Creating your first Instagram Reel might seem overwhelming, but once you dive in, you'll find it’s much easier than you thought.
Here’s how I overcame my hesitation and started creating Reels, along with 21 tips to help you do the same.
Tip #1: Get your first one out there
For the longest time, I procrastinated about making my first Reel. It felt like such a big deal, and I kept putting it off, telling myself I wasn’t ready. But one day, I finally decided to just do it. I grabbed my phone, went outside, and filmed five simple tips for taking better photos on Instagram. That was it! Once I uploaded it, I realized how easy it was.
My advice? Don’t wait for the perfect moment—just get your first one out there. The hardest part is starting.
Tip #2: Don’t focus on the views
After I posted my first Reel, I kept refreshing to see how many views it was getting. It wasn’t much at first, and that was discouraging. But here’s the thing: you can’t control how many people will watch your Reel, especially in the beginning.
My first Reel got about 4,500 views in 24 hours, which isn’t much compared to my follower count. But it’s not about the views—it’s about getting your content out there and improving with each one. Let go of the need for instant gratification and just focus on creating.
Tip #3: Start consuming lots of reels to do research
I’m not someone who spends a lot of time consuming content on social media. I’d rather be outside, reading, or doing something else. But when I decided to get serious about Reels, I made it a point to watch a lot of them. I studied what worked, what didn’t, and why some Reels went viral while others didn’t. This research phase helped me understand the trends and patterns in successful Reels, which I then applied to my own content.
Tip #4: You won’t know everything right away, and that’s okay
There’s so much to learn about creating Reels—transitions, music, captions, and more. When I started, I felt like I was stumbling in the dark. But I reminded myself that it’s okay not to know everything right away. The important thing is to start, learn, and improve as you go. My first Reel wasn’t perfect, and neither will yours be, but that’s how you grow.
Tip #5: Your first ones will probably be dumb, and that’s fine
Looking back at my first Reel, I cringe a little. It’s not my best work, and I know I’ll get better with time. But that’s the point—you have to start somewhere. Your first Reels might be awkward or cringe-worthy, but each one will teach you something new. Embrace the learning process and know that you’ll only get better from here.
Tip #6: Be humble and patient with yourself
When I first started making Reels, I felt like a complete newbie. I’m used to being confident in my expertise, so it was humbling to feel like a beginner again. But that humility is what helped me grow. I reminded myself to be patient and to give myself grace as I learned the ropes. If you’re struggling with Reels, know that it’s okay to not be perfect. Just keep at it, and you’ll see progress.
Tip #7: Commit to learning what you need to learn
Once I committed to making Reels, I was all in. I watched tutorials, read articles, and experimented with different techniques. The more I learned, the more confident I became. If you’re serious about mastering Reels, dive in and commit to learning everything you can. The more you know, the better your content will be.
Tip #8: Trust the experts around you
As someone who’s used to being the expert, it was a bit of an adjustment to take advice from others. But I knew I needed to trust the people who were more experienced with Reels. Whether it was a team member or a fellow content creator, I took their advice to heart and applied it to my own work. Don’t be afraid to learn from those who know more than you—it’ll make your Reels better.
Tip #9: Loosen your need to be comfortable all the time
Filming my first Reel was definitely outside of my comfort zone. I felt awkward standing outside, talking to my phone while people walked by. But I reminded myself that growth happens outside of your comfort zone. The more you push yourself, the more you’ll grow. So if making Reels feels uncomfortable, that’s a good thing—it means you’re growing.
Tip #10: Acknowledge that other people know more about things than you
Even though I’m an expert in my field, I had to accept that there were others who knew more about Reels than I did. This mindset shift allowed me to be more receptive to feedback and advice, which ultimately made my Reels better. It’s okay to not know everything—what matters is your willingness to learn.
Tip #11: The first one is the hardest
Once I got my first Reel out of the way, it was like a weight had been lifted. The process became easier and more natural with each one I made. If you’re struggling to start, just know that the first one is the hardest. After that, it gets much easier, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner.
Tip #12: Commit to a content routine, even if it’s only one a week at first
After making a few Reels, I realized that consistency was key. I set a goal to create at least one Reel a week, and that routine helped me stay on track. Instagram recommends posting three Reels a week, but starting with one is a great way to build momentum. As you get more comfortable, you can increase your output.
Tip #13: Try a bunch of different things at first
In the beginning, I experimented with different styles, themes, and trends to see what resonated with my audience. Some Reels did better than others, but each one taught me something valuable. Don’t be afraid to try new things—this is how you’ll find your unique style and what works best for your audience.
Tip #14: Implement one new little hack each time
With each new Reel, I focused on incorporating just one new technique or hack. Whether it was adding text overlays, using transitions, or playing with music, I made sure to improve with each one. This gradual approach helped me avoid feeling overwhelmed and ensured steady progress. Over time, these small improvements will add up to significant growth in your skills.
Tip #15: Don’t overthink this how to create reels
One of the biggest obstacles I faced was overthinking. I kept telling myself that my Reel had to be perfect, which only led to procrastination. But once I let go of that perfectionism and just created, everything fell into place. Don’t let overthinking hold you back—just get out there and start creating.
Tip #16: Collect reel ideas that seem easy for you to create
I keep a running list of Reel ideas that are easy to create. This list has been a lifesaver on days when I’m not feeling particularly creative. Whenever I see a Reel I like, I save it for later inspiration. Having this bank of ideas makes the content creation process smoother and more efficient.
Tip #17: Practice a few times (& relax as you film it)
Before I filmed my first Reel, I practiced a few times to get comfortable. This helped me relax and feel more confident when it was time to hit record. Remember, it’s okay to do a few practice runs—just don’t get stuck in perfectionism. The goal is to get better with each attempt, not to be perfect from the start.
Tip #18: Remember why you’re doing it
Instagram Reels offer incredible organic reach, which is why they’re worth the effort. I reminded myself that each Reel was an opportunity to reach new potential clients and grow my audience. Keep your end goal in mind, and let that motivate you to push through any discomfort.
Tip #19: Get help if you need it
When I first started, I reached out to a few friends for ideas and advice. Their input helped me get over the initial hump and made the process less daunting. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you’re feeling stuck—sometimes, a fresh perspective is all you need.
Tip #20: Set yourself a reward once you publish it
I’m a big believer in celebrating wins, no matter how small. After I published my first Reel, I treated myself to a relaxing night of takeout and Netflix. This little reward motivated me to keep going and made the whole process more enjoyable. Find a way to reward yourself after each Reel—it’s a great way to stay motivated.
Tip #21: Have fun, truly
The most important tip of all is to have fun with it. Once I let go of my expectations and just enjoyed the process, everything became so much easier. Creating Reels should be a fun and creative outlet, not a source of stress. So relax, experiment, and enjoy the journey.
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Want to level it up even further? Check out the master class to master the art of reels. Everything you have to know about the different types of reels, how to use them and so much more.
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