Creating Instagram Reels with Edits by Instagram: A Step-by-Step Guide for Bloggers/YouTubers

Why Use Edits for Reels as a Blogger/YouTuber?

Efficiency: Edit up to 10-minute clips with single-frame precision, then trim to Reels' 15-90 second limit. No more switching apps mid-edit.

Advanced Features: AI tools for animations and captions save time on repetitive tasks, letting you focus on creative storytelling from your blog or videos.

Integration: Pull in saved Reels for inspiration, add notes (Stickies) for ideas, and track performance with an Insights dashboard (e.g., retention graphs to see what keeps viewers watching).

Cross-Promotion: Easily add text overlays linking to your blog/YouTube (e.g., "Full guide in bio!"), and use green screen to overlay blog graphics on YouTube footage.

Quality Boost: High-res exports (up to 4K) and noise reduction ensure professional-looking Reels that stand out in feeds.

Limitations to Note: No direct scheduling (use Instagram for that), and it's mobile-only (iOS/Android). Some users report occasional bugs like cutout crashes, but updates have improved stability.

In 2025, Edits has added real-time Insights (e.g., skip/share rates) and collaborative Stickies for team brainstorming—perfect if you collaborate on content.

Step-by-Step: How to Create a Reel in Edits

Follow these steps to go from idea to posted Reel. I'll use an example: Repurposing a YouTube video snippet into a "Top 3 Blog Tips" Reel.

Download and Set Up Edits

Search for "Edits, an Instagram app" in your app store and install it (free, ~100MB).

Open the app and log in with your Instagram account. Grant permissions for camera, photos, and microphone.

Familiarize with the interface: Bottom tabs include Home (projects/drafts), Inspiration (trending Reels), Insights (analytics), and more. Pro Tip: Enable high-quality uploads in Instagram settings (Account > Data Usage > Upload at highest quality) for crisp exports.

Get Inspired and Brainstorm (Using Inspiration and Stickies)

Tap the Inspiration tab (video icon) to browse curated trending Reels with popular audio—great for spotting hooks like "Quick tip" formats that align with your blog style.

Save a Reel by tapping the bookmark. Then, add a Sticky note: Tap the sticky note icon, create a new note (+), and jot ideas (e.g., "Adapt this transition for my YouTube review—link to blog in caption"). Stickies are collaborative if shared via Instagram.

For your example: Save a trending "tips" Reel, note: "Use AI captions for blog quotes; add YouTube call-to-action."

Start a New Project: Record or Import Clips

Tap the + (New Project) on the home screen.

Record New Clips: Tap the record button. Adjust camera settings (resolution up to 4K, frame rate 30-60fps, dynamic range for better lighting). Use upgraded zoom/flash controls. Record up to 10 minutes—hold to film, or use timer for hands-free (e.g., 3-2-1 countdown).

Add effects live: Tap the effects icon for filters, AR stickers, or green screen (swap backgrounds with blog images).

Dual-camera mode: Film with front and back cameras simultaneously for split-screen (e.g., you reacting to your YouTube clip).

Import Existing Media: Swipe up or tap Gallery to add YouTube exports, blog screenshots, or stock videos. Supports MP4, MOV, etc., up to 1GB.

For your example: Import a 30-second YouTube clip and a blog graphic. Trim to 15-20 seconds per Reel best practice.

Tip: Layer with CutOuts—extract subjects (e.g., yourself from a YouTube vid) and overlay on a green screen background.

Edit Your Reel: Make It Pop

Once clips are added, the timeline appears for frame-precise editing (drag to zoom in/out).

Trim and Arrange: Drag clip ends to shorten (aim for 15-30 seconds for max engagement). Rearrange by dragging clips; add transitions (swipe between clips for fades, wipes).

Add Visual Effects: Tap Effects for video filters, AI animations (e.g., animate a static blog image to "come alive"), or overlays (video-on-video for picture-in-picture YouTube teasers).

Text and Captions: Tap Text (Aa) for 50+ fonts (categorized: Bold, Handwritten). Add animated text (e.g., "Tip #1: From my latest blog!"). Use AI auto-captions: Tap Captions to generate subtitles—customize style, timing, and language (English primary, more coming). Edit for accuracy to match your voiceover.

Audio Magic: Tap Audio to add from Instagram's library (trending tracks via Inspiration), voice effects, or your own (import YouTube audio). Enhance with noise removal and clarity boost. Mix levels (e.g., lower music under voiceover). Add sound effects/stickers for fun (e.g., pop-up emojis on blog tips).

Advanced Tweaks: Green screen for custom backgrounds (e.g., your blog URL as a virtual backdrop). Speed ramp (slow-mo on key moments). No keyframing yet, but updates are promised.

For your example: Trim YouTube clip, add text overlays with blog tips, AI-animate the graphic, and sync to upbeat trending audio. Add captions: "Watch full video on YouTube—link in bio!"

Preview, Save, and Refine

Tap Preview to watch the full Reel. Use the retention graph (in Insights after posting, but preview helps) to check flow—aim for hooks in the first 3 seconds.

Save as a draft (Projects tab) for later tweaks—unlike Instagram, drafts persist post-publish.

If needed, duplicate the project for A/B testing (e.g., one with/without AI animation).

Export and Share to Instagram

Tap Share (top right). Choose 9:16 aspect ratio for Reels, 4K export for quality.

Direct to Instagram: Tap "Share to Instagram" for seamless upload—no quality loss. Add caption (e.g., "Blog + YouTube collab! #YourNiche"), tags, location, and topics (up to 3 for discoverability).

Options: Share to Feed/Stories, collab (invite co-authors), or download MP4 for YouTube upload.

Schedule: Edits doesn't schedule, so use Instagram's scheduler (post within 75 days) or tools like Later/Buffer.

For your example: Post the Reel, tag your blog/YouTube links in bio, and add a CTA: "Comment for full blog post!"

Best Practices for Reels in Edits (Tailored to Bloggers/YouTubers)

Hook Fast: Start with a question or bold text (e.g., "Struggling with [blog topic]?")—Edits' text animations make this easy.

Keep It Short & Engaging: 15-30 seconds; use Insights post-publish to analyze drop-off (e.g., if viewers skip at 10s, shorten intros).

Trend-Smart: Pull audio from Inspiration—Reels with trending sounds get 22% more interactions.

Branding Consistency: Use your blog/YouTube colors in filters/text; add logo stickers.

Accessibility: Always add AI captions—boosts reach to non-audio viewers.

Repurpose Pro: Turn one YouTube video into 3-5 Reels (e.g., tips, behind-the-scenes, Q&A). Save projects in Edits for quick remixes.

Test & Analyze: Post 3-5 Reels/week; check Insights for likes/shares. Aim for Tuesday 7AM posting for peak engagement.

Avoid Pitfalls: Fact-check AI captions; test exports on different devices for glitches. If editing complex (e.g., multi-layer), combine with CapCut for extras.

Potential Challenges & Fixes

Bugs: Rare crashes on cutouts—restart app or update. Free version is ad-free, but premium tools (if added) may cost.

Learning Curve: Timeline is intuitive but practice on simple edits first.

No Desktop: Mobile-only; for desktop, export to Premiere Rush.

Privacy: App collects usage data—review settings.

Tie It Back to Your Workflow

As a blogger/YouTuber, Edits bridges your platforms: Import YouTube clips, overlay blog text, and share Reels that funnel traffic (e.g., "Swipe up for blog!"). It saves hours vs. multi-app hopping, letting you batch-create content. Users rave about its free, pro-level tools—no paywalls like InShot.