Instagram Reels are a powerhouse for engagement, reach, and brand building. But let’s be honest: consistently churning out fresh, captivating Reel ideas, scripts, and strategies can feel like a full-time job.
ChatGPT can be your secret weapon for leveling up your Instagram Reels game – if you know how to ask the right questions. Generic prompts often lead to generic results. That’s why we’ve dived deep, and curated a comprehensive collection of ChatGPT prompts tailored specifically for Instagram Reel success.
This guide moves beyond basic queries. We provide you with structured prompts, complete with placeholders, designed to help you at every stage of your Reel creation process: from initial idea generation and strategic planning, through scripting and storyboarding, to crafting compelling captions, finding the perfect audio, and even analyzing your performance.
How to Use These Prompts Effectively:
- Be Specific: The more context and detail you provide in the
[Placeholders], the more tailored and useful ChatGPT’s response will be. - Iterate: Don’t expect the first response to be perfect. Use it as a starting point and ask follow-up questions or refine your prompt. For example, if you don’t like the ideas, you can say, “Can you give me 5 more ideas, but this time focus more on
[new angle]?” - Combine Prompts: You might use an “Idea Generation” prompt first, then take one of those ideas and use a “Detailed Reel Script” prompt for it.
- Define Your Audience: Always keep your
[Target Audience Description]in mind, as this influences tone, complexity, and topics.
I. Idea Generation & Brainstorming
- Generate Reel Concepts:
Generate[Number]Instagram Reel ideas for a[Your Niche/Industry, e.g., sustainable fashion brand]focusing on[Specific Goal, e.g., educating audience, showcasing products, behind-the-scenes]. Include ideas for[Type of Content, e.g., tutorials, quick tips, myth-busting, day-in-the-life]. - Trending Topic Adaptation:
Identify[Number]current trending topics, audio, or challenges relevant to[Your Niche/Industry]that I can adapt for an engaging Instagram Reel. For each, suggest a specific angle related to[Your Product/Service/Theme]. - Problem/Solution Reels:
Brainstorm[Number]Instagram Reel ideas that address a common problem[Common Customer Pain Point]faced by my target audience,[Target Audience Description], and offer a quick solution using/related to[Your Product/Service/Expertise]. - “Before & After” or Transformation Ideas:
Suggest[Number]‘Before & After’ or transformation-style Reel concepts for[Your Product/Service/Skill, e.g., a cleaning product, a fitness program, a design service]. - Content Pillar Brainstorm:
My main content pillars for Instagram are[Pillar 1],[Pillar 2], and[Pillar 3]. For each pillar, generate[Number]Instagram Reel ideas suitable for a[Your Niche/Industry]audience. - Event/Holiday Focused Reels:
Develop[Number]creative Instagram Reel ideas for the upcoming[Event or Holiday]. The target audience is[Target Audience Description], and the Reels should incorporate[Specific Theme or Product Feature]with a[Desired Mood, e.g., festive, informative]tone. - Reel Series from Content Pillar:
I want to create a series of Reels about my main content pillar:[Main Pillar Topic]. Suggest[Number]sub-topics that can each be a[Length, e.g., 30-60 second]Reel for this series. For each sub-topic, suggest a potential hook and a key takeaway. Ensure a mix of[Content Types, e.g., educational, entertaining, inspirational].
II. Scripting & Storyboarding
- Detailed Reel Script:
Draft a[Length, e.g., 15-second, 30-second, 60-second]Instagram Reel script about[Specific Topic]. The target audience is[Target Audience Description]. The tone should be[Desired Tone, e.g., humorous, informative, inspirational]. Include:- A strong hook (first 3 seconds)
[Number]key points/scenes- On-screen text suggestions for each scene
- A clear call to action:
[Specific Call to Action].
- Hook Variations:
Generate[Number]compelling hook variations (first 3-5 seconds) for an Instagram Reel about[Specific Topic]. Aim for hooks that are[Type of Hook, e.g., curiosity-driven, benefit-oriented, surprising, problem/solution]. - Visual Storyboard Outline:
Create a visual storyboard outline for a[Length]Instagram Reel about[Specific Topic]. Describe[Number]key scenes, including:- Suggested visuals/actions for each scene
- Ideas for on-screen text overlays
- Potential transitions between scenes.
- Tutorial/How-To Script:
Write a script for a step-by-step tutorial Reel demonstrating[Specific Process/Task, e.g., how to use our new software feature, how to style a scarf in 3 ways]. Keep it under[Length, e.g., 60 seconds]and make it easy to follow for a[Skill Level, e.g., beginner]. - Dialogue/Scenario Script:
Create a short, engaging dialogue for a[Length in seconds]-second Instagram Reel featuring[Number]characters discussing[Scenario or Problem]related to[Your Niche]. The tone should be[Desired Tone, e.g., witty, relatable, surprising]. Include a brief description of the setting or visual context. - Storytelling Arc Outline:
Outline a storyboard for an Instagram Reel that tells a mini-story about[Story Theme, e.g., a customer transformation, a day-in-the-life, the making of a product]. Specify the key visual shots and narrative points for the beginning, middle, and end. Suggest a suitable[Type of Audio, e.g., trending sound, voiceover style, background music mood].
III. Captions, Hashtags & Engagement
- Engaging Caption Creation:
Write[Number]Instagram Reel caption options for a video about[Video Content Summary]. Each caption should:- Include a strong opening hook related to the Reel’s content.
- Briefly explain the Reel’s value or key takeaway.
- Ask an engaging question to encourage comments.
- Include a clear call to action:
[Specific Call to Action, e.g., 'Save this for later!', 'Check the link in bio!']. - Suggest
[Number]relevant emojis.
- Hashtag Sets:
Generate a list of[Number]relevant hashtags for an Instagram Reel about[Specific Topic]in the[Your Niche/Industry]niche. Include a mix of:- Broad hashtags (e.g., #digitalmarketing)
- Niche-specific hashtags (e.g., #sustainablefashionblogger)
- Community hashtags (e.g., #womeninbusiness)
- Location-specific (if applicable, e.g., #[YourCity]events).
- Call-to-Action (CTA) Ideas:
Suggest[Number]effective Call-to-Actions (CTAs) for an Instagram Reel whose primary goal is[Specific Goal, e.g., drive traffic to blog, increase comments, get saves, promote a product: [Product Name]]. Tailor them for the end of the Reel (visual or verbal) and the caption. - In-Reel Engagement Hooks:
Suggest[Number]creative ways to build engagement directly within an Instagram Reel about[Your Topic]. Ideas could include interactive elements like[Examples: on-screen questions, polls using stickers (if applicable to concept), challenges, user-generated content prompts]. For each, provide a brief script snippet or visual concept. - Comment Response Strategy:
Provide[Number]template examples for responding to different types of comments (e.g.,[Comment Type 1: positive feedback],[Comment Type 2: questions about product/service],[Comment Type 3: constructive criticism]) on an Instagram Reel about[Your Product or Service]. Ensure responses maintain a[Desired Tone, e.g., helpful, appreciative, professional]brand voice.
IV. Audio, Visuals & Editing
- Audio/Music Suggestions:
Suggest[Number]trending audio tracks or types of music suitable for an Instagram Reel about[Specific Topic]with a[Desired Vibe/Mood, e.g., upbeat, cinematic, calming, funny]mood. If possible, indicate why each suggestion fits. - Visual Enhancement Ideas:
Brainstorm[Number]visually engaging concepts or B-roll shot ideas for an Instagram Reel about[Specific Topic]. Consider elements like[Examples: unique angles, props, locations, stop-motion, time-lapse]. - Text Overlay Strategy:
For an Instagram Reel about[Specific Topic], suggest a strategy for using text overlays effectively. What key information should be text? Where should it be placed? What style of text might work for a[Desired Tone, e.g., playful, professional]feel? - Editing Style Guidance:
Describe an engaging editing style for an Instagram Reel showcasing[Type of Content, e.g., a fast-paced tutorial, a cinematic travel moment, a product demo]. Suggest[Number]specific transitions, text animation styles, or visual effects that would enhance the Reel and match a[Desired Vibe, e.g., energetic, sleek, dreamy]vibe.
V. Content Strategy, Promotion & Analysis
- Reel Series Outline (General):
Outline a[Number, e.g., 3-part]Instagram Reel series on the broad topic of[Broad Topic]. For each part, suggest:- A specific sub-topic.
- A key takeaway.
- A hook idea.
- A cliffhanger or transition to the next part.
- Repurpose Existing Content:
I have an existing[Type of Content, e.g., blog post, YouTube video, podcast episode]about[Specific Topic of Existing Content]. Suggest[Number]ways to repurpose its key points into engaging Instagram Reel concepts. For each concept, outline the main message and a possible visual approach. - Reel Promotion Plan:
Outline a mini-promotion strategy for an upcoming Instagram Reel about[Reel Topic and Goal, e.g., launching a new product, sharing a key tip]. Include ideas for[Number]pre-launch teasing tactics (e.g., Stories),[Number]cross-promotion methods on[Other Platforms, e.g., email newsletter, Twitter], and[Number]post-launch engagement activities. - Performance Analysis & Improvement:
What key Instagram Insights metrics should I track to understand the performance of my Reels about[Your Niche]? For[Number]key metrics (e.g.,[Metric 1: Views],[Metric 2: Saves],[Metric 3: Shares]), explain what each indicates and suggest one way I can use that data to improve future Reels content or strategy. - Thematic Content Calendar:
Help me develop a[Duration, e.g., 1-week, 1-month]Instagram Reel content calendar for my[Your Niche]business/account. Assign a theme for[Frequency, e.g., each day, 3 times a week](e.g.,[Theme 1: Motivation Monday],[Theme 2: Tip Tuesday],[Theme 3: Behind-the-Scenes Friday]). For each theme/slot, provide one Reel idea related to my overall content goal of[Overall Content Goal, e.g., building community, driving sales, increasing brand awareness].