How to make viral Instagram Reels - my EXACT process!
Howto & Style
Introduction
This year, I successfully grew my Instagram following from approximately 35,000 to over 100,000 followers, primarily through my refined Reels strategy. Striking the perfect balance between trendy and original Reels has informed my approach and significantly contributed to my growth. You might have seen me discuss this strategy in my previous video, but today, I want to provide you with a step-by-step guide on how I create my Reels, covering everything from planning and idea generation to filming, editing, and posting.
Understanding My Strategy
My strategy consists of two crucial elements: creating trendy Reels and original Reels. Each serves a different purpose and finding the right balance between the two is vital.
Trendy Reels
Trendy Reels are generally short, about 7 seconds long, and utilize trending audio. They are highly visual, akin to candy in your Instagram content diet—everyone loves them, and they tend to go viral quickly. However, posting too many can lead to inconsistency and a lack of depth in your content.
Original Reels
In contrast, original Reels are longer, high-value videos that often resemble YouTube content. These Reels draw upon your expertise and your audience's interests rather than current trends. This type of content can be visualized as the nutritious part of your content diet.
Now that we've laid down the foundation for my strategy, let’s dive into the tangible process I follow for creating Reels.
Step 1: Planning Ideas
The planning phase is crucial for successful Reels. Generating strong ideas shouldn't be overshadowed by worries over hashtags or the specifics of audio timing.
I maintain a running database of short-form video ideas in Notion. Whether it’s a brilliant shower thought or an idea sparked during a walk, I instantly jot these down. This database becomes invaluable when I’m ready to create.
For trendy Reels, however, more intentionality is needed. I scroll through the Reels feed on Instagram to identify existing trends and popular audio—always ensuring that whatever I choose aligns authentically with my brand.
Key Takeaways for Idea Generation:
- Maintain a database of video ideas.
- Regularly browse trending Reels to find inspiration.
- Analyze past performance metrics to refine future content.
Step 2: Scheduling and Organizing Content
Once I have around five solid ideas, I populate my content calendar in Notion. Using my template, I label each idea and categorize it based on content pillars—it helps maintain variety in what I post.
Scripting Content
For my original Reels, I write scripts based on the ideas I developed. Generally, I create a rough word count that fills approximately 90 seconds, knowing I can trim it down later. For trendy Reels, I focus on selecting audio, noting what type of visuals I need (which I often pull from my B-roll library), and drafting any text that needs to go on screen.
Step 3: Filming Your Reels
Filming Reels is generally quick and straightforward.
For original Reels: I set my camera on a tripod and reference my script on my laptop. If I make a mistake, I pause, rewind, and try the line again. After capturing the primary clips, I refer to my checklist to gather B-roll shots.
For trendy Reels: I sometimes use pre-existing footage from my B-roll library to create the visual elements quickly. Multitasking during my daily life allows me to gather various clips that are easily stored for later use.
Step 4: Editing Your Reels
Editing workflows differ based on the type of Reel.
Original Reels
I transfer the footage to my laptop, importing everything into my editing software, like Premiere Pro. The editing process involves cutting out pauses or mistakes, adding text, sound effects, and background music to enhance the storytelling.
Trendy Reels
Editing often takes place on my phone, as I can instantly access my B-roll and sync everything with the audio. Many viral videos I’ve posted this year were actually edited on my laptop and then uploaded to Instagram.
Step 5: Posting Your Reels
When posting Reels, I have a few options that work best for me:
- I save my completed Reels as drafts and then set reminders for when to post.
- Utilize scheduling platforms such as Later or The Meta schedule for efficient posting without the risk of forgetting.
No matter your method, consistency is key! This is fundamental for achieving growth on Instagram. If you’re struggling with engagement or follower growth, check out my video addressing reasons why your Reels might not be performing as expected.
Thank you for reading! Keep chasing your dreams and remember to enjoy the adventure.
Keyword
- Reels
- Viral
- Growth
- Strategy
- Planning
- Editing
- Posting
- Content Calendar
FAQ
What is the difference between trendy and original Reels?
- Trendy Reels use current audio and visual trends often resulting in viral content, while original Reels focus on personal expertise and audience interests for longer, value-driven videos.
How do you come up with ideas for your Reels?
- I maintain a database of ideas and regularly seek inspiration from social media trends and past successful posts.
What editing software do you use for your Reels?
- I primarily edit my original Reels using Premiere Pro on my laptop and often edit trendy Reels directly on my phone to streamline the process.
How do you ensure consistency in posting?
- I utilize a content calendar and often draft my Reels in advance, setting reminders for posting to stay on schedule.
Can the editing style affect the performance of my Reels?
- Yes, using engaging visuals, clean edits, and captivating text can significantly enhance viewer retention and interaction, leading to better performance.
