How to share your podcast to Instagram Reels

Hey there! Are you ready to take your podcast to the next level and dive into the world of Instagram Reels? You're in the right place! Instagram Reels is an awesome way to reach new listeners and engage with your audience in a fun, visual way. It's not just for dance challenges or funny skits (though you can do these if you want) - your podcast has a place there too!

Think of Reels as your mini-highlight reel (groan…) where you can share the best bits of your podcast. Whether it’s a gripping story, a hilarious joke, or a thought-provoking insight, Reels gives you a platform to showcase these moments in a creative and engaging way.

And don't worry if you're new to this; we'll walk you through the process step by step. So grab your favourite podcasting hat (is that a thing? It should be!) and let’s get started on turning your audio gems into Instagram gold!

What is an Instagram Reel?

So, you might be wondering, "What exactly is an Instagram Reel?" Great question! It's a feature on Instagram that allows you to create short, engaging videos up to 90 seconds long. They’re like the snack-sized version of your content, perfect for catching the eye of scrollers.

Reels are super versatile. You can add music, text, cool effects, and even stitch together multiple clips to tell a story or share a message.

Reels have their own special place on Instagram, with a dedicated Explore page. This means your Reel can be seen by not just your followers but also a whole community of potential new listeners who are just a scroll away from discovering your podcast!

In short, Instagram Reels are an exciting, creative way to showcase the best bits of your podcast and connect with a broader audience. Ready to get your creative juices flowing and make some Reels? Let’s do it!

Preparing Your Podcast Audio for Reels

The first step is choosing that perfect audio snippet from your podcast. You want something that grabs attention, maybe makes someone laugh, think, or just go “wow!” But sifting through hours of audio can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack, right? This is where SoundMadeSeen shines!

SoundMadeSeen offers amazing transcription and analysis tools that do the heavy lifting for you. We won’t go into too much detail, as we’ve already written an article and made a video on this very topic, but here is a quick summary:

1. Transcribe your audio
2. Label your speakers and correct any spelling mistakes.
3. Use SoundMadeSeen’s content analysis tools to find the best parts to share.

In the next section, we’ll dive into turning this audio into a visual masterpiece. But for now, congratulate yourself on a job well done – you’ve just taken the first big step in creating your Instagram Reel!

Creating Engaging Visuals

You’ve got your audio clip ready to go – awesome! Now it's time to turn it into a visual feast for the eyes. Instagram Reels is all about the visual experience, so let's make sure your podcast snippet isn’t just heard, but also seen and remembered.

Start with a Concept: Think about the theme or mood of your audio snippet. Is it funny? Thought-provoking? Inspiring? Your visuals should match this mood. If you’re sharing a funny story, maybe go for bright, quirky visuals. For more serious content, a sleek, minimalist approach might work best.

Leverage SoundMadeSeen's Tools: Here’s where SoundMadeSeen can be a real game-changer. Use it’s full featured design editor to add audio visualizers or progress bars that move with your audio. These not only look cool but also visually signal to viewers that there's something interesting to listen to. SoundMadeSeen even has an AI image generator built in if you’re looking for inspiration.

Add Text Overlays (and captions): Sometimes, a few words on the screen can make all the difference. Use text to highlight key points, add captions (great for accessibility!), or simply to create a narrative flow in your Reel.

Branding Matters: Don’t forget to include your podcast’s logo or branding elements subtly in the visuals. It’s a great way to build brand recognition and keep your podcast top of mind.

Generate and download your video

Once you have worked your magic with the design editor, just generate your video then download it to your local device. We've put together a nice summary of how to create a video, which shows all of the steps above.

Technical Tips

• Quality is Key: Ensure your visuals are high resolution. Blurry or pixelated images can be off-putting.
• Format Wisely: Instagram Reels are typically vertical (9:16 aspect ratio). Frame your visuals accordingly so they look great on both smartphone screens and Instagram's interface.
• Keep It Snappy: Visuals should complement your audio without overshadowing it. Keep them engaging but not too busy or distracting.

Navigating the Instagram Reels Interface

Alright, you've got your audio and visuals ready to roll. Now, let's get them up on Instagram Reels. If you’re new to Instagram or just Reels in general, don’t sweat it. It's simpler than you think, and I’ll walk you through each step.

Uploading Your Content

• Open Instagram: Start by opening the Instagram app on your phone. Tap the '+' icon at the bottom and select 'Reel'.
• Upload Your Video: Here, you can either record content directly through the app or upload the video you’ve prepared. To upload, tap the gallery icon in the bottom left and select your video.
• Edit and Trim: Instagram Reels allows you to trim and edit your video right in the app. Make sure your audio and visuals are perfectly synced and trim any excess to keep your Reel tight and engaging.

Enhancing Your Reel

• Add Text and Stickers: Now’s the time to add any extra text or stickers for that additional flair. Remember, keep it relevant and don’t overdo it. You want your message to be clear and your audio to take center stage.
• Choose a Cover: Pick a cover image that’s visually appealing and represents your Reel. This is what people will see before they play your video, so make it count!
• Use Filters Sparingly: While Instagram offers a plethora of filters, use them sparingly. You want to enhance your Reel, not overpower it.

Optimizing for Maximum Engagement

• Write a Captivating Caption: Your caption should be engaging and give a hint about what your Reel is about. Don’t forget to include a call-to-action, like inviting listeners to check out the full podcast episode.
• Consider Your Keywords: Just like with any other form of SEO, the right keywords are crucial. These aren't just hashtags, but the words and phrases in your caption that resonate with your podcast's theme and subject. For instance, if your Reel is about meditation techniques, incorporating phrases like 'guided meditation', 'relaxation tips', or 'mindfulness practices' can be beneficial.
• Timing is Everything: Post your Reel at a time when your audience is most active. For most, this could be during lunch hours or in the evening.

Ready, Set, Publish!

Once you’re happy with how everything looks and reads, hit that share button. Congratulations, you’ve just posted your podcast snippet on Instagram Reels!

Well done!

And there we have it! You're now equipped with all the know-how to turn your podcast into captivating Instagram Reels. From selecting the perfect audio snippet with SoundMadeSeen to creating visually engaging content, and finally, optimizing your post for maximum impact - you've covered a lot of ground.

Remember, the world of Instagram Reels is not just about reaching a wider audience; it’s about connecting and engaging with that audience in a way that’s both fun and meaningful. Your podcast has unique stories to tell and insights to share, and now you have another dynamic platform to share them on.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles, messages, and content types. Each Reel is a learning opportunity and a chance to refine your approach. And most importantly, have fun with it! The more you enjoy creating these Reels, the more your audience will enjoy watching them.

We can't wait to see the amazing Reels you'll create and the impact they'll have on your podcast's growth. So go ahead, give it a shot, and watch your podcast shine in the spotlight of Instagram Reels!