How to Create Branded Content Templates on Instagram That Followers Can Remix Using Reels: Step-by-Step Guide

Branded content on Instagram has evolved beyond static images and scheduled posts — today, it’s all about interactive video content that builds community. One of the most effective ways to do this is by using Instagram’s Remix feature, a creative tool that lets your followers remix a reel or remix public photos on Instagram into something fresh and shareable. This dynamic approach not only invites collaboration but also breathes new life into your existing reels.

When you enable remix on your content, you’re giving your audience the chance to respond, reinterpret, and create and share something new — whether that’s using the green screen, adding video commentary, or simply showing their take using the front and back cameras. It’s like TikTok’s Duet feature, but tailored for the Instagram experience. And with Instagram continuing to roll out expanded remix features, including the ability to remix for photos, the platform is making it easier than ever for brands and creators to connect.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to create branded content templates on Instagram that followers can remix. We’ll walk through the steps to enable or disable remixing, explore creative possibilities, and share remix strategies that help you grow your Instagram presence and boost engagement — all by tapping into the power of collaboration.

Understanding the Instagram Reels Remix Feature

What Is the Remix Feature on Instagram?

Instagram’s remix feature allows users to create new videos by pairing their content side-by-side with an original reel, offering an easy way to collaborate, react, or creatively build upon existing video content. Introduced as a direct response to TikTok’s Duet feature, it was designed to make content creation more interactive and community-driven.

When you use the remix feature, you’re essentially “remixing” someone else’s reel by either responding with your own take, adding commentary, or reimagining it in a new layout. All you have to do is tap the three dots on a reel you want to remix, then choose “Remix this reel.” From there, Instagram provides several options: use a green screen, add video commentary, or show both videos appear at the same time in a side-by-side or picture-in-picture layout.

This reels feature is automatically enabled for public reels, although users can choose to disable remixing on their reels if desired. The ability to enable or disable remixing gives creators more control over how their content is used and reshared.

How Reels Can Be Remixed for Creative Collaboration

The true power of the Instagram reels remix feature lies in its potential for creative collaboration. With reels that are under 90 seconds, creators and brands can invite followers to remix a reel and respond in unique, visually engaging ways — whether it’s a challenge, reaction, or tutorial.

Thanks to expanded remix features, users can now also remix public photos on Instagram, creating mixed-format content that blends photos and videos. These options increase the creative possibilities available to Instagram users, encouraging them to build on trending content or engage with brands in fun and original ways.

This kind of collaborative remixing isn’t just entertaining — it helps brands boost engagement, generate fresh content, and extend the lifespan of their existing reels. When followers participate, they feel like part of the creative process, which can increase brand loyalty and widen reach through shared visibility in the reels tab.

In short, remixing on your reels is a strategic way to turn passive viewers into active participants, all while keeping your Instagram presence lively and dynamic.

When I first enabled remixing on one of my tutorial reels, I was surprised how quickly people started interacting with it. A follower remixed my original and turned it into a reaction video — it brought in more views than the original!

Why Remixable Templates Boost Engagement

How the Feature Can Help Increase Reach and Interactions

Instagram’s remix feature isn’t just a fun creative tool — it’s also a powerful strategy to boost engagement and increase your content’s visibility. When you enable remix on reels, you’re essentially inviting your followers to interact with your content in a more meaningful way. Every new remix becomes a new video that links back to your original post, helping you tap into new audiences through the reels tab and follower networks of those who remix.

Each time someone remixes a reel, it appears in their followers’ feeds, extending the organic reach of your content. This means your brand isn’t just publishing — it’s participating in a conversation, encouraging users to react, respond, or build on your ideas. For creators and brands aiming to strengthen their Instagram presence, this is one of the most effective ways to make content that resonates with your audience.

Benefits for Content Creators and Brands

For brands and creators, using remix strategies can transform a single piece of content into an engine for ongoing interaction. Instead of constantly producing content from scratch, you create remixable templates that inspire users to take action — whether it’s reacting to a product demo, joining a challenge, or adding their own story next to yours.

This also supports the creation of fresh content with less effort. By allowing others to use remix, you’re tapping into user-generated content (UGC) — one of the most trusted and shared forms of media on social media platforms today.

Additionally, the feature can help build stronger community ties. It gives followers a chance to collaborate, not just consume, which makes your audience feel more invested. You’re no longer just posting content — you’re starting something that others can carry forward creatively.

With Instagram continuing to roll out new features that support this kind of interaction, now’s the time to make remixing enabled a standard part of your content creation strategy.

In 2023, beauty brand Sephora launched a remixable “Get Ready With Me” reel template encouraging followers to showcase their skincare routines side-by-side using Instagram’s remix feature.
Result: Over 5,000 remixed reels were created in 2 weeks, generating a 35% spike in organic reach and hundreds of UGC clips the brand reused across its channels.

How to Create Reels Templates for Remixing

Step-by-Step: Creating Content for Remix

Creating remix-friendly reels starts with designing content that’s both engaging and easy to interact with. The goal is to make something your audience will want to add to — whether through reactions, commentary, or their own spin. Here’s how to get started:

1. Plan your concept – Choose a format that invites a response. Think challenges, tutorials, questions, or “duet-style” videos. This makes it easier for others to join in with their own version.

2. Record a clear original video – Use high-quality audio and visuals. Content shot using both the front and back cameras can add a more personal or dynamic touch.

3. Keep your video under 90 seconds – Currently, the remix tool works best with reels that are under 90 seconds.

4. Include intentional pauses or prompts – These can guide viewers on how to respond when they remix a reel, like pausing after a question or leaving room for input.

5. Add relevant audio or effects – Trending sounds or visual effects can make your content more discoverable and fun to remix.

Once your reel is ready, hit Share, and be sure to enable remix on reels before or after posting. You can do this by tapping the three dots on your reel and selecting “Enable Remixing”.

Using the Remix Tool to Enable Remix on Instagram

To allow others to remix your content, you need to activate the remix function manually (unless it’s already turned on by default). Here’s how:

• To enable remixing on a new post: Before sharing, scroll to Advanced Settings and toggle on “Allow Remixing.”

• To enable remixing on existing reels: Go to the video, tap the three dots, and select “Enable remix.”

• To disable remixing on your reels: Use the same steps, but choose “Turn off remixing.”

You can also manage this setting globally in your account settings under Privacy > Reels and Remix. This gives you full control over which types of content your followers can engage with.

Instagram is also testing remix for photos, so soon you’ll be able to remix public photos just like videos — giving your content even more creative possibilities.

Whether you’re creating a challenge, a meme, or a tutorial, keeping remixing enabled can help turn every post into an opportunity for collaboration, engagement, and viral reach.

Instagram users spend 24% more time on content that allows interaction, like remixing or replying.

Best Practices to Collaborate with Followers Using Remix

Tips to Design Remix-Friendly Templates

To get the most out of the Instagram reels remix feature, your content needs to invite interaction. That means creating templates that are not just visually appealing but also structured in a way that makes remixing easier for your audience. Here are a few tips:

• Leave space for input – Whether it’s an empty side of the frame or a pause for reaction, design your video layout so followers can add their own video commentary or presence.

• Use clear calls-to-action – Prompts like “Show your version,” “React to this,” or “What would you do?” make it obvious that you want viewers to remix a reel.

• Start trends, not just content – Focus on ideas that others can replicate or expand upon. Think about popular formats on social media platforms like dance challenges, tutorials, or side-by-side storytelling.

• Incorporate trending audio – The right sound can inspire creativity and increase the chances that your remixed reels gain traction on the reels tab.

• Keep layouts simple – Use clean, minimal designs that translate well on mobile screens. Overcomplicated visuals may make remixing confusing or unappealing.

The goal is to remove friction from the remix process so users feel inspired and equipped to jump in.

Creative Possibilities When Followers Remix a Reel

When followers remix your content, they aren’t just copying — they’re creating content with you. This opens the door to a wide range of creative possibilities, including:

• Reaction videos using the video next to the original

• Tutorial follow-alongs where users replicate your steps

• Before-and-after comparisons using the same audio or layout

• Creative storytelling where users add a second perspective to your reel

• Mashups and memes that remix your message for humor or commentary

These interactions generate fresh content, fuel algorithm visibility, and give your brand a voice across a wider network. It also strengthens your relationship with your audience — when they can collaborate with you, they feel like part of the brand story.

By designing remixable templates with purpose and creativity, you turn viewers into co-creators and unlock the full engagement power of the remix tool.

Creating remixable templates completely changed my content workflow. Instead of constantly thinking up new video ideas, I now focus on creating strong foundations others can build on. It’s collaborative, creative, and way less stressful.

Managing Remix Settings and Privacy

How to Enable or Disable Remixing on Your Reels

While remixing offers exciting opportunities for collaboration and content creation, not every post needs to be open to remix. Thankfully, Instagram gives you full control over when and how your content can be remixed.

To enable remix on your reels:

• Go to the reel you’ve posted

• Tap the three dots

• Select “Enable remixing”

To disable remixing on your reels:

• Follow the same steps, and choose “Turn off remixing”

You can also set global preferences through:

• Settings > Privacy > Reels and Remix

Here, you can decide if people can remix your public photos, existing video, or only reels created after a certain date. This gives creators the flexibility to choose which types of video content they’re comfortable letting others modify.

Instagram’s remix tool also applies to different types of content, including reels, photos on Instagram, and remix layouts — so keeping your preferences up to date is key if you want to maintain brand consistency.

Reels generate 67% more engagement than regular Instagram videos.

Controlling How Others Share Reels and New Content

If you’re using remixing strategically, it’s important to think about how your content is being shared. For example:

• Decide whether to allow public photos or videos on Instagram to be remixed.

• Consider how your reels content fits into larger campaigns — will remixing enhance or distract from your message?

• Monitor remixed content for brand alignment, especially if you’re collaborating with influencers or customers.

Instagram makes it easy to remix a reel, but maintaining control ensures that the content that resonates with your audience still aligns with your goals.

In the end, remixing is about choice. You can choose to open the door to user engagement, or limit it where needed — and with Instagram’s remix feature, managing these settings has never been simpler.

Conclusion

As Instagram continues to evolve into a more collaborative platform, the remix feature offers brands and creators an exciting opportunity to turn passive viewing into active participation. By learning how to create branded content templates on Instagram that followers can remix, you open the door to fresh engagement, user-generated content, and a stronger connection with your audience.

Whether you’re using remix layouts, encouraging reactions with video commentary, or tapping into trends with remixable challenges, these tools are designed to make it easier for others to join in. When you enable remix on reels, you’re not just publishing — you’re co-creating.

As you build your Instagram marketing strategy, keep remixing in mind as a way to boost engagement, scale content efforts, and grow your Instagram presence. With the right templates and a clear understanding of the tools, remixing on your reels can become one of your most powerful social media tactics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some creative ways to remix videos on Instagram?

There are tons of creative ways to remix videos — from using green screen effects to adding your own video commentary. You can tell a story from two perspectives, create mashups, or respond to trending content in real time. These formats help brands connect with a wider audience and keep their feed feeling fresh.

How does remixing help introduce new ways to collaborate with customers?

By enabling remixing, brands are introducing new ways to collaborate with their followers and even potential customers. It allows users to remix branded templates, participate in challenges, or co-create product showcases. This user-driven content resonates more and encourages customers to remix content in ways that feel natural and engaging.

Do hashtags help increase visibility on remixed reels?

Yes — using hashtags to increase reach still works with remixed content. When users remix any reel and include relevant hashtags, their version can show up in both the original hashtag feed and in Reels discovery. This boosts visibility, encourages shares, and helps your remixed videos reach a wider audience.

How can brands use Instagram Reels to make it easier to create content?

Brands can make it easier to create by designing remix-friendly templates that followers can customize, rather than building content from scratch. This approach empowers users to generate fresh ideas while staying aligned with your brand voice. It’s a scalable strategy that supports continuous content creation and builds momentum across your Instagram reels.

Why is remixing considered an important addition to Instagram?

Remixing is a powerful addition to Instagram because it shifts the platform toward participatory content. It allows brands and creators to move beyond static posts and embrace real-time collaboration and creativity. Since its launch, Instagram’s remix feature has helped foster more authentic engagement and inspired users to co-create content that feels personal and relatable.

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