Instagram Reels Templates: Everything You Need to Know (2024)

What’s that — you aren’t 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 — what they are, where to find them, 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, just customize an existing template with your own clips. 

This will remove HOURS from your Instagram content production — letting you focus on more intensive tasks like planning how to monetize Instagram, optimizing your content promotion schedule, or accelerating follower growth. 

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Other than 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.

Since you’re probably running a business or creator account, be sure to replace every single clip in the template.

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.

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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. 

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 Reels.’

As of writing, Canva currently has over 14,000 Instagram Reels templates you can use to accelerate your content creation process.

Using Canva lets you utilize advanced video editing and design tools to quickly create Reels. The drag-and-drop editor lets you add quick animations, audio clips, headlines, 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.

But they’re not a turnkey solution — you still need to put the work into turning Reels into engagement machines.

This is where Vista Social can make a huge difference.

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 client’s 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, establish your client’s online identity, and generate engagement that leads to profits. 

Just don’t forget that Reels should align with the 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.

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Vista Social can accelerate this process with advanced publishing and optimization tools. 

We also generate performance reports to help you analyze, evaluate, and fine-tune your Reels. Find out which posts get the best results and double down on your strategies.

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

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Get Started with Vista Social for Free

Ready to use Vista Social and elevate your Instagram Reels strategy?

Good news — you can experience all of our advanced social media management features without spending a single cent. Start a 14-day free trial here to see what you’ve been missing!