How to use Instagram Reels Templates

Instagram is continuing its push to become a video-first platform, with their latest move providing templates for Reels.

The Templates option lets you tap into trending formats easily, by providing frame-by-frame steps for recreating some of the top viral trends of the minute.

Essentially, Instagram will do the framing for you, so you can focus on getting your comedic timing perfect.

How exactly does it work?

With Reels Templates, you can quickly copy clip timings for an existing Reel, which means if you see one in your feed and think, I could do that better, well, now you can, and easily.

Before now, if you wanted to jump on a trending sound or format, you'd have to guess clip lengths required to sync with a specific audio track, and manually adjust your clips.

Reels that have templates available will display a Use Template button above the creator’s name.

You can also tap the three dots and select the Use Template option from the list.

Next, you’ll see the time stamps for each clip in a Reel. Tap Add media to replace the clips with your own from your camera roll.

And that’s it! 

Note that only Reels which have been created and edited inside Instagram will display the template option, so if it’s been reuploaded from TikTok, you’re out of luck.

Who are templates great for?

Any brand looking to expand their video content on Instagram will benefit greatly from this new function.

Templates allow you to easily - and quickly - create trending content which in turn can lead to higher engagement on your account. 

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