How to Sequence a Reel on Instagram (It's Like Stitching on TikTok!)
If you’ve ever “stitched” a video on TikTok, you’ll love Instagram’s version: Sequencing. And if you haven’t? Don’t worry—I’ll walk you through it.
Sequencing is one of the easiest ways to:
Create content without starting from scratch,
Align your account with other creators (yes, the algorithm notices!),
Get on someone’s radar (they’ll get a notification you used their post), and
Respond to viral content with your unique take.
You can use this tool to respond to viral Reels, community prompts, or anything that resonates with your audience.
Below, I’ll walk you through exactly how to do it, plus show you 3 examples to inspire your first Sequence.
❓ How to Sequence a Reel
Let’s use this post from my Tech Savvy Actor member Janora McDuffie as our example:
👉 Click here to view the original Reel on Instagram
She asks: “If you were gonna write a show about your life, what would it be called?”
Sure you could answer in the comments (and you should!) but Sequencing it turns it into a post idea on your account too 💗 #SuperSavvy!
Here’s how to Sequence it with your answer:
1️⃣ Click the three dots on the post (they might be in the top right or bottom right corner, depending on your device).
2️⃣ Select “Sequence” from the menu.
3️⃣ Use your fingers to trim the start and end of the original clip.
Slide the left handle to start right when the question begins.
Slide the right handle to end right after the question (before “I’ll go first”).
4️⃣ BOOM! Now you’re inside the Instagram Reels camera. Hit the record button and give your answer in about one sentence.
5️⃣ On the final screen, choose a cover photo that features you (this will appear on your feed):
6️⃣ Add a caption and ‘Just Post it!’
✨ Sequencing Examples
Need inspiration? Here are 3 ways my students and I have used Sequencing to create fun, relatable content.
💡Example 1: The Life Story Prompt
📽️ Original Reel: “If you were gonna write a show about your life, what would it be called?
This type of post is short, fun, and highly shareable. You can use humor, vulnerability, or even surprise us with something totally unexpected. This is the one in the step-by-step instructions above.
💡Example 2: TV Show Dreams
📽️ Original Reel from my account
I asked: “What current TV show would you love to be on?”
This is a fun one to sequence because it shows your personality and your casting sweet spot. Want to be on Abbott Elementary? The Bear? Bridgerton? Say it loud!
💡Example 3: A Mashup Remix
📽️ Kevin Hart x Alex Ryan
This one mixes a viral Kevin Hart clip with an actor’s response, creating a clever and personal mashup. Sequencing lets you piggyback off recognizable content and inject your own spin.
Think of a SEQUENCE like a creative collaboration — even if you’ve never met the person you're Sequencing from.
Try It Now!
Scroll through the Reels Tab and look for content that:
Asks a question
Shares a strong opinion
Features a trending moment or sound
Then… Sequence it! Want a quick post idea? Sequence one of the examples above ⬆️
You’re just one tap away from content that’s easy, engaging, and algorithm-friendly.
Want more content ideas like this one? Check out my book Social Media for Actors — your go-to guide for growing, thriving, and surviving online OR join me inside Tech Savvy Actors — where smart actors learn how to use tools like this to grow their careers—and their confidence—online.
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