Best Prompts for Creating Instagram Reels with AI

Instagram Reels have become the dominant content format on the platform, with the algorithm heavily favouring short-form video content. For

, Reels represent an unprecedented opportunity to reach new audiences organically—but creating compelling video content consistently can feel overwhelming. This is where AI becomes your secret weapon. With the right prompts, ChatGPT can help you generate endless Reel ideas, write engaging scripts, craft attention-grabbing hooks, and develop content strategies that align with your business goals. This comprehensive guide provides the exact prompts you need to leverage AI for Instagram Reels success.

Understanding the Reels Format and Algorithm

Before diving into the prompts, it's essential to understand what makes Reels successful. Instagram's algorithm prioritises Reels that keep viewers watching until the end, encourage saves and shares, and generate comments. The first 1-3 seconds are absolutely critical—if you don't hook viewers immediately, they'll scroll past. Successful Reels typically follow proven formats: tutorials, before-and-afters, behind-the-scenes content, storytelling, or entertainment with an educational twist.

The sweet spot for Reel length has evolved. Whilst Instagram technically allows up to 90 seconds, Reels between 7-15 seconds tend to have higher completion rates, which the algorithm rewards. However, educational content can perform well at 30-60 seconds if every second provides value. Your prompts should specify the desired length based on your content type and audience attention span.

Reel Concept and Idea Generation Prompts

Trending Format Adaptation Prompt:

"I run a [type of business] targeting [audience]. Identify 5 trending Instagram Reel formats currently popular and adapt each one for my business. For each format, provide: the trend name, why it's working, how to adapt it for my niche, a specific example script (30 seconds), and what to show visually. Make the adaptations authentic to my brand, not forced."

Content Pillar Reel Ideas Prompt:

"My business has these content pillars: [list 3-5 pillars]. Generate 20 Instagram Reel ideas (4 per pillar) that educate, entertain, or inspire my target audience of [description]. For each idea, provide: catchy title, hook for first 3 seconds, key message, and suggested visual approach. Mix educational, entertaining, and promotional content."

Problem-Solution Reel Prompt:

"My target customer struggles with [specific problem]. Create 10 Instagram Reel concepts that address this problem in different ways. Include: direct tutorials, common mistakes, myth-busting, before-and-after transformations, and 'what I wish I knew' style content. For each, provide the hook, main teaching points, and a CTA that drives [desired action]."

Script Writing Prompts

Educational Tutorial Script Prompt:

"Write a 45-second Instagram Reel script teaching [specific skill/tip] to [target audience]. Structure: Hook (3 seconds) that promises a specific outcome, brief context on why this matters (5 seconds), 3 clear steps with on-screen text suggestions (30 seconds), and CTA (7 seconds) to save for later or follow for more tips. Include [visual cues] in brackets for what to show on screen. Make it conversational, not scripted-sounding."

Storytelling Reel Script Prompt:

"Transform this business story into a compelling 30-second Reel script: [describe your story]. Use the 'hook-build-payoff' structure. Hook: Start with the most interesting moment or outcome. Build: Quickly establish context and tension. Payoff: Deliver the resolution and lesson. Include suggestions for text overlays and background music mood. Make viewers want to watch until the end."

Product Showcase Script Prompt:

"Create a 20-second Instagram Reel script showcasing [product/service] without being salesy. Target audience is [description] who care about [values/benefits]. Structure: Hook showing the problem or desire (3 seconds), quick demo of product in action (10 seconds), transformation or benefit statement (5 seconds), soft CTA (2 seconds). Include suggestions for transitions and text overlays."

Behind-the-Scenes Script Prompt:

"Write a 40-second 'day in the life' or behind-the-scenes Reel script for my [business type]. Show [specific aspects of your business]. Structure: Hook that teases something interesting (3 seconds), 4-5 quick cuts showing different moments (30 seconds), closing statement about why you love what you do (7 seconds). Make it authentic and relatable, showing both polished and real moments."

Hook Writing Prompts

The hook is the single most important element of your Reel. These prompts help you craft openings that stop the scroll.

Pattern Interrupt Hook Prompt:

"Generate 15 attention-grabbing hooks for Instagram Reels about [topic]. Each hook should: create curiosity, promise specific value, or challenge common thinking. Vary the formats: questions, bold statements, 'don't scroll' style, number-based promises, and shocking facts. Target audience is [description]. Make each hook under 10 words and immediately relevant to their interests."

Curiosity Gap Hook Prompt:

"I want to create Reels about [topic] that make people watch until the end. Write 10 hooks that create a curiosity gap—promising information that viewers must watch to discover. Use formats like: 'The [surprising thing] that [unexpected outcome]', 'I tried [thing] for [timeframe] and [result]', 'Nobody talks about [secret]'. Make them specific to [your industry]."

Controversial Opinion Hook Prompt:

"Write 8 'unpopular opinion' or 'hot take' style hooks for Reels about [your industry]. Each should present a contrarian view that [target audience] will either strongly agree or disagree with, encouraging comments. Format: 'Unpopular opinion: [statement]' or 'Hot take: [statement]'. Make them thought-provoking but not offensive. Include brief explanation of why this view challenges conventional thinking."

Caption Writing Prompts

Whilst the video is the star, captions play a crucial role in driving engagement and providing context.

Engagement-Driving Caption Prompt:

"Write an Instagram caption for a Reel about [topic]. The Reel shows [brief description]. Caption should: Start with a hook that adds context or asks a question (1-2 sentences), expand on the Reel's message with additional value (2-3 sentences), include a clear CTA to comment/save/share, and end with relevant hashtags. Tone: [your brand voice]. Include emoji strategically for visual breaks. 150 words max."

Story-Based Caption Prompt:

"The Reel shows [describe visual content]. Write a caption that tells the deeper story behind what viewers just watched. Structure: Opening line that connects emotionally, 2-3 sentences of backstory or context, the lesson or takeaway, question to encourage comments, and 10-15 relevant hashtags. Make it personal and authentic, like talking to a friend."

Value-Add Caption Prompt:

"Create a caption that adds significant value beyond what's in the Reel video about [topic]. The Reel covers [main points]. Caption should provide: Additional tips or context not mentioned in video, resources or tools mentioned, common mistakes to avoid, and invitation to DM for [specific offer/resource]. Include strategic hashtags for discovery. Professional but approachable tone."

Content Series and Theme Prompts

Weekly Series Concept Prompt:

"Design a recurring weekly Reel series for my [business type] that [target audience] will look forward to. Provide: Series name, concept/format, what each episode would cover, example hooks for first 5 episodes, and why this series would build anticipation. The series should establish me as the go-to expert for [specific niche] whilst being entertaining enough to share."

Challenge or Transformation Series Prompt:

"Create a 7-day or 30-day challenge series concept for Instagram Reels. The challenge helps [target audience] achieve [specific outcome]. Provide: Challenge name, daily themes, example Reel script for Day 1 and Day 7, how to encourage participation, and how this leads to [your offer]. Make it achievable and shareable."

FAQ Series Prompt:

"I get these common questions from potential clients: [list 5-10 questions]. Turn each into an Instagram Reel concept. For each, provide: Attention-grabbing way to present the question, 30-second script answering it, visual suggestions, and how to make the answer memorable. Vary the formats so they don't feel repetitive."

Trending Audio and Music Integration Prompts

Trend Adaptation Prompt:

"[Describe trending audio or challenge]. Help me adapt this trend for my [business type] in a way that feels authentic and provides value. Provide: How to use the audio, what to show visually, text overlay suggestions, and how to tie it back to my business message. Make it on-trend but not cringey."

Music Selection Prompt:

"I'm creating a Reel about [topic] with [mood/emotion]. Suggest 5 types of background music that would enhance this message. For each, describe: the mood it creates, when to use it in the video, and how it affects viewer perception. Also suggest whether to use trending audio for algorithm boost or original audio for brand building."

Call-to-Action Prompts

Soft CTA Prompt:

"Write 10 different soft CTAs for the end of Instagram Reels that encourage [desired action: follow, save, comment, share]. Avoid pushy language. Use formats like: value-based ('Save this for later'), curiosity-based ('Want to know more about X?'), community-based ('Tag someone who needs this'), and reciprocal ('Follow for daily tips on X'). Each should be under 10 words."

Engagement CTA Prompt:

"Create 15 comment-driving questions to end Instagram Reels about [your industry]. Each question should: be easy to answer, encourage people to share their experience/opinion, create discussion in comments, and give you insight into audience needs. Vary between this-or-that questions, fill-in-the-blank, and open-ended. Make them specific to [target audience] interests."

Batch Content Creation Prompts

Monthly Content Calendar Prompt:

"Create a 30-day Instagram Reels content calendar for my [business type]. Target audience is [description]. Include: Mix of educational (50%), entertaining (30%), and promotional (20%) content, variety of formats and lengths, strategic timing around [relevant events/seasons], and how each Reel supports my business goal of [objective]. Provide title and brief description for each day."

Content Remix Prompt:

"I have this existing content: [blog post/email/long-form video]. Extract 10 different Instagram Reel concepts from it. Each should focus on one specific insight, tip, or story from the original. Provide: Reel title, 20-30 second script, and hook for each. Show how one piece of content can fuel weeks of Reels."

Niche-Specific Reel Prompts

E-commerce Product Reels Prompt:

"I sell [product type] to [target customer]. Create 12 Instagram Reel concepts that showcase products without being salesy. Include: Styling tips, before-and-after transformations, unboxing experiences, customer testimonials, problem-solution demonstrations, and comparison content. For each, provide hook, script, and visual approach. Focus on lifestyle and benefits, not features."

Service-Based Business Reels Prompt:

"I offer [service] to [target client]. Service businesses are harder to visualize. Generate 15 Reel ideas that make my intangible service tangible. Include: Client results, process reveals, day-in-the-life content, myth-busting, tips and tricks, and behind-the-scenes. For each, suggest how to make it visually interesting despite not having a physical product."

Local Business Reels Prompt:

"I run a [local business type] in [location]. Create 10 Instagram Reel concepts that leverage local appeal and community connection. Include: Local landmarks or references, customer spotlights, community involvement, local events tie-ins, and neighborhood pride content. Each should appeal to both current local customers and attract new ones."

Analytics and Optimization Prompts

Performance Analysis Prompt:

"My top-performing Reel was about [topic], got [metrics], and had these elements: [describe hook, format, length, etc.]. My worst-performing Reel was about [topic], got [metrics], and had these elements: [describe]. Analyze what worked and what didn't. Then generate 5 new Reel concepts that incorporate the successful elements while avoiding the pitfalls."

A/B Testing Prompt:

"I want to test what resonates with my audience. Create two different versions of a Reel about [topic]. Version A should use [approach/format], Version B should use [different approach/format]. Provide full scripts for both, including different hooks, structures, and CTAs. Explain what each version is testing and what metrics to compare."

Repurposing and Cross-Platform Prompts

TikTok to Instagram Adaptation Prompt:

"This concept works well on TikTok: [describe]. Adapt it for Instagram Reels, considering the different audience and culture. Provide: Modified hook, adjusted script, different music/audio approach, and caption strategy. Explain key differences in how to present the same idea for Instagram's audience."

Long-Form to Short-Form Prompt:

"I have a [YouTube video/podcast episode/blog post] about [topic] that's [length]. Extract the most engaging moments and turn them into 5 different Instagram Reels. For each, identify: The specific moment or insight to feature, how to hook viewers in 3 seconds, text overlay strategy, and caption that provides context."

Best Practices for AI-Generated Reel Content

When using these prompts, remember that AI provides the foundation, but your authentic voice and on-camera presence make the content connect. Always customize the scripts to sound like you—read them aloud and adjust any phrases that feel unnatural. The goal is to

overcome creative blocks and speed up ideation, not to create robotic content.

Additionally, stay current with Instagram's evolving features and algorithm preferences. What works today may shift in six months. Use these prompts as templates that you continually refine based on your performance data. Pay attention to which formats, lengths, and topics resonate most with your specific audience, and adjust your prompts accordingly.

Finally, consistency matters more than perfection. It's better to post three good Reels per week using these prompts than to spend weeks trying to create one perfect Reel. The algorithm rewards consistent creators, and you'll improve with practice.

Conclusion

Instagram Reels represent one of the highest-ROI content investments for

today, but only if you can maintain consistency without burning out. These AI prompts solve that challenge by providing an endless well of ideas, scripts, and strategies. Start by choosing 3-5 prompts that align with your business goals and content style. Use them to create a week's worth of Reels, analyze the results, and refine your approach. Over time, you'll develop your own variations of these prompts that are perfectly tuned to your audience. Remember, the goal isn't to let AI do all the work—it's to let AI handle the heavy lifting of ideation and structure so you can focus your energy on authentic delivery and genuine connection with your audience.