Getting Started with Instagram Reels and TikTok Videos (even if you don't want to be on camera)
Do you want to make videos that showcase your brand on Instagram and TikTok but don't want to be on camera every day? No problem! In this blog post, we will teach you how to get started with Reels and TikTok videos without ever stepping foot in front of the camera.
How to create an Instagram reel
Instagram Reels is a feature within Instagram that allows you to create short videos set to music. You can use this feature to create fun and creative videos without ever getting in front of the camera.
Follow these steps to create and Instagram reel:
Open your profile on the Instagram app and tap on the "+" icon at the top right corner of the screen.
Select the "Reel" button.
Next, you will see a screen with several options for creating your video. You can choose to upload a video from your phone's library by sliding your finger up, or you can record a new video.
If you choose to record a new video, you can record it with the front or rear-facing camera. (We recommend using the rear-facing camera to see what you're recording.)
Once you've selected a video or videos, tap on the "Next" button.
Here you will be able to edit your video by adding filters, effects, and music at the top of your screen. Instagram also offers a variety of creative tools that you can use to make your videos more unique.
Select “next” once the editing process is complete.
On this screen, you can choose a cover photo, and write a clever caption to go with the theme of your reel.
Tap on the "Share" button to export to your Instagram feed.
How to create a TikTok video
TikTok is a short-form, video-sharing app that allows users to create and share 15-second videos on any topic. TikTok is available in over 150 countries and is used by millions of people worldwide.
As with Reels, creating videos on TikTok is an excellent way to showcase your offerings and reach a new audience. To get started, download the TikTok app from the App Store or Google Play. Then, create an account and log in.
Once you have logged into TikTok, you'll see a feed of videos from other users. You can watch these videos by tapping on them.
Follow these steps to create a TikTok video:
Tap on the "+" icon at the bottom of the screen.
Next, you will see a screen with several options for creating your video. You can choose to upload a video or photo from your phone's library by tapping the “Upload” option on the bottom right corner, or you can take a photo or record a video by tapping the center button.
If you choose to record a video, you can record it with the front or rear-facing camera. (We recommend using the rear-facing camera to see what you're recording.)
Once you’ve selected your photo/video from your library or taken a new photo or video, editing the TikTok video will happen on this screen.
TikTok offers a variety of creative tools that you can use to make your videos more unique. Here you have the option to add music, effects, text, and stickers. It’s your chance to get creative!
Select “Next” once you have completed the editing process.
On this screen, you can choose a cover photo, and write a clever caption describing your video.
A cover photo is the image seen before your video starts playing. You can choose an image from your phone's library or take a new photo.
Tap on the "Post” button once the editing process is complete.
How to NOT be in front of the camera for Reels and TikTok videos
It’s perfectly understandable if you don't want to be on screen in your videos. We’re here to let you know you can still create great content without ever being on camera!
One way to do this is by incorporating stock footage into your videos.
There are many websites where you can download stock footage for free or for a small fee (we love Pexels and Mixkit). Once you've downloaded the footage, you can add it to your Instagram Reels or TikTok videos. Stock video is a great way to add interest and variety to your videos without being in front of the camera yourself.
You also have the option to create an image slideshow with text.
This alternative option is terrific for showing off customer testimonials or sharing specific product features.
To create an image slideshow in Instagram Reels:
Tap on the "+" icon at the top of the screen.
Select “Reel”.
Slide your finger up on the screen and select the images you want to include in your video.
Instagram will automatically add transitions between each image. You can then add music and effects to your video.
To create an image slideshow on TikTok:
Tap on the "+" icon at the bottom of the screen.
Slide your finger up on the screen and select "Photos"
Select the images you want to include in your video and tap on the "Next" button.
TikTok will automatically add transitions between each shot. You can then add music and effects to your video.
Another way to create Instagram Reels and TikTok videos without being on camera is by using graphics and images.
You can create graphics using Canva or another graphic design program. If you don't have the time or inclination to design personalized graphics, you can also find free images and videos online.
There are SO many great websites that offer free stock photos and videos, such as Unsplash. You can also find free TikTok graphics and images on Canva. Simply create an account and search for "TikTok." You'll see a variety of templates that you can use to create your own videos. Once you've found an image or video that you like, you can download the content and add it to your Reels or TikTok video.
How to Share an Instagram Reel to Tiktok
Be sure to repurpose your short-form videos across ALL of the platforms.
If you've already created short-form videos for Instagram Stories, you can easily repurpose this content for Reels or TikTok. Simply download the video from Instagram and upload it to Reels or TikTok. Then, add any music, text, or effects that you want. To save extra time, you can edit the video in Canva or Screenflow (what we usually do) or a million other video-editing apps so that you can upload the same final mp4 to either platform.
→ Just keep in mind that each platform has different specifications. For example, Instagram Reels videos must be between 15 seconds and 30 seconds long, while TikTok videos can be up to 60 seconds long.
Pro Tip: We also upload the same video to Pinterest (as a Video Pin) and YouTube (as a YouTube Short). So, a single video can live on Instagram Reels, Instagram Stories, TikTok, Pinterest, and YouTube. Talk about getting the most bang for your buck!
Final Thoughts
We hope these tips have inspired you to get creative with your Instagram Reels and TikTok videos, even if you don't want to be in front of the camera. Remember, there are many ways to create great content without forcing yourself into a mold that doesn't align with your values or personality. So go out there and start creating!
Do you have any tips for making Instagram Reels or TikTok videos without showing your face on camera? Let us know in the comments below!
