Guide
instagramreelsaiHow to Make Instagram Reels with AI (Step-by-Step)
Instagram Reels is Instagram's fastest-growing feature and your best chance at organic reach. AI tools let you create scroll-stopping Reels at the volume needed for growth.
Last updated: February 23, 2026
Step-by-Step Guide
Understand Instagram Reels aesthetics
Reels should be polished, visually clean, and brand-consistent. Slightly more refined than TikTok content.
Plan your content mix
Combine educational, entertaining, and inspiring Reels. Use 3–5 content pillars for variety.
Generate with FluxNote
Create Reels in 9:16 format with Instagram-appropriate styling, footage, and voiceover.
Add on-brand captions
Use clean, professional subtitle styles that match Instagram's polished aesthetic.
Post daily with hashtags
Post 1–2 Reels daily with 5–10 relevant hashtags for maximum discoverability.
Why Instagram Reels matter for growth in 2026
Instagram has shifted its algorithm heavily toward Reels. Reels get 2–3x more reach than static posts or Stories, making them the most important content format on the platform.
The Reels algorithm works similarly to TikTok: it tests new content with sample audiences and pushes high-performing videos to broader reach, regardless of follower count.
AI tools make Reels creation efficient enough to post daily. This consistency is critical because the algorithm favors accounts that publish Reels regularly.
Step-by-step guide
Step 1: Understand Reels aesthetics. Instagram has a different vibe than TikTok. Reels tend to be slightly more polished, visually clean, and brand-consistent.
Step 2: Create your content plan. Mix educational, entertaining, and inspiring Reels. Use content pillars relevant to your brand or niche.
Step 3: Generate Reels with FluxNote. Enter your topics into FluxNote. Export in 9:16 vertical format with Instagram-appropriate styling.
Step 4: Add on-brand captions. Use clean, professional subtitle styles. Instagram audiences respond to polished, branded aesthetics.
Step 5: Post consistently and use hashtags. Post 1–2 Reels daily. Use 5–10 relevant hashtags in the caption for discoverability.
Tips for best results
- Instagram favors polished content more than TikTok — invest in clean visuals
- Use carousel-style Reels that teach something step by step
- Cover text is important — design the first frame to look good as a thumbnail
- Reels captions should be engaging — use them to add context beyond the video
- Cross-post TikToks to Reels but remove TikTok watermarks first
Common mistakes to avoid
- Posting TikToks with watermarks — Instagram deprioritizes content with competing platform logos
- Ignoring the grid aesthetic — Reel covers should look good on your profile grid
- Not using hashtags — Reels discoverability relies partly on relevant hashtags
- Overly casual content — Instagram audiences expect slightly more polish than TikTok
- Not writing captions — Reels captions drive saves and shares when they add value
Pro Tips
- Keep Reels polished and visually clean for Instagram aesthetics
- Design the first frame to work as a compelling thumbnail
- Write engaging captions that add context beyond the video
- Use 5–10 relevant hashtags for Reels discoverability
- Cross-post TikToks but remove watermarks first