---
platform: instagram
format: reels
constraints:
  max_chars: 2200
  image_ratio: "9:16"
  max_hashtags: 30
  max_duration_seconds: 90
---

# Best Practices: Instagram — Reels

## Format Rules

- Duration: 15–90 seconds (15–30s performs best for reach)
- Aspect ratio: 9:16 vertical (1080x1920px)
- Safe zone: keep text and faces within center 70% — edges may be cropped in previews
- Caption: same 2200-char limit as feed posts
- Trending audio increases distribution significantly
- First 3 seconds are the critical retention window

## Structure

```
[0–3s: HOOK FRAME]
- Visual surprise, bold text overlay, or direct address to camera
- No logos, intros, or branding in the first 3 seconds

[3–20s: SETUP / PROBLEM]
- State the topic or tension immediately
- Subtitles are mandatory (85% of Reels are watched on mute)

[20–60s: VALUE / PAYOFF]
- Deliver the promised value quickly
- Use jump cuts to maintain pace; avoid long static shots

[60–90s: CTA]
- "Follow for more", "Save this", "Share with someone who needs this"
- End card or text overlay recommended
```

## Guidelines

- **Use trending audio.** Find it via the Reels audio library (marked with an arrow icon). Lip-sync to trending sounds and overlay your own meaning.
- Add closed captions manually or via auto-captions for accessibility and watch time.
- Shoot vertically native — do not repost landscape content with black bars.
- Include a cover image that reads as a still photo in the grid.
- Avoid watermarks from TikTok or other platforms (Instagram penalizes recycled content).
- The algorithm prioritizes share rate and replays over likes. Create content people send to friends.
- Hooks categories that work: "Did you know...", before/after, tutorials, contrarian opinions.

## Examples

**Hook scripts (first 3 seconds):**
- [On screen text]: "Stop doing this on Instagram" [cut to list]
- [To camera]: "I made $10K in one month from one Reel. Here's the breakdown."
- [Visual]: Dramatic before/after transformation with no words — let curiosity drive it

**CTA variants:**
- "Follow me for one tip like this every week"
- "Save this so you don't forget"
- "Tag someone who needs to hear this"

**Caption structure:**
```
The strategy nobody's talking about for 2024.

I tested it for 30 days. Here's exactly what happened. 👇

[1–3 bullet summary]

Drop a comment if you want the full breakdown.

#reels #instagramreels #contentmarketing #growthhacking #creatortips
```
