Social media platforms keep introducing changes as time goes by. For example, you can now edit tweets by subscribing to Twitter Blue. You can update longer videos on TikTok. You can edit messages on WhatsApp. You can add your Instagram stories to Facebook stories and more.
Instagram is no exception to this rule, as you previously saw, but they have taken it further. They now let you add text to reels. Furthermore, it allows you to do the editing right on the Instagram app.
But what about the rest of the features for text on reels? Can you edit the text duration? Or make it appear and disappear? Can you add text at different times on it?
Let’s take a deep dive into the world of Instagram reels so you become a master of editing and optimizing your Instagram account.
Instagram Reels Introduction
TikTok, a social media platform that allows users to upload and watch short videos on any topic, went viral in 2020. That year, in August, Instagram introduced the reel feature.
This feature has a similar format to that of TikTok, and it was common to see that users uploaded TikTok videos on Instagram Reels and called it a day. However, as time went by, reels gained popularity and acceptance, and now Instagram users focus on improving their short videos to the maximum so that they have better organic reach.
And, of course, who doesn’t want to make the most out of their posts on a platform with 2.35 billion users? With such a large platform, users want to stand out, gain popularity and build an online brand. Here is where adding text to reels can help.
Adding Text to Instagram Reels
Adding text on Instagram reels is an important process you must get familiarized with. Firstly, it allows you to let users —and thus, potential followers— know what your reel and account are about. It can help you create a cohesive feed and to keep its design aligned with your brand’s image. Even you can embed Instagram Reels on website to boost your website traffic.
Of course, there are several things you can do on Instagram reels (and you will get a preview of it later on!) But for now, let’s focus on learning how to add, edit and customize text on your reels.
Editing Instagram Reels Text
There are many things you can do for text on Instagram reels. You can change the font, the text alignment, the color, and more. Below, you’ll find a detailed guide on how to make the most of the phrases you want to add to your reel content.
How to Add Sentences to Reels
Let’s begin with the basics: learning how to add text to reels on Instagram. The first thing you need to know is that this is an easy process, and the Instagram app makes it beginner friendly.
Furthermore, the steps are similar on iOs and Android, so here’s what you need to know.
Adding Text to Reels on iOs and Android
- Tap the Your Story option on the top left side of the screen. You’ll be able to identify it through its plus icon.
- You’ll find the Reels option in the menu, which you recognize by the circle icon at the center bottom of the screen.
- You can make a new video or upload a pre-existing one from your library in the bottom left corner of your screen.
- Next, tap Preview to head to the editor.
- To add text to your reel, tap on the Aa icon in the top right corner. A vertical line will appear, indicating you can start typing the text you want on your video.
- If you want to, you can change its appearance by tapping the icons at the top of the screen. There you can change its color, font, text alignment, and more.
- Once you are satisfied with the style, tap Done, place the text where you want it, and make it larger or smaller using your index finger and thumb, similar to how you zoom in and out of pictures on a camera.
Adding Multiple Text to Instagram Reels
Now you know how to add phrases to your reels, but what if you want to add a few sentences to the same clip? For starters, validate you are not making a cluttered clip and that the clip provides enough time to read all the text. Furthermore, try adding short sentences so that it won’t look like you are adding paragraphs in one clip.
To carry on with this option, go through the steps above as needed, and drag the text to a cohesive, nice-looking position through your clip.
Disappearing Phrases on Reels
What if you are in your editing process, add a title but don’t want it to stay throughout the entire video? Then you can use the option to make text disappear on Instagram reels. To do it, follow these steps:
- To do this, start by adding text with the steps above. You will get a box with the text on the left bottom corner of the screen, tap it, and then tap on the Edit option.
- You will get a frame-by-frame bar of your clip and a bar with your text above it.
- Drag the text bar until where you want the text to be seen.
And by doing this, you will notice your text shows up until your desired frame.
How to Add Sentences to Indivual Clips on Reels
Similar to the disappearing text option, you can make text appear at a specific moment in your reel.
To do this, go through the steps above, but add your text from the frame you want. When you view a preview of your clip, you should be able to see your text appearing in the desired clip.
Adding Captions to Reels
Instagram introduced the caption feature in 2021 to create a more inclusive platform. This option allows creators to have automatically enclosed captions on their reels (and stories, too!).
If you want to add this excellent feature to your reels, all you have to do is tap on the happy face icon you will see in the preview of your video. There, you will get the option to add captions, stickers, and more. It’s crucial to be mindful that this feature is relatively new, which means sometimes it might have minor transcription errors. To avoid this, try speaking clearly, and make sure you aren’t using elaborate sentences or words.
Tips on Editing Instagram Reels
We gave you a guide to editing text for your reels, so now we’ll give you a little bonus to help you make your reels look incredible.
- The first thing you need to know is that making longer reels isn’t as beneficial as some people might think. For example, a 15-second reel to promote a cafĂ© can be just the perfect amount of time.
- Next, learn about transitions. You don’t want to saturate your reel with a large number of transitions, but these can come in handy to give a fresh, new look to your videos.
- Make your videos look as professional as possible. Try not to add things that could make your reel look childish or cold and impersonal.
- Be careful of text placement. Don’t place your text at the bottom of the videos, as the captions and usernames could make it difficult for users to read them.
- If you add more than one phrase to a single clip, select an easy-to-read text style. Intricate fonts can look good on titles, but not as great with longer phrases.
- Corroborate each text pops have enough time to allow users to read it calmly.
- Before you hit the button to post your reel, go through it two or three times to make sure they run smoothly, the transitions look good, and the text is cohesive and understandable.
If you take these tips into account the next time you create a reel, chances are your finished product will be a polished and professional video.
Instagram Reels and Their Relevance for Businesses
Reels are relevant just by themselves. Furthermore, if businesses consider using reels to promote their products or services, it can help them boost their sales. Short videos have become a trend on the web, and this video format has proven to be an excellent way to make your establishment known to potential customers.
With a 15-20 seconds video, you will give a potential client a sneak peek of what your business is about, and this could result in things like profile visits, follows, reel shares within Instagram users, and, most importantly, an increase in potential sales.
Online business promotion is not as easy as it used to be if we think about the ever-growing number of companies resorting to the Internet to make their establishments known. But that doesn’t mean it is impossible to become a notorious company in the online world. By the use of these tools social media platforms provide, you can improve the chances of being seen by its users.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Ideal Time to Post an Instagram Reel?
While there are some speculated ideal hours to post a reel, this will depend on your audience. According to research, posting from 9 am to 12 pm from Monday to Thursday is the ideal strategy. However, what if you run a business oriented for college students, specifically to their nightlife? Or what if you are a beauty guru who notices peak engagement at 6 pm? The ideal time to post your reels will depend on your target audience.
How Do You Make a Reel Go Viral?
There are a few ways you can make a reel go viral. To begin with, you could use trending audio or songs. You can add hashtags and striking captions, record high-quality content, and resort to paid strategies such as boosting it.
How Often Should I Post Reels on Instagram?
First, we know that a reel you post can appear at different times for users. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a schedule to know how often you should post your content. Posting four to seven reels per week can be beneficial, but consider this: if you post photos, don’t spam your followers with multiple posts daily.
Conclusion
Adding text to your reels is one of the best ways to improve your account and content’s quality. Learning to add text to your reels to ensure you deliver excellent content is crucial for your business’s online reputation and overall image.
Remember some of the tips provided, such as not putting the text on the edges of the reel or making your text timing so short users will struggle to read it. By incorporating all these tips and tricks, you can rest assured you will post high-quality content.
