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Instagram

Reel

A Reel is a short vertical video on Instagram distributed broadly through the For You feed.

Definition

Reels are Instagram's answer to TikTok: 9:16 video up to 90 seconds pushed to both followers and non-followers. The most important format for reach in 2026.

How to use it

Build for reach. Hook within 2 seconds, captions always, ~220 px safe zones top and bottom so the UI doesn't cover important text.

Common mistakes

  • No hook in the first 2 seconds
  • Text placed where the UI overlays it
  • Music that doesn't match the pacing