How to Use Instagram Reels Templates to Go Viral With Minimal Editing: Master Instagram
July 14, 2025 By: Ellen BartolinoCreating eye-catching Instagram Reels doesn’t have to mean hours spent in a video editor. With the rise of video templates, content creators now have a shortcut to producing high-performing, short-form video content with ease. If you’ve been wondering how to use Instagram Reels templates to go viral with minimal editing, you’re not alone. Whether you’re a brand looking to boost engagement or just someone wanting to make your video content stand out, using a template can simplify your entire content creation process.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make Instagram Reels that are not only visually stunning but also optimized for the Instagram algorithm. From finding trending templates to customizing your reel using easy drag-and-drop tools, you’ll discover how to create a viral video in just minutes — even with little to no editing experience.
Why Instagram Reels Templates Are a Game Changer
In the world of short-form video, staying relevant means keeping up with ever-evolving trends and delivering engaging content—fast. This is where Instagram Reels templates come in. Designed to simplify the content creation process, these templates give content creators a powerful way to craft high-quality, engaging Reels without spending hours on video editing.
Use Instagram Reels Templates to Save Time
One of the biggest advantages of using a template is the significant time savings. Instead of starting from scratch, creators can drag and drop their photos and videos into pre-designed formats. These templates often include built-in transitions, filters, captions, and even trending sounds, allowing users to create polished content without advanced editing software. It’s a way to streamline your Instagram workflow and keep up with the platform’s fast pace.
Reels Created With Templates Perform Better
Many viral Instagram creators credit templates for their success. Because templates are designed around current trends, they often include the best practices for timing, formatting, and music selection—all of which are critical factors in how the Instagram algorithm evaluates and promotes reels. Whether you’re promoting a brand or business or just building a personal profile, these templates help ensure your video is ready to use and more likely to appear on the feed and stories of potential followers.
How Templates Help You Create High-Quality Content
Templates lower the barrier for those with limited video editing skills or tools. You no longer need to be a professional video editor to produce stunning Instagram Reels. Most templates are optimized to showcase your content in ways that are visually appealing and highly shareable. They allow you to record your reel or upload a pre-recorded video, add effects, customize the look, and publish—all in a few taps.
Another perk is that templates make it easier to stay ahead of visual trends. By browsing the reels section and checking out the top right corner of viral videos, you’ll often find the option to use a template. This keeps your content fresh and aligned with what the algorithm is currently favoring.
When I first started using Reels, I spent over an hour editing each video manually. Once I discovered templates, I cut my editing time by 80% and actually started enjoying the process. My engagement nearly doubled just by using trending templates and customizing them with my brand colors and text.
Step-by-Step Guide to Make Instagram Reels Using Templates
Using Instagram Reels templates is one of the simplest ways to speed up your content creation process and boost engagement. If you’re new to it, don’t worry—this step-by-step guide will walk you through exactly how to make Instagram Reels using templates, even if you have little to no editing experience.
Go to the Reels Section and Use a Template
To get started, open the Instagram app and go to the Reels section by tapping the camera icon or swiping right from your feed. In the top right corner, you’ll see an option to browse templates. You can also find them by viewing a reel using a template—just tap “Use template” if the option appears.
This feature saves you from building your reel from scratch. It provides a pre-set structure including clip timings, transitions, and sometimes even trending sounds that help your video content perform well on the platform.
Record Your Reel or Use a Pre-recorded Video
Next, either record a video directly or select pre-recorded video clips from your gallery. Most templates allow you to upload multiple clips that match their preset timing. The system automatically aligns your footage to the beat of the music or visual transitions, helping you make reels that look professionally edited without the need for advanced editing tools.
This method is ideal for busy content creators who want to produce eye-catching content quickly. It’s also great for those who want to repurpose content across platforms like TikTok or YouTube Shorts.
Add Text and Customize for Engaging Video
After inserting your footage, you can customize your reel by adding text, applying filters, adjusting clip lengths, or inserting relevant hashtags. Customization is where you can make the template your own, ensuring your reel still aligns with your brand voice or content style.
Adding an on-brand caption and strategic hashtags can dramatically improve your reach and engagement. Templates often make it easier to test new creative approaches—allowing you to experiment with different styles and see what resonates with your audience.
By following this simple process, you can create engaging video content that not only looks polished but also works in favor of the Instagram algorithm.
Best Video Templates and Tools for Content Creators
As more content creators shift toward short-form video, having access to the right tools and video templates is critical for staying competitive. Whether you’re creating your first reel or managing a social strategy, the right combination of templates and editing tools can drastically improve your content output.
Trending Instagram Reels Templates
Using trending Instagram Reels templates is one of the fastest ways to create content that feels relevant and eye-catching. These templates are often built around viral trends, sounds, and transitions. You can find them by browsing the Reels section and tapping “Use template” when you see a viral video that matches your style or niche.
Templates that feature trending sounds, bold transitions, and emotional hooks tend to gain more traction. Pay attention to the kind of reels created in your niche and how often those formats resurface across Instagram and Facebook.
Canva and Other Editing Tools
Platforms like Canva have made it easier to create high-quality Instagram reels videos using pre-built designs. Canva offers drag-and-drop functionality, pre-loaded audio, and layout templates tailored for Instagram’s aspect ratio and timing requirements. It’s great for beginners who want to quickly produce branded video content without investing in complex editing software.
Other popular tools include:
-
InShot: Ideal for fast, mobile-based edits
-
CapCut: A favorite among TikTok and Instagram creators for high-energy edits
-
VN Editor: Excellent for transitions and precise clip trimming
These tools often come with libraries of ready to use templates and features that help you create high-impact content fast.
Tips for Using a Reels Editor or Editing Software
Even if you’re working with a template, basic knowledge of a reels editor or editing process can help you make your video content more polished. Here are some best practices:
-
Use filters consistently for a cohesive visual style
-
Align video cuts with the beat of the audio or trending sound
-
Use text overlays to guide viewer attention or add humor
-
Always preview your reel before publishing to ensure your video plays seamlessly
Templates can do a lot of the heavy lifting, but a few small tweaks through a good editor can make your content go from decent to viral.
Reels templates drive 25% more completion rates compared to manually edited Reels.
How to Maximize Reach With Minimal Editing
When it comes to Instagram Reels, more editing doesn’t always mean better performance. In fact, many of today’s top-performing Reels are made with minimal editing using smart strategies and video templates. Here’s how to make sure your content gets noticed—without spending hours in a video editor.
Understand the Reels Algorithm
The Instagram algorithm is designed to prioritize engaging video content that keeps users watching and interacting. What matters most is not the complexity of your edit, but whether your reel hooks viewers in the first few seconds, uses trending sounds, and encourages interactions like shares, comments, and saves.
Templates aligned with popular formats and short-form video trends are naturally favored by the reels algorithm. This makes it easier for content creators to gain reach and engagement simply by choosing the right structure and timing.
In late 2023, Canva partnered with a group of Instagram creators to test template-based workflows. Over 6 weeks, creators using Canva’s Instagram Reels templates saw a 37% increase in engagement and a 60% reduction in content creation time. The experiment demonstrated how combining trending styles with ready-made templates can boost efficiency and visibility.
Use Trending Sounds and Styles
Incorporating trending sounds is a proven way to boost your visibility. The easiest way to find them? Scroll through the Reels section and look for audio labeled “trending.” When you find a reel using that sound, tap the audio and check out other reels created with it—then tap “Use template” if it’s available.
Pairing trending audio with a simple video clip or a series of photos and videos can instantly make your content feel current. The key is to experiment with different styles to find what clicks with your audience, while keeping the editing effort minimal.
Make Your Content Stand Out Without Editing Experience
If you lack advanced video editing skills, don’t worry. Using the right video templates lets you create attention-grabbing reels with just a few taps. Start with ready to use templates from apps like Canva or directly within Instagram. Then:
-
Customize the visuals to match your brand
-
Add text to communicate your message clearly
-
Choose colors and filters that fit your vibe
-
Include effective hashtags to improve discovery
This is how you create stunning Instagram Reels even if you’re new to the editing process. It’s not about complexity—it’s about clarity, consistency, and tapping into the right trends.
Reels now account for over 30% of all time spent on Instagram globally.
Where to Find and Use the Best Reels Templates
Finding the right Reels templates is the first step toward creating content that’s easy to produce and hard to ignore. Whether you want to promote a brand or business, showcase behind-the-scenes moments, or simply grow your following, here are the top places and tips to find and use the best templates.
Ways to Find Ready-to-Use Templates
Instagram itself is the easiest place to discover ready to use templates. While browsing your feed or the Reels section, look for videos with the “Use template” option in the top right corner. These are Reels where Instagram has recognized a structured format and made it reusable for others.
You can also:
-
Search relevant hashtags like #reelstemplate or #trendingtemplate
-
Check accounts in your niche that frequently go viral
Templates often include aligned video clips, optimized timing, and suggested captions, which dramatically reduce your editing process.
As a small business owner, I used a template I found on Canva to create a product highlight reel. I uploaded it with trending audio and relevant hashtags, and it reached over 15,000 views in 48 hours — our highest-performing reel to date.
Templates Come in Different Styles for Every Brand or Business
From minimalist storytelling formats to fast-paced transitions for product showcases, there are templates tailored to every type of content. If you’re promoting a brand or business, look for styles that highlight:
-
Customer reviews
-
Behind-the-scenes footage
-
Before-and-after clips
-
Product features in action
For personal brands or creators, use templates that tell stories or share quick tips, using trending sounds and aesthetic visuals to draw attention.
No matter your niche, you’ll find formats that help you create content that connects and converts.
Instagram and Facebook Integration for Reels Templates
With Instagram and Facebook now more closely linked, content you create using templates can perform well on both platforms. Meta encourages cross-platform distribution, meaning your viral Instagram reel can also appear in Facebook’s Reels feed with no extra effort.
This dual visibility increases your content’s lifespan and gives you more value for each piece of video content you publish. Just be sure to use best practices—like vertical formatting, short runtime, and mobile-friendly text—to make your Reels perform optimally across platforms.
By knowing where to look and how to use templates effectively, you can consistently publish high-quality content faster than ever—without needing a full editing team or studio setup.
Conclusion
If you’ve been looking for a way to create high-quality content without getting bogged down in complicated editing, Instagram Reels templates are the answer. They offer a fast, reliable method for producing eye-catching and engaging videos—even if you have minimal video editing experience.
By leveraging ready-to-use templates, aligning with trending sounds, and customizing your content to fit your personal or brand style, you can increase your visibility and work with the Instagram algorithm—not against it. Whether you’re building a personal following or marketing a brand or business, using templates is one of the smartest ways to make Instagram Reels that go viral without sacrificing your time or energy.
Now that you know how to use Instagram Reels templates to go viral with minimal editing, it’s time to dive in, experiment with different styles, and start creating Reels that actually get seen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Instagram feature that lets you use Reels templates?
The Instagram feature that enables template use is built into the Reels section. When you view a reel created with a template, you’ll see the “Use Template” button in the top left or right corner. Tapping it allows you to insert your own clips into the exact structure used in the original video—perfect for replicating viral formats.
Are Insta Reels and Instagram Reels the same thing?
Yes, Insta Reels is simply a shortened term for Instagram Reels. Both refer to the same short-form video format offered on the platform. The terms are used interchangeably by users, though Instagram itself primarily uses the full phrase “Instagram Reels” in its documentation and tools.
Where can I find Reel templates outside of Instagram?
While you can easily find reel templates directly in the app, there are several third-party tools like Canva, CapCut, and InShot that offer a wider range of styles. These platforms let you use and customize templates before uploading them to Instagram, giving you more control over the look and feel of your content.
How can I use Instagram videos as templates for future posts?
If you’ve posted Instagram videos that performed well, you can repurpose them as new Reels by trimming the clips, changing the music, or applying different text overlays. You can also save your reel as a draft, adjust the layout, and use and customize it as a base for similar future content—great for maintaining a consistent visual brand.
What’s a good way to improve Reels faster than ever without advanced editing?
The best way to improve your Reels quickly is to start with templates that already align with viral trends. Add a high-contrast background to make your content pop, keep your message clear with concise text, and reuse successful formats. Templates cut your production time and help you publish faster than ever, while still producing high-quality videos.
Author Bio

Ellen Bartolino
Ellen is a seasoned author and communication expert, with a particular focus on Instagram. Her extensive knowledge of the platform has allowed her to create engaging and effective content for businesses and individuals alike. Ellen has a proven track record of crafting compelling Instagram captions and influencer marketing.