Instagram Reels Templates: Everything You Need to Know

What’s that? You’re not using Instagram Reels templates yet? You’re missing out big time.

Instagram Reels templates are a game-changing feature that can streamline your content creation process. However, not every social media manager uses them effectively.

Here’s everything you need to know about Instagram Reels templates, including what they are and how to squeeze the most value out of them. 

Let’s begin. 

What are Instagram Reels templates?

Instagram Reels templates are exactly what they sound like. Rather than building a Reel from scratch, you can just customize an existing template with your own clips. 

This will remove hours from your Instagram content production, allowing you to focus on more intensive tasks like planning how to monetize Instagram or optimizing your content promotion schedule. 

Besides saving time, a template also makes sure your clips are perfectly in sync with your audio. And, if you’ve worked with the Instagram Reel editor before, you’ll understand what a huge quality of life improvement this is.

How to use Instagram Reels templates?

Reels templates are available directly on the Instagram app. You’ll find them in two ways.

1. Using Instagram Reels templates from scratch

First, tap the ‘Create’ button (plus icon) and switch to the “New reel” tab.

From there, just tap ‘Templates’ just above your media gallery.

Instagram curates Reels templates based on your client’s profile under “Recommended for you.” If you prefer something more in-style, check out the “Trending” section.

Tip: if you find a template you’d like to use later, tap the ‘Save’ button (bookmark icon) in the bottom-right corner. This will make them available in the ‘Saved’ tab of the Instagram Reel editor. 

Tap on a template you like to use. When ready, replace the clips at the bottom with your own assets by tapping ‘Add media.’ 

There’s no need to perform additional steps to finish creating your Reel. Just select the clips in the order you want them to appear, and the app will automatically plug them into the right spots.

Remember that if you’re running a business or creator account, it’s best to replace every single clip in the template to ensure they match your content or brand.

Unless you’re using clips from a brand partner (or if you get the original owner’s permission), uploading somebody else’s content can get you flagged for copyright infringement. This can get your Instagram account deactivated or even banned.

When done, tap ‘Next’ to preview your Reel. If you’re happy with the results, just tap ‘Next’ again and complete the usual upload process. Otherwise, swipe up on the preview screen to edit your Reel.

You can adjust the timing of your clips, pick a different sound, add text, and more.

Just try not to do a complete overhaul of your Reel. After all, too many edits will beat the purpose of using templates in the first place.

2. Reusing templates from other Reels

Another way to find Instagram Reels templates is through the ‘Use template’ button. Open the Reel with the template you want to use and tap the three dots icon. Then, select the Use template option and edit your Reel accordingly.

You’ll find this on other template-based Reels, which don’t include original audio or heavy editing.

3. Using Instagram Reels templates from third-party apps

Finally, you’ll also find Instagram Reels templates on design websites like Canva. Just go to ‘Templates’ from the main menu, select ‘Social Media,’ and click ‘Instagram Reel.’

Canva has thousands of Instagram Reels templates you can use to accelerate your content creation process.

Using Canva lets you use advanced video editing and design tools to quickly create Reels. The drag-and-drop editor lets you add quick animations and a variety of other design elements within seconds. 

Since every detail is easily customizable, you can use them to quickly create content for Instagram theme pages.

Canva also has a large library of stock clips that fit different video ideas and formats, from quick promotions to voiceover memes. Of course, you can also upload your own clips whenever clients require something more unique and professional. 

Start Making Better Instagram Reels with Vista Social

As a marketing agency, Instagram Reels templates are a godsend. You still need to put the work into turning Reels into engagement machines. This is where Vista Social can make a huge difference since the social media management platform can help you with the following. 

Optimize your Instagram Reels captions

Make sure your captions fit the content of your Reels, but don’t forget conversion elements like CTAs. For example, use photo dump captions if you’re sharing a carousel and wrap it up with a CTA promoting profile bio links.

With Vista Social, you can prepare and plan your Instagram Reels captions ahead of time. Use the AI assistant to instantly generate captivating captions based on your brand preferences.

To make your caption more relevant and searchable, Vista Social can also provide useful hashtag suggestions. No need to look for a separate hashtag or keyword research tool.

Schedule Instagram Reels at the perfect times

Social media scheduling is one of Vista Social’s core features. You don’t need to perform a bunch of extra steps, like checking your Instagram following list order or running polls, to determine the best posting times for maximum engagement.

Using past performance data, Vista Social automatically identifies the perfect posting schedule for your Instagram account.

Just click ‘Show optimal times’ when scheduling through the publisher to see the best posting times for your content.

Create a centralized link hub with Vista Page

Promoting external pages via Instagram Reels can be tricky. For one, you’re not allowed to embed clickable links anywhere, not even in your caption.

Your best bet is to include a “link in bio” CTA and create a customized link hub for everything you want to promote. With a Vista Page, you can easily set up an aesthetic link hub for your clients.

After choosing a starter template for your Vista Page, you can: 

• Customize everything (buttons, colors, fonts, etc.)
• Build link grids using images
• Integrate a self-service scheduling form
• Create custom buttons
• Embed YouTube videos
• Generate a QR code

Get to know and grow your Instagram community 

Publishing Instagram Reels will help you reach a wider audience and establish your brand’s online identity. It can also help you generate engagement that leads to profits. 

Just don’t forget that Reels should align with your target audience’s interests and preferences. For this, you can refer to Instagram’s built-in insights tool to learn what makes your viewers tick.

Vista Social can accelerate this process with advanced publishing and optimization tools. The platform can also generate performance reports to help you analyze and fine-tune your Reels. 

This way, you can easily find out which posts get the best results, equipping you with the insights to double down on your strategies.

You can also use the Social Inbox feature to manage conversations across all profiles. Plus, you can create a social media listener to track down conversations based on user sentiments.

Dos and Don’ts when using Instagram Reels templates

Remember the important factors below to ensure you’re using Instagram Reels templates correctly for your campaigns and brand.

Do customize templates to fit your brand

Reels templates are a great starting point, but make them your own. Add your brand colors and tone so your content feels original, not recycled. Small personal touches can make a huge difference in how your audience connects with your videos.

Do keep your captions and hooks clear

Use the first few seconds of your Instagram Reel to grab attention. Pair your Reels template with a caption that adds context or drives action. A strong hook can help your video perform better in the feed and on Explore.

Do use insights to guide your next move

Track how each Reel performs and look for patterns in engagement. Tools like Vista Social help you monitor performance and spot what resonates, so your next video hits even harder and yields your expected results.

Don’t rely on templates alone

Templates help speed up your workflow, but don’t lean on them for every post. Mix templates with original clips or custom edits to keep your content fresh and authentic.

Don’t ignore aspect ratios or audio trends

Always preview your Reels before posting to make sure the visuals and audio sync perfectly. Including trending sounds and proper formatting can also make or break your reach.

Don’t overstuff your Reel with text or effects

Clean visuals perform better. Too many filters or transitions can distract from your message and reduce watch time, so keep your Reels as simple as possible and focused on your story.

Level up your Instagram game with Vista Social

Ready to use Vista Social and elevate your Instagram Reels strategy? The platform’s Instagram management tools for business have everything you need to make posting Reels simple and results-driven.

Experience Vista Social’s essential social media management features without spending a single cent. Start a 14-day free trial here to see what you’ve been missing.

Instagram Reels Templates FAQs

Are Instagram Reels templates free to use?

Yes. The templates are fully available to Instagram users at no extra cost. You may still incur typical social media costs like boosting posts or using trending sound rights, but the template feature itself has no fee.

Can other people use the template I created?

Yes. If you create a Reel that uses at least three clips or images, you can share it as a template that others can use for their Reels.

Your Instagram profile must be public for the template to be discoverable by other users.

Can I change the music or the clips in a Reels template?

Yes, since the templates are editable and customizable. After you choose a template, you can replace clips and change the audio. You can also add text overlays or switch up the template’s media.

This flexibility helps you stay on-brand or tailor the template to your own version while using a pre-built structure.

Why should you use Instagram Reels templates?

Reels templates save you time by streamlining your Instagram video editing process. You can follow trending styles without matching beats or manually clipping video timing. The templates also keep your videos consistent and on-trend, which boosts visibility on Explore.

If you manage multiple accounts, tools like Vista Social make it even easier since you can do everything, from scheduling to analyzing your template-based Reels from one dashboard.