipment to make a viral reel. Sometimes, the right photos and some clever editing can work all the magic you need. So, why wait?
