Instagram Reels in 2025: The Ultimate Guide to All Your Reel Questions

Reels have evolved beyond a trend - they are now a fundamental part of Instagram’s ecosystem, influencing everything from content discovery to brand storytelling.

For premium and luxury brands, mastering Instagram Reels isn’t just about following trends - it’s about crafting visually stunning, high-quality content that reinforces exclusivity, heritage, and craftsmanship. Unlike the fast-paced, viral nature of TikTok, Instagram Reels provide a more refined space where brands can merge creativity with strategy, ensuring their content remains aspirational while still resonating with a modern audience.

Whether you’re looking to refine your Reels strategy, decode Instagram’s algorithm, or discover the best posting times, this guide answers all your key questions - helping you harness the full potential of Reels in 2025.

What Is An Instagram Reel?

Instagram Reels are short-form videos that allow users to record, edit, and stitch together clips and photos in a dynamic, engaging format. Since their launch in 2020, Reels have become a powerful tool for both content creators and brands to showcase creativity and expand their reach.

With short-form video content continuing to dominate social media, Instagram Reels now generate over 2 billion monthly interactions, making them one of the most engaging content formats on the platform. Unlike carousels or standard feed posts, Reels have a dedicated tab within the Instagram app, making them easier to discover and ensuring they remain a key driver of visibility and engagement.

For premium and luxury brands, Reels offer a unique opportunity to reinforce their identity through high-quality, immersive storytelling. Rather than relying on long-form scripted content, luxury brands can use Reels to deliver quick, visually striking moments that capture the essence of their craftsmanship, heritage, and exclusivity. Carefully curated cover images ensure Reels blend seamlessly with a brand’s overall aesthetic, while the dedicated Reels grid provides a refined showcase of their most engaging content. 

What Are The Instagram Reel Requirements?

To ensure your Reels are correctly optimised for Instagram’s algorithm and user experience, it’s advised that they must meet certain technical and creative requirements. Reels should be in a 9:16 aspect ratio, designed for vertical, full-screen viewing, with a recommended resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels to maintain high quality.

They can range from 3 seconds to 3 minutes in length, allowing flexibility in storytelling while keeping content engaging and digestible. However, if your goal is to create a hook for the user to stop and pay attention to your video now, then the recommended Instagram Reel length is 3-10 seconds; the content should be short and sweet.

An example of a brand that excels in meeting the requirements of Instagram Reels is Rolex. Their high-quality visuals, specifically designed for vertical viewing, showcase the brand’s precision, craftsmanship, and heritage in a format that feels both immersive and luxurious. Each Reel is meticulously produced, maintaining a polished aesthetic that aligns with Rolex’s brand identity while also leveraging Instagram’s best practices.

How Does The Instagram Reels Algorithm Work?

Similarly to the traditional home feed posts, Instagram prioritises Reels based on what viewers will be most likely to interact with. The most important signals are: 

Who you engage with – If you regularly like, comment on, or interact with a creator’s content, Instagram will prioritise their posts in your feed.

What type of content you enjoy – The algorithm learns from your preferences, so whether you frequently watch fitness videos or cooking videos, you'll see more of that content.

When a Reel is posted – Timing matters. Instagram considers when a post goes live to determine its relevance to you. The algorithm also takes into account how often you scroll, curating your feed to highlight the most engaging and timely content.

How To Hack The Instagram Reels Algorithm?

According to Instagram, both brands and creators should post Reels that are:

• Entertaining and engaging – Capture attention with humour, surprises, or an unexpected twist that keeps viewers watching.
• Inspiring – Spark trends that others can easily join and make their own.
• Visually creative – Enhance your Reels with text overlays, filters, and camera effects to add personality and polish.
• Optimised for vertical viewing – Use the 9:16 format to create an immersive, full-screen experience.
• Sound-driven – Incorporate trending music from Instagram’s library or original audio to make your content stand out.
• Experimental – Don’t be afraid to try something new, embrace your unique style, and see what resonates with your audience.
  

Instagram also advises brands and creators to avoid posting reels that:

• Are low quality – Blurry or low-resolution videos can reduce engagement.
• Contain recycled content – Avoid reposting videos with logos or watermarks from other apps.
• Have distracting borders – Full-screen, edge-to-edge content performs best.
• Are cluttered with text – Keep text minimal to ensure a clean, visually appealing video.
• Violate Community Guidelines – Ensure your content aligns with Instagram’s policies to avoid restrictions.

By following these best practices, your Instagram Reels are more likely to work with the algorithm - helping to boost engagement, increase visibility, and reach new audiences.

How Should I Use Audio on Reels? 

Using Instagram’s trending audio is a powerful way to expand your reach and boost engagement. Many Instagram trends are driven by specific sounds - newly released songs can gain mainstream popularity through social media, while older tracks can experience a resurgence if they go viral. Choosing the right audio to complement your visuals is a key element in creating a successful Reel. 

However, not all viewers watch with sound on, so incorporating captions ensures your content remains engaging and accessible. Marc Jacobs has mastered the art of Instagram captions in their Reels, seamlessly blending bold visuals with engaging on-screen text to enhance storytelling. By using captions that align with the brand’s playful yet sophisticated aesthetic, Marc Jacobs ensures their content remains accessible and engaging - even for viewers who watch without sound. This approach not only reinforces the brand’s distinctive voice but also increases retention, making it easier for audiences to connect with their content and interact with each Reel, regardless of their audio preferences.

How Often Should I Post Instagram Reels?

If your aim as a brand or creator is to reach new audiences, then consistency is key to success on Instagram. To stay visible and engage your audience, aim to post at least three to five times per week. Whether you prefer Instagram Reels, carousels, or static posts, maintaining a steady flow of content ensures your brand remains top of mind.

Posting regularly comes with a range of benefits:

1. Increased discoverability – Frequent posts improve your chances of appearing on the Explore page and in top search results, expanding your reach to new audiences.

2. Stronger brand presence – A mix of content types allows you to showcase different aspects of your brand, from storytelling to product highlights, reinforcing your identity.

3. Higher engagement – More posts mean more opportunities for people to interact with your content, boosting likes, shares, and saves.

4. Potential for features – Consistently high-quality content increases your chances of being shared by larger accounts, bringing in new followers.

5. Refined strategy – Regular posting gives you valuable insights into what resonates with your audience, allowing you to fine-tune your approach.

6. Better conversion opportunities – A consistent content flow helps build trust and familiarity, ultimately driving more sales and brand loyalty.

Even Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri highlights the importance of posting frequently, stating, "The more you post, the more your followers usually grow because more people discover you, more people share your content, and there’s more content to be discovered."

For premium and luxury brands, maintaining a consistent posting schedule is crucial in reinforcing exclusivity and desirability while ensuring the brand remains at the forefront of its audience’s feed. Ralph Lauren is an example of a luxury brand that has mastered the art of consistent posting on Instagram. By maintaining a steady flow of high-quality Reels, Ralph Lauren seamlessly blends heritage with modern storytelling, keeping their audience engaged while reinforcing their brand identity. Their Reel strategy includes a mix of polished campaign visuals, behind-the-scenes moments, and experimental Reels that align with current trends - ensuring they stay relevant without compromising their premium aesthetic. 

When is the Best Time to Post Reels on Instagram?

Timing is crucial when posting Instagram Reels. To maximise visibility and engagement, it's important to publish your content when your followers are most active. Posting at optimal times can help your Reels reach a wider audience, boost interactions, and improve your chances of going viral by increasing your visibility in the Instagram algorithm.

The best times to post Reels on Instagram are typically between 12 PM and 2 PM during weekdays. However, here’s a more detailed breakdown of the ideal times for posting Reels in GMT:

• Monday: 12 PM, 4 PM, 7 PM
• Tuesday: 12 PM, 3 PM, 6 PM
• Wednesday: 12 PM, 2 PM, 9 PM
• Thursday: 12 PM, 2 PM, 7 PM
• Friday: 12 PM, 4 PM, 8 PM
• Saturday: 12 PM, 5 PM, 8 PM
• Sunday: 12 PM, 4 PM, 12 AM (Monday)

By posting during these peak times, you can improve engagement and increase the likelihood of your content being discovered by a larger audience.

Instagram Reels vs. TikTok

Although Instagram Reels and TikTok videos may seem strikingly similar, there are key distinctions between the two that impact how creators, particularly premium brands, use these platforms. Instagram Reels are short, dynamic videos that allow brands to showcase their creativity, engage with cultural trends, and foster community connections - all within a polished, aesthetically-driven format. In contrast, TikTok focuses primarily on short-form entertainment, with an emphasis on viral and fun content, often leaning toward more casual interactions.

TikTok was designed as a space for creators to connect informally with their audience, prioritising entertainment and spontaneity. Instagram, however, was built as a platform for artists and creators to share original content that enhances their influence and reinforces their brand identity. For premium brands, Instagram Reels offer a more refined environment for high-quality, information-focused content that aligns with their premium image, while still staying relevant to evolving trends.

Although TikTok offers its own appeal with its emphasis on entertainment, Instagram Reels’ more curated, visually-driven content is often a better fit for brands aiming to maintain an air of exclusivity and sophistication. As Instagram continues to evolve its video experience, the distinction between the two platforms may blur, but for now, Reels offer a strategic way for premium brands to build engagement while staying true to their brand ethos.

How Premium Brands Are Using Instagram Reels 

When it comes to Instagram Reels, Burberry is just one example of a premium brand that stands in a league of its own. Their latest Burberry Portraits campaign uses Reels to portray stories that capture the spirit of Burberry, shared by new and long-standing friends of the house. By combining striking cinematography with intimate storytelling, Burberry crafts a compelling visual narrative that resonates with its luxury audience. 

Beyond fashion, Aston Martin, a brand synonymous with performance and sophistication, also takes advantage of Instagram Reels not only through cinematic visuals but also through the strategic use of voiceovers. Whether it’s a brand ambassador narrating the thrill of driving an Aston Martin or a designer explaining the craftsmanship behind a new model, voiceovers add a layer of storytelling that enhances audience engagement.

Top 5 Instagram Reel Tips for Premium Brands 

1. Prioritise High-Quality, Visually Striking Content

Premium brands should focus on creating Reels that reflect their craftsmanship, heritage, and exclusivity. Use polished visuals, cinematic editing, and well-composed shots to maintain a luxury aesthetic that aligns with your brand identity.

2. Leverage Storytelling and Voiceovers

Reels aren’t just about visuals - they’re a powerful storytelling tool. Use voiceovers, captions, and narrative-driven content to create a deeper connection with your audience. Aston Martin, for example, enhances engagement through voiceovers that bring its craftsmanship and driving experience to life.

3. Optimise for Instagram’s Algorithm

To maximise reach and engagement, follow Instagram’s best practices: post consistently, use trending audio, and create content that encourages interaction. Avoid low-quality, overly text-heavy, or recycled content from other platforms to stay in Instagram’s good graces.

4. Make Use of Captions and On-Screen Text

Not all viewers watch with sound, so adding captions ensures accessibility and improves retention. Marc Jacobs demonstrates this effectively by blending bold visuals with engaging on-screen text that reinforces brand messaging.

5. Post at Peak Times and Stay Consistent

Consistency is key to maintaining visibility and engagement. Aim to post Reels 3-5 times per week and schedule them during peak activity hours to increase discoverability. Regular posting strengthens your brand presence and ensures your audience remains engaged.By implementing these strategies, both brands and creators can harness the full potential of Instagram Reels in 2025 - blending creativity with strategy to stay relevant, aspirational, and engaging.