Guide
Post your first Instagram Reel that gets views
The template, format, and settings that make Reels reach non-followers.
Shoot vertical (9:16), phone camera
Reels are 9:16 full-screen vertical. Shoot in good light, keep the phone steady (or use a $15 tripod). No horizontal footage, Instagram crops it badly.
Pick a trending audio, quietly
In the Reel editor, browse Audio and pick a track with the small arrow icon (indicates trending). Lower the volume to 20% and add your own voiceover on top. Trending audio gets algorithm boost.
Hook in 1 second
First frame must stop scrolling. Text overlay like '3 things I wish I knew before starting a bakery' or 'You've been folding pizza wrong for years' works. Make people curious enough to stay.
Keep it 7 to 15 seconds
Longer isn't better on Reels. Short = higher completion rate = more distribution. Aim for 7 to 15 seconds until you've mastered the format.
Add caption + 3 to 5 hashtags
Caption: 1 short line that adds context, not repeats the video. Hashtags: 3 to 5 relevant + niche ones (#austinbakery is better than #food). Skip 30-hashtag spam, Instagram now flags it.
Post at your audience's peak time
Check Insights, Audience, Most active times. Post 30 minutes before that peak. First 30 minutes decide algorithm reach.
Don't delete a slow Reel
Reels can take 3 to 7 days to catch fire, especially the first ones from a new account. Leave them up, let the algorithm find the right audience.
That’s the whole thing.
Keep going
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