Instagram Reels are short, vertical videos designed for fast engagement and discovery. They perform best when they are visually clear, mobile friendly, and easy to understand without sound. Pictory AI makes it simple to turn long videos or scripts into polished Reels that match Instagram’s format and viewing behavior.
This guide shows you how to create Instagram Reels using Pictory AI.
Why Instagram Reels Matter
Instagram Reels help you:
• Reach new audiences through discovery
• Increase engagement and watch time
• Repurpose long form content
• Promote products, services, or ideas
• Share educational or inspirational content quickly
Reels favor vertical video with strong visuals and captions.
Step 1: Start With a New or Existing Project
You can create an Instagram Reel from scratch or repurpose existing content.
You can start from:
• Script to Video
• AI Video Editor
• Instant Templates
• An existing project you want to shorten
Choose the option that best fits your workflow.
Step 2: Set the Aspect Ratio to Vertical
Instagram Reels require a vertical format.
Inside the editor:
Click the Aspect Ratio selector
Choose 9:16
Pictory automatically adjusts your scenes for vertical viewing.
Step 3: Keep Your Video Short and Focused
Reels perform best when they are concise.
To optimize length:
• Remove unnecessary scenes
• Focus on one clear idea
• Lead with a strong opening line
• Keep pacing fast and engaging
Use the Story tab to delete or rearrange scenes until the video feels tight.
Step 4: Use Large, Clear Text Overlays
Most Reels are watched on mobile devices.
To improve readability:
• Increase text size
• Use bold fonts
• Keep text centered
• Avoid placing text near screen edges
Text overlays help viewers understand your message instantly.
Step 5: Enable Subtitles for Silent Viewing
Many users watch Reels with sound off.
To add subtitles:
• Use auto generated captions
• Style subtitles with high contrast
• Limit lines to keep text readable
Subtitles improve engagement and accessibility.
Step 6: Choose Eye Catching Visuals
Visuals matter more than ever in short form video.
Use:
• High contrast visuals
• Fast moving stock clips
• AI generated visuals
• Clear background footage
Replace visuals that feel slow or cluttered to maintain attention.
Step 7: Add Background Music or Voiceover
Instagram Reels benefit from audio.
You can:
• Add background music from Pictory
• Upload your own audio
• Apply an AI voiceover
• Balance voice and music levels
Make sure narration stays clear and music does not overpower it.
Step 8: Apply Animations and Motion
Subtle motion helps keep viewers engaged.
You can:
• Add text animations
• Use animated layouts
• Apply transitions between scenes
Keep animations clean and fast to match Reel pacing.
Step 9: Preview Your Reel in Vertical View
Before exporting:
Click Preview Video
Watch on a vertical screen
Check text placement and timing
Confirm nothing is cropped
Make final adjustments
Previewing helps ensure your Reel looks native to Instagram.
Step 10: Export Your Instagram Reel
When ready to publish:
Click Download Video
Select 9:16 aspect ratio
Export in high quality
Upload directly to Instagram Reels
Your video is now optimized for Instagram.
Create High Impact Instagram Reels With Pictory AI
Pictory AI helps you create Instagram Reels quickly and efficiently. By using vertical layouts, clear text, subtitles, and engaging visuals, you can produce Reels that perform well without complex editing. Whether you are repurposing content or creating from scratch, Pictory gives you everything you need to succeed with Reels.
Start creating Instagram Reels today using Pictory AI.
