How To Use Instagram Reel Templates

As most of you know by now, one of the best ways to go viral on Instagram Reels (and TikTok) is by jumping on a viral trend. With features like the “Use Audio” button on Reels, you can replicate a trendy Reel pretty easily. But what about when a trend requires specific cuts, or when you can’t find the specific audio clip used in a video? With Instagram’s new Template feature, you can easily replicate an Instagram Reel.

Templates debuted on the app on June 2 along with a few other Reels updates, including all-new sound effects, stickers, and the ability to shoot 90-second Reels. The templates feature allows users to select a reel from their feed and use it as, well, a template while shooting their own reel, with pre-loaded audio and clip placeholders making the process foolproof.

If you’re ready for your trend bandwagoning to be made even simpler, here’s how to use Instagram Reels Templates.

How To Use Instagram Reels Templates

Since the feature is brand new, the first step you’ll want to take is making sure that your Instagram is up to date. Head to the app store, and search for Instagram. If the blue button next to Instagram says “UPDATE,” click this and wait for the app to reload.

Once you’re up to speed on the latest update, open your Instagram app and head to your Reels feed by clicking the play button in the bottom center of your screen. Scroll until you find a clip worth imitating. You might see “Use template” above the poster’s username, and if you do, click that. If not, tap the three horizontal dots on the bottom right corner of your screen. From the pop-up menu, you should see a button that says “Use as Template” and follow the prompts.

It appears that not all Reels are available to use as a template. If you don’t see this option and your Instagram is up to date, then you won’t be able to use the feature on this video.

If the “Use as Template” button does appear, select it and you will be directed to a new screen. On the bottom of your screen, you’ll see clip placeholders with identical timestamps to the clips used in the Reel. Tap on each clip and select a photo or video from your camera roll to place in the clip. You can tap again on the clip once your media is uploaded to fine tune the clip’s timing.

Once all of your clips are uploaded, tap “Next,” add your caption, then click “Share.” Voila. You fit in with the cool kids now.

Why Don’t I Have Instagram Reels Templates?

If you don’t see the option to use Reels as a template, then there are a few possible reasons why. The first may be that your Instagram is not up to date. If this is the case, head to the app store and update your Instagram app.

The second possibility is that the reel you have chosen is not available to use as a template. Try scrolling through a few reels and tapping the three horizontal dots next to them. If your Instagram is up to date, you should eventually find a reel available to use as a template.