Reels are one of the best ways to reach new people on Instagram, but “post more Reels” isn’t much help when you’re staring at a blank screen. So here are 25 ideas any small business can film, most of them with just a phone.

Behind the scenes

1. How your product is made, from start to finish, sped up.
2. A day in the life of your team.
3. Packing a customer order.
4. Setting up the shop, studio or kitchen for the day.
5. The fun moments and bloopers from your week.

Teach something

6. One quick tip your customers would find useful, in under 15 seconds.
7. Myth vs fact about your industry.
8. The most common mistake your customers make, and how to avoid it.
9. Three ways to use your product.
10. Answer a question customers ask you all the time.

Show results

11. Before and after.
12. A customer unboxing or first reaction (with their permission).
13. A real review, read out loud by your team.
14. A transformation timelapse.
15. “Here’s what you get for…”, showing exactly what’s included.

People

16. Meet the team, one person at a time.
17. Why you started the business.
18. Your team answering a fun question.
19. A customer spotlight.
20. A local spot your team loves, and why.

Trends and fun

21. A trending format, adapted to your niche.
22. A short POV skit about your customer’s problem.
23. “Things that just make sense” for your product.
24. Ranking something in your category, from worst to best.
25. Reply to a real comment with a video answer.

How to make your Reels actually work

• Hook in the first second. Start with the most interesting moment, not your logo.
• Add captions. Lots of people watch with the sound off.
• Film vertically and keep it short. If a second doesn’t earn its place, cut it.
• End with a next step: save this, follow for more, or DM us.
• Turn winners into series. If “myth vs fact” works, make it every Tuesday.

Want a month of Reels ideas planned for your brand specifically? We’d be happy to help with that.