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Reels is the new Instagram feature that allows you to create and watch short videos with different effects, such as filters, music, text... It is one of the new alternatives to TikTok. The interesting thing about Reels is that it is fully synchronized with Instagram, which allows us to create a video directly from the app, view it on Instagram and share it in Stories or direct messages. One way to make the video more attractive is by placing a cover. In this way, the user will see the main image before watching the video.Do you know how you can choose a cover for your Reels on Instagram? I'll show you in this tutorial.
First, you will need to create a video with Reels. The function is integrated into the app itself, so to create a Reel (this is what these types of videos are called) we have to go to the Instagram Stories option.Now, scroll until you see the 'Reels' option and record your video. When you have finished recording it, add music, filters and different effects. Finally, click on the right arrow.
It will take you to the preview, where you can also add text or even download the Reel without publishing it. To put the cover, click on the right arrow again. Now, in the Share section, click on the thumbnail of the video.Here you can choose the cover. You can swipe throughout the video to select the frame you like best. Or, upload an image from your camera roll. When you've already selected the cover, tap Done.
You only have to choose a caption and share your Reel on Instagram, although you can also save it in the Drafts section if you want to publish later.
A trick for your Reels covers
One tip: to make your cover look more professional, create a kind of thumbnail through a Storie. This way you can add text, icons, GIFs or other filters in the purest Instagram style. Then, save the story in your gallery (you can do it without it being published on your profile) and when choosing the cover, click on the 'Add from the reel' option.The image will automatically appear as the cover.
If Instagram doesn't allow you to upload a Storie saved in your gallery as a cover, what you can do is add a few seconds of that cover at the beginning or end of the video . In this way you will be able to select the image to appear as the main one.
