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Have you thought about how to make reels with existing video? Instagram Reels get 1.23% more engagement than regular posts, leading to more likes, saves, and shares. By turning old videos into Reels, you can reach a wider audience. Let’s start this easy step-by-step guide!

Getting Ready to Make Reels from Old Videos

Picking Good and Interesting Videos

To make great Instagram reels, choose the right videos. Not all clips work well for reels. Pick videos that look nice, are clear, and fun to watch. Good-quality videos catch attention and keep viewers watching longer. Check stats like watch time and likes to find your best videos.

Think about what your audience enjoys. Do they like funny clips, how-to videos, or behind-the-scenes moments? Use this info to pick videos they’ll love.

Sorting Clips for Easy Editing

After choosing your videos, organize them for smooth editing. This helps your reel flow well and keeps viewers interested. Group similar clips together. For example, if it’s a travel reel, sort clips by place or activity. This makes editing faster and tells a better story.

Creators often use data to improve their reels. Things like video quality and audience interest matter a lot. Here’s a quick guide:

Organizing clips well saves time and makes your reel more engaging.

Checking Instagram Reels Rules

Before posting, make sure your videos follow Instagram’s rules. This helps your reels look good and work properly. Key rules include:

Specification Details
File type MP4, MOV
Aspect ratio 9:16
Resolution At least 500x800 pixels
Video length 15, 30, 60, or 90 seconds
Maximum file size 4 GB

Instagram reels are vertical, so use the 9:16 ratio. Add captions to make videos easier to understand. Captions can also boost views since many people watch videos weekly. Check resolution and file size to avoid upload problems.

Follow these tips to make reels that meet Instagram’s rules and impress your audience.

How to Make Reels Using Instagram’s Built-In Tools

Uploading Existing Videos to Instagram Reels

Adding videos to Instagram Reels is fast and easy. Open Instagram, tap the “+” button, and pick “Reel.” Then, select “Upload” to choose a video from your gallery. Check that your video fits Instagram’s rules, like the 9:16 ratio and 4 GB size limit. If it doesn’t, crop or resize it using Instagram’s tools. This makes your reel look neat and professional.

Reels are special because they appear on the Explore page. Over half of Instagram users visit this page every month. This can help your videos get seen by more people and increase likes and shares.

Trimming and Rearranging Clips

After uploading, you can cut and rearrange clips for better flow. Use the scissors tool to remove boring parts or focus on the best moments. Drag clips to change their order. This saves time and makes your story clearer. Studies show trimming and rearranging can cut editing time by 85% and boost watch time by 30%. A well-edited reel keeps viewers interested.

Adding Music, Captions, and Effects

Music, captions, and effects make your reel more fun and exciting. Instagram has lots of popular songs to choose from. Pick one that fits your video’s mood. Captions help viewers understand better, and 70% of people remember info more with captions. Add interactive text to get viewers involved, which increases engagement by 43%. Try Instagram’s AR effects to make your reel creative and unique.

Using Instagram’s Features to Enhance Your Reel

Instagram has tools to make your reels stand out. Use the “Align” tool for smooth clip transitions. Adjust speed to add slow-motion or fast-forward effects. These features make editing simple without needing extra apps. Reels reach more people than regular posts, helping you connect with your audience. Use these tools to make reels that are fun and impactful.

Enhancing Instagram Reels with Third-Party Tools

Sometimes, Instagram’s tools might feel limiting. That’s when third-party apps can help. These apps let you turn videos into something amazing.

Advanced Editing Apps for Reels

Want to improve your Reels? Try advanced editing apps. They offer more features than Instagram’s tools. Here are some great options:

  • Wise Cut: Fixes shaky videos, improves quality, and adjusts colors.
  • DaVinci Resolve: A pro tool for color correction and 8K editing.
  • Clipchamp: Easy-to-use with AI tools and editing features.

These apps make your videos look polished and professional. You can fix lighting or add cool effects easily.

Adding Unique Effects and Transitions

Want your Reels to pop? Add unique effects and transitions. Third-party apps let you use fun elements like glitch effects or animated text. Slow-motion can show dramatic moments. Fast-forward adds energy and excitement. These details make your videos more fun and memorable.

Exporting and Uploading to Instagram

After editing, export and upload your video to Instagram. Follow these tips for the best results:

  1. Resolution: Use 1080x1920 pixels for clear visuals.
  2. Frame Rate: Use 30fps for most videos or 60fps for fast scenes.
  3. Bitrate: Keep it between 5-15mbps for good quality.
  4. Codec Compatibility: Use h.264 for video and aac for audio.

These settings make your Reel look smooth and professional. Once done, upload it to Instagram Reels, and you’re ready!

Finalizing and Publishing Your Instagram Reel

Writing Interesting Captions

Good captions make your Instagram reels memorable. They grab attention and connect with viewers. Use captions to share a story, ask questions, or add fun facts. For example, if your reel is about travel, write, “Can you guess this amazing spot? 🌍 Comment below!” This makes people want to interact with your post.

Captions also help more people see your reels. Studies show that great captions increase views and likes. They make people curious, emotional, and relate to your content. Adding hashtags and keywords in captions helps others find your reel. Use trending topics to get noticed. Take time to write captions your audience will enjoy.

Picking the Right Hashtags

Hashtags help people find your reels easily. The right ones can make your reel more popular. Use a mix of popular, specific, and location-based hashtags. For example, if your reel is about food, try hashtags like #FoodLover, #YummyEats, or #ChicagoFood.

Using 11 or more hashtags can boost likes by 79%. But keep captions neat by putting hashtags in the first comment. This keeps your post clean but still searchable. Test different hashtags to see which ones work best for your viewers.

Hashtag Count Engagement Boost
11 or more 79%
5 to 15 Best range

Choosing a Cool Cover Image

The cover image is the first thing people notice. Pick one that looks great and matches your reel. Choose a bright, clear frame from your video or upload a custom picture. Make sure it fits your brand style.

Visuals are super important in marketing. Research says 70% of marketers use more original images now. Vertical videos, like reels, are watched 90% more than horizontal ones. A good cover image makes your reel stand out and gets more views.

Bonus Tip: Using JoggAI to Make Instagram Reels Easily

What is JoggAI Instagram Reel Maker?

Making Instagram Reels can seem hard, especially for beginners. JoggAI is here to help! This smart tool makes creating reels super easy. It has cool features like Text-to-Video and Talking Avatar Video to make your reels unique.

The best thing? You don’t need to be a pro editor. JoggAI is simple to use, so anyone can make amazing videos. Its AI Avatar Generator adds fun, lifelike characters to your reels, making them more exciting.

Why Pick JoggAI for Instagram Reels?

  1. Ready-to-Use Templates
    JoggAI offers trendy, customizable Reels templates tailored for different niches—so you can stay ahead without starting from scratch.
  2. AI Avatars & Voiceovers
    No need to appear on camera. Use realistic AI avatars and voiceovers to deliver your message with confidence while protecting your privacy.
  3. Beginner-Friendly Editing
    With its drag-and-drop interface, anyone can turn photos or clips into polished Reels—no editing skills required.
  4. Multi-Language Support
    Create Reels in over 50 languages, making it easy to reach international audiences and grow your global presence.
  5. Perfect for Promos & Product Highlights
    Whether you’re launching a new product or announcing a sale, JoggAI helps you create scroll-stopping Reels that drive clicks and engagement.

How to Create Instagram Reels with JoggAI

Want to try it? Follow these easy steps to make a reel with JoggAI:

Step 1: Input Your Ideas

Instagram Reel.png
Choose Instagram Reel-style video templates, or enter your topic or idea into the box, select the language and tone, and the text-to-video generator will craft a script for you.

Step 2: Select and Edit

joggai reel maker
After proceeding to the editing page, select your desired avatar style, adjust the script, and finalize the transformation of your idea into a video.

Step 3: Download or Directly Upload

ai reel maker
With just one click, render your idea to an instagram reel and download it quickly and easily. Or you can post the reel on Instagram automatically on JoggAI.

These steps are simple, and JoggAI’s design makes it easy to follow. By the end, you’ll have a great-looking reel ready to impress your viewers.


Turning old videos into Instagram Reels is a clever idea. It helps you get more likes and be more creative. By following simple steps, you can make videos people love to watch. Some creators have seen a 320% jump in likes and gained many new followers by reusing their best clips.

To make your Reels unique, try fun ideas like how-to videos or challenges. Share stories or behind-the-scenes clips to connect with viewers. Check stats like likes, shares, and watch time to learn what works. With some creativity and trying new things, you can grow your audience and inspire them.

FAQ

How long should my Instagram Reel be?

Instagram Reels can be 15, 30, 60, or 90 seconds long. Choose a length that fits your content and keeps viewers engaged. Shorter clips often perform better. ⏱️


Can I use copyrighted music in my Reels?

Yes, Instagram provides a library of licensed music for Reels. Stick to these tracks to avoid copyright issues. You can also use original audio if it’s yours. 🎵


What’s the best way to boost Reel engagement?

Focus on quality content, use trending music, and add captions. Don’t forget to post at peak times and use relevant hashtags to reach more people. 🚀

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JoggAI
New tools, trends, and strategies pop up every day, and it’s hard to know where to start. That’s why we created the JoggAI Blog: to make your life easier and your work smarter. Think of this as your friendly guide to all things video marketing and AI. Whether you’re a seasoned marketer looking to level up your campaigns, a business owner exploring how AI can boost your brand, or just someone curious about where technology is headed, you’re in the right place. Here, we share trending AI technologies, provide video marketing tips, and keep you updated on our product's latest features.
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