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Instagram Reels Transitions – The Ultimate Guide With Video Tips

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If you are looking for a complete guide on Instagram Reels transitions, this article is for you! If you have decided to take your Instagram Reels to the next level with creative transitions, you are in the right place! Today, I’m sharing seven of my favorite Instagram Reels transitions as well as how to achieve them. Some of these transitions are going to be easier than others, but they are all doable without any fancy editing equipment! What I like most about these transitions is that you don’t need to rely on the Instagram app or any special effects to create them. These Instagram Reel transitions can also be done on TikTok or any video content that you create.

I am very passionate about creating fun, engaging video content and can’t wait to share these Instagram Reel transitions with you. Let’s get to it!

Instagram Reels Transitions

1) Hand to the Camera

I like to call the first Instagram Reel transition hand to the camera. Here is the breakdown of the transition:

  • First, you will record a clip of yourself or some scene and then put your hand up to the camera lens
  • Next, you will change something about the scene. It could be your outfit, the location, really anything.
  • After you make the change, you will then start the clip off by putting your hand to the camera/lens and slowly removing your hand from the focal point of the shot, and then showcase whatever it is you want to show in that clip.
  • When editing this transition, you will piece together the two clips and then remove any extra space between the clips that might slow down the transition.

Check out this short video on the hand-to-the-camera transition.

2) Jump and Land

The next Instagram Reel transition is the Jump and Land. This transition is fun and easy. You can use this transition in a variety of scenarios and is popular in travel videos. Here is the breakdown of the transition:

  • You will be utilizing a point-of-view perspective when filming
  • The first step is to film your feet/the background in a jumping motion. With that being said, you are filming as you jump.
  • Once you’ve filmed the first jump, you will change location and film the second jump.
  • When editing this, you need to edit the transition so that as soon as you take off in your first jump, you are landing in the second location.

Check out this short video on the jump and land transition.

3) Snap and Change

The third Instagram Reel transition is the Snap and Change. This is a really fun transition that can be used in travel videos and even fashion videos. You can use this method in really any video where you want to showcase a change. Here is the breakdown of the transition:

  • First, set up your phone/camera on a tripod or have someone hold the camera.
  • The next step is to film yourself snapping.
  • Once you do this, go ahead and make your change (location, outfit, food, etc.)
  • Next, go ahead and film yourself snapping again. Be sure to position yourself in a similar way to help the transition look more seamless.
  • When editing, all you really need to do is remove the extra space at the beginning and end of the clips.

Check out this video on the snap and change transition.

4) Straight-line Mask

The Straight-line Mask transition is one that can be as easy or as complicated as you want it to be. I’m going to primarily focus on the easy version but also provide a little more detail for those who would like to take their editing to photoshop. This transition is a little difficult to explain via text, but essentially the clip would start with some sort of movement (like someone walking), and then they or the camera would pass some sort of structure that appears like a straight line (think a tree or pillar). The straight line needs to go from the very top to the very bottom of the screen for this to work. As soon as that straight line structure passes, the next scene will start, but for this to work, it needs to begin with a straight line that matches the previous clip.

You can get super creative with this one, which is why you can take it to the next level and edit in Premiere.

Here is the breakdown of the transition:

  • Plan to film some sort of movement around a structure like a tree or a pillar or brick wall. You will need to match the start of the next clip with a structure that is similar or will match up.
  • Film the movement and end the clip with that structure.
  • Film the next clip beginning with a similar structure, but the content of the clip should be different (like a different location or movement/action).
  • When editing, you want to match up the clips so that the first one ends with the structure and the next starts with the same/similar structure. The goal is to make it look like it is the same structure.
  • In Premiere, you can utilize the mask tool to make this more effective. You can also use transition effects in Premiere, like Wipe or Blur, to make the transition look more seamless.

5) Sky-to-Sky

The sky-to-sky is an easy and fun transition to utilize. Essentially, you will create a clip that ends by showing the sky. The next slip will start with the sky. The one constant in this transition is the sky, and the two scenes themselves (that pan to/from the sky) should be different. Here is the breakdown of the transition:

  • The first step is to begin filming your scene (this could be literally anything) and then pan up to the sky.
  • Start filming your next clip by starting at the sky and then panning down to the scene.
  • The trick here is to ensure that the parts of the sky you pan to/from are similar. This will help the transition become much more seamless.
  • When editing, you can trim the end of the first clip and the beginning of the next clip for a more seamless transition.

6) Dark-in and Dark-out

The dark-in and dark-out transition is another fun and easy Instagram Reel transition to try. This transition will start with some scene and then pan to something dark (like a table or a shirt) and the next scene will start with that same dark object and then pan out to the scene.

Here is the breakdown of the transition:

  • To create this Instagram Reel transition, start by filming a scene (again, this could be anything based on your niche). Once you’ve done this, pan to some dark object. 
  • For the next clip, start recording at that same dark object and then pan (out, up, or down) to show the larger scene.
  • You want to ensure that the ‘dark object’ that you film looks the same on both clips for this to work.
  • When it comes to editing, you can trim some of the end of the first clip and the start of the next clip to speed up the transition.

7) Camera Swipe

The camera swipe is a really fun transition that you can use for literally any niche. You can do some really creative things with in-camera transitions. Typically this type of transition will be used to show a process or different clips related to a topic. You can also get creative and swipe in any direction. Here is the breakdown of the transition:

  • Start by filming the subject that you are focusing on for a few seconds.
  • Once you have done this, swiftly swipe in any direction of your choosing.
  • You can also mix and match the Instagram Reel transitions in this article and use a dark-in and dark-out to complete the transition. So for example, when you swipe, you might swipe to the side of a table if you are filming a cooking video and then start the next video by swiping in from the side of the table.
  • When editing, you can trim from the end of the first clip and the start of the second clip to speed up the transition.

Check out this video on the camera swipe transition.

Seven Tips For Creating Instagram Reel Transitions

Here are seven tips to help you when creating Instagram Reel transitions:

1. Plan Instagram Reels transitions in advance

To create the best video possible, I always recommend planning your shot out in advance. Whether you utilize a spreadsheet to plan or prefer pen and paper, this will help you to stay organized.

2. Plan props/equipment and set up in advance

It is also important to plan out what you will need for your video or Instagram Reel transition in advance. The last thing you want is to get to the day where you will film and not have what you need. Trust me, been there, done that!

3. Practice Instagram transitions as much as possible

The more you practice with Instagram Reel transitions, the better you will get! Remember to try to have fun with it. The purpose behind all of this is creativity, so have fun with your video practice!

4. Mix and match the clips for extra creativity in your Instagram transitions

As mentioned in the seventh transition idea, you can absolutely mix and match various transitions to create even more engaging content. In fact, I’d highly recommend it! Have fun and try new things when creating your video content.

5. Don’t be afraid to get technical and use a video editor

Time and time again I hear people shudder when the possibility of needing to use video editing software comes up. Once you get used to using video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, it really is second nature. There are so many tutorials out there, so don’t be afraid to learn a new skill and improve your video editing.

6. You may need to do a shot multiple times to get the right cut

Some of these transitions may require a few takes to get right. This is just the reality of creating and editing awesome video content. Try not to get discouraged when practicing your Instagram Reels transitions!

7. Take your time – put in more effort to create original content

I would rather create one amazing, and inspiring video per week or month than create five videos a week or month. If you want to put more time into one piece of content so that it is of higher quality, allow yourself to do that. Not only are you creating content that could have a positive impact on someone, but you are also leveling up and learning new skills, which is awesome.

Pay special attention to these details to master Instagram Reels transitions:

When it comes to mastering Instagram Reels transitions, there are a few details to pay special attention to:

1. Know where to place the cut for your Instagram Reel transition

A big part of knowing where to place the cut comes with practice. This basically means knowing when to start and end a clip, and also knowing when a clip is too long. Sometimes a clip is too long and should be trimmed. Making your videos shorter and more engaging can be extremely beneficial.

2. What audio will you want to use ahead of time?

You may want to edit a video to specific music, so if you want the music and video to align, it is important to identify the music from the start. This way you can shoot your video content so that it matches up with the music. 

3. Be sure to film the Instagram video vertical

I know this may seem obvious, but we all do it from time to time! There’s nothing worse than capturing amazing content and then realizing it isn’t the correct aspect ratio for social media.

My favorite tools and resources for creating Instagram Reels Transitions

One of my favorite tools for creating Instagram Reels transitions is Premiere Pro! I’ve been using this tool for years now and am a huge fan.

Conclusion

I hope that this article inspired you to get more creative with your Instagram Reel transitions. There are truly endless opportunities for creativity when creating video content. If you have any questions at all, please let me know in the comments.

Interested in learning more? Check out these articles:

Reel Ideas for Photographers – 30 of The Best Instagram Reel Ideas

The Best Colorful Backdrop Ideas for Your Next Video

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Morgan

Morgan is a recognized video marketing expert and content creator. She also runs a video production company and has a passion for teaching all things video.