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How to Make a Reel on Instagram With Photos in 7 Steps

June 13, 2025
•Danny G.
how to-make-a-reel-on-instagram-with-photos

Instagram Reels are a powerful way to reach a broader audience on the platform. But how do you create engaging content that stands out? One way to boost your Reels is to use photos as a foundation. This approach opens the door to fresh Instagram Reel ideas, whether you’re looking to showcase a trip, highlight your brand, or tap into a trending sound. 

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 Make a Reel on Instagram With Photos in 7 Steps
  • 5 Instagram Photo Reel Ideas
  • 9 Tips to Create Instagram Reels
  • Create Viral Shorts In Seconds With Crayo

Importance of Instagram Reels

instagram app - How to Make a Reel on Instagram With Photos

1. Boost Your Engagement Game with Instagram Reels

Reels are a powerhouse for increasing engagement on Instagram. With the platform now prioritizing this video format, brands can no longer rely solely on static posts to connect with their audience. Research indicates that Reels generate higher engagement rates than traditional posts, making them a crucial component of any Instagram strategy. 

2,. Expand Your Reach with Reels

Want to be seen by new potential customers? Post Reels. The Instagram algorithm favors this content format, which improves your chances of landing on the explore page. As a result, your content is more likely to be discovered by users who don’t already follow you, helping you reach new audiences and grow your following.

3. Tell Your Brand Story with Reels

Reels are an excellent medium for storytelling. As short videos, they allow brands to convey their message quickly and creatively. This format is ideal for sharing entertaining or emotionally resonant content that engages your audience and encourages them to connect with your brand. Plus, the algorithm favors Reels, so posting them regularly can improve your chances of reaching new users.

4. Learn About Your Audience 

Want to know what your audience likes? Experiment with different types of content and use Reels to gather data on their preferences. Then, create more of what your audience wants to see. This will not only improve your engagement but also help you connect with potential customers and drive sales.

5. Showcase Your Products with Reels

Reels are a fun way to highlight your products or services. Use them to demonstrate how to use what you sell, share behind-the-scenes footage, or create entertaining content that features your offerings. These videos can drive engagement and help potential customers learn about your brand and what you offer. 

6. Target Younger Audiences 

Think Reels are just for Gen Z? Think again. Research shows that this content format appeals to people of all ages, including millennials and older adults. By incorporating Reels into your Instagram strategy, you can connect with younger audiences while also reaching older users who enjoy this format.

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How to Make a Reel on Instagram With Photos in 7 Steps

man recording himself - How to Make a Reel on Instagram With Photos

1. Open Instagram and Go to Reels  

Launch the Instagram app on your device. To access the Reels feature, look for the "+" (plus icon) at either the bottom or top of your screen. Once you tap it, a menu will appear. From the options presented, select "Reel" to enter the Reels creation area.  

2. Add Your Photos  

To incorporate images into your Reel, tap the gallery icon located in the bottom-left corner. This action opens your camera roll. Browse through your photos and select the ones you wish to include. You can either tap each photo individually or press and hold to select multiple images simultaneously. After making your selections, hit "Next" to continue.  

3. Adjust the Clip Length (Optional)  

By default, each image can be displayed for up to 5 seconds. To customize this, tap "Edit clips." Here, you can modify the duration for each photo, as well as trim, rearrange, or remove clips as you see fit.  

4. Add Music (Optional)  

To enhance your Reel with audio, tap the music icon (🎵) located on the left toolbar. From there, explore trending songs or your personal favorites. After selecting a track, choose which segment of the music you want to include in your Reel.  

5. Add Effects, Text, or Stickers (Optional)  

The left toolbar also allows you to personalize your Reel further. Here, you can:  

  • Insert text in various fonts and colors  
  • Apply different filters for unique looks  
  • Add stickers or GIFs for extra flair  
  • Use the pen tool to draw custom designs  

6. Preview and Final Touches  

Once you're satisfied with your edits, tap “Next” to see a preview of your Reel. This step lets you review your work before posting. You can also add a caption, include hashtags, tag a location, and decide if you want to share the Reel to your feed as well.  

7: Post Your Reel  

When everything looks good, tap “Share” to publish your creation. Your Reel will be available for viewing on the dedicated Reels tab, allowing others to discover your work.  

5 Instagram Photo Reel Ideas

woman using her phone - How to Make a Reel on Instagram With Photos

1. Craft an Engaging Travel Montage Reel  

Travel montage reels are perfect for showcasing your favorite moments from a trip. These reels allow you to compile multiple images into one short video, avoiding the need for several days of individual posts. Whether you’re exploring new cities or revisiting beloved spots, a travel montage is a fun and efficient way to share your adventures with your followers. 

2. Document Renovation Progress With a Montage  

Renovation projects take time and effort, and it can be hard to wait until a space is complete to share it with your audience. Instead, create a video montage of your renovation progress! This type of content allows you to document each step of the process, whether it’s flipping furniture or a complete kitchen remodel. Your followers will appreciate the inside look at your project and how you achieved the final result.

3. Highlight Products With a Video Montage  

If you sell physical products, a video montage is an excellent way to showcase your entire product lineup. You can create a short video featuring all of your products in one place, making it easy for customers to see everything you offer. This type of content is beneficial for seasonal launches or new collections, as it allows you to highlight multiple items at once. 

4. Inspire Your Audience With Interior Design Montages  

Interior design is all about aesthetics, and video montages are a beautiful way to showcase styled spaces. Create a short reel featuring your favorite interior design photos, whether they’re your own or sourced from around the web. Use this content to inspire your audience and share your design perspective. 

5. Share Your Favorite Things With a Video Montage  

Everyone loves a good favorites list, whether it’s books, beauty products, or home goods. A video montage is a fun way to share your top picks in a visually engaging format. Simply compile images or videos of your favorite items, add some music and captions, and you have a shareable piece of content your audience will love. 

If you want to create stunning video montages for your Instagram Reels, Crayo has you covered. Our free clip creator tool makes it easy to turn your ideas into high-quality videos in minutes.

9 Tips to Create Instagram Reels

man recording a woman - How to Make a Reel on Instagram With Photos

1. Harness Crayo AI for Exceptional Reels  

Crayo AI streamlines the creation of high-quality short videos, optimizing the process for efficiency and creativity. This tool enables users to generate an unlimited number of videos simultaneously, complete with automated features such as captions, visual effects, background selections, and music options. By utilizing Crayo, creators can focus on their concepts rather than technical details, expediting the journey from brainstorming to a finished product. The platform also provides customizable templates for added personalization. Explore Crayo’s free clip creation tool to enhance your reel-making experience.  

2. Stay Updated on Trends  

Instagram Reels mirror TikTok's format, with users frequently sharing content that aligns with viral challenges, trends, or styles. To maximize your reach, regularly monitor the internet for trending topics and create timely content that resonates with your audience. Utilize Instagram's Explore page and Google Trends as resources for identifying popular themes.  

3. Engage Viewers from the Start  

The first few seconds of your Instagram Reel are critical for capturing attention, as scrolling users may not watch the entire video. Establish an immediate hook by using close-up shots, striking visuals, or intriguing text overlays that prompt curiosity. This will encourage viewers to watch the entire clip, boosting engagement metrics and increasing the likelihood of viral spread.  

4. Maintain a Consistent Posting Schedule  

As with any social media platform, consistency is key to building an audience on Instagram. To maximize your reach, establish a consistent posting schedule for your Reels and promote them across multiple channels. If you're unsure where to start, aim for one video per week and adjust as needed based on your capacity and comfort level.  

5. Focus on a Specific Niche  

Targeting a specific niche or interest group can help your Reels stand out amid the platform's vast content pool. By appealing to a defined audience, you increase the likelihood that your videos will be watched, liked, and shared, which in turn improves their visibility on Instagram's Explore page and search function. Use the platform's search capabilities to identify trending topics and hashtags that align with your brand.  

6. Incorporate Popular Music and Sounds  

Music adds energy and emotional resonance to Reels, so include popular tracks or sounds that your target audience will recognize and enjoy. You can also use sound effects for added fun and engagement. Just ensure that any audio elements you choose enhance the viewing experience rather than distract from it.  

7. Utilize Hashtags for Discoverability  

Hashtags improve the discoverability of your Reels, making it easier for new audiences to find and engage with your content. Research relevant hashtags that align with your video’s theme to boost its reach. Use Instagram's search function and hashtag tools like Hashtagify to identify popular tags.  

8. Optimize Your Video's Size and Quality  

Instagram Reels are designed for mobile viewing, so make sure your videos are formatted for vertical screens. The ideal aspect ratio is 9:16, with a resolution of 1080x1920 pixels. Keeping your Reels between 15 and 30 seconds long enhances viewer retention. Use video editing apps to seamlessly stitch together clips while optimizing for both size and quality.  

9. Analyze Competitors for Insights  

Studying your competitors' Reels can provide valuable insights into practical strategies and emerging trends. Observe their content, style, and engagement tactics to identify areas for improvement in your approach. 

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Create Viral Shorts In Seconds With Crayo

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Creating engaging short videos can feel overwhelming. You want your content to stand out and go viral, but the process of brainstorming ideas, filming, and editing can be time-consuming. Crayo AI streamlines the entire video creation process. Simply enter a prompt, and Crayo will generate an outline for your short. 

You can customize the style of your video with different background options, music, and voiceover choices. Once you’re happy with your clip, export it in seconds. Use Crayo to create unlimited short videos for social media, marketing, or personal use. The AI tool even auto-generates captions, effects, and music to save you time. Try Crayo’s free clip creator today and start making engaging shorts that captivate your audience. No account is required to get started.

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