How To Create Instagram Reels In Canva
Sharing your content as reels is a great way to get seen on Instagram.
You can easily create Instagram Reels in Canva to save time, create fresh content, or even repurpose content.
While posting reels can serve your current audience it also places you in front of potential new followers!
Creating this type of content can be overwhelming and time-consuming, but it really doesn’t have to be.
In this post, I’ve created a simple tutorial on how to create Instagram Reels in Canva.
p.s. If you are new to Canva, read all about my favorite design program!
How To Create Instagram Reels In Canva
When you create Instagram Reels in Canva you don’t have to be on camera, but you can still get great results from your reels!
You can use photos and videos you have or use ones you find in Canva. You can also find audio in Canva, but you’ll have better results using the audio you find in Instagram. Using trending audio in Instagram with your reel will give you better reach.
How To Create Instagram Reels In Canva with Simple Animations
The easiest way to create Instagram Reels in Canva is to use a Mobile Video template. You can search for Mobile Video templates and even refine your search for your design style by defining the template type.
For example, if you have an aesthetic design style, search for “Aesthetic Mobile Video,” or for a bold style search for “Bold Mobile Video,” to narrow your results.
In this tutorial for a minimalistic animated reel, we will create a simple reminder layout.
Open up Canva.com and search for Mobile Video. In this tutorial, we are going to choose Create blank.
In six easy steps, your reel will be ready to upload to Instagram!
- Set the background with a color, photo, or video
- Create a notification-style reminder box
- Add text and elements to your design
- Add animations to text and elements
- Split into multiple pages and adjust the timing
- Download as an MP4
Step one: Create the background of your reel
You can choose any color for your background. If you have a brand palette this is a great way to establish brand recognition.
You can easily create multiple versions of this reel idea by changing the colors, and adding videos, or photos to the background.
In this tutorial, we are using a simple beige background.
I even used this exact template to create a simple reel with a video background!
Step two: Create a reminder box
To create a “notification” style reminder box we need to add a few simple element graphics. The first graphic we are adding is a square with rounded corners. Feel free to adjust the corners for your desired roundness.
Next, we will add a circle on top of the square. Center your circle on top of the square so that only the top half of the circle shows on the top.
Then we will layer a line on top, 1/3 of the way down on the square.
Lastly, we will add a reminder bell in the center of our circle. Search for the word “reminder” in the elements search bar to find bell graphics.
Step Three: Add Your Text and Elements
The beauty of a reminder reel is that it’s simple. Meaning you can create tons of content using this type of reel style.
Share a short motivational quote, encouraging statement or niche-related inspiration with your audience.
Add two text boxes to your reminder box, one for the word Reminder and the second for your reminder message.
Add a third text box under the reminder box with a CTA to Read Caption. Use Effects to add a color background bubble behind the text.
I also added an animated element of hearts that people are used to seeing in their stories when people like them.
Step Four: Animate Your Reel
Use simple animations to add motion to your reel. The key to these animations will be selecting Animate On Enter. This will keep the flow of the animations as your reel plays.
The bell: I chose to use the “pop” animation for the bell. This animation feels like a notification buzzing.
The text: I used the “typewriter” animation for the text in the reminder box.
Step Five: Split into multiple pages and adjust timing
Split into multiple pages by duplicating them. Then remove elements so that elements appear to be added as the frames are played.
I find it easiest to build the entire design in one page, duplicate the page for as many frames as I want in my video.
For this video, the first page is timed for 0.5 seconds and the last three pages are at 1 second each.
Step Six: Download your Instagram Reel
To download your reel go to the Share button and choose Download.
Next select the file type: MP4 Video. You can leave the video quality at 1080p (HD) for streaming.
All 4 pages will automatically be selected. Next hit the purple download button.
Your video will be downloaded and ready to post!
Grab this template for free here:
Canva has become the go-to tool for many content creators looking to elevate their visuals. You can also create Instagram feed posts, Pinterest pins, blog feature images, media kits, lead magnets which are my top five templates I use on a regular basis!
The advantage of creating reels in Canva is that there are tons of templates to use, which means you don’t have to design from scratch. It’s quick and easy, saving you tons of time. You can create a bunch outside of Instagram and upload them when you’re ready to post!
Create Instagram Reels in Canva to save time, create fresh content consistently, or simply repurpose content ideas.
Don’t forget to have fun when you create Instagram Reels in Canva!
xoxo Naomi
p.s. find this post helpful? Pin it! ⬇️
Related: Why you need a clear social media strategy
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