Facebook Reels – Steps & Tips to Create Viral Videos

By Deepak Kumar | Last Updated on January 20th, 2025 7:14 am

What Makes Facebook Reels So Popular? Have you ever wondered how some people create amazing, eye-catching Facebook Reels that grab your attention instantly? Whether you're a content creator, a small business owner, or just someone looking to have fun online, making Reels that stand out can feel like a challenge. But guess what? You don’t need to be a tech expert or a professional designer anymore.

Thanks to no-code platforms, and smart AI Design Generator tools, creating stunning Reels has never been easier. These tools help you design, customize, and share your content in just minutes, even if you’ve never made a Reel before. Another such tool for Facebook is the AI Facebook Story Maker, which allows you to create amazing Facebook stories using prompts. In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Facebook Reels.

Generate your Facebook Stories

What are Facebook Reels?

Facebook Reels are short, entertaining videos that users can create and share on Facebook. These videos can be up to 90 seconds long and often include music, text overlays, and special effects to make them engaging. Facebook provides various editing tools to help users craft their Reels, such as adding music, applying filters, and incorporating text.

Where to Find and Watch Facebook Reels

You can discover and watch Reels in several places on Facebook:

News Feed: As you scroll through your News Feed, Reels from friends, pages you follow, or suggested creators may appear.
Watch Tab: The Watch tab is dedicated to video content, including Reels. Here, you can explore a variety of Reels based on your interests and viewing history.
Groups: In Facebook Groups, members can share Reels related to the group's topic, allowing for more targeted content sharing and viewing.

Comparison with Other Short-Form Video Platforms

Facebook Reels is one of several platforms offering short-form video content, each with its unique features:

TikTok: TikTok allows videos up to 10 minutes long, providing flexibility for creators to produce both short and longer content. It is known for its powerful algorithm that personalizes content recommendations, fostering high user engagement. The AI TikTok Video Generator allows users to create videos and content for TikTok using prompts.
Instagram Reels: Instagram Reels, integrated into the Instagram app, offers similar features to Facebook Reels, including a 90-second video length limit. Moreover, users can use the AI Instagram Reel Generator to create reels in a few simple steps with the help of AI. Given that both platforms are owned by Meta, there is a seamless integration between Facebook and Instagram Reels.
YouTube Shorts: YouTube Shorts allows videos up to 60 seconds and benefits from YouTube's vast music library and user base. It is designed to complement YouTube's longer content, providing a platform for quick, engaging videos.

Recent Updates to Facebook Reels

Facebook has been enhancing Reels to improve user experience:

Extended Video Length: Initially, Reels were limited to 60 seconds, but in March 2023, the maximum length was increased to 90 seconds, allowing for more comprehensive content.
New Editing Features: Facebook introduced tools like Remix, which lets users create Reels alongside existing videos, and the ability to save drafts, providing more flexibility in content creation.
Monetization Options: Facebook has been testing ad monetization for Reels, enabling creators to earn revenue from their content through overlay ads in formats like banners and stickers.

These updates aim to make Facebook Reels a more robust platform for both creators and viewers, fostering a dynamic community around short-form video content.

How to Make a Reel on Facebook?

If you want to create Facebook Reels that grab attention and keep viewers watching, follow these simple steps. From planning to posting, this guide will walk you through the process.

1. Planning and Storyboarding

Before you start filming, take some time to plan your Reel.

Define Your Target Audience:
Think about who you want to reach. Are you targeting young people, parents, or professionals? Understanding your audience helps you decide on the tone and style of your video.
Brainstorm Content Ideas:
Consider topics your audience will love. For example:

Tutorials or tips related to your business.
Funny moments or relatable content.
Behind-the-scenes glimpses of your work or daily life.

Create a Simple Storyboard or Script:
Jot down what you want to say or show in your Reel. A storyboard doesn’t have to be fancy—just a quick outline of scenes or shots in order. This ensures your Reel is clear and engaging.

2. Filming and Editing

Once you’ve planned your Reel, it’s time to bring it to life!

Tips for Optimal Video Quality:

Lighting: Film in natural light or use a ring light to make your video look bright and professional.
Sound: Use a quiet space or a microphone to capture clear audio.
Framing: Make sure your subject is centered and avoid cluttered backgrounds.

Using Facebook Reels' Editing Tools:
Facebook Reels provides easy-to-use features to make your video more engaging:

Add Music: Choose from Facebook’s music library to set the mood of your video.
Effects and Filters: Apply fun filters or effects to make your video visually appealing.
Text and Transitions: Add captions, titles, or smooth transitions to make your Reel easier to follow. Try using the AI Caption generator for the same, all you have to do is enter a prompt and the AI will generate a caption for you.

Use Trending Audio and Sounds:
Incorporating popular sounds or music can help your Reel appear in more users’ feeds. Look for trending audio in Facebook’s library or see what’s popular in your niche. Or you can use the AI Music Generator to create music of your choice.

3. Adding Captions and Hashtags

To make your Reel more discoverable, don’t skip this step.

Write Compelling Captions:
A good caption should grab attention and encourage engagement. For example:

“Ever wondered how to make your morning coffee taste better? Watch this!”
“Tag a friend who needs to see this!”

Use Relevant Hashtags:
Research hashtags that relate to your content. For instance, if your Reel is about baking, use hashtags like #BakingTips, #EasyRecipes, or #DessertLovers. Using trending hashtags can also boost your visibility.

Using Call to Action (CTAs)

End your Reel with a clear call to action to encourage interaction. Examples include:

“Like this Reel if you agree!”
“Follow us for more tips like this.”
“Visit the link in our bio to shop now!”
“Comment below and share your thoughts!”

Tips to Create a Facebook Reels

Creating Facebook Reels that people love doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right approach, you can make short, fun, and engaging videos that grab attention and keep viewers coming back. Here are some simple tips to help you get started:

1. Keep It Short and Sweet

Facebook Reels are short videos (up to 90 seconds), so focus on one idea or message. Get to the point quickly to capture viewers' attention before they scroll away.

2. Plan Your Reel Before Filming

Think about what you want to show in your Reel. You don’t need a detailed plan, but having a clear idea will help your video feel polished. Moreover, you can use the AI Storyboard Maker to create a storyboard and lay your ideas before filming. Consider:

What’s the main message or purpose of your Reel?
Who is your audience, and what will they enjoy watching?

3. Use Good Lighting

Good lighting makes a big difference in how professional your Reel looks. Natural light works great—film near a window during the day. If filming at night, use a ring light or desk lamp to brighten your video.

4. Post Consistently

The more you post, the better your chances of reaching a wider audience. Aim to create Reels regularly and experiment with different ideas to see what works best.

5. Be Authentic

People love content that feels real and relatable. Don’t be afraid to show your personality, share your story, or even laugh at yourself. Authenticity helps you connect with your audience.

6. Analyze and Improve

After posting your Reels, check their performance. Look at likes, comments, shares, and views to see what content resonates with your audience. Use this information to improve future Reels.

With these tips, you can create Facebook Reels that not only look great but also engage your audience and grow your presence on the platform. Have fun and get creative.

Suggested read:How to Use Short Video in Social Marketing

How to Post Reels on Facebook?

Posting Reels on Facebook is a straightforward process that allows you to share short, engaging videos with your friends and followers. Here's how you can create and post a Reel using the Facebook app:

Open the Facebook App

Ensure you're using the latest version of the Facebook app on your mobile device.

Access the Reels Feature

From your News Feed, tap the 'Reels' option.
Alternatively, tap the 'Watch' icon at the bottom of the screen, then select the 'Reels' tab at the top.

Create a New Reel

Tap the 'Camera' icon to start creating your Reel.

Add Video Clips

You can:

Record a new video by pressing and holding the capture button.
Upload existing videos from your device by tapping the gallery icon.

Edit Your Reel

Utilize Facebook's editing tools to enhance your video:

Audio: Add music or sounds from Facebook's library.
Speed: Adjust the playback speed of your video.
Effects: Apply filters and visual effects.
Timer: Set a countdown to start recording hands-free.
Green Screen: Change your background using the green screen effect.

Add Details

After editing, tap 'Next'.
Write a caption for your Reel.
Add relevant hashtags to increase visibility.
Choose your audience (Public, Friends, or Specific groups).

Share Your Reel

Once you're satisfied, tap 'Share Now' to post your Reel.

By following these steps, you can effectively create and share engaging Reels on Facebook, enhancing your interaction with your audience.

Summary

Facebook Reels are an excellent way to connect with your audience, showcase your creativity, and grow your brand. By planning your content, utilizing Facebook’s tools, and following the tips provided in this blog, you can create Reels that truly stand out. With Appy Pie, you can design eye-catching videos in just minutes—no coding or design skills are required. Whether you’re a business owner, a content creator, or someone who loves sharing fun videos, Appy Pie is the ideal tool to simplify the process. Sign up for Appy Pie today and start creating captivating Reels that engage your audience!

Deepak Kumar