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How to Edit a Reel on Instagram in 2 Ways

June 12, 2025
•Danny G.
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Instagram Reels can be a frustrating experience. You put in the time and effort to create a video, only to have it fall flat with your audience. What gives? Often, the issue comes down to editing. If you want to improve your Reel’s performance, you need to know how to edit a Reel on Instagram. This process involves much more than simply trimming your video’s length. From choosing the right music to refining transitions and adding text overlays, thoughtful editing is key—and it all starts with solid Instagram Reel ideas that align with your audience’s interests and keep them engaged from start to finish.

There are a variety of editing tools available on Instagram that can help you enhance your Reel and make it more engaging for viewers. These include audio tools, text options, filters, effects, and more. Understanding how to utilize these features will enable you to customize your video and give it a professional appearance. 

Crayo AI’s clip creator tool transforms short video production, making it incredibly efficient. It can generate unlimited short clips simultaneously and automatically add captions, effects, backgrounds, and music. 

Table Of Contents

  • Importance of Instagram Reels
  • How to Edit a Reel on Instagram
  • 9 Tips to Create Instagram Reels
  • Create Viral Shorts In Seconds With Crayo

Importance of Instagram Reels

instagram app - How to Edit a Reel on Instagram

1. Boosting Engagement

Instagram Reels have emerged as a powerful tool for enhancing user engagement. Following the launch of Reels, many brands and content creators have reported significant increases in interactions and reach. For instance, the digital marketing platform Later saw a staggering 500% increase in engagement after integrating Reels into its content strategy. This spike in engagement is mainly due to the algorithmic preference for Reels, which offers a fresh way to captivate audiences and reach new users.

2. Expanding Reach

Brands that leverage Instagram Reels are more likely to appear on the platform's Explore page, thanks to the algorithm's current favoring of this content format. The Explore page introduces users to new accounts, providing the opportunity to convert casual browsers into loyal customers. This is critical for driving brand awareness and initiating user journeys along the digital sales funnel. With approximately 200 million users checking the Explore page daily, securing real estate there can drastically improve a brand's visibility.

3. Supporting Storytelling Efforts

Instagram Reels provides a dynamic platform for brands to showcase their identities, including their values, missions, and personnel. This humanization of brands fosters trust and connection with consumers, which are crucial for driving engagement and conversions. For example, a Sprout Social study found that 76% of users are more likely to purchase from a brand they feel connected to. Reels can help cultivate this feeling by featuring behind-the-scenes looks at brands and their employees, highlighting their personalities and expertise.

4. Connecting With Younger Audiences

Many marketers are hesitant to invest in Instagram Reels due to the perception that they primarily appeal to Gen Z users. However, this view is shortsighted. A Hootsuite study found that Reels have the potential to reach 10.9% of the total population aged 13 and older, with nearly 30% of users aged 13-17 engaging with this content format on a weekly basis. By connecting with younger audiences now, brands can lay the groundwork for future loyalty and ensure their identities remain top of mind when these consumers enter adulthood.

5. Measuring Success

As with any new marketing tactic, it’s essential to track the performance of Instagram Reels. This will help you identify what types of content resonate with your audience and optimize your approach over time. Key metrics to monitor include engagement rates, shares, saves, video views, and audience growth. This data can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of your Reels strategy and how it drives brand awareness, engagement, and conversions.

How to Make Reels on Instagram in 4 Steps

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1. Crafting Your Instagram Reel: The Blueprint for Success

The adage rings true: "Failing to plan is planning to fail." Before stepping in front of the camera, draft a roadmap for your project. Consider these questions to spark your creative process: What topic will resonate with your audience? How will your Reels align with your overall Instagram strategy? What type of content will engage your followers? Once you nail down your concept, research current trends and styles to inform your approach. Authenticity is key; today’s audiences crave genuine storytelling. With your vision in mind, create a storyboard to outline your shots and streamline the filming process.

2. Shooting Your Instagram Reel: The Step-by-Step Guide

The moment has arrived: It’s time to film your Instagram Reel. You can record Reels in several ways: Access the Reels tab, tap the “+” symbol on your home screen, or open the Stories camera and select “Reel.” From there, you can shoot clips in one continuous take or as separate segments. To add pre-recorded videos, tap the “+” icon. Explore creative options, including adjusting playback speed, adding music, using hands-free recording, and incorporating special effects. Once you have finished filming, you can edit your clips, trim their length, and rearrange their order before proceeding to the next step.

3. Enhancing Your Instagram Reel: Effects, Text, and Audio

After filming, it’s time to add the finishing touches to your Instagram Reel. You can access a wide range of AR effects, filters, music options, and text tools to personalize your video. Consider adding captions and on-screen text to boost engagement and accessibility. Many users watch videos without sound, so including these elements helps convey your message regardless of audio preferences. When your Reel is complete, don’t forget to preview it before sharing. This step ensures you’re happy with the final product and allows you to make any last-minute adjustments.

4. Sharing Your Instagram Reel: Best Practices for Reach and Engagement

You’ve created a stellar Instagram Reel. Now it’s time to share it with the world. First, select an eye-catching cover image and write a compelling caption. Consider including relevant hashtags to boost discoverability. Next, decide if you want to share your Reel on your main feed as well. This can help increase its visibility among your followers. You can also tag other accounts, add a location, and enable product tagging to expand your reach further. Once you’ve customized your sharing settings, tap “Share” and watch your creation take off.

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How to Edit a Reel on Instagram

woman using a phone - How to Edit a Reel on Instagram

Strategies for Editing Your Instagram Reel After Posting

Editing Instagram Reels isn’t a one-and-done scenario. Sure, you can make tweaks before sharing your content with the world. But what happens if you want to edit your Reel after it’s been posted? Well, the good news is that Instagram allows for some adjustments after the fact. For instance, you can change your caption, cover photo, and tags as needed. 

However, if you want to edit the actual video content, you’ll need to delete your post and re-upload it after making your desired changes. To help you navigate the process, we’ve outlined the steps for both scenarios below. 

How to Edit an Instagram Reel Cover or Caption After Posting

Log in to Your Instagram Account

Start by opening the Instagram app on your device and logging into your account. 

Find the Reel You Want to Edit

Next, navigate to your profile and locate the Reel you’d like to edit. Tap on the video to open it.

Access the Edit Menu

In the bottom right corner of the video, click the three-dot icon to open a menu of options. 

Edit Your Reel’s Caption, Cover Photo, and Tags

From here, you can change the caption, update the cover photo, and tag or untag people as needed. 

Save Your Changes

Once you’re done editing, tap the checkmark icon in the upper right corner of the screen to save your changes. 

How to Edit Your Instagram Reel Video Content After Posting 

Find the Posted Reel You Want to Edit

  • Start by locating the video you want to change. 
  • Click the three dots to open the menu. 

Delete the Reel

  • Tap the “Delete” option, and a prompt will appear asking if you’re sure you want to delete the video. 

Move to Drafts

  • Here, you should find a new option “Move to drafts.” 
  • Click this to edit the video before re-posting it. 

Access Your Drafts

  • Go to your Instagram Reels tab and find the video in the drafts area. 
  • Click on the video to bring it to the posting page. 

Edit Your Video Content

  • Tap the “Edit” button to change the video as you wish. 
  • You can add or edit the music, adjust the text, and more. 

Re-Post Your Edited Reel

  • Once you’re done making changes, you can post the Reel to your Instagram account again as usual. 

What You Can’t Edit 

While Instagram allows you to make specific changes after you’ve posted your Reel, like changing the cover picture or the caption, it doesn’t have the option of making changes in the Reel video itself after posting it. In that case, you’ll have to delete the video and re-upload it after making the changes. 

How to Edit Your Instagram Reel Video Content After Posting 

Find the Posted Reel You Want to Edit

  • Start by locating the video you want to change. 
  • Click the three dots to open the menu. 

Delete the Reel

  • Tap the “Delete” option, and a prompt will appear asking if you’re sure you want to delete the video. 

Move to Drafts

  • Here, you should find a new option “Move to drafts.” 
  • Click this to edit the video before re-posting it. 

Access Your Drafts

  • Go to your Instagram Reels tab and find the video in the drafts area. 
  • Click on the video to bring it to the posting page. 

Edit Your Video Content

  • Tap the “Edit” button to change the video as you wish. 
  • You can add or edit the music, adjust the text, and more. 

Re-Post Your Edited Reel

  • Once you’re done making changes, you can post the Reel to your Instagram account again as usual. 

What You Can’t Edit 

While Instagram allows you to make specific changes after you’ve posted your Reel, like changing the cover picture or the caption, it doesn’t have the option of making changes in the Reel video itself after posting it. In that case, you’ll have to delete the video and re-upload it after making the changes. 

9 Tips to Create Instagram Reels

woman in a field - How to Edit a Reel on Instagram

1. Use Crayo AI for High-Quality

Crayo AI is the fastest way to create short videos. Create unlimited short videos at once. Crayo even auto-generates captions, effects, background, and music for you. Take advantage of an opportunity of a lifetime and make easy money with the Tiktok creator fund program. Go from ideas to short videos in seconds: 

  • Write an outline/prompt, 
  • Customize the style (select a background video, voice narrator, and music from Crayo’s free templates), 
  • Finish and export! Go viral, make money, and make clips in seconds with Crayo. 

Try Crayo’s free clip creator tool today. Just click the ‘Try Now’ button on our homepage to get started. No account required! Go from prompt to viral short videos in minutes with Crayo.

2. Keep Up with Latest Trends

Instagram Reels are now similar to TikTok. Users upload their videos in response to viral challenges, trends, or elements. You can use this to your advantage by creating content that is related to current trends and challenges. This will help you get more views and engagement on your Reels. To find out what’s trending on the internet recently, you can check the Explore page and use Google Trends.

3. Start with a Strong Punch

Instagram Reels are all about quick, short videos. That is why it is essential to keep your videos under 60 seconds. It means that there’s no such thing as “save the best for last”. Longer videos tend to lose people’s attention, especially if they’re just scrolling through their feed. The first few seconds of your video are crucial in capturing your viewers' attention and keeping them engaged until the end. That is why you need to ensure that the first few seconds of your video can grab attention. One way to do this is by starting with a close-up shot. This could be a close-up of your product, or your face if you’re the one in the video.

Another way to start strong is by using subtitles or text overlays at the beginning of your video. When you know who your target audience is, it becomes easier to come up with ideas for videos that will resonate with them. Remember, the goal is to create content that interests your target audience and encourages them to watch your Reels. The Instagram algorithm uses machine learning that takes into account the engagement your Reels get. This will help capture people’s attention even if they’re just scrolling through their feed with the sound off.

4. Consistency is Key

The key to success on any social media platform is consistency. This also applies to Instagram Reels. To grow your following and increase views on your videos, consistency is key. This means posting and scheduling Instagram reels regularly and promoting them consistently. If you’re not sure how often you should be posting, start with one video per week. Then, you can gradually increase the frequency as you get more comfortable with creating Reels. Remember, quality is still more important than quantity. So, don’t sacrifice the quality of your content just to post more often.

5. Target Specific Niche or Topic

There are many people with diverse interests using Instagram, from those who can’t live without playing blockchain games to those who are addicted to makeup tutorial videos. The first step here is to target a specific niche or topic. This helps you focus your content and make sure that your Reels are relevant to your audience. The more people who watch and engage with your Reels, the higher it will be ranked on the Explore page and in search results. 

To find out what topics or niches are popular on Instagram Reels, you can use the search function. Look for trending hashtags and topics that are relevant to your business. For example, food-related hashtags are among the most popular, which is why Instagram restaurant marketing is such a powerful tool.

6. Use Popular Music or Sounds

Music is a great way to add energy and excitement to your Reels. It can also help you set the mood and tone of your video. That’s why it’s important to use popular music or sounds that your target audience will enjoy. You can also use sound effects to make your Reels more fun and engaging. Just make sure that the sounds you use are relevant to your video and don’t distract from the content.

7. Use Hashtags

Hashtags are a great way to get more people to watch your Reels. When you use relevant hashtags, it makes it easier for people to find your videos. To find the right hashtags, you can use the search function on Instagram. Look for popular hashtags that are relevant to your video. For example, if you are selling landline phone service to seniors, use hashtag tools like Hashtagify and RiteTag to help you find the right hashtags for your Reels.

8.  Make Them the Right Size

Instagram Reels are designed for optimal viewing on mobile devices. This means that you need to make them with a vertical format and the right size so that they can be viewed properly on a small screen. The ideal aspect ratio for Instagram Reels is 16:09. The ideal resolution is 1080x1920 pixels. And the perfect length is between 15 and 30 seconds. 

Additionally, using a video stitching app can help seamlessly combine multiple clips, which is perfect if you’re working with shorter segments or different scenes. This type of app enables you to easily adjust the format and create a cohesive, professional-looking video. Several video editing apps for Reels can help you optimize your vertical videos with the right size and format.

9. Keep an Eye on Your Competitors

Marketing experts of Bookatrekking, a travel company that organizes hiking trips along such famous hiking routes as Peter Habeler Runde and others, claim that to stay ahead of the game, you need to keep an eye on your competitors. See what they’re doing and try to improve upon it. You can do this by following them on Instagram and watching their Reels. Take note of the strategies they’re using and see how you can make yours better. 

You can also use tools like ReelRank and Insights to track your competitors’ Instagram Reels. This will help you see how well their videos are performing and what strategies they’re using. You can investigate your competitors from a broader promotional and marketing perspective to understand the Instagram tactics they use, whether they utilize referral or affiliate programs, how they engage their audience, and which cross-marketing channels they use. It’ll open up a bigger picture for you to experiment.

Related Reading

Create Viral Shorts In Seconds With Crayo

crayo - How to Edit a Reel on Instagram

Crayo AI is an advantage for anyone looking to create shorts. Its intuitive, lightning-fast platform lets you generate unlimited videos in one sitting. Simply input a prompt or outline, and Crayo AI will make a short in seconds. You can customize your video with background footage, music, and narration options. Plus, Crayo automatically adds captions, effects, and sound. This tool will help you save time and go viral with minimal effort. Try Crayo’s free clip creator on the homepage today. No account needed.

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