My colleagues call me Buckwild, but I call myself the Reel Master. Throughout my almost one year at PRESS, I have crafted more than sixty Instagram Reels for various clients, reaching thousands and garnering engagement across the platform.

With the rise of Instagram Reels, creating engaging video content has never been more important. In this blog post, I will share five tips that will help bring your Reels to the next level.

1. Finding Trends + Audios

One of the most effective ways to create a well-performing Reel is to jump on a trending audio before it hits its peak, or as I like to call it, “riding the audio wave.”  By finding appropriate and trending audios, your Reel can continue to perform days, weeks or even months after it’s posted. To find accounts that are using specific trends or audio, use Instagram’s search function and type in relevant keywords that match your content. Another way to find popular content is to check the Explore page. Instagram’s algorithm will show you content that is similar to what you’ve engaged with in the past. Take note of the type of content that is being used with a certain sound and use that as inspiration for your Reel.

2. Being Prepared for a Content Day

First step: create a checklist and shot list. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you don’t forget anything without wasting time. When it comes to content day, outfit changes are essential so you can get the maximum use out of your work. Changing outfits between shots can add variety and make your Reel more visually appealing, so plan out your outfits beforehand. Wear neutral clothing so it’s less likely someone will notice you’ve been in previous videos. Remember that there doesn’t always have to be a person in the videos.

3. Take Tons of Videos/Photos (Even if it Feels Awkward)

The key to creating your best Reels is taking an obnoxious number of videos/photos. The worst feeling is when you sit down to edit, and you realize you missed the shots you needed. Filming in public can be awkward, but I’ve learned that if you own it and know that at the end of the day it is your job, it makes it a lot easier to film. Extra tip: clean out your photo album storage the night before to make sure you have enough space for as many videos as you need.

4. Video Editing

It’s important to use high-quality videos in your Reel. Before uploading them, make sure they are well-lit, properly cropped, and color corrected. My favorite editing apps for creating Reels are CapCut and Instagram. My favorite tool in CapCut is the customized speed feature because it allows you to keep the Reel exciting and highlight the parts that you want to stand out. In today’s fast-paced world, people’s attention spans are shorter than ever. Keep your Reel concise and to the point at 15 seconds max. Use features like transitions, text overlays and voice-over sounds to make your Reel more engaging.

5. People to Follow + Social Media Newsletters

Finally, to stay up to date with the latest trends and Reel hacks, follow accounts that specialize in social media marketing. You can also subscribe to social media newsletters like Social Media Today or Social Media Examiner for tips and tricks. A few social accounts I suggest you follow: Jack Appleby, Later Media, Reels Tips, Social Media Today and Social Media Examiner.

By using these real Reel tips, you can take your Reels to the next level and reach a wider audience. Thanks, and happy Reeling!