How to make Instagram reels that go viral in 2025

Millions of reels are created every single day. Do you think you can afford not to know how to create a great reel? We’ve seen so many people changing their lives by posting on social media. If you need an extra way to make money, or a new occupation or a hobby, you can start working on your reels-making skills.

This is meant to help you learn the basics and a few tricks on how to make viral Instagram reels. So, let’s get started.

1. Building a strong foundation for great Instagram reels

Starting with the basics is key, but to make great Instagram Reels, focus on high-quality filming from the get-go. Poor lighting or shaky footage can kill engagement, so prioritize professional-looking setups even as a beginner.

How do I record a reel on Instagram from scratch?

To record a Reel on Instagram:

• Open the Instagram app and swipe right to access the camera (or tap the "+" icon at the bottom and select "Reel").
• Tap "Reel" at the bottom of the screen.
• Press and hold the record button to film. Release to stop, you can record multiple clips in one session for dynamic storytelling.
• Aim for clips under 90 seconds, but keep most around 15-30 seconds for maximum watch time.

Film in well-lit areas using natural light or ring lights. Use a tripod or stabilizer to avoid shakes, as steady footage increases perceived quality and retention. Creators on Reddit emphasize that "high-quality visuals" are non-negotiable for virality.

What are the steps to create a reel using the Instagram app’s camera?

1. Launch Instagram, swipe right, or tap "+" and choose "Reel."
2. Customize with left-side tools: Add audio, adjust speed (0.3x to 3x for slow-mo or fast-forward effects), set a timer, or apply effects before recording.
3. Tap the record button for each clip, pause and resume as needed.
4. Tap "Next" to edit, preview, and refine.
5. Add a caption with hashtags, tag people or locations, select a cover thumbnail, and share.

Engagement Trick: Start filming with a strong hook in the first 3 seconds, like a question, surprising fact, or visual tease, to grab attention immediately. "The first 3 seconds... are crucial" for keeping viewers hooked. Creators suggest picking engaging subjects and attractive starting lines to boost views.

How can I upload existing photos or videos to make a reel?

• Skip recording by tapping the gallery icon in the bottom left.
• Select photos or videos from your device, mix multiple for collages or sequences.
• Trim, arrange, and transition between them before editing.

Use vertical orientation (9:16 aspect ratio) and film in bursts to capture authentic moments. To keep people engaged, vary angles, close-ups for emotion, wide shots for context. Reddit users recommend testing hooks and making content "shareable" for viral potential.reddit.com

2. Polishing your Reel for maximum engagement

Editing transforms a basic Reel into a captivating one. Focus on features that enhance storytelling and encourage interaction.

How do I add music, effects, or voiceovers to my reel?

• Tap the music icon pre- or post-recording to browse trending tracks or your saved audio.
• Add voiceover via the microphone icon—narrate tips, jokes, or calls-to-action (CTAs).
• Use the sparkle icon for effects, filters, or AR overlays.

Sync music beats with visual transitions for rhythm. Trending audio can skyrocket views, as X creators highlight: "Use trending sounds" for better reach. Quora tips include high-quality content with relevant music to boost engagement.

What tools can I use to edit reels, like trimming clips or adding transitions?

• Trim clips to remove fluff and maintain pace.
• Add text, stickers, GIFs, or drawings via top icons, use animated text for emphasis.
• For transitions, record segments separately and align them, or apply effects like fades.

Add on-screen text for silent viewers (e.g., subtitles or key points). This increases watch time, a key metric for the algorithm. Reddit advises including CTAs like questions to spark comments.

How do I use features like green screen, align, or timers in reels?

• Green Screen: Search "Green Screen" in effects for background swaps.
• Align tool: After the first clip, it helps layer seamless transitions (great for outfit changes).
• Timer: Set countdowns for hands-free recording, ideal for dances or tutorials.

Use timers for precise timing, ensuring energy peaks early to hook viewers.

Can I make a reel longer than 15 seconds, and how?

• Tap the length icon and select up to 90 seconds (app-dependent).

Longer Reels work for tutorials, but keep hooks strong, X users stress "Keep it short & impactful" to avoid drop-offs.

Everyone knows what consistency is key when it comes to Instagram growth.

“TIME!!! Nothing beats the algorithm more than consistency. If you feel like your views are going down, POST MORE. Nothing beats consistency and the key factor is 99% of people quit TOO EARLY. Hope this helps :)! ( BabyGusherxx )

3. Advanced and creative techniques: Crafting viral reels that captivate

To go beyond basics, incorporate strategies for virality. Focus on the first seconds, engagement tricks, and creative hacks.

How do I create viral or professional-looking reels as a beginner?

• Leverage trending audio from Explore.
• Add captions for accessibility.
• Hook in 3 seconds: Start with a problem, tease a reveal, or pose a question.
• Edit externally with apps like CapCut or other video editing tools.

Make content relatable and shareable, Reddit says "engaging enough and shareable" is essential.reddit.com X posts recommend consistency and hooks: "A long, informative caption... keeps the viewers from scrolling." On Quora, niche focus and high-quality posts drive virality.

What are some tips for making engaging reels for businesses or brands?

• Show behind-the-scenes for authenticity.
• Structure with storytelling: Problem → Solution → CTA.
• Use brand-consistent colors and fonts.
• End with questions or CTAs like "Comment below!"

Encourage saves/shares over likes, X insights show "Saves + shares > likes + comments" for algorithm boosts.

How can I create scrollable or multi-image reels?

• Design in Canva or CapCut for carousel animations.
• Import as video clips with smooth transitions.

Vary pacing, slow builds to fast reveals, to maintain interest. Use "wait for it" hooks, as Reddit creators suggest.

Source

4. Maximizing reach and performance

Optimization turns good Reels into viral hits. Track metrics and tweak based on data.

How do I share a reel to my feed, explore, or with specific audiences?

• Toggle "Share to Feed" for profile visibility.
• Use up to 5 relevant hashtags for Explore.
• Share privately via DMs or Close Friends.

Post consistently (4-5x/week), as Reddit recommends.reddit.com X users advise "Post consistently... time of day matters."@xx_ham_donut_xx Try "Trial Reels" for non-follower testing, per X and Reddit.

What metrics should I track to improve my reels’ performance?

• Plays (views)
• Watch time
• Shares and saves
• Engagement rate (likes + comments / views)

Use Insights for creator/business accounts. Focus on first 30-60 minutes of engagement, as per Reddit.reddit.com

How do I download or save someone else’s reel?

• Tap three dots → Save.
• For downloads, use third-party tools or screen record (respect copyrights).

5. Monetization and earning from reels

Once your Reels gain traction, monetize strategically.

How can I make money from Instagram reels?

• Creator Bonuses (country-dependent). However, don’t expect much from this.
• Brand partnerships/sponsored content.
• Affiliate links or product promotions.

Build to 10K+ followers for eligibility. Quora suggests niche focus and quality content for sponsorships.quora.com X creators earned $60K/month by posting 2-3 Reels daily without direct selling.

Source

What are ways to get paid for creating reels?

• Join platforms like Social Cat or Aspire for brand collabs.
• Use Instagram’s Creator Marketplace.
• Drive traffic to stores, courses, or Patreon.

Conclusion: Start creating great reels today

Becoming good at making Instagram Reels in 2025 is about blending creativity with strategy, hooking early, engaging deeply, and optimizing relentlessly. Experiment, track results, and stay consistent.

If you are a beginner, the internet is full of info on how to create better reels. However, you can always practice and start on platforms like Social Cat and work directly with brands.

And YES, we have a minimum approval criteria, but you can always give it a try, and we assure you that if you have potential, you are more than welcome.