If you think you need a script to create great Instagram Reels think again.
Some of our most effective Reels had zero planning, zero talking, and took less than 10 minutes to create.
In this post, I’m going to break down a 3-step strategy ANYONE can follow to make awesome Reels QUICKLY, even if you’re a total beginner — plus 10 easy Reel ideas that you can literally film today.
Coming at ya this week fresh back from Europe with another post to help you create the online business of your dreams.
If your goal is to start or grow your business this YEAR, then make sure to keep reading this blog.
I appreciate your love and support.
This week, we’re focusing on how to build your personal brand on social media with Instagram Reels.
Whether you’re actively trying to grow an audience OR you just want to catch the eye of a few dream clients.
Having an online PRESENCE IS KEY and it goes without saying that posting on social media is one of the best and fastest ways to build that presence.
Of course, that inevitably leads to the question well, what exactly do I post?
And THAT is where most of us tend to get hung up.
While I’m super happy to report that STATIC images and posts are starting to make a comeback on Instagram.
Short-form video remains the #1 content marketing format, with most marketers saying it offers the highest ROI of any other format.
So it goes without saying that if you want to grow your audience, attract more potential clients or customers and grow your online authority as quickly as possible.
Then posting some short-form video content is the way to go.
I know, I know.
But I’m not telling you to go master some cringe TikTok choreography.
I was NEVER about doing those trending dance videos, either.
Instead, we tried some of these types of Reels you know, the ones where you lip-sync with “trending audio”.
But honestly, I really didn’t like doing those either. Some of the audio tracks are simple, but most of them still take time to learn and actually get right lol.
it was just a whole thing and I got over it FAST – it was taking me like an HOUR to create one 6 second reel lol.
Then we tried the “Hermozi style” talking head videos, you know the ones with the captions, popping noises and GIFs and, honestly, I grew tired of that even faster.
I still do this kind of highly-produced short-form educational videos from time to time, but I no longer try to bang out 30 a month. It was exhausting. Instead, I create wayyyy fewer but make them wayyyyy better and more visually interesting.
Now if you like making dancing reels or lip-syncing to trending audio or producing 30+ talking head videos a month – GO YOU.
But if that’s NOT really in your time, budget or energy, I got you. My team and I came up with a bunch of EVEN EASIER reels and short-form videos.
And guess what we discovered?!
Creating short-form video content is actually WAY EASIER than most of us have been making it.
Because you don’t need a script. You don’t need to dance or point or lips sync. You don’t need to spend hours setting up your camera, getting the perfect angle, lighting and editing it to perfection.
You don’t even need to talk OR show your face if you don’t want to.
Some of our highest-performing Reels were created – start to finish – in under 10 minutes, had zero script or pre-planning and connected with my audience way more than the ones we planned for hours.
Go figure, right? All you gotta do is:
Step #1: Capture A Moment
Pull out your phone and record a moment. Not a performance. Just a moment.
Making your morning cup of coffee.
Working at your computer.
Riding in the car.
Sitting at dinner having a drink.
Remember the Cranberry skateboard guy?
Yeah – he was literally just driving to work one day when his truck broke down.
He didn’t want to wait for someone to come pick him up or jump his truck – so he grabbed his skateboard and his juice and started riding to work.
He thought something like: “This is funny – I’m gonna record a video.”
He posted it to TikTok and boom – he’s a viral sensation.
He wasn’t TRYING to go viral. He was just sharing a candid REAL moment from his life.
And that’s really all you need to do.
But honestly.
Even THAT can feel hard sometimes.
Like, what the heck am I supposed to film a video of me doing?! Well, I have 10 ideas for you at the end of this video.
But I’ll share a HOT TIP that I literally live by – and it helps me create TONS of reels.
Literally anytime I want to take a photo – whether I’m on vacation, out for dinner or just take a quick #fitcheck video in the bathroom mirror.
Instead of just snapping a photo, I take a VIDEO.
Then I add them all to a MASSIVE folder in my Dropbox titled “B-roll”.
These random videos can be repurposed over and over and over again to create endless short-form videos.
Which is perfect. Because then, if you don’t feel like filming a video, but you still want to post something that day.
You can just quickly go through your B-roll videos, pick one, and then you’re ready for step #2.
Step #2: Add Audio
Okay when it comes to audio, you have 2 really simple options.
You can either record a quick voice over.
OR add audio directly from Instagram.
Of course adding a voice-over will take a little more time, but it’s still super quick and not something you need a script for I simply record in my voice memo app on my phone. Seriously that’s it.
We also REALLY LOVE adding trending audio – it’s a great way to get the algorithm to push your content out.
You know that an audio is trending when there is a little arrow at the bottom.
So if you ever stumble across an audio you love while you’re scrolling, just quickly save it and then you can easily find it when you’re ready to create a Reel.
And the last thing you need to do is:
Step #3: Add Text
Last but not least:
Add your text – we like to keep it short and easy to read for the scrollers!
And that’s it! All that’s left to do is write out your caption and POST that bad boy!!!
Upload without overthinking. Because perfection doesn’t connect — being relatable does.
This is about connecting, not performing.
All right, NOW if you’re still thinking.
“Okay Alex but you’ve been doing this forever. It is easy for you. What am I supposed to post?!”
Well, I have 10 no-script Reel ideas for you that are SO easy you can literally create them today.
10 NO-SCRIPT REEL IDEAS
#1. Morning Routine Vibes
Record yourself pouring coffee, lighting a candle, or even just sitting by your fire.
Depending on the goal of your Reel, you could add a quick text overlay that says something like: “This is your sign to romanticize your workday.”
Or maybe you use it as an opportunity to educate your audience on something related to your offer.
Overlay a trending audio and boom. Done.
#2. Packing An Order or Client Deliverable
If you have a business where you fulfill orders, this is an easy and practical Reel to make that will give your viewers a little behind the scenes action.
Film yourself wrapping up a product – or a whole bunch of products on 4x speed!
In this case, I filmed an UNBOXING video for my once a year LIVE marketing event.
If you have an online business, you can film yourself working on the computer, clicking send on a project, or even writing in your notepad.
Your text overlay might say something like “Proof you can get paid to do what you love.”
Or “This gets me so fired up 🔥🔥🔥”
Or maybe “I still can’t believe this is my job.”
Add a voiceover of you giving a quick rundown of what you’re doing and you’re done!
#3. Working
Film a shot of you working away on your laptop – maybe you’re at your desk, maybe you’re in a coffee shop, or maybe you’re in a plane!
Next up:
#4. Blank Stare or Thinking Pose
Ahhh yes a classic. This is honestly one of my favorites because it’s so versatile.
Just a simple video of you looking around, zoning out or staring off into the distance.
Add a text overlay with a POV or PSA statement related to your niche or business and some audio and you’re all set!
#5. Scrolling Your Phone
This is another very versatile video that you can film once and reuse tons of times.
Just you sitting on the couch, lounging and scrolling on your phone.
Or if you’re feeling funny, here’s a fun idea:
#6. Using a Trending Audio + Expression
Piggyback off a funny trending audio, something like this.
Add a text overlay that aligns with your business or offer.
This one admittedly is more “performative” than the other ones on this list. But it’s still super simple and can be very impactful – so I wanted to make sure to include it.
This particular Reel we created YEARS ago and it performed soooo well for us. We have re-posted this one quite a bit.
Alright, next up:
#7. Screen Recording of Payment or Testimonial
You don’t even need to be in this one! Just screen record a stripe notification, testimonial or invoice paid.
Making sure of course to blur out any sensitive information – like client names, addresses or checking account numbers.
Here your text overlay might say something like:
“Building a business I’m proud of.”
Or “Because getting paid for your passion is the goal.”
Or maybe “POV: You monetized your weird skill.”
#8. Walking Shot
Again SUPER versatile shot that can be used over and over again.
Just film yourself walking – on the street, in your home – literally wherever.
Add some audio and a text overlay that makes sense with your offer, niche or business.
Or maybe something inspirational.
#9. Notes App or Canva Quote
You can create a reel from just a picture too!! Just screenshot a note you typed out on your phone – or if you want to make it look fancy, use Canva!
Then upload that picture instead of a video when you’re creating your Reel, set it for 15-30 seconds, add audio and you’re done!
#10. Use Trending GIPHY / GIFs / Memes
And saving the BEST for last this is one my absolute FAVORITE type of Reel to create.
Because I don’t have to be in the video AT ALL.
In fact, I don’t even have to record a video!
And just like using trending audio.
Using a trending GIF or meme can also give you a little algorithm boost – just add text overlay that makes sense with your brand or offer and you’re done!
It feels funny, relevant and timely.
And come on everyone loves a good GIF!!
These Reels work because they’re real. They’re felt.
You’re not performing. You’re filming REAL LIFE moments that your audience sees themselves in.
No fancy transitions. No pressure to talk to the camera. Just moments, layered with emotion or meaning.
You can even batch film ALL 10 of these in one sitting – if you’re feeling motivated.
Then it will be EVEN EASIER to create a Reel whenever you need to. You can do this. You just have to start.
If this helped, create your first reel today. Tag me @copyposse on Instagram when you post it — I want to see it!
And if you want more zero-pressure content strategies like this, hit subscribe and grab a copy of my Social Media Start Pack.
With 128 Quick Post Ideas, Prompts & Profile Tips For Service Providers & Small Business Owners Who Need A No B.S. Social Media Plan.
So you can show up online with confidence and clarity – even if you’ve been a “ghost” on social media, have no idea what to post or have zero extra time.
Until next time, I’m Alex. Ciao for now!
