How to Make Good Reels on Instagram | A Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to make good reels on Instagram with trending audio, smooth edits, and creative ideas to attract more views, increase engagement, and grow your audience. In addition, use CapCut to make your reels stand out with enhanced visuals and clear audio.

how to make good reels on instagram
CapCut
CapCut
Jun 16, 2025

Creating engaging Instagram reels has become one of the best ways to connect with followers and attract new ones. Reels let users share short, creative videos that often go viral. If you want to stand out on Instagram and gain more views, it's important to make high-quality and unique content.

In this article, you will learn how to make good reels on Instagram to help grow your profile easily.

Table of content
  1. What are Instagram reels
  2. Key elements for making a good reel on Instagram
  3. How to make trendy reels on Instagram on a phone
  4. How to make a good Instagram reel on a computer
  5. How to make cool Instagram reels using the CapCut desktop
  6. 5 unique ideas for making creative reels on Instagram
  7. Conclusion
  8. FAQs

What are Instagram reels

Instagram reels are short, creative videos you can share on your Instagram profile. They last up to 90 seconds and can include music, text, and effects. They let you showcase your creativity and engage with a larger audience. Furthermore, this short-form content is fun to express ideas and connect with people on Instagram.

What are Instagram reels

Key elements for making a good reel on Instagram

Making a good reel on Instagram involves several key elements that help grab attention and keep viewers engaged. Each part is important in creating content that stands out and reaches a wider audience. Here are the key elements to focus on when learning how to make good Instagram reels:

  • Clear and concise message

Keep your reel's message clear and easy to follow so viewers can understand it quickly. Avoid overcrowding your video with too much information or unnecessary details. This approach ensures your Instagram reels are simple, focused, and effective in delivering the intended message.

  • Engaging visuals and effects

Use fun visuals or effects to keep the reel interesting. These elements grab attention and make the video feel lively. Adding lively animations, transitions, or filters can enhance the viewer's experience. This is key when learning how to make professional reels on Instagram. With CapCut, you can easily bring these elements to life.

  • Trending music or audio

Adding trending music or audio makes your reel more relatable and shareable. Using popular sounds can also increase the chances of your reel being discovered. For learning how to make effective reels on Instagram, choose audios that fit the mood and style of your video. CapCut lets you easily add copyright-free music to enhance your content.

  • Captivating thumbnail image

A thumbnail is the first thing viewers see, so make it eye-catching. Choose a frame that stands out and hints at the content inside. This is important when learning how to make good reels on Instagram because a standout thumbnail encourages people to watch. With CapCut's cover design, you can easily create stunning thumbnails.

  • Strong hook at the start

The first few seconds of your reel should grab attention quickly. Start with something exciting, surprising, or intriguing to keep people watching. A strong hook is essential when figuring out how to make good reels for Instagram that maintain viewer interest.

How to make trendy reels on Instagram on a phone

Making trendy reels on Instagram from your phone is both simple and fun. You can create them directly using the Instagram Stories camera, which gives you easy access to various tools and features. This method lets you record clips, add music, apply effects, and incorporate text or stickers, all within the app. Here's how to make the best Instagram reels while staying creative with your content:

    STEP 1
  1. Access the stories camera

Swipe left from your Instagram home screen to open the Stories camera. Tap "Reel" at the bottom of the screen to switch to the Reels camera.

    STEP 2
  1. Record and add clips

Hold the recording circle to shoot footage, or tap the "+" icon to upload clips from your camera roll. You can record multiple clips or just one.

    STEP 3
  1. Edit and add music

Tap the audio icon to choose trending music from Instagram's library or upload your own. You can select the part of the song you want to use in your reel.

Showing how to make attractive reels on Instagram using a mobile phone

How to make a good Instagram reel on a computer

Making a good Instagram reel on your computer is easy, especially if you prefer to work with larger screens and better editing tools. Using its website, you can upload pre-recorded clips and adjust them before posting. While you can't record or edit clips directly on Instagram from a computer, you can still create and share engaging Reels. Here's how to make Instagram reels like a pro using a PC:

    STEP 1
  1. Login and upload

Go to Instagram.com on your browser and log in. Click the "+" icon on the left pane, select "Post," then choose the video(s) from your computer to upload.

Logging into Instagram account on a computer
    STEP 2
  1. Add clips and adjust

If you want to add more clips, click the stacked squares icon at the bottom right. Then, click "+" to add additional files and adjust the order as needed.

Adding and adjusting Instagram clips on PC
    STEP 3
  1. Edit and finalize

Click "Next" to choose a cover photo, trim your video, and add viral music and dynamic effects. After making adjustments, you can add captions and tags before clicking "Share" to post your reel.

Understanding how to make beautiful reels on Instagram using a PC

How to make cool Instagram reels using the CapCut desktop

The CapCut desktop video editor is a great tool for creating cool Instagram reels. It has basic to advanced features, including one-click caption generation, custom AI fonts, and a versatile AI voice changer. With an easy-to-use interface, CapCut is perfect for those who want to create high-quality, engaging reels on their computer.

Interface of the CapCut desktop video editor - an easy way to make cool Instagram reels

Make captivating Instagram reels in CapCut

To make captivating Instagram reels in CapCut, download and install the CapCut desktop video editor. You can easily download it by clicking the button below and following the installation instructions.

    STEP 1
  1. Upload the video

Open CapCut on your desktop, click "Import" to upload your video or drag and drop it into the workspace. Then, move it to the timeline to start editing.

Uploading a video to the CapCut desktop video editor
    STEP 2
  1. Enhance the video

Enhance your video by going to "Stickers" > "AI-generated" to create custom stickers with text prompts for the reel. Use the split tool to cut and remove unwanted parts. Then, go to the "Adjustments" tab and refine colors under "Curves" for a vibrant look. For better engagement, generate captions by navigating to "Captions" > "Auto captions" > "Spoken language" > "Generate".

Enhancing a video for Instagram in the CapCut desktop video editor
    STEP 3
  1. Export and share

Once you're happy with your edits, click "Export" to save the video. You can then share it directly on Instagram or any other platform.

Exporting a video from the CapCut desktop video editor

Key features

CapCut has several key features to help you create Instagram reels with ease. Here are some of the standout tools:

  • Instantly remove background noise

Instantly remove background noise from audio within your reel to ensure it is clean, enabling your message to be heard clearly.

  • Efficient voice enhancer

Use CapCut's AI voice enhancer to improve the clarity of your voiceovers. It enhances your audio, making it more dynamic and engaging for viewers.

  • Diverse Instagram reel templates

Choose and edit templates designed for Instagram reels, helping you create professional videos quickly. They make editing faster while maintaining a professional look.

  • Apply video effects

Add AI-powered video effects to enhance the visual appeal of your reels, giving your videos a unique and creative touch.

  • Easily auto-reframe the reels

Automatically adjust your video to Instagram's aspect ratio for seamless posting. This feature ensures your content fits perfectly without any manual resizing.

5 unique ideas for making creative reels on Instagram

Creating creative reels on Instagram helps you stand out and capture attention. You can experiment with different techniques to keep your content fresh and engaging. If you are wondering how to create good reels on Instagram, here are 5 unique ideas to get started:

    1
  1. Behind-the-scenes clips

Share behind-the-scenes footage to show what goes into your content. If you're a makeup artist, record yourself preparing for a shoot or mixing products. This gives your audience a personal look at your process and helps build a connection.

Behind-the-scenes video of a makeup artist preparing for a shoot
    2
  1. Unexpected transitions

Use unexpected transitions to surprise your audience and make your content more fun. For example, you could jump into a new outfit or change locations with a simple hand swipe. Creative transitions keep viewers interested and engaged. With CapCut, you can add a variety of transitions to elevate your video.

A video showing a girl changing locations with transitions
    3
  1. Slow-mo and speed-up effects

Add slow-motion or speed-up effects to highlight moments or add drama to your video. For instance, a person can dance in slow motion or run fast forward, making the movement more dynamic. This adds excitement to your Reels. With CapCut, you can easily apply these effects to enhance your content.

An Instagram reel with a dance in slow motion
    4
  1. Interactive text or stickers

Make your reels more engaging by adding text or stickers that interact with the video. You could add fun stickers or pop-up text that reacts to your movements, like showing "Wow!" when something impressive happens. This keeps viewers engaged. With CapCut, you can easily use AI text templates and stickers to elevate your content.

Showing how to make good Instagram reel with texts and stickers
    5
  1. Story with a twist

Tell a short story with an unexpected twist at the end. Start with a normal situation and surprise your viewers by turning it into something different. This keeps your audience curious and makes your content memorable. With CapCut's AI writer, you can easily create compelling narratives for your videos.

An Instagram reel with a surprising twist

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding how to make good reels on Instagram involves creativity, attention to detail, and knowing how to engage your audience. Experiment with different effects, transitions, and music to make your content stand out. Consistency is key to building a strong presence on Instagram reels. To simplify the process and add a professional touch, you can use the CapCut desktop video editor, which has powerful editing features to enhance your reels.

FAQs

    1
  1. How to make good reels on IG with multiple clips?

Record or upload multiple clips in the Instagram reels section and arrange them correctly. Use the trim tool to refine each clip and add smooth transitions between them. Adjust the speed or apply effects to make the reel more engaging. However, for advanced editing and seamless transitions, use the CapCut desktop video editor.

    2
  1. How to make cool reels on Instagram by mixing photos with videos?

Select a video clip in Instagram reels, then tap the gallery icon to add photos. Adjust the duration of each photo and align them with the video for a smooth flow. Add music, stickers, and effects to make the reel visually appealing. To mix photos and videos more creatively, consider using the "Compound clip" feature in the CapCut desktop video editor.

    3
  1. How to make fun Instagram reels that can be downloadable?

After creating a reel in Instagram, tap 'Save' before posting to keep a copy on your device. Add fun effects, text, and filters to make the reel entertaining. If you want high-quality downloadable reels with better edits, use external tools. The CapCut desktop video editor provides simple editing options to enhance your content while maintaining high quality.