How to Make an Instagram Reel (Start to Post)

Reels reward a formula: hook in three seconds, cut to the beat, one consistent look, captions for the muted majority, right size for the feed. Nail those and the algorithm has something to push. Here’s the whole flow.

Step 1 — Start 9:16 and gather clips

Create a 9:16 project (1080×1920) so everything is composed vertically from the start — see the first-video walkthrough for the basics. Pull in your clips, or grab stock b-roll to fill gaps.

9:16 — the Reels size

Step 2 — Earn the first 3 seconds

The hook is everything. Open on your strongest visual or a question that demands an answer — never a slow intro. If the best moment is later in your footage, move it to the front.

Step 3 — Cut to the beat

Add your music, then cut to the beat: cut every couple of beats through the build, on the beat in the chorus. Beat-matched cuts are the single biggest “this looks pro” upgrade. Keep transitions short and on the beat.

Step 4 — One look, captions, done

• One filter/grade across every clip for cohesion — pick a look and apply it to all.

Look packs — Instagram, VSCO, Cinema One look, applied to all

- **[Captions](/blog/add-captions-and-subtitles.html)** so it lands on mute (most of your views). - A **hook title** in the first second restating the promise.

Step 5 — Export and post

Export at 1080×1920, H.264, 30fps. Post natively, write a first-line caption that echoes your hook, and add a few relevant tags.

1080p MP4 (H.264) 30 fps

Where to go next

• The fundamentals: make your first video.
• Nail the rhythm: edit to the beat / add music.
• Caption it: add captions & subtitles.

Hook, beat, look, captions, right size — run the formula and your Reels stop being a gamble.

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Frequently asked questions

What size is an Instagram Reel?

9:16 vertical, 1080×1920. Start a 9:16 project so your whole edit is composed for that frame, and keep important content out of the very bottom where Instagram's buttons sit.

How long should a Reel be?

Short usually wins — 7 to 30 seconds for most content. Lead with a 3-second hook, deliver one clear idea, and end with a reason to rewatch or follow. Longer is fine only when every second earns its place.

How do I make my Reel look professional?

Four things: a strong hook in the first 3 seconds, cuts that land on the beat, one consistent filter or grade across all clips, and captions so it works on mute. Those four cover 90% of what makes a Reel feel pro.