Creating Instagram Reels and Editing Videos

If you haven't already been informed, Instagram is changing the way its platform is received and experienced. None of this is especially surprising, as they've been pushing a video-oriented platform for a while now and seem to be aiming for a TikTok like venue. While I personally prefer vintage Instagram, a place to scroll through beautiful images and absorb high-quality content, in order to remain accessible to the apps' preferred user experience, I have begun implementing more videos and reels into my my grid.

You may have already noticed that your "Explore" page is filled with more than videos than images, a change that took effect at the beginning of July.

This has caused quite an outcry among small businesses, which is warranted, as videos CAN tend to add more work to an already overloaded artist. Artists are not battling creating what they consider mediocre content for the off chance their work might glean a few extra glances, rather than being shoved to the bottom of queue with those who are strictly posting still images.

So, what are we to do? Spoiler Alert - I have IDEAS and I THINK you're going to like them!

I retain that there IS a way to abide some of Instagram's pushy measures so that our platform remains authentic and our time there purposeful. Instagram is a community. Actually it's millions of communities within a community, and finding YOUR community is (hopefully!) why you invest so much time and energy into those tasty squares. If you're like me, you may have already accumulated a glorious network of relationships that have made the time invested building your brand (hours and hours and hours!) more than worth it. 

That said, many of us use Instagram for business and it's important we are doing everything possible to foster new relationships with our customers, which can only happen if we're using the app to its most lucrative extent. IE: exposure. It boils now to this: more eyes on your feed means more potential sales, collaborations, licenscing opportunities, blog interviews, etc...

If you are already putting out quality content - meaning your copy is strong and you are regularly inviting people into your space to have meaningful conversation, and of COURSE beautiful photos that tell a story - your story, the story of your process - then what I have to share here with you will give you the tools and education necessary for staying relevant and, most important, VISIBLE.

You DO NOT need to be a tech savvy individual to gain wisdom and direction from this class. I do not consider myself techy in the slightest, however I have educated myself on a few key apps that have allowed me to roll with the changes, beautifully and honestly, rather than against them. I am going to share all of this with you NOW!

How To Make An Instagram Reel:

I will take you step-by-step through how to make a reel, adding music, effects, text, etc... and show you how to post it to your grid.

How To Make An Instagram Reel Part II:

Picking up where we left off working with the voiceover feature. 

Using In-Shot Video Editing App:

Showing you how to use one of the most user-friendly apps out there and the one I employ for all my editing needs. No fee for this app!

Using In-Shot Video Editing App Part II:

Picking up where we left off, adding music and adjusting the speed of the video to meet Instagram's video length requirements

Importing In-Shot Video Into Reels:

We move back to Instagram once more and I show you how to collect the video we made in In-Shot and turn it into a reel.

Creating Beautiful Still Stories with the app “Unfold”:

I will walk you through another of my favorite apps, which allows you to customize, create, and save beautiful graphics for Instagram Story use. I also discuss with you why it's important to present your stories in an aesthetic and engaging way - which keeps people tapping through your stories, which bumps up your visibility. No fee for this app, unless you want to upgrade.

Creating Beautiful Still Stories with the app “Unfold Part II:

Showing you more options inside Unfold and how to implement them into your stories directly from the app.

Sharing Best Practices and Tips in Instagram Stories:

Covering how to add music, links, close captioning, countdowns, ask questions, poll your audience, all of these helpful measures in helping you engage with the community.

Sharing Best Practices and Tips in Instagram Stories Part II:

Continuing our dialog about how to best use stories to engage.

• Introduction
• How to make an Instagram Reel Part 1
• How to make an Instagram Reel Part 2
• Learning How To Edit Videos with the app “In-Shot”
• Learning How To Edit Videos with the app “Unfold” Part 2
• Importing “In-Shot” Videos into Instagram Reels
• How to Create Beautiful Still Images with the app “Unfold”
• How to Create Beautiful Still Images with the app “Unfold” Part 2
• Best Practices and Tips for using Instagram Stories Part 1
• Best Practices and Tips For using Instagram Stories Part 2
• Conclusion