6 Content Ideas for Instagram Reels

As content creators, we know that constantly brainstorming and coming up with fresh ideas for content can get creatively exhausting. It’s easy to hit a creative block and get stuck, especially when you’re coming up with content ideas for Instagram Reels. The feature is still relatively new and it can easily feel overwhelming to figure out what content will perform best and fit into your marketing goals.

But, the truth is, there are so many different types of content you can share on Reels. To get you started and fire up that creative spark, we’ve got some content ideas for Instagram Reels that you can start using right now.

6 Content Ideas for Instagram Reels

Offer a peek behind the scenes

We all have that little bit of curiosity that makes us eager to see what’s happening off-screen in other peoples’ lives. That’s why lifting the curtain and offering your viewers a behind-the-scenes peek can be so effective. As a brand, it’s also beneficial because it can help humanize your company by showing the people behind it, not just the products or services you offer. 

Try creating behind-the-scenes content for Instagram Reels by filming short video clips throughout the day showing your workspace (whether it’s in an office, at home, or on location), members of your team, your daily routines, tasks on your to-do list, projects you’re working on, etc. Then take those short clips and compile them into a Reel.

Take advantage of a trend

One of the defining elements of Instagram Reels is its reliance on trending sounds and content. And one of the best ways to get your Reels in front of more people is to hop on board one of those trends. Try to spend a little time each week scrolling through Instagram’s explore page to see what Instagram Reels are trending at the moment. Then brainstorm some ways you could put your own spin on a trending sound or format. 

Play around and have fun with creating trend Instagram Reels! One of the best things about this feature is that you don’t have to put your Instagram Reel on your main feed. If it doesn’t fit with your aesthetic, you can choose to have your Reel live solely on the Reel tab of your profile.

Provide a tip or how-to

If you want to maximize your efforts with Instagram Reels, then it’s important to create content that does more than just promote your business or brand. You also need to provide value for your target audience by giving them content that they’ll care about. That’s why tips and how-to Reels are so effective.

No matter what industry you’re in, you have some kind of advice or expertise that will benefit your followers. So share your knowledge! It doesn’t have to be elaborate. For instance, you could create an Instagram Reel sharing your top 3 photo editing tips. Or you could create a quick how-to tutorial on everything from making the perfect salad to tidying up your workspace in 5 minutes. Take a little time to brainstorm some valuable information you could share that’s specific to your niche.

Create a listicle

When you’re burning out on content ideas, one of the easiest ways to create some quick content for Instagram Reels is to create a listicle. These types of Reels are fun, simple to make, and can be inspired by the simplest things. For example, you could create a listicle of your favorite podcasts that are related to whatever industry or niche you’re in (favorite business podcasts, marketing podcasts, comedy podcasts, etc.). All you have to do is clip together pictures of your favorite podcasts and then add some text and a quick voiceover or sound.

Answer questions

If you’re looking for content ideas for Instagram Reels that will help you truly connect with your audience, then you need to try out this one. Answering questions from your followers in an Instagram Reel has so many benefits — these types of Reels are easy to create, they allow you to really engage with your audience, and the content is basically already sitting in your lap. All you have to do is look at the questions your followers have asked you.

Take just a few minutes and look through your comments and DMs for inspiration. If you have an FAQ section on your website, even better! Take some of your most frequently asked questions and answer them in a Reel. If you have a lot of questions, save them in a note on your phone and create another Instagram Reel later answering the rest (or create an entire series of Reels, if you have enough questions).

Tease upcoming content

One of the best ways to keep your audience coming back for more is to build anticipation. That’s why it’s such a great idea to create Instagram Reels that will tease upcoming content. If you’re working on something new, whether it’s a new product or service or a new podcast episode/video/song/film, use Instagram Reels to create some hype before you release your creation into the world. You can share a teaser clip or share snippets and sneak peeks of whatever you’re working on so that your audience knows it’s coming and gets excited about it before it’s even available. 

What are your favorite content ideas for Instagram Reels? 

Share them in the comments! And don’t forget to use Zubtitle to caption and optimize your Instagram Reels. Sign up for a free account today and start creating instantly.