How to make (at least) three Reels from one two minute video

tutorial 3 of the Reel-y Simple Reels series; Instagram Reels for beginners

Hello! And welcome to the Reel-y Simple Reels series. This is the third post in the series and part is available for all readers, part is for members of TOO MUCH INSTAGRAM only. To have access to all of the resources, please consider upgrading your subscription to become a member:

If you’d like to know more about why Reels should be part of your content on Instagram, you can read more here:

FAQ 7: when should it be a Reel, a carousel, a static image or a Story?

But even once you know you want to include Reels, it can feel overwhelming and difficult to know where to start. This third post in the Reel-y Simple Reels series includes a video tutorial that will show you how to make three super simple Reels using one two-minute-long video.

These reels are beginner level reels that will give you the opportunity to build foundational skills in video creation, making use of elements such as audio and text to add interest and keep the viewer engaged.

As you become more fluent in the Reels editing suite you can build on these skills and start to make more complex videos (if you want to) but these initial tutorials will build your confidence and give you a good place to start.

This tutorial was made using an iPhone. If you’re using the Android version of the app there may be some small differences in the appearance of the Reels editing suite.

To view all posts in the Reel-y Simple Reels series, click the button:

One video, three Reels

In this tutorial, I’m going to walk you through how you can use one video to make at least three Reels. The kind of Reels I’m going to walk you through are all B-roll Reels, that is, videos where you may be in shot but what you’re doing doesn’t add anything to the content of the post.

I like to think of b-roll video as the plate that you’re serving the food on; the food is the idea you want to communicate.

B-roll videos are usually combined with text laid over the top of the video + music, and/ or can feature a voiceover. They’re one of the simplest kinds of Reels to create so are perfect for beginners.

---

Before you begin the tutorial

If you want to create a Reel while you are watching this tutorial, you need to have a video ready in your camera roll that is at least one minute long.

You could film yourself:

• sitting at your desk working

• sitting and drinking a cup of tea while reading a book

• working on a craft activity or piece of art

• loading the dishwasher

• planting seeds

• cooking a meal

• writing in a notebook

• talking on a video call

- almost anything you can film yourself doing that takes at least a minute will be appropriate.

There is no need for your video to be complicated or super-polished BUT it MUST:

• be well-lit (outside or in front of a window is generally fine, but you might also like to invest in a cheap ring-light)

• shot in vertical - don’t turn your phone to the side to record as this will make your Reel less watchable in the Instagram feed

• feature you - this is not necessary for all B-roll Reels but this tutorial will make most sense if the video you use does feature you.