Instagram reels are everywhere, and they’re not just for lifestyle influencers or food bloggers anymore. Writers are now posting reels as a creative way to connect with readers, promote their books, and even share behind-the-scenes moments. As an author or a poet, reels can help you stand out and reach a bigger audience. To make the most out of this tool, you’ll need the best apps to create reels, and that’s where I come in. In this blog post, we’ll cover the top Instagram reel apps writers need to create beautiful videos and promote their work online.
Why Writers Need Instagram Reels
Let’s talk about why reels should be part of your social media toolkit as a writer. Instagram Reels are a powerful way to:
- Connect with Readers: Reels let you showcase your personality, share your thoughts, and interact with your audience in a more engaging way.
- Promote Your Work: Reels can help you spotlight your work creatively, whether it’s a book launch, spoken poetry, or writing tips,
- Build a Personal Brand: Sharing your writing routine, favorite quotes, or even a “day in the life of a writer” can make your brand more relatable and memorable.
Now, let’s look at the best apps to create reels that will captivate your audience.
1. CapCut
CapCut is an easy-to-use video editing app with tons of features like text overlays, transitions, and effects. It also has a library of trendy music and templates tailored for Reels. I personally love Capcut because of its auto caption tool and because it’s packed with features that make video editing simple, even if you’re a total beginner. It is one of the best apps to create reels.
Why It’s Great for Writers: CapCut is ideal for creating book teasers or poetry reels. You can add all kinds of effects, captions and music while keeping the visuals engaging.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface, perfect for beginners.
- Offers a library of trendy effects and music.
- Free with no watermarks on exported videos.
Cons:
- Some features can only be used on the Pro plan
- Requires some learning for more complex edits.
2. Canva
Canva is a design powerhouse offering pre-made reel templates, animations, and easy drag-and-drop editing. You can create static and animated designs for your reels in minutes. I have always loved using Canva for my social media content. It’s one of the best apps for creating Instagram reels, making it easy to craft engaging and professional-looking content.
Why It’s Great for Writers: Canva is perfect for creating aesthetically pleasing videos that showcase your book covers, quotes, or even a quick “thank you” to your readers.
Pros:
- Tons of customizable templates for Reels.
- Easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface suitable for non-designers.
- Accessible on both desktop and mobile.
Cons:
- Some features require a Pro subscription.
- Limited advanced video editing tools.
3. InShot
InShot is a classic video editor that’s loved for its simplicity. It’s great for trimming clips, adding music, and including fun text animations.
Why It’s Great for Writers: InShot is simple and easy to use, and can be used to create Instagram reels for writers to promote their brand. The app can be used to create reels that show your favorite books, or even a time-lapse of you typing away on your latest project.
Pros:
- Easy trimming and editing tools.
- A wide selection of fonts and stickers.
- Perfect for resizing videos for Instagram.
Cons:
- Free version includes watermarks.
- Fewer advanced editing tools than some other apps.
4. Splice
Splice is a mobile editing app with features like multi-layer editing, where you can layer different elements like photos and text, voiceover options, slow motion, and a library of royalty-free music making it another of the best apps to create reels.
Why It’s Great for Writers: Splice is perfect for crafting narrative-driven reels. You can layer audio, add text, and create a visually compelling video that tells a story.
Pros:
- Professional tools in a mobile app.
- Clean, user-friendly interface.
- Excellent audio editing capabilities. Allows audio adjustments and voiceovers.
Cons:
- Subscription required for some features.
- Slightly steeper learning curve for newbies.
5. Mojo
Mojo specializes in animated templates, making it ideal for visually stunning reels. It offers text animations, transitions, and customizable designs. The designs are sleek, modern, and super easy to customize.
Why It’s Great for Writers: Mojo’s animated templates can be used for advertising book launches or announcing writing milestones.
Pros:
- Stylish templates designed for social media.
- Easy customization options.
- Great for creating high-quality videos quickly.
Cons:
- Most templates are locked behind a subscription.
- Limited traditional video editing tools.
6. VN Video Editor
As one of the best apps to create reels, VN video editor offers advanced tools with an easy-to-use interface. It’s a good option for writers who want more control over their video edits without the steep learning curve.
Why It’s Great for Writers: VN can be used to create storytelling reels, and to combine your writing clips with text overlays
Pros:
- Advanced features for free.
- No watermarks on exported videos.
- Great for beginners and pros alike.
Cons:
- Interface can feel cluttered at first.
- Limited built-in music options.
7. KineMaster
KineMaster is one of those Instagram reel apps writers need as it is feature-packed with all kinds of editing, and built-in assets like music and effects.
Why It’s Great for Writers: Kinemaster helps you create professional-looking reels that stand out, which is exactly the aim. It makes it easy for you to create content on your new book teaser, or any piece of writing you want to share with your audience.
Pros:
- Tons of advanced editing tools.
- Exports in high resolution.
- Great for editing projects with lots of details.
Cons:
- Watermarks on free version exports.
- Slightly complex for beginners.
8. VistaCreate
VistaCreate is a excellent design tool that’s often compared to Canva. It’s best for writers who want to create beautiful Instagram reels and other visual content without needing advanced design skills. With its user-friendly interface and ready-made templates, you can easily design eye-catching videos that spotlight your books, poetry, or writing tips.
Why It’s Great for Writers: VistaCreate is perfect for creating short book trailers, promotional teasers, or reels showcasing snippets of your poetry or writing tips.
Pros:
- Ideal for beginners who need polished, professional designs.
- A wide variety of templates, with access to stock videos, animations, and music to enhance your reels.
- Free version offers solid features, with simple drag-and-drop tools for quick edits.
Cons:
- Slightly fewer advanced editing tools compared to apps like CapCut.
- Some premium features require a paid plan.
Wrapping It Up
Instagram Reels are an amazing way for writers to connect with their audience and showcase their creativity. With the right apps, Instagram reels can become a powerful tool for writers to connect with readers, promote their work, and build their personal brand. These options mentioned here are the best Instagram reel apps writers need to create stunning videos that excite readers and promote their work in style.
Now that you’ve got the best apps to create stunning videos, don’t forget to steer clear of common mistakes that could hold you back. I’ve covered them in my post on 5 Critical Mistakes Writers Should Avoid on Instagram
