What Short Videos for Reels Can You Film in 5 Minutes or Less?
If you think creating viral Instagram reels requires hours of planning, expensive equipment, and perfect lighting, you’re doing it wrong.
Some of my highest-performing reels took less than 5 minutes to create, involved no talking, and were filmed on my phone with no fancy lights or microphone.
In this blog post, I’m breaking down my proven 3-step framework that anyone can follow to create fast and easy Reels in mere minutes. Plus 10 brand-new reel ideas you can film right after watching this. Literally no excuses, they are so easy.
Now, if you’re anything like me, you know that creating reels and short-form video content is an important part of your social strategy, especially when it comes to growing your reach and gaining awareness.
But that doesn’t make you hate it any less. I mean, it’s so time-consuming – you have to research viral video ideas, come up with the best hook, write the video script, rehearse it, record it, edit it…. BLAHHHH.
And I don’t know about you but I will never do a dancing pointing reel. Dancing yes. Pointing maybe. Those two things together, never!
Now, if you’re like “Girl, me too,” I have good news for you. Because after analyzing my top-performing content, it turns out that some of my best reels weren’t the ones I spent hours creating. They were the random, authentic moments I almost didn’t post because they were a little too scrappy, unpolished and, honestly, lazy.
But hey – that is the energy I need in my life right now, so today I’m giving you my exact Lazy Reel framework. Plus 10 completely new reel ideas I’ve never shared before.
And the best part?
All of these reel ideas involve zero-talking and can be filmed in less than 5 minutes.
And, if you are looking for 128 Quick Post Ideas, Prompts & Profile Tips For Service Providers & Small Business Owners Who Need A No B.S. Social Media Plan then I want you to check out my Social Media Starter Pack.
So here is my lazy 3-step reel framework that works every single time…
Step 1: Capture A Moment For Your Instagram Reel Idea
Any moment. Don’t overthink it. Pull out your phone and record something real happening in your life.
Maybe it’s having your morning cup of coffee…
Walking down the street (you need an Instagram buddy for that one)…
Working at your computer…
Riding in the car…
Sitting at dinner having a drink…
Think dead simple.
This isn’t a performance – it’s a peek into your everyday life. It’s also how I noticed I have a resting bitch face.
Step 2: Add Audio to Your Instagram Reels Idea
Okay, when it comes to audio, you have two really simple options.
You can either record a quick voice-over or add music or audio directly from Instagram.
Of course, adding a voice-over does take talking, but it’s still super quick and not something you even need a script for. I simply record in my voice memo app on my phone. Seriously… that’s it.
Or how about this reel, where I literally used an actual voice memo I sent my team over some b-roll of me on vacation. That’s how to make reels with existing videos without much work.
But if you want to be as lazy as possible, I really love adding trending audio – it’s easy, fast, and it’s a great way to get the algorithm to push your content out to more people.
“When I wake up in the morning and I step outside” — remember that one? Yeah that’s still stuck in my head.
So if you ever stumble across an audio file 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 to Your Instagram Reels Ideas
Keep it short and easy to read for scrollers!
I recommend sharing one big idea – like a quote, tip or simple process that you can say in a few words and doesn’t force people to read the caption because most people won’t. Let’s be honest. Sometimes that’s fine to do but if you want to get more views and engagement, keep the idea in the video itself.
And then all that’s left to do is add a quick caption and post that bad boy!!!
Now are you ready for 10 easy no-talking Reel ideas that you can film in the next 5 minutes? Yeah, you are…
10 Easy No-Talking Reel Ideas
1. Getting Ready
Film yourself getting ready for work, doing your makeup or your morning journaling practice.
Slap on some text overlay where maybe you share something like…
- “My morning routine…”
- “Creative refresh ritual.”
- Or “How I get into creative flow…”
2. Share Your Workspace BTS
Time-lapse yourself working, clearing off your desk or preparing for a client call.
Some text overlay ideas you might use are:
- “POV: You’re choosing discipline over chaos today.”
- OR “What I remind myself before every client call…”
3. Learning Moment
Film yourself trying something new…
Reading a new book.
Or you learning something new from someone.
Your text overlay might say something like:
- “The unexpected thing I learned from NAME…”
- “The one lesson I wish I learned sooner…”
- “This changed how I run my business.”
4. Hand-Written Note
I don’t know if it’s the inner writer in me, but there’s something so satisfying about watching someone write.
Film yourself taking notes, writing down your goals, or ideas on a piece of paper.
5. Mirror Check
I mean this is something you probably already have 500 of saved on your phone, right? No, just me?
If not, this is going to be a hot tip that will save you so much time.
Anytime I’m on vacation, out for dinner, at a conference, in the airport – anywhere – I love to 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.
6. Before/After/Reveal
Show your messy desk vs organized…
Or an unboxing of something that came in the mail…
Maybe a wardrobe change…
Get creative with this one because there are so many cool before/afters you could come up with.
And who doesn’t love a good before/after moment?!
7. Genuine Reaction
Film a real reaction to you getting caught in the moment…
Or seeing something that makes you shake your head…
Maybe receiving some good news, maybe it’s a sale coming in…
Or reading a testimonial…
8. End-of-Day Ritual
Closing your laptop, putting on your robe or winding down after a long day.
Add reflection text about the day, or maybe some more motivational like – 3 things you do to close your day or how you avoid burnout.
9. Recipe for Success
This is a fun little play on words that you get super creative with.
Film yourself making your morning coffee, making dinner, or cheering a cocktail. And use it as a way to share a “recipe for success”.
Something like:
- 5 things that help me stay productive
- 3 reminders for freelancers
- Daily habits that make business feel lighter
- Or, 3 things I’m proud of this week
10. Growth or Transformation
This is a great way to showcase you stepping outside your comfort zone and doing things that scare you.
Maybe it’s investing in yourself by joining a mastermind or program…
Speaking on stage…
Or going on a big adventure…. Or a little one…
Share something like:
- I used to think XYZ was scary, now it’s everyday life.
- One day I dreamed of where I’d be today…
- Or growth is messy, but it’s worth it.
And that’s it!!!!
10 super easy Reels you could film in 5 minutes or less…
Now here’s your challenge… pick one of these ideas and film it TODAY.
Remember, your audience doesn’t want to see a performance. They want to see themselves in your content.
So make it relatable. Don’t overthink it. Just film it and post it.
Then tag me on Instagram @copyposse so I can see what you create.
And if you want even more content strategies like this, make sure to grab my free Social Media Starter Pack — it has 128 more ideas just like these.
Until next time, I’m Alex. Ciao for now!
