For best results: We recommend using the Instagram reel template, if there is one available, or creating the reel from scratch in Instagram using the example provided. Below find a breakdown of each option.
How to Replicate the Reel Example in Instagram
1) Watch the example reel in Canva or Instagram.
Open the Canva template or preview the example reel on Instagram to understand the pacing, shot types, and overall vibe.
👉 Pay attention to the length of each clip in our example.
Most clips are under one second—this quick pacing keeps the viewer’s attention and encourages looping.
2) Find trending audio to pair with your reel
Check the most recent Weekly Strategy email for trending reel audios to use the week that you're posting. Using strategic trending audio helps boost your chances of landing on the Explore or Reels tab.
💡 Tip: Open the email on your phone to access the audio links in Instagram. Save each audio to your Saved Audios in Instagram for easy access later.
3) Gather your b-roll video
We recommend keeping 3 albums in your phone to easily access: Lifestyle/Personal (clips of you), Listing Clips, and Local Clips.
📷 Need help with ideas? Check out our B-Roll Guide for shot ideas, filming tips, storage recommendations, and more.
4) Upload clips into Instagram Reels
Open Instagram, tap the + icon, select Reel, and import your b-roll clips. Remember to adjust the duration of the videos to make them short and snappy!
⚡ Keep each clip under 1 second when editing unless it’s extra aesthetic or engaging. Fast cuts = more replay loops + better retention.
5) Add the audio you selected from the Weekly Strategy email
Tap the music icon and search for a trending audio, or locate the Saved Audio you saved from the Weekly Strategy email in Step 2.
6) Copy the caption from C&C
Copy the caption to your clipboard and paste it into Instagram. Customize it to fit your voice and city, and post!
How to Edit the Reel Template on Instagram
Using your phone, locate the reel you want to use in your Coffee & Contracts Content Vault. Select "Open in Instagram." The link will open the template in Instagram.
From your Instagram app, select the "..." on the bottom right-hand side of the screen, then select "Use as template."
3. You can now add videos & edit text in this template.
Click the first box and your camera roll will appear. Select the video you wish to use.
From the same screen, you can select your second video and so on until you've filled in each slot of the template.
Click "Next" to see all your videos laid out in the template.
To edit the text, click on the text box. Make any relevant edits (I.E. inputting your city's name).
4. Click "Next" and post your video with the caption provided in your C&C dashboard. To do this, navigate back to the template on your user dashboard and click Copy Caption.
Paste the caption in Instagram and edit.
5. Click Share in the lower right-hand corner and your reel is LIVE!
How to Edit the Reel Template in Canva
Locate the reel you want to use in your Coffee & Contracts Content Vault. Select: Open in Canva
2. Click Upload files in purple to upload new videos into Canva. Select the first video tile at the bottom of the template then drag and drop your video into the page.
3. Once your video is placed, you'll notice that the clip length has changed. Adjust the duration of the video by clicking the tile at the bottom and dragging left with your mouse. Keep each clip short, less than 2-3 seconds.
(⭐️Important note: The clip length we set in these templates is intentional. Match your uploaded clips to the original template's clip length.)
Repeat the process of uploading your clips until the duration of each video matches the original template.
4. Edit the text within the template (I.E. input your city's name).
5. Download the video.
> Click "Share"
> Select Download
> Select MP4 Video
> Select "All pages"
> Select Download
6. Once the video is downloaded It's time to post it on Instagram:
Airdrop the video to your phone (or open up the Canva app on your phone, and download it directly to your phone from there.
Upload the video to your Instagram as a Reel
Open the Instagram app
Click the + button in the center at the bottom of the screen
Toggle and select 'Reel'
Select the video you just edited from your camera roll. Select Next
Select the music icon and choose a trending audio. You can refer to our Weekly Strategy email for trending audios.
Select Next
Copy the Coffee and Contracts caption from your dashboard.
Edit the caption
Select Share