These days, if you want to get noticed on Instagram, you have to jump on the Reels bandwagon. The app now heavily favors Reels over the more conventional type of content, such as photos. While creating a unique Reel on the first try might seem unrealistic, it’s actually possible to do that with the help of templates. This tutorial shows how to find and use Reels templates.
Tip: before you use a template, double-check whether it maintains Instagram’s Safe Zones, so that all your content remains visible and accessible.
Where Can I Find Reel Templates?
The Reel templates option has been added recently to Instagram, so you will want to update your app (Android iOS) before trying to follow the steps below.
- Launch the Instagram app on your phone.
- You have a couple of options: swipe left from your feed and select “Reel” at the bottom or press the “+” button at the top of your profile and select “Reel.”
- Alternatively, tap the “Reels” button at the bottom, then tap on the Camera icon in the upper-right corner to go to the Reel creation screen.
- Tap “Templates” at the bottom.
- You’ll be taken to the Templates gallery, where you can browse the available options by swiping your finger left or right.
Each of the options comes with its own preloaded audio and photo/video placeholders that show you how long they will be displayed on the screen.
Good to Know: you can create an Instagram Reel with a friend.
How to Make a Reel Using a Template
- Once you’ve identified a template you like, tap the “Use template” option to get started with the process of creating your very own Reel.
- Note that you need to have your Reel material ready (photos and videos you’re going to use) and saved to your phone. You can’t shoot or snap the content while creating the Reel like you would when creating a “normal” Reel.
- Tap one of the placeholders or the “Add media” button to select the photos/videos you wish to use for your Reel.
- You can select ALL parts in one step.
- On the next editing screen, you can see how the Reel will look once posted.
- If you uploaded videos, you can select which part of the video you want to include in the Reel by tapping on that part.
- Move your finger left and right over the clip feed to make your selection. Once you’re satisfied with this part, press “Done.”
- You can do more editing from the next screen. Thankfully, you are not limited to the default musical background included with the template. Instead, you can change it from here by pressing on the musical note icon located at the top of the display. Select your favorite tune or add a “Voiceover” or “Sound Effects.”
- You can add extra customizations, such as text, stickers, effects, voice effects, and your drawings.
- When everything is done, press “Next” once more.
- Select your Reel cover. This can be a snapshot from your video or one from your device.
- Finally, hit “Share” to post your Reel.
Tip: did you find some videos you like on Instagram? Here’s how to download Reels on your device to watch later.
How to Use a Template From Someone’s Reel
Alternatively, spot and use a template you’ve noticed while browsing Reels by following the directions below.
- When browsing Reels, pay attention to the information displayed at the bottom.
- If you spot the “Use template” button, it means the Reel was created using a template.
- Simply press it to be taken to the Template page where you can start adding your own clips and images.
- Follow the steps outlined in the previous section.
- Alternatively, you can press the three dots on the right.
- Select “Use as Template” from the menu that pops up at the bottom.
- There are a bunch of dedicated Instagram profiles that offer free templates. For example, @reelgurutemplates has a pretty cool collection that you may want to check out. Browse their profile, tap on a template and use the “Use as template” button to use it.
Get creative by making collaborative Reels with Remix. If you haven’t heard of the feature, we show you how to use it in our guide.
How to Find Instagram Reel Templates Using Third-Party Apps
Instagram’s built-in Reel template gallery is pretty limited. We’re sure that more will be added in the near future and that it will get much more diversified. However, if you can’t find a template you like, you can turn to third-party apps such as Canva (Android iOS) for extra templates.
- Open the Canva app on your phone.
- Tap on the hamburger menu in the bottom-right corner.
- Select “Templates.”
- Tap on “Social media,” then the “Instagram Posts” card.
- Either browse the available templates until you find the Reels-dedicated ones or use the drop-down menu at the top and select “Instagram Reel” from there.
- Browse and use one of the options.
- Tap the one that catches your attention to start editing it.
- To export your new Reel, press the “Share” icon at the top and select “Download.”
- Once the video is on your phone, go to Instagram and upload it.
Note: some of these Reel templates are not free, and you’ll need to upgrade to a paid tier in Canva to access them.
Alternatively, you can also try the Mojo app (Android iOS), which includes a series of free Reel templates. More options become available if you pay a subscription. In addition, you can also try Promeo (Android iOS).
The Reels experience on Instagram is great. However, one thing that’s missing is a dedicated watch history feature, something which competitor TikTok already offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I create my own Reel template?
Not when using the Instagram app. However, if you use a service like Canva, you can build a Reel template from scratch and use it as many times as you would like. You get access to a library of elements that you can combine to create your own template. You can easily edit it later if you feel the need for a bit of variety.
Can I use an Instagram Story template to create a Reel?
You may have noticed there’s an abundance of apps in the Play Store and App Store designed to help you create gorgeous Stories. It’s possible to use these Stories templates to create your Reels. The only issue is that they may end up a bit more on the static side. That’s not necessarily always the case, though. For example, StoryArt (Android iOS) contains many animated Story template options, as well as a few dedicated Reels options.
Can I upload a Reel from my desktop computer?
Technically you can’t, but with the help of a handy Chrome extension called INSSIST, you’ll be able to from the comfort of your browser. If you created a Reel using a video-editing program, you won’t have to move it to your mobile device. Note that it’s possible to upload videos from a PC – just as posts, not Reels.
Image credit: Freepik. All screenshots by Alexandra Arici.
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