Tech Series 2 Are You Reeling on Instagram?
The Prince William Art Society (PWAS) Artistry Spin Blog will explore the use of technology and its impact on the world of art. There are so many tools and resources that can benefit the artists to not only create artwork, but to inspire them, to share their work with the world and to potentially sell their artwork. We'll review and offer suggestions on some of the top trending tech on the web, popular for artists, and those wanting to find out more about art, and perhaps, find YOUR art.
Making Reels on Instagram
If you have been on Instagram, you had to have seen a Reel. That's those mini short videos that are a creative way for artists to extend their reach and engagement on the platform - basically as a very short story. Hopefully you'll have a look at this post and the videos, helpful links, etc. to get some ideas on how to get started.
Create Eye-catching Reels for Instagram
Why else are we, as artists, on the internet other than to show what we do? We may be looking for calls for art and art shows, and learn more about some art skills - but its ALL about showing what we do. And reels are a good way to do that.
Create an interesting mix of being an artist and the making our art in fun, inspiring, entertaining ways. DO show the "ooops" moments and the big reveal moments.
And remember, just because you see another artist have success doing something online does NOT guarantee you will have that same success – period. Success or not is based on a lot of reasons, mainly that you are not them. Your art is different. Your space, your time, your followers, friends, etc etc etc and being on the internet, is not the precisely the same as what they did. You DO observe what others do and learn to make it your own. Get ideas from them but You do You.
Reel Stat Details
Some of this may be TMI at the moment, I underlined the most import items.
- Viewing is meant to be vertically, on full screen, on your mobile phone.
- Reel Video Time is up to 90 seconds in length
- Best Aspect Radio is 9:16
- File Format MP4 or MOV
- Max File Size 4GB
- Dimensions and Resolution is1080 x 1920 pixels. Minimum resolution is 740 px
- Compression Size - no matter the phone you are using: "When you share a photo that has a width between 320 and 1080 pixels, we keep that photo at its original resolution as long as the photo's aspect ratio is between 1.91:1 and 4:5 (a height between 566 and 1350 pixels with a width of 1080 pixels). If the aspect ratio of your photo isn't supported, it will be cropped to fit a supported ratio. If you share a photo at a lower resolution, we enlarge it to a width of 320 pixels. If you share a photo at a higher resolution, we size it down to a width of 1080 pixels." - Instagram Help
- Caption Length is 2.2K characters long
- Cover Picture Size is 420 x 654 px
- Editing Tools
- Original Audio
- Captions and Hashtags
- Download the Instagram App on your phone
- Create an Instagram Account - probably best if its your artist name or YourNameArt.
Steps to the Making of a Reel
- Step 1 The Plan - organize what your reel will be doing (be about) and saying about you and your art.
- Goal - what is this reel's intention, purpose? What do you wish to accomplish?
- Format - entertain, promote, educational/tutorial, a trend/challenge, before and after, behind the scenes, time lapse, user-generated content, relatable stories, listicles (top 5..., my top 10 favorites...). To begin KISS! (keep it simple silly!)
- Where your setup will be inside, outside, in studio, art above, below, closeup, to the side, etc.
- Storyboard how you want the reel to go. It may work nicely to have a record on the steps you took for your reels so you understand and remember any lessons learned.
- Topic - clips, visuals, transitions
- Script
- Content = tell a story with a hook. Encourage engagement, showcase your work in the best possible way and provide value. Show the final artwork, your final artwork in a setting, creation process shots, studio shots, plein air shots, workshop shots, add voting – opinions, a twist on a trend, artwork with props, and do occasionally show yourself - don't be too camera shy.
- Target Your Audience
- Step 2 The Equipment Needed - an artist can easily begin with a smartphone and the Instagram app on the phone, then look into add-ons as needed.
- Camera or iPhone
- SD Cards (for camera)
- External Hard Drive
- Microphone - the audio is important if you are recording your voice and sounds.
- Lighting
- Tripod
- Computer
- Step 3 The Setup - get your equipment setup in place in order to create a unique, compelling, and artistic video that people will want to see.
- Recording Space
- Composition and Framing
- Rule of Thirds
- Setup the Equipment
- Step 4 The Test - take test shots, observe lighting, shadows, highlights, make adjustments.
- Checklist for connections
- Practice - Do a test video
- Step 5 Lights, Camera, Action!
- Record the Reel
- Add music, adjust the music track
- Preview it before you post it!
- Add your cover image
- Add Captions - especially good because the viewer may have their sound off.
- Add Hashtags
- Add Tags - tag the brands you use!
- Call to Action - tell your viewers what you want them to do
- Share to Instagram - AND to other social sites you are on.
- Step 6 Insight with Analytics
- Keep an eye on your stats
Tools and Resources
The actual tools and resources you use will largely revolve around how you intend to create reels, where you plan on recording, the space you have - and definitely if you are a beginner at this. You'll also consider whether you will be moving around (walking around outside or moving around your studio space) and you'll need to think about stability for your video recording.
You will need:
You can start with just a smartphone with a good quality camera and the Instagram app
For Enhanced Quality
- An iPhone Tripod
- A Ring Light with Phone Holder - Sizes: 8 inch ok, 10-12 inches for selfies and closeups, 14-18 for full body and professional setups.
- Power source: USB is good for travel and laptops and AC is good for consistency and longer sessions.
- Adjustable settings for brightness, color temperature, and intensity. You may be filming day or night so having options is important.
- The height range of the light should be a consideration as well as ease of setup and portability.
- External Microphone or Headphones
Optional Equipment
- Gimbal
- Editing Software
- Portable Charger/ Power Banks
- Backdrop and Props
- Softbox Lighting Kit, Strip Lights, Umbrella Lights - good lighting is imperative!
- Teleprompter
- Phone or Tablet Stand
- FlipStik
- Remote control – good for easy adjustments during photo shoots
- A USB Hub Expander / Extender
Depending on what kind of art you do, your creation angle is different. For example, if you work with acrylics or oils, you are probably using an upright easel. If you are working with watercolors or sketching, you are probably painting on a mostly flat surface. So the tools may vary slightly but stability is imperative as you don't want your movements to jiggle the camera.
Apps for Making Reels
There are plenty of apps to help with your presentation, editing, music, etc.(and much more) but some are better than others when you are a beginner. You can try many of these for free or for a period of time. Many have free versions with just the right features that may work perfectly for your needs.
|
App / Tool |
|
Free Version? |
|
Adobe Express |
Social posts, images, flyers, videos, more |
Yes |
|
Adobe Premiere Rush App |
Best for color grading, multiple tracks, fix colors, add transitions, intuitive interface, cross platform, synced projects, templates, audio editing tools, export options |
Yes |
|
Calendy * |
Book meetings, scheduling tool |
Yes |
|
CapCut App |
Easy to use, reels editing app, filters, slow-mo, auto subtitles, sounds, change aspect ratio, font options, background remover, voice changer, noise reduction |
Yes |
|
Canva App & Computer |
Good for beginners, makes graphics, video tools drag n drop, templates, animations, and sound effects |
Yes |
|
Clips App |
Record reels with creative filters, user friendly features like captions, emojis, stickers, more |
Yes |
|
Compress Photos and Pictures App * |
Use this to compress the size of photos and videos which will help save storage space on your phone |
$4.99 mo+ |
|
Descript |
Video editor, AI intuitive editing tools |
Yes |
|
Epidemic Sound * |
Royalty free music |
Free for 30 days, $9.99 mo |
|
FlexClip App |
Video editor, tons of templates and features |
Yes |
|
FilmoreGo App & Computer |
Built-in templates for beginners, great for making reels, Video editor with speed effects, audio pitch control, instant mode, auto reframe |
Yes |
|
Filto App |
Video editor with many tools, filters, AI effects, music |
Free trial |
|
Funimate App |
Reels app that is fun and functional transitions, looping, sharing, 3D space, overlays and backgrounds, video and text effects, keyframe effect, slow motion |
Yes |
|
Graphionica App |
Create reels and collages, photo processing. Templates, fonts, stickers, textures, post on social media |
Yes |
|
InSitu Art Room * |
Your art in different rooms, so that people can see what the artwork would look like over the couch, in the bedroom, etc. |
$5.99 mo+ |
|
InShot Video Editor and Maker App * |
Great for beginners, large library of animated icons. Cut, split, combine, speed up clips, video effects, stickers, text. |
Yes |
|
Instagram in app editor |
User friendly, creates reels, built-in filters, music, speed controls |
Yes |
|
JoggAI App |
Video generator, avatar generator, podcast video, talking photo, more |
Yes, Starter $24 mo |
|
KineMaster App |
Video editor lots of features. Layers, chroma key, control audio, learning curve. Magic remover, enhance image quality, more. Does add a watermark unless you upgrade |
Yes |
|
LumaFusion App |
High quality app for making reels, multi-track editing, export options, titler |
No, one time $29.99 fee |
|
Mojo App |
Animated templates, text effects. Good for stories and reels |
Yes |
|
Mostory App |
Editing reels, video collages, templates, post on social media |
|
|
Photoroom AI Photo Editor and Maker * |
Background removal, enhance features, retouch |
Yes (limited) |
|
Picsart |
Standard photo and video editing tools, templates. Extensive music library |
Yes |
|
Prequel App |
Filters, retro effects, glitter, cartoon styles, retouch, more |
Free trial |
|
Preview App |
Scheduling and managing Instagram posts, edit photos, auto post |
Yes |
|
Procreate |
Digital creative software for creating illustrations, paintings, animations, more |
|
|
Promeo |
Reels app, many templates, AI AutoCut, Color LUTs, Motion Graphics Title, Animated Stickers |
Yes |
|
Splice App |
Professional transitions. Cool effects for creating reels, voice-overs, music, sync video clips to music, speed ramp, multiple projects, chroma key, auto subtitle |
Yes |
|
StoryArt App |
Large catalog of templates to create reels, stories and posts |
|
|
Storybeat App |
Create stories and reels. Add music, stickers, text, built-in player |
|
|
Submagic App |
AI video editor with AI auto captions, subtitles, remove silences, AI filter words, auto zoom, transition editor, more |
No, $12 yr+ |
|
Unfold App |
Create reels and share on social media, templates, stickers, add a signature |
Yes (limited) |
|
Videoleap App |
Reels app with AI video editor, ready made templates, easy to use, huge library assets |
Yes (limited) |
|
Videoshop App |
Video editor special effects, captions, select music, record sound, transition effects, playback speed |
|
|
VN Video Editor |
Simple but powerful, keyframe animation, control speed, templates, clean |
Yes |
|
WeVideo App |
Video editor for creating clips, create slideshow, add soundtrack, royalty free music library, cloud based, aspect ratio adjustment |
$9.99 mo |
|
YouCam Video |
Best for skin enhancement in selfies |
|
|
Zoomerang App |
Creates instant short videos with overlay of special effects, styles, etc |
Free |
Notes:
- Free versions typically have limited features, which may be fine for what you do.
- Some apps offer limited free use for a period of time, then you need to upgrade to continue usage.
- Things can change, so something that may be noted as free or prices changes do occur. I'm wondering if a few of these are "free to download" only.
- If you remember the PWAS meeting with the guest speaker Valerie Larson, or took a class she offered, the options she uses are noted with an asterisk (*).
- Apparently some of the apps apply a watermark to your video unless you upgrade to have it removed, so that's not cool.
Optimize Your Instagram Reels
The whole point about reels is what? To be discovered, to be seen, to have your content (your art) available for discovery. Reels can help do that.
There are Instagram features and tools to use to optimize the reels you present as well as optimization suggestions.
- 3 Seconds to Engage - length of time you have to grab the viewer before they scroll away. GRAB their attention.
- Trending Audio - how can you do your version of it?
- Optimal Times to post. Yes, that's a thing. Between 10am-3pm weekdays, Monday through Thursday are the best days for engagement. On Saturday between 9am-4pm. Sunday 10am-noon, 3pm. Early morning at 5am good for different time zones.
- Relevant Hashtags - # this is a hashtag. #YourArtistName #YourArtGroupName #YourMedium #WhatYourArtworksubjectis #VirginiaArtist #SupportLocalArtists #YourArtShow #YourArtGalleryName - see what I mean?
- Captions https://pallyy.com/blog/instagram-captions
- Stickers https://social.techjunkie.com/how-to-look-up-use-stickers-instagram/
- Instagram Insights
- Tag Feature - @ this is a tag. @PrinceWilliamArtSociety And if you use a specific product, tag that company! You never know if they will see it and comment or share it. For example, if you only use Golden paint products, TAG THEM! @GoldenPaints You never know....
- Cover Photo - select a frame from the recording or create/upload a custom image.
- Instagram Camera Features
As in everything we do, sometimes you just have to jump in the deep end to get started. One, two....and three....JUMP! And that's a wrap.
And Amazon Prime is July 8, 9, 2025 so...shopping for sales!
So what do you think? Might you start to create your own reels? Drop a comment below.
Artistry Spin Blogmaster and an artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA, specializing in acrylic painting. She paints landscapes, seascapes, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com, her Donna's Esty site and her Blog at Donna’s Cave Paintings.
Local Art: The Prince William Art Society is a 50+-year-old non-profit art group in PWC for the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia. Visit us at any of our local art shows or join us for our monthly meetings - held on the 4th Monday of the month at the Tall Oaks Community Center at 12298 Cotton Mill Dr, Woodbridge, VA at 7:30pm
Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership
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