How-To

How to Create and Post Instagram Reels From a PC

By Brian Burgess

Updated January 12, 2024

Did you know that you can add Instagram reels from your PC or Mac? If you’re unsure how, follow the steps below.

Reels are a fun feature on Instagram that allows you to create multi-clip videos up to 90 seconds in length. On your phone, there are different tools for Instagram reels, like adding text, audio, and AR filters.

However, did you know you can create and post Instagram reels from a PC? While the web version doesn’t include as many features as mobile, you can still add Reels to your timeline.

This option is handy if you have a video on your PC that you don’t want to transfer to your phone and upload to the site. To create and post Instagram reels from your PC or Mac, follow the steps below.

How to Create and Post Instagram Reels from a PC or Mac

Creating a reel from your desktop is slightly constrained in terms of available options. One example is the inability to incorporate audio from Instagram’s audio library. You’ll have to use the original audio or edit in audio from a third-party application on your desktop.

In addition, you can’t add stickers, visual features, or text like you can on the Instagram app itself. However, you can crop and trim the video and choose a cover image for the reel.

To post a reel from your PC:

1. Launch the Instagram website from your web browser.
2. Click the Create option from the left panel.
3. Under the Create new post window, click the Select from computer button or drag your image or video.
4. If you click the button, File Explorer will launch so you can browse to the location of the item you want to add.
5. Highlight the video or photo and click the Open button.
6. A Crop window will appear with a verification message about accessing your reels—click the OK button.
7. Now, you can crop your video to the size you want from the Crop screen.
8. After your video is cropped how you like, click the Next button in the top-right corner.
9. Next is the Edit screen. From the screen, choose your cover photo by clicking the Select from computer link in the Cover photo section.
10. Navigate to the location of the cover photo you want to use in File Explorer and select it.
11. In this same section, you can trim the video by cutting out the parts you don’t want to be included. This is primarily a good option if you want to shorten the length of the video.
12. Ensure the Sound button is toggled on to keep the video’s audio.
13. When you’re happy with the reel, click the Next button in the top right corner.
14. Type in a caption for your reel (you can also select emojis) and add your location (if you want), accessibility, and advanced settings.
15. Click the Share button to post your reel to Instagram.

After you create a new reel, Instagram will add it to your account, and your friends and followers can enjoy your new post. Additionally, you will receive a message notifying you that your post was shared successfully.

The Reels feature on Instagram has grown in popularity among creators and other users that leverage it to reach a broader audience. It’s not just for creators and businesses, though. Since it is versatile, you can have fun by sharing a short video with your friends and followers.

You can quickly accomplish this through the mobile app or desktop.

Using Instagram from Your PC

The ability to post cool videos as reels on Instagram from your phone is great for convenience. You can also utilize its built-in editing features that offer more than the desktop. Still, there will be times when posting something from your PC is more opportune, despite having fewer editing abilities.

Of course, you can use other tips and tricks to get the most from Instagram. For example, lock down your account by adding 2FA to your Instagram account, or check out our guide with 15 cool Instagram tips and tricks to start upping your game.

If you don’t want others to know when you are on the social media service, you can hide your status on Instagram. And if the app is running wonky on your phone, you can clear Instagram cache to improve its performance and responsiveness.