How to Make Instagram Reels with Filmora (Step-by-Step)

Lights, camera, Reels! Nowadays, everyone is on the run to create a top-notch quality Instagram reel. Why not? They are short (15 seconds to 3 mins), to the point, and a great way to showcase your skills and catch the viewer’s attention.

But how do you create an eye-catching Instagram reel? Meet Wondershare Filmora IG Reel Maker! By using this tool, you can also save time and make a reel from available templates. You can also create and edit perfect ratio and quality content for Instagram.

Moving further on, we will discuss detailed steps for creating reels with the Filmora reel editor. Let’s get started with it.

Part 1: Why Use Filmora as an Insta Reel Maker?

We all know that Instagram does have a built-in Instagram reels editor. But creating and editing your videos in Filmora gives you leverage with professional-grade tools and editing options.

You have heard of the term, Word Smarter, Not Harder! That’s what we are doing using this tool.  It comes with countless features and benefits.

What are the benefits of Filmora as an Instagram Reels Maker?

Wondershare Filmora is your go-to tool for creating engaging Instagram Reels. You can easily adjust speeds for slow-motion or fast clips and use split-screen for layered storytelling.

It allows you to animate text and stickers with keyframing and change backgrounds with a green screen. In addition, you can save time with auto-generated captions, maintain a polished look with color presets, balance audio for clear voiceovers, and upload seamlessly to Instagram.

You can collaborate through cloud storage and also access new effects on Filmora regularly. In short, the Filmora reels editing app makes it easy for you to create creative content without having to deal with complicated steps and procedure.

Key Features:

• Advanced multi-track editing that allows you to split, trim, and layer clips, unlike Instagram, which only supports single-layer editing.
• Create custom transitions and effects, such as cinematic wipes, glitches, and zooms, instead of using basic Instagram presets.
• Use pre-designed Reel templates for popular formats like dances, tutorials, and montages.
• Use AI tools for auto-beat syncing, background removal, and vertical reframing.
• Unlike Instagram’s limited library, access to over 10,000 royalty-free music and sound effects with no copyright issues.
• Export your videos in 4K to avoid losing quality due to Instagram’s compression.
• Track motion to attach text and effects to moving objects.

Part 2: Steps to Create Instagram Reels Using Filmora

In this section, you will learn how to create a reel video with the right ratio and smooth editing using Wondershare Filmora. Keep reading the steps below to explore how to make quality content for Instagram.

1. Before creating a reel in Filmora, set the aspect ratio for Instagram. Open Filmora, find the “9:16” option at the top and select the “Short Video Project” option.
2. To import media, use the “Import” option or click the “Folder” icon. Select your files and press Enter. Your clips will appear in the Project Media section.
3. To add media to the timeline, select the clips in Project Media, drag them to the timeline, and choose “Keep Project Settings” when prompted.
4. Now, edit your clips on the timeline. Cut unwanted parts using the “Scissor” icon.
5. You can also cut your clips by pressing “C” on the keyboard. Press “V” to go back to normal mode. Select and delete any parts you don’t want. Repeat as needed, and you’ll have your complete reel.

Part 3: How to Use Filmora AI Features for Reels

Wondershare Filmora’s AI tools make video editing easier and boost creativity, making it a great option for Instagram Reels. Here’s how to use its advanced AI features.

AI Video Editing Features:

• AI Text-Based Editing: Edit videos by trimming/deleting clips via text transcripts.
• AI Copilot: Real-time editing guidance for transitions, pacing, and effects.
• AI Music Generator: Create custom royalty-free tracks by typing a mood/genre.
• AI Vocal Remover: Isolate vocals from music for clean background tracks.
• AI Smart Cutout: Auto-remove/replace backgrounds, even with complex motion.
• AI Auto Synchronization: Sync clips to beats, SFX, or transitions automatically.
• AI Text-to-Speech (TTS): Convert scripts to voiceovers in 20+ languages.
• AI Thumbnail Creator: Auto-generate thumbnails with dynamic text/effects.
• AI Smart Masking: Auto-detect and mask objects (faces, logos) for effects/tracking.
• AI Auto Reframe: Convert horizontal clips to vertical Reels with subject tracking.

How do you use the Filmora AI Smart Short Clips feature?

If you like editing on a computer, you can use Filmora’s long video to short video feature. This feature analyzes your long videos, finds the highlights, and cuts them into shorter clips. You can then share these clips on Instagram as Reel videos.

Steps to Create Reels with Existing Videos on Filmora Reel Maker:

1. Open Filmora on your desktop and select Smart Short Clips.
2. Import video files from your device or paste a YouTube link from your channel.
3. A settings box will appear. Adjust Language, Duration, and Theme. You may set the ratio to 9:16 for Instagram Reels. Turn on Smart BGM Generation for background music, then click Generate.
4. Filmora will suggest shortened video versions. Choose one or click Reset for new options. Use AI Speech Enhancement for better audio, then click Edit to refine your video.
5. In the editing workspace, add text overlays, change fonts, and include creative elements like Titles, Transitions, Filters, and Stickers.
6. To add background music, go to Audio Music, select a genre, or search with keywords. Use the AI Music Generator if needed.
7. When you’re satisfied, click Export, go to the Local tab, set video settings, and save the video to your device.

Part 4: Filmora Editing Tips for Viral Instagram Reels

We will now share tips to make your content stand out. Remember, success comes from smart editing, not luck. Are you ready to transform ordinary Reels into moments that get attention? Let’s discuss some professional tips to make your reel stand out.

• Make sure that your video is in an aspect ratio of 9:16 so it fills the screen on Instagram.
• Use popular music or sound effects to help more people find your Reel.
• Capture viewers’ attention in the first 3 seconds to encourage them to keep watching.
• Keep your video duration between 15 to 30 seconds for the best results, as short videos usually perform better.
• You can add relevant hashtags in your caption to reach a larger audience.
• Add clear calls to action in your captions, asking viewers to comment or share.
• Use “Vibrant” or “Cinematic” LUTs (Look-Up Tables) for strong and consistent colors.
• Animate AI-generated text to match the voice tone, such as adding bounce effects.
• Add whooshes and dings under voiceovers to create emphasis.
• Use smooth transitions for easy replay.
• Use black frames at the end to improve Instagram thumbnails by tricking the preview algorithm.

FAQs

1. Can I edit Reels in Filmora on mobile?

Yes, you can edit Instagram Reels with Filmora on mobile. Wondershare Filmora, for iOS and Android, is designed for quick edits. It allows you to trim clips, split, and merge them, and you can add filters, overlays, text, stickers, and music. It’s great for simple Reels without advanced features.

2. What’s the best way to learn Filmora quickly?

Leverage AI Copilot, Filmora’s in-app assistant, for real-time tips on transitions, pacing, or effects. Dive into Filmora’s YouTube channel for step-by-step tutorials on trending Reels techniques, or explore the built-in guide library for walkthroughs on specific tools. Join Filmora’s user community forums to exchange tips, templates, and troubleshooting advice with fellow creators.

3. Can I edit vertical and horizontal clips together?

Use Filmora’s Auto Reframe tool to change horizontal clips to vertical (9:16) while keeping the main subject centered. For mixed aspect ratios, add blurred backgrounds or use split-screen effects. This lets you reuse footage—like YouTube videos or vlogs—into Reels-ready content without reshoots.

4. Can I edit multiple Reels at once?

Yes. Filmora’s batch editing feature lets you apply filters, color grades, or transitions to multiple clips simultaneously, which is ideal for creating themed Reels series or repurposing content. Open various projects in tabs to switch between edits seamlessly.

5. Is Filmora suitable for beginners?

Filmora is easy to use for beginners, but it also has advanced features for more experienced creators. Filmora’s interface is simple and uses drag-and-drop. It makes it easy to add clips, audio, and effects. Beginners can use pre-built templates designed for popular Reels formats, like dance transitions or tutorials, to help them start projects without having to create everything from scratch.

Conclusion

In addition to Instagram’s built-in feature, using a third-party app like Wondershare Filmora can make your life easier.

By learning how to create reels on Filmora Reels Maker, you can elevate your Instagram analytics. It’s much easier and time-saving when you have pre-built templates and AI features.  We have discussed in detail how to use Filmora to edit and create your reels and some professional tips to make your reels stand out. No gatekeeping from our users. Now hurry up and try Filmora reel maker!