Brainstorming ideas for your Instagram Reels content can be tough, especially if you’ve hit a creative block.
To spark some inspiration, we’re sharing some evergreen Instagram Reels ideas to use, whether you're a brand or creator.
And once you're ready to plan (and film) your content, download our free Instagram Reels planner:
15 Evergreen Instagram Reels Ideas
ICYMI: Instagram Reels are a major growth hack right now.
And according to Instagram, the algorithm favors Reels that are entertaining, inspiring, or experimental.
But churning out Reel after Reel takes time and creative brainpower, so here are 15 evergreen Instagram Reels ideas you can use today (and replicate again, and again):
Introduce Yourself
Show the “Real Side” of Your Brand
Take Followers Behind-the-scenes
Show a Before and After
Offer Tips and Tricks
Give a Sneak Peek
Hop on a Trend
Repurpose Social Content
Share How-to Videos
Highlight Products
Spotlight Your Community
Create a Listicle
Share a Day in the Life
Answer FAQs
Tease Upcoming Videos
#1: Introduce Yourself and Tell Your Story
Whenever you’re in a creative rut (or have a surge in new followers), create a Reel introducing yourself or your brand.
Creator Cristal of @thefredrickhouse created a simple — yet effective — Reel sharing her story and the type of content she creates:
You can edit old video clips together along with a voice-over and text overlay, or you can simply speak directly to the camera — dealers choice!
TIP: Use Instagram's pinned posts feature to pin your introductory Reel to the top of your grid. That way, new followers can learn about you right away.
Join over 4M creators and brands and start scheduling your Instagram Reels in advance so you can save time and get more views. Create an account today!
#2: Show the “Real Side” of Your Brand/ Product
With perfectly curated feeds on their way out, this Instagram Reel idea lets you share a less filtered side of your brand.
And it makes for the perfect “Instagram vs. Reality” video:
If you don’t typically share this type of content, give it a whirl!
After all, authenticity on Instagram is the name of the game.
#3: Take Your Followers Behind-the-scenes
Pull back the curtain and show your followers some behind-the-scenes action.
Whether it's a timelapse of you scheduling content or sharing what really goes on during a product launch, these Reels are easy and effective.
Plus, they add a level of relatability — running a business or being a content creator isn't all glitz and glam.
So, the next time you’re at a photoshoot, packing an order, or answering emails, take out your phone and start filming — easy peasy.
#4: Show a Before and After
Sharing before and after videos are a great way to increase your engagement.
Not only are they intriguing, but they can also be satisfying to watch — the recipe for a perfect Reel.
You can do before and after Reels for home renovations, recipes, makeup tutorials, illustrations, and more.
The sky's the limit here!
#5: Offer Tips and Tricks
If you’re all out of ideas, tips and tricks are a great place to start.
No matter your industry, you hold valuable information that can help your audience.
Whether it’s sharing styling tips, or TikTok SEO hacks, the creative options are endless.
They don’t have to be elaborate either. Try sharing one quick tip and ask your audience to comment on what tips they’d like to see next.
#6: Give a Sneak Peek
If you find yourself in a pinch for Instagram Reels ideas, create a sneak peek video.
Many brands and creators use this type of content to create hype around a new product or an exciting launch:
You can also use it to promote or tease an upcoming event, workshop, or series.
#7: Hop on a Trend
While following trends shouldn't be your only strategy, they do have a purpose.
Trend-driven content is an easy way to give your Reels a serious boost in engagement (and discoverability).
It can be as simple as using a trending song in your video, or hopping on a trend that's making its rounds on the platform:
While every trend might not be a fit, hopping on relevant trends (occasionally) can help you engage with current followers, hook new followers, and grow on Instagram. Win-win.
Need help staying on top of trends? Bookmark this: The Top Instagram Reels Trends to Try This Week
#10: Highlight Your Products
Instagram Reels are the perfect way to visually show off your products — from a cocktail kit to electronics and everything in between!
Whether you have an Instagram Shop or not, you can still drive traffic to your website using a tool like Later's Linkin.bio.
Learn everything you need to know about Later's Linkin.bio tool and start turning followers into customers:
#11: Spotlight Your Community
Spotlighting your community via user-generated content (UGC) is an effective way to humanize your brand while hyping up the people who organically tag you!
Another way to do this? Create a compilation of positive customer reviews in a roundup.
TIP: If you need help creating Reels content that looks like UGC, consider working with UGC creators.
#12: Create a Listicle
Reels don’t always have to be about your brand or product.
When you’re all out of ideas, turn your interests or location into inspiration.
For example, do a roundup of your favorite podcasts, Netflix shows, or local restaurants.
TIP: Use the Instagram Reels template tool to easily plug your content into an already existing template. Then add your own text, filters, or voice-over.
#14: Answer FAQs
If you’re strapped for Instagram Reels ideas, look to your Instagram comments, DMs, and FAQs for inspiration.
Are your followers asking you where you’re located? What your best-selling products are? Take these questions and answer them in a quick 15 to 30-second Reel.
Plus, because there’s already a group of people who want to know this info, you're bound to get a ton of views and engagement!
#15: Tease Upcoming Videos or Podcast Episodes
If you have a podcast or YouTube channel, you can use Reels to tease upcoming content.
Share a teaser clip as a Reel and use the caption to let your followers know when and where they can see the full video.
And, if you have a podcast, you can create a Reel highlighting part of the episode. Pick a juicy clip and cut it right when it gets good — your audience will be hooked and want to listen to the rest.
So there you have it! These are just a few Instagram Reels ideas to get your creative juices flowing, but they're a great place to start.
Experiment with each, analyze the results and see what works best for your audience. Then simply rinse and repeat!
Level-up your Instagram strategy with Later's scheduling tools for Instagram Reels. Plan, schedule and automatically post your Reels to your feed — get started, today.