Three simple bookish Reels formats for you to try
tutorial 2 of the Reel-y Simple Reels series; Instagram Reels for beginners
Hello! And welcome to the Reel-y Simple Reels series. Part of this post 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:
But even once you know you want to include Reels, it can feel overwhelming and difficult to know where to start. This second post in the Reel-y Simple Reels series includes a video tutorial that will show you how to make three super simple Reels that all have books as their focus.
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:
Three bookish Reels formats for you to try
This video is a walk-through of how you can create these three simple videos to use in your Reels.
a page flip (including how to add a voiceover for a reading)
a book stack
2 types of cover reveals
When creating these Reels you’ll also need to think about which text hooks and audio you want to add in order to create an engaging video for your connected and unconnected audiences who receive the video in their feed.
Before you record your videos
Make sure you’ve explored the Reels editing suite. If you’re not sure where to begin, then start by watching the first video in this series where you’ll find a tour of the main features that you will need to know to get you started:
When recording your videos, remember you need to set yourself up in a position where you are well-lit. You can simply hold your phone for all three of these video clips but if you have a tripod you might want to set that up.
You will also need:
a thick book to flip through (it doesn’t matter what it is!)
a stack of books that are connected in some way
a book with a front cover you want to feature in a review or similar
For more ideas for simple bookish reels, check out these Instagram accounts thebibliofilles, zubscovered, mitsy_reads
Watch the video tutorial 👇🏼
NB: in the video I refer to the importance of adding audio to your Reels to increase engagement. Here’s the guide I mention:
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Too Much by Nicola Washington to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.