If you’re ready to start creating Reels to grow your business, I’ve got a super easy idea for you to get started! In today’s tutorial, I’m sharing you a step-by-step walkthrough of how to create this easy b-roll style Reel. I’ll be sharing the idea, where it came from, and each step to create your Reel. Follow along to learn how to film, add text boxes, edit in the Reels editor in the app, and more. Let’s jump in! 

How to Create an Easy B-Roll Style Reel

Step 1: Film B-Roll footage

The first thing you’ll need to create this easy Reel is a 12 second long b-roll style video. If you’re wondering what “b-roll” means, consider this: when I’m filming a YouTube video, I’m talking to the camera and to my audience. But if I complete a task and film myself doing it without paying attention to the camera, that’s considered b-roll footage. Mine is often me working at my desk, writing on my calendars, or behind the scenes. Other ideas you can use include typing on your laptop, wiring in a journal, or going on a walk. Whatever you use for this Reel (and others) doesn’t have to be directly related to your business. So, the bottom line is that no matter what you’re doing right now: you can capture b-roll footage of yourself. 

Step 2: Upload your footage to the Instagram Reels Editor and Add Music

Once you’re done filming, it’s time to add your footage to the Instagram Reels editor. Open up Instagram and once you’re in the editor, simply swipe up and select your footage. If your footage is longer than 12 seconds, edit it down. After you’ve done that, hit “next” and you’re ready to add music! 

In the top, select the music icon and find music you like. I recommend trending audio – but we’re looking for background music here. Remember, Instagram provides you a list of trending audio. Simple! 

Step 3: Add 3 Text Boxes

We’re going to be adding 3 text boxes, each 4 seconds (totaling 12 seconds!). The first box will say: “Want my biggest piece of advice for how to ____”. Fill in the blank with a pain point that your ideal client has. Make your text box smaller and place it on the screen. The second text box will say, “It’s this: ____” and you’ll place your answer there. Place that box and we’ll have one more box to create. The third box says “More in the caption”. You can really use any call to action here. I sometimes tell my audience to comment with a certain phrase and we use a DM automation to send them the freebie or product. The boxes are going to go on top of each other on the reel and my CTA is usually underneath. 

Now it’s time to adjust timing. Slide the screen up and adjust your timing. Remember each box will last for 4 seconds, in order. Remember, once you’ve finished creating your Reel – SAVE it to your camera roll. There’s so many ways you can lose your drafts, so make sure you save your Reel. 

Step 4: Create a Cover Photo

The last thing you need to do (before the caption) is adding the cover photo. On the next screen, you can either use a screen shot or a cover photo you’ve created. We offer a template that includes 50 Reel cover photos, if you want to grab that and save yourself some time. After your cover photo is ready, it’s time to add your caption and post (or save it in your Reels). 

Now you’ve got a super easy Reel that took just a few minutes to create to promote your business! Want more inspiration for Reels? Check out our other resources: 

Other Instagram Resources 

Join me in this 60-min Free Class and get my exact process for how to create business-growing Reels with just 3 hours of your time every month.

If you have questions or want some extra support, I’ve got a FREE Reels Growth Facebook Community that you can join. I absolutely love getting to chat with everyone and help them work through their questions about Reels!

Wondering what to make for your next Reel? Free quiz to find out what type of reel idea you should make next!