---
template_type: video_script
category: instagram_short_form
use_case: Visual storytelling for Instagram
time_to_complete: 1-2 hours
difficulty: beginner
engagement_potential: very-high
best_for:
  - Instagram growth
  - Visual brands
  - Lifestyle content
  - Brand awareness
tags:
  - instagram
  - reels
  - visual
  - trending
  - short-form
---

# Instagram Reel Script Template

**Reel Length**: 15-90 seconds (30-60 optimal)  
**Format**: Vertical (9:16)  
**Hook Time**: First 1-3 seconds

---

## Reel Structure

### HOOK (0-3 seconds)

**[VISUAL]**: [Eye-catching opening]

**[TEXT]**: [Bold, curiosity-inducing overlay]

**[AUDIO]**: [Trending sound or voiceover]

**Hook Types**:
- **Question**: "Want to know the secret to [X]?"
- **Bold Statement**: "This changed everything..."
- **Pattern Interrupt**: [Unexpected visual or action]
- **Relatability**: "POV: When you finally [X]..."
- **Transformation**: "Before vs. After [X]"

---

### CONTENT (3-55 seconds)

**[STRUCTURE OPTIONS]**:

#### Option 1: Tutorial
```
Hook (3s): "How to [X] in 3 steps"
Step 1 (15s): [Demonstrate with text overlay]
Step 2 (15s): [Demonstrate with text overlay]
Step 3 (15s): [Demonstrate with text overlay]
Result (7s): [Show final outcome]
CTA (5s): "Save this for later!"
```

#### Option 2: Transformation
```
Hook (3s): "Watch this transformation"
Before (10s): [Show starting point]
Process (30s): [Show key steps with transitions]
After (12s): [Reveal final result]
CTA (5s): "Try it yourself"
```

#### Option 3: Storytelling
```
Hook (3s): "This is crazy..."
Setup (15s): [Set the scene]
Conflict (20s): [Build tension]
Resolution (15s): [Payoff]
CTA (7s): "Follow for more stories"
```

#### Option 4: Educational
```
Hook (3s): "3 things you didn't know about [X]"
Point 1 (15s): [Explain with visual]
Point 2 (15s): [Explain with visual]
Point 3 (15s): [Explain with visual]
CTA (7s): "Which surprised you most?"
```

---

### CTA (55-60 seconds)

**[TEXT]**: "Follow for more [type of content]"

**[VISUAL]**: [Engaging gesture or final shot]

**[AUDIO]**: [Music peak or voiceover]

**CTA Options**:
- "Save this for later"
- "Share with someone who needs this"
- "Comment [X] if you agree"
- "Follow for daily [content type]"
- "Try this and tag me"

---

## Instagram Reel Formats

### Format 1: Quick Tip (15-30 seconds)
**Best for**: Fast value delivery

```
0-2s: Hook - "Stop doing [X]"
2-12s: Problem - "Here's why..."
12-25s: Solution - "Do this instead..."
25-30s: CTA - "Save this!"
```

---

### Format 2: Behind-the-Scenes (30-60 seconds)
**Best for**: Authenticity and connection

```
0-3s: Hook - "A day in my life as [X]"
3-50s: Show process with multiple clips
50-60s: CTA - "Follow for more BTS"
```

---

### Format 3: Before/After (20-40 seconds)
**Best for**: Transformations

```
0-2s: Hook - "Wait for it..."
2-15s: Before state
15-35s: Transformation process
35-40s: After reveal + CTA
```

---

### Format 4: Trending Audio (15-30 seconds)
**Best for**: Viral potential

```
0-2s: Hook with trending sound
2-25s: Your unique take on trend
25-30s: CTA
```

---

### Format 5: Carousel Story (60-90 seconds)
**Best for**: Multiple points or steps

```
0-3s: Hook - "5 things about [X]"
3-75s: Show each point (15s each)
75-90s: Recap + CTA
```

---

## Caption Formula

**Line 1**: [Hook that complements video - first 125 characters visible]

**Line 2-3**: [Additional context, story, or value]

**Line 4**: [Question or engagement prompt]

**Line 5**: [Hashtags - 3-5 relevant]

**Example**:
```
The [X] hack that saved me hours every week 🤯

I used to struggle with [problem] until I discovered this simple method. Now I [result].

What's your biggest challenge with [topic]? 👇

#[Niche] #[Niche] #[Trending] #[Brand] #reels
```

---

## Visual Elements

### Text Overlays
- **Font**: Bold, readable (avoid script fonts)
- **Size**: Large enough to read on mobile
- **Color**: High contrast with background
- **Position**: Center or top third
- **Animation**: Subtle, not distracting
- **Duration**: Long enough to read comfortably

### Transitions
- **Cut**: Quick, clean
- **Zoom**: Emphasize key moments
- **Swipe**: Change scenes
- **Fade**: Smooth transitions
- **Effects**: Use Instagram's built-in effects

### Composition
- **Rule of thirds**: Position subject off-center
- **Leading lines**: Guide viewer's eye
- **Symmetry**: Pleasing to the eye
- **Depth**: Foreground/background layers
- **Movement**: Keep it dynamic

---

## Audio Strategy

### Trending Audio
- Check Instagram's trending audio daily
- Use audio with 10K-500K uses
- Jump on trends early (first 24-48 hours)
- Add your unique twist

### Original Audio
- Clear voiceover
- Background music (royalty-free)
- Sound effects for emphasis
- Consistent audio branding

### Audio Tips
- Volume balanced
- No background noise
- Captions for accessibility
- Music matches mood

---

## Hashtag Strategy

### Mix of 3-5 Hashtags
- **1 Trending**: High volume, current
- **2-3 Niche**: Your specific topic
- **1 Branded**: Your unique hashtag

### Hashtag Sizes
- **Large** (1M+ posts): Trending, competitive
- **Medium** (100K-1M): Niche, targeted
- **Small** (10K-100K): Specific, engaged

### Placement
- End of caption (not first line)
- Or first comment
- Don't overdo it (3-5 max)

---

## Engagement Optimization

### In-Reel Engagement
- Ask questions
- Create suspense
- Use humor
- Show personality
- Be relatable
- Add surprise elements

### Caption Engagement
- Ask specific questions
- Request tags
- Encourage saves
- Prompt shares
- Create conversation

### Comment Engagement
- Reply to every comment (first hour)
- Ask follow-up questions
- Use voice replies
- Pin best comment
- Create community

---

## Instagram Reel Checklist

### Pre-Production
- [ ] Concept planned
- [ ] Script written
- [ ] Audio selected
- [ ] Location scouted
- [ ] Props gathered
- [ ] Outfit chosen
- [ ] Lighting tested

### Production
- [ ] Vertical format (9:16)
- [ ] Good lighting
- [ ] Stable camera
- [ ] Clear audio
- [ ] Multiple takes
- [ ] B-roll captured

### Post-Production
- [ ] Clips trimmed
- [ ] Transitions added
- [ ] Text overlays added
- [ ] Audio synced
- [ ] Color corrected
- [ ] Effects applied
- [ ] Captions added

### Publishing
- [ ] Cover frame selected
- [ ] Caption written
- [ ] Hashtags added
- [ ] Location tagged
- [ ] Accounts tagged
- [ ] Alt text added
- [ ] Posted at optimal time

---

## Best Posting Times

### General Guidelines
- **Monday-Friday**: 11 AM, 2 PM, 7 PM
- **Weekends**: 9 AM, 11 AM, 5 PM

### Test Your Audience
- Check Instagram Insights
- Identify when followers are most active
- Test different times
- Track performance

---

## Content Pillars

### Educational (40%)
- Tutorials
- Tips and tricks
- How-to guides
- Myth busting
- Explanations

### Entertaining (30%)
- Behind-the-scenes
- Day in the life
- Trending audio
- Humor
- Storytelling

### Inspirational (20%)
- Transformations
- Success stories
- Motivational
- Before/after
- Journey updates

### Promotional (10%)
- Products
- Services
- Announcements
- Collaborations
- Offers

---

## Analytics to Track

### Key Metrics
- **Reach**: Total unique accounts
- **Plays**: Total views
- **Likes**: Engagement indicator
- **Comments**: Deep engagement
- **Saves**: High-value content
- **Shares**: Viral potential
- **Profile Visits**: Interest level
- **Follows**: Conversion rate

### Success Indicators
- **Plays**: 3x+ your follower count
- **Engagement Rate**: 5%+ is good
- **Saves**: High value indicator
- **Shares**: Viral potential
- **Watch Time**: 70%+ completion

---

## Troubleshooting

### Low Reach
- Improve hook (first 3 seconds)
- Use trending audio
- Post at peak times
- Engage immediately after posting
- Use relevant hashtags

### Low Engagement
- Add clear CTA
- Ask questions in caption
- Make content more relatable
- Reply to all comments
- Create shareable content

### Low Saves
- Increase educational value
- Make content reference-worthy
- Add "Save this" CTA
- Create tutorial content
- Provide actionable tips

---

## Content Calendar

### Monday: [Theme]
- Reel idea: [Specific concept]
- Audio: [Trending/Original]
- Hook: [Opening line]
- CTA: [Engagement prompt]

### Tuesday: [Theme]
[Continue pattern]

### Wednesday: [Theme]
[Continue pattern]

### Thursday: [Theme]
[Continue pattern]

### Friday: [Theme]
[Continue pattern]

### Saturday: [Theme]
[Continue pattern]

### Sunday: [Theme]
[Continue pattern]

---

## Equipment Recommendations

### Essential
- **Camera**: Smartphone (iPhone/Android)
- **Tripod**: Phone tripod or stabilizer
- **Lighting**: Ring light or natural light
- **Editing**: Instagram app or CapCut

### Optional
- **Microphone**: Lapel or shotgun mic
- **Backdrop**: Portable background
- **Props**: Relevant to content
- **Gimbal**: For smooth movement

---

**Template Version**: 1.0  
**Last Updated**: January 2026  
**Platform**: Instagram Reels (also works for TikTok, YouTube Shorts)
