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Instagram Reels playbook

Hooks (first 1–3 seconds)

Same short-form rule: open on the interesting part. Instagram Reels support up to 3 minutes (Mosseri, Jan 2025). General best practice

Copyable templates

• Save this if you [goal].
• 3 mistakes killing your [niche].
• The [tool] I use every day.
• Before you buy [thing], watch.
• What I wish I knew at [follower count].

Optimal length

Up to 3 minutes. Many Reels that travel still land in the 15–60 second range; longer for tutorials that hold attention. Secondary source

• Adam Mosseri on Threads (Jan 2025)

Retention tactics

Posting frequency & timing

Use Instagram Insights for when *your* audience is online. Test Reels + Stories the same day for reach + retention. General best practice

Thumbnails, titles & captions

Packaging: Custom cover with 3–6 words. Face + result often outperforms logo-only covers. General best practice

Captions / copy: Hook in line 1. CTA and keywords below. Add location or collaborator tags when relevant. General best practice

CTAs that convert

• Save / share
• DM a keyword
• Link in bio or broadcast channel

Format ideas

Pre-publish checklist

• ✅ Hook in 3 seconds
• ✅ Cover designed
• ✅ Captions
• ✅ CTA to bio or DM
• ✅ Length matches promise
• ✅ Insights reviewed after 48h

Sources

• Instagram / Meta for Creators
• Adam Mosseri Threads post on 3-min Reels

Badge key: ✓ Official source = platform's own docs; Secondary = reputable third-party report; General best practice = experience-based guidance, not a published platform number. Rules change; confirm on the official page.

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