How to make viral Instagram Reels - NOT how you think…

🎬 Try out Storyblocks for awesome b-roll & other video assets: www.storyblocks.com/katie | In the past few months I went from having just over 30,000 followers on Instagram to 66,000 - and listen: I’m not using all the typical tips and hacks you hear. I don’t edit my Reels in the Reels editor, I’m not using a ton of hashtags, or being super specific about the time that I post at. And my top performing videos aren’t necessarily even following trends! You don’t need to use all of those popular tactics to grow with Reels, and in fact I think sometimes creators get so caught up in all those little tricks that it holds them back - because they miss out on implementing the strategies that actually help you grow. And I'm going to share those strategies in this video (plus, my entire process for filming, editing, and publishing my Reels!)
📕 TABLE OF CONTENTS 📕
00:00 how I grew without the hacks ✋🏻
01:01 the two kinds of strategic Reels
02:08 How to come up with ideas for viral Reels
03:05 Be taboo, timely, or give tangible tips!
05:14 How I film my Instagram Reels
07:58 my fave hack for more engaging Reels ✨
09:24 let’s edit some Reels together! (on my laptop)
11:12 a quick tip for making your Reels more engaging…
11:44 time to add graphics, titles, and b-roll!
12:12 how to add auto captions in Premiere Pro
13:12 how to edit trendy Reels on your laptop (WITH trending audio!)
13:57 🚨 HACK ALERT: if you use an iPhone and premiere pro DO THIS
15:39 how I “schedule” my Reels (but not really) for posting on IG
Wanna work with me? Check out my creative agency www.creatorlymedia.com
Follow us on Instagram for social media strategy tips daily! ➡️ / creatorlymedia
// WATCH THESE NEXT
⭐️ The Secret to More Likes on Instagram? [MY EXPERIMENT] geni.us/ESbAr
⭐️ Everything you need to know about TikTok: geni.us/nJWXLTq
⭐️ Don't start a podcast without watching this series: geni.us/Wplo
// FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM
/ katiesteckly
// SOME OF MY FAVES:
*some of these are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase on the site after clicking these links, I could earn a commission. thanks for supporting the channel!
🎧 where I get music for my videos: www.katiesteckly.com/artlist
💻 how I edit my videos: www.katiesteckly.com/adobe
📱how I grow my channel with Pinterest www.katiesteckly.com/tailwind
// GEAR
Vlog Camera: geni.us/dFXAVn
Big Camera: geni.us/ktsonyzve10
Lens: geni.us/Gw6rjif
Microphone: geni.us/00oT8aQ
Tripod: geni.us/kvmFbH
// ABOUT ME
Hey, I'm Katie! I make videos about social media strategy and content creation. In addition to being a KZbinr, I also run a small digital creative agency that produces content for all kinds of creators! We edit podcasts, produce KZbin channels, develop online branding and Instagram strategies and more! If you want our help or just want to learn more, check out www.creatorlymedia.com
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[@CashClarity]

It's rare to find a channel where you are excited to see what they will publish next! It shows through that you are actually wanting to help people rather than just giving generic "success" tips. It's really refreshing and helpful.

[@katie]

that is so kind, and seriously means so much to me 🥰 thank you!

[@CashClarity]

@@katie Of course! You're awesome 🥰

[@emiliaciontoiu4]

I totally agree with that🥰 just discovered it today!

[@honorsinstaart]

@@katiefollow honorsinstaart

[@ketket0725]

Exactly! I love Katie’s vibes!

[@shoutbam]

Finally someone talking about how important quality content is to grow in a healthy way! Lovely video Katie :)

[@laurenvieira1223]

I love that you don't worry about shallow things like perfectly curated hashtags and timing. All of that superficial stuff is suuuuuch a turnoff to wanting to spread creativity.

[@Beeandherbirkin]

I love that you also screen-record the audio. Makes me feel like I know what I’m doing just a bit more.

[@caseynewmanyoga]

Just recently found your videos & I am truly obsessed. Seeing your actual process of making a reel is so so helpful! Thank you for this!

[@katie]

awe thank you so much, Casey!

[@danelallen1219]

This is so incredibly helpful. I've watched hundreds of videos and I've never gotten REAL, step by step directions. Some of these moments aren't the most fun or entertaining, but this is how to truthfully edit. It is a process. This isn't generic or superficial. I love it. I feel like you're a friend of mine showing me the real way and the " behind the scenes" on video creation. Thank you so much for the value packed content

[@fayvohwilson]

You are one of the most helpful content creator actually dishing out practical tips 👌

[@weepeng]

i just like how real you are just being you! i love your videos Katie!

[@magpiewrites3270]

I’m in a bit of a challenging situation: because of life circumstances I’ve been living for a year in a different country with a very difficult language that I am slowly but steadily learning. I’ve opened an online handmade jewelry shop with my best friend who creates amazing jewelry, and obviously the page is in English because I don’t speak the local language yet. It has proven quite difficult to target the local audience in a language that is not their native one, but I’ve studied your channel and your videos carefully, I took notes, and now we finally have sales via our insta shop rather than via facebook marketplace! It is so important for us to be able to set a brandname, to bring beauty and joy to the people who admire our jewelry! Thank you so much for you help, Katie, it’s invaluable.

[@katie]

thank you so much for sharing your story! i am so glad that I could help you along your business journey :) amazing work!

[@christywiese221]

Controversy or Taboo topics def gets more engagment! Love all these original tips!

[@laurenrecently5801]

Pure Gold! Thank you for saying take as much time as you need 🙌🏾🙌🏾 I loved seeing you pause to read your notes/script ❤❤️‍🔥

[@christinezaroura1099]

This was super helpful! And as always, I love your perspective on this topic 🫶🏽

[@tinkertess]

I'm actually obsessed with you and your channel. You're so wholesome and helpful and soo motivating. I feel like I can't binge your content fast enough LOL

[@katie]

omg you are too kind!! ❤️ thank you so much :) if you ever have suggestions or videos you'd like to see me make, let me know!

[@SilviaPunkinMathis]

I actually LEARNED something in this video!! Thank you, Katie! BTW - Your Brows are FIRE!!!

[@ArunMPEdison]

I liked your short and concise narration like 'people may drop the phone' and immediate take action or 'click save button' ! Which is so well trimmed to convey the message, without being descriptive about it, well done! Thank you for some useful tips!

[@Calibeachgirl92]

This was so incredibly helpful ❤ thank you!

[@alexandervanlohen4229]

Wow, this is just such valuable content! I don't know where you learned all this, but aside from your outstanding personality and rhetorical skills - you are just so creative and good at storytelling! Thank you so much and cheers

[@RebelleNutrition]

I've been seeing a ton of your Reels lately and they are incredible! Thanks for this video!

[@Coffee.for-Breakfast]

I just wanted to leave the comment saying how helpful this video has been for me who’s a beginner at creating content in general! Even the way you give this brief tutorial of how to edit the videos on the laptop is so incredibly useful thank you so much I am now a subscriber!!❤

[@125haydenlane]

Hey Katie! Thanks for another fantastic video! Your tips are super helpful and very easy to follow. I love your down-to-earth, easy-going style.💛

[@mariyamhaque3432]

Super helpful and done so mich in depth with real advice and demo ! You are amazing!

[@sofiacardona9615]

I just found your channel and I'm obsessed. You are such a sweetheart and your tips actually feel real. Thanks

[@katie]

thank you so much!! that means a lot to me ❤

[@garrettramos]

Your channel is so refreshing

[@MissMelindas]

Your videos are always so helpful Katie!! I’ve learned a ton from you and couldn’t be more appreciative ❤️

[@isabelledywili]

Thank you for the clarity 👌🏾

[@yagurla]

Seeing your process is so helpful

[@victoriabutanu5400]

Wow, girl, this is gold! There is so much advice out there that’s is just recycled water with no substance.. while you give a proper master class here!

[@NataliaPlekaniec]

Hi, I have just found your KZbin channel and gives me tone of motivation, definitely gonna stay here. Thank you for all your work ❤ Can I ask in what app do you edit KZbin videos on Mac?

[@the_everydayartisan]

Such a clear process!! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@wrrnfrmr]

As I sit and start learning how to get more serious with my social media work you’ve really become a great resource. Thanks for this work and the great explanations. 👍

[@socialbybrenda]

All the best in your social media journey

[@Anita_Lauren]

It was so cool to see your process. Thank you for this!

[@pawlieblog7967]

This is really helpful but it is complicated! Thanks for your great tutorials!!

[@Alyciaiscoool]

not the "olden days of 2011" why are you aging us like this?! LOL. as always - loooove your content so much. You are always so honest and helpful with your tips!

[@TomFroese]

I can't believe how much I just learned. Thank you!

[@sophiachristinecoaching]

Dang this is actually super valuable and helpful. Thanks for making this 🔥

[@elentinoco369]

This video was super helpful! Gracias! 🙌🏼 ❤

[@michelleb3234]

This is so helpful! Thanks for sharing your tips.

[@JayneNicoletti]

If you don’t have a camera I highly suggest filming in 4K on your phone and downloading an editing app. Export in 1080 tho because IG is wonky. I thought I was the only one screen recording song lol. Good one Katie!

[@elisabethwaller8232]

This is incredible! So helpful!

[@margotbelen899]

I love this, I feel like many people recommend to just post videos, without really a passion behind? and that can be good so thank you for encouraging more deep and truthful content for creators

[@clairejevron6146]

Can you tell me how do I film me using my desktop screen with my phone? I see designers filming their process and I don’t know how? Do I need a tripod for the phone?

[@ninaa5425]

Thank you so much. I was looking for how to reduce the volume or add a cover… Now I need to work on coming up with good ideas, the hardest part

[@Poppy-333]

Very practical and easy to follow. Thank you.

[@sierraladuke2]

omg loved the tip about exporting in rush before bringing into premiere! thank you ❤

[@katie]

glad to help!!

[@kamilhacummings6384]

I just LOVE your channel! Thank you so much for your incredible insight and tips! I’m a fashion and lifestyle creator and am really interested in implementing more fun edits into my work. This is so helpful! Thank you! ❤️

[@Lord_frosted]

Your videos make it so much easier for my brain to process. I have wicked adhd, own my own micro bakery and teach about it all. Being able to understand everything is what has always held me back from doing what I want, teaching online full time 💖

[@enoritious]

Love this! Very insightful especially when I’m just starting out! 👌🏿🔥

[@hughesieNZ]

Thank you thank you thank you!! This video was super helpful. Your content is FABULOUS.

[@AniaBadon]

This was such an excellent video, thank you!

[@miriamg.cumminsshe-her-ell6333]

This was such an amazing tutorial!!! thank you!!! I have spent hours looking for answers and you did it!!! Thank you!!!!

[@Chosengamer999]

-Superb work!- *Everyone agrees the sole way to expand your audience is in,sta,crease*

[@Winnie_Ndimu]

I really love your content and just how comfortable you are with sharing these hacks….thank you

[@realitytvtherapy]

I Love story blocks plus the audio options to add background music.

[@crochetlovemelbourne]

Thank you for this useful info ! I have always made reels on the fly and never put this much thought into them so I plan to give it a go!

[@leigh-anndrue]

I loved this! Thank you.

[@Lamajurdi]

I have to say! I love your videos and how reel you are! Thankyou🤗

[@brewall13194]

This was super helpful, thanks!

[@JohnnyLawBMC]

Great info. Thank you so much. I am a fan!

[@Madeliefschram]

This is amazing! Thank you so much! Also, you have a beautiful interior! Such a cute house!

[@samanthadiep]

Thank you so much ! It helped me a lot ! Because other videos were always about like make your videos “saveable” by making tips, inspirational and all. But I’m more a Neurodivergent lifestyle girlie. Your video explains well how to make good reels for no matter the topic. I’m going to try it and hope for the best 💕

[@its.rachel.hickey]

Thank you for this video, soooo helpful!🙏

[@Babybubbascity]

so helpful, bless your heart

[@thyalyssatran]

Hey Katie! I’m wondering if you plan to repurpose your content for IG reels and TikTok if you prefer to use IG reels or TikTok music, and if one is better than the other for repurposing? Or if you use different music for each of the two social platforms?

[@SkySocialAssistant]

I love your tips! Another insightful lesson about Instagram I've learned today. Thank you for sharing this Katie ❤️

[@DanicaElle]

Your content is so helpful!

[@honestieltscoach8619]

Your video was so much constructive and useful. Thank you

[@Magixcrafts]

Thank you so much! I’m working on batching content for my personal & business brand got all my topics ready just needed a little push ❤️

[@bethmarkus7346]

Thank you for your informative content!

[@bossgirlgonecashly]

Love it! Good info! Thank you!

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Great video! My biggest hang-up with reels is the time to manually edit together many b-roll clips for a 60 second video. Any tips on efficiencies with adding 3 - 4 second long b-roll into a short?

[@najlaaakhiar9843]

Nice tutorial, thanks 🙏

[@JArmandoCastaneda]

I love your content workflows.

[@danielleshelbourne220]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. I really appreciate the time and effort you put into sharing this information so generously. I’ve just found you and I’m delighted I did! 😊

[@ProfKlaus]

Very nice video. I think I’ve found a new favorite channel!

[@alexandratracey8252]

First things first, I LOVE the t-shirt! The color is so fun! Love the actual content too of course. and I am so onboard with filming outside of apps. That on/off is so distracting as a viewer. I just want a full thought without the obvi edit. Thanks as always for the "reel" (see what I did there) tips to grow a long term audience.

[@stardustgoldcrochet]

Awesome tips! Thank you! So I'm curious - my issue is a camera. I use my iphone because I film and edit everything on my phone, but looking to do dual shots. I have a Nikon, but the focus is messed up. Do you have any tips for a good camera that's not too expensive? I use Rush, videoleap, & inshot (yeah I know - three!, but videoleap and inshot have fun transitions that Rush doesn't, but Rush has the presets I love). Thanks for your help!

[@chirrimi]

I'm a new subscriber, and i love your tips... I will also apply these to my content. 🧡 Sending love from 🇵🇭

[@TheZGALa]

Thanks, Katie! Great tips!

[@courtney5201]

This was super helpful!

[@JamesMike-nu8zh]

Damn ur videos are so literally tight even the sponsorship was enjoyable i absolutely love your filming style and tips ur awesome!

[@surajdk95]

Hey Katie, I am unable to see the trending audio arrow on any of my reels. What should I do?

[@awizardwalksby9848]

Love ❤️ this thank you!

[@LifeOfInsamity]

If you are exporting iphone footage to your desktop - you can also import the videos to photos on your laptop and then drag the videos from the photos app to your desktop and it will convert them to a usable codec. (Obviously if you need just one clip for yourself, you can use the Rush methodology, but if you are looking for something else this is what has worked for me!)

[@michellemartoneyoga]

This is so helpful, Thank-you so much for putting time into making this. I have never made a reel before but your video inspired me to try. Keep it up!

[@socialbybrenda]

❤me too

[@nea22nea]

It's a little different now in 2023, but your video was still able to help guide me to the right place, it says "Download" instead of save after going to the "Manage" area. Thank you!!

[@OneBitCode]

Great content Katie, thanks 🤘

[@charmtravelz]

Very helpful content! Thank you

[@earthtokaylo5719]

Hey Katie! I watched a video a while back about how you run your agency and was wondering why you decided to give each client their own later account instead of managing everything with your team and a software? Thanks so much for the great content! 🙏🏽

[@essentiallyyvonne]

I loved this .. this actually REALLY got me clear on a process that I can try!

[@katie]

yay so glad to hear that!

[@MakedaRose]

You're Awesome! Thank you!!!

[@kassikakkoufas7840]

Proper advice, thank you 🌹

[@ramonalisa4187]

Your videos are always excellent

[@fightobesitymd]

THANK YOU! Good video!

[@kirstenahrendt2132]

New subscriber - this was awesome!

[@journeyunderthesun5839]

I liked that you said “healthy engagement “

[@staopaopa1]

This girl rocks ! Keep it up .

[@PlantCraft]

Sorry, what program did you design the cover in? Thanks for the video! Loved it!

[@Kateandjohn]

Just bought the Sony ZV-1 because of your camera video ❤

[@bobbinwithbrittany]

10:20 select your clip and Shift+Delete to automatically delete and have all the clips move to the left. Saves soooo much time!

[@guidedmoments8552]

Again I love your video. I am a little confused with the editing but it looks like with practice I can get better. Thank you

[@vanesssaguevarahypno743]

Thank you so much this was very helpful.