Reels are very popular on Instagram. They improve your engagement and your follower count—and the algorithm loves them. In fact, according to Social Insider, reels have a reach rate of 30.81%, which is double that of any other content type. Additionally, according to Adobe, “Reel posts get 22% more interactions than standard video posts.” So, that’s the rationale for using reels. To make them work, you’ll need to learn how to edit a reel on Instagram properly.
In this article, we’ll explore how to edit a reel on Instagram, including adding effects and editing captions.
Crafting Content: How To Edit a Reel on Instagram Like a Pro
Editing reels on Instagram is a straightforward process. The Instagram Reels interface is very user-friendly. However, if you’ve never edited your own Instagram Reel, then we’ll break the process down for you here.
Using Pre-Recorded Content
One option for creating reel content is to use pre-recorded content. This is videos or pictures you have saved on your phone. You can edit different pieces of content together using this upload feature. You can even create reels with different ‘scenes’ by compiling differently filmed shots.
This kind of reel is great for editing compilations. It gives you the opportunity to use the content you’ve already got.
Recording a Reel on Instagram
The next option is to hit the record button and create a reel in the Instagram Reels interface. You can use the timer feature to set up shots or record videos using prompts from current reel trends.
Creating a Reel From Instagram Stories
Instagram has recently implemented a third option for creating a reel. This is the ‘Convert to reel’ option, where the user creates a reel from their Instagram Stories. You can use this feature to turn popular Story Posts into reels that improve your account’s reach.
How To Edit a Draft Reel on Instagram
For many content creators, it is easiest to create lots of reels at once and then save them as drafts. So, you’ll need to learn how to edit a draft reel on Instagram.
To edit Instagram Reels from your drafts, you need to click on the draft reel icon. Here, you can see your drafted reels and pick the one to edit. This will take you to the pre-post page on the reel interface. From here, you need to click on the ‘Edit’ button in the top right corner.
How To Add Text to a Reel
You’ll need to know how to add text to a reel, which is a commonly needed skill when editing reels on Instagram.
Adding text on Instagram Reels is very easy. At the top of the screen on the editing interface, you will see a button like this; ‘Aa.’ This button allows you to type the text you want to appear.
Once you have typed your chosen text, you can adjust all the following:
- Text size, with the sliding size bar on the left of the screen.
- Font by sliding left and right on the options above the keyboard.
- Alignment of the text at the top of the screen. Options include center alignment, left alignment, right alignment, and adjustment.
- The color of the font.
- Text highlighting.
- Whether you want the text to be static or to appear on the screen word by word.
Editing Text Duration
When learning how to edit reels, you might want to add text that appears and disappears during the reel.
You can edit this after you have added your text. After you have added text, it will remain on the screen. At the bottom of the page, a text preview will appear in a bubble next to a ‘+’ icon.
Click on the text preview you want to alter. On the next page, you can change the duration of the text using a slider. You can preview this alteration by clicking the ‘Play’ button and readjusting it as needed.
Adding Audio to Your Reel
Adding audio to reels is simple, but there are slightly different processes depending on the kind of audio you’re adding. We’ve explored each below.
Using Recorded Audio
Whether using pre-recorded content or you’re filming in the reel interface, you can always use the audio you record.
Recorded audio does not require any editing in the reel interface after the fact. In fact, you pretty much just leave it alone.
Music and Sound Effects From the Instagram Library
To add music from the Instagram library, you need to hit the music note icon on the editing screen. You’ll find tabs for music and sound effects here.
A good tip is to try to use trending audio when you can. This audio will often have a small arrow symbol next to it. This indicates that it is trending and gaining popularity.
Sound effects that Instagram offers aren’t as fleshed out yet on Instagram, so you may have limited options.
Remember that you can also save audio you like when watching other people’s reels. You can find any saved audio under the ‘Saved’ icon on the music and audio interface.
Adding Your Own Voiceover
To add a voiceover to your reel, hit the music note icon again to find the voiceover button. You can then record a voiceover while watching the video to make narration easier.
How To Adjust Volume on Instagram Reels
For reels with multiple sounds, i.e., a voiceover and a piece of music, you’ll need to know how to adjust the volume on Instagram Reels for each element. To do this, hit the ‘Controls’ icon on the music and audio screen. You’ll then be able to alter the volume for the camera audio, music, and any voiceovers.
How To Trim Music on Instagram Reels
When creating a reel, you might envision a specific part of a song in the background. Trimming music on reels is a common question when exploring how to edit Instagram reels.
To trim music, click the music you want to go on to the trimming screen. On this screen, Instagram allows you to slide along the audio to find the right point. It will allow you to sample the audio that will play over the length of your reel.
Helpfully, Instagram has highlighted commonly used sections, like the choruses of songs. This helps guide users on how to trim music on Instagram Reels.
How To Add Audio to Reels After Posting
There are two separate answers to ‘how to add audio to reels after posting.’
Instagram sometimes removes audio for copyright reasons, but there are ways to replace the audio on your reel.
If the audio has been muted or removed by Instagram, you can simply tap ‘Replace Audio.’ For reels where the audio has not been removed, it’s a little more complicated.
As of yet, you cannot replace music on a reel that has not been removed. Instead, you need to repost the reel. You can do this by downloading the reel to your device. Click the three dots icon on the reel and hit ‘Save to Device.’ You can then re-upload the reel, mute the original audio, and add the new audio.
Adding Filters to Your Reel
When looking into how to edit reels, you might want ways to enhance the imagery in your reel. Creating great visuals is a good way to boost your account. One way to do this is to add Instagram filters to your reel.
You can add a filter in two ways:
- You can choose a filter by sliding through the options at the bottom of the page. This is an option if you’re recording in the reel interface. The filters will appear in little circles at the bottom of the screen. By sliding your chosen filter under the record button, you can see its effects.
- For pre-recorded content, you can add filters as you would on stories by swiping right on the edit screen. This offers a more limited amount of filters than when you record in the reel interface.
Adding Stickers
Stickers include everything from location tags to account shoutouts. They are exactly the same as stickers you can add to your Instagram Stories. Adding them requires clicking the stickers icon, which looks like a small Post-It Note, at the top of the screen.
You can search the stickers to find GIFs and more.
How To Add Closed Captions
For accessibility, it is common now to add closed captions to your reels. And while helping with accessibility, most users prefer close captions. In fact, Verizon Media reports that 69% of consumers watch videos with the sound off. This means close captions are always a good idea.
You can add closed captions by hitting the stickers icon at the top of the screen. Here, you’ll find the caption sticker, and Instagram will transcribe the audio in your video.
Due to regional accents and poor enunciation, the captions may not always be perfect. Fortunately, by clicking on the captions once transcribed, you can make edits to ensure they’re correct.
Using Effects on Your Reel
Effects are like another filter you can add to your reel. They include everything from falling stars to warped images and rainbow colors. To add effects, hit the icon that looks like three small stars at the top of the screen. You can browse a wide range of effects here.
Adding a Cover Photo to Your Instagram Reel
When you have finished editing your reel, you can add a cover photo. Once editing is complete, hit the blue ‘Next’ button at the bottom right of the screen. You’ll end up on a new interface where you’ll be able to add locations, tag products, and write your caption.
To add a cover photo from your reel, hit the ‘Edit Cover’ button at the bottom of the reel preview. You can add a cover photo from the reel by sliding the blue rectangle along the sequence at the bottom.
You can also add a custom cover by hitting ‘Add from Camera Roll.’ Here, you can upload your own image for the reel.
How To Edit a Reel Caption on Instagram
Wondering how to edit a reel caption on Instagram?
On the final screen, you can see the ‘Write a caption…’ text box. Tap to add any caption of your choice. Remember to utilize hashtags where possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Edit an Instagram Reel After Posting?
Editing a reel after posting it is very difficult. There are only small edits you can make, like tagging people or altering your caption. However, you aren’t able to edit the imagery or audio of a reel after posting. You can only replace the audio if Instagram has removed it first.
Can You Add Music to a Reel After Posting It?
You cannot add music to a reel after posting it without downloading it and reposting it. To download, hit the three dots button and click ‘Save to Device.’ Re-upload this video to the reel interface and add your chosen audio.
Can I Copy Someone’s Instagram Reel?
While copying someone’s reel is a social media faux pas, you can join in trends. Often, specific reel formats are trending, and it is okay to create your own version and tag the trend.
Build Your Following With Expertly Edited Reels
This article has covered how to edit a reel on Instagram, including adding closed captions, adding audio, and using filters. Having well-edited reels can help to boost your engagement and your account reach.
If you’re looking to grow your Instagram account, you could consider engaging in snsflow.com’s services. We offer fast results and will begin growing your account at the moment of payment. Harness the power of snsflow.com and see your following flourish today.
