✳ PLAYBOOK · HIGHLIGHT · INSTAGRAM REELS
Vlog clip on Instagram Reels
Cut a single self-contained moment from a vlog for short-form discovery.
What to produce
- Vlog highlight - 9:16, 60s
Recommended inputs
- Long vlog footage
Platform-specific guidance
- Hook
- Lead with motion; Reels favours strong visual hooks.
- Aspect
- 9:16
- Duration
- 60s
- Captions
- Burned-in recommended
- Reframe 16:9 to 9:16
- Yes
- Safe-zone overlay
- Apply before upload
- Caption guidance
- Burned-in lower-thirds; Reels tolerates heavy captions.
Workflow
Pitfalls to avoid
- Including the vlog intro
- Music louder than the moment
Tools and presets
Frequently asked
How do I make a vlog clip for Instagram Reels?
Scan for the moment; Reframe 16:9 to 9:16; Burn captions.
What aspect ratio should I use on Instagram Reels?
Use 9:16 (Instagram Reels's safe native ratio).
Do I need burned-in captions on Instagram Reels?
Yes - Instagram Reels feeds are predominantly muted, so burned-in captions are essential.
Which export preset should I pick?
Instagram Reels's SAFE_DEFAULT preset is documented at /tools/export/instagram-reels/reel.
Sources
YouTube Help - Creator playbooks (verified 2026-09-18)