A showreel is a constantly evolving thing, like your hair-style. You might like how it is now, but fashions are constantly changing and nobody wants to look dated.

 

FAQ People Ask

How long should acting showreel be...three minutes?

It's recommended that you don't have too much footage on your showreel. Frank Moiselle CSA advises that, “Two minutes is long enough, three minutes is plenty.” Casting professionals are busy people and won't have time to sit through showreels that are much longer than this.

 

How to make an acting showreel with no experience?

Choose a monologue to perform or a conversation with someone reading the second part. Focus on nailing your performance. Recording a self-taped audition is just like submitting a headshot but gives a better first impression. The casting director can see you face to face and get a better idea of who you are as an actor.

 

What makes a good acting showreel?

Tell A Story
It tells the story of the characters they're portraying. It leaves the viewer with a feeling. A showreel can make us laugh, it can intrigue us, but it can also leave us bored, just like a film or YouTube clip. Don't just think in terms of acting, think in terms of giving the viewer a good experience.​

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What kind of Reels go viral?

If you want your Reel to go viral, the content of your video has to be valuable. Valuable Reels are either educational, informative, inspiring, entertaining or relatable.

 

How to viral reels on Instagram 2025?

Finding success on reels in 2025

1. Get creative with Edits (coming soon). We've heard that creators want more comprehensive editing tools for short-form video creation, all in one place.

2. Tell longer stories. 90 seconds isn't always enough time to tell a story just the way you want. 

3. Edit and customize your reels with ease.

 

What are the Instagram guidelines for 2025?

5 Instagram Updates You Need to Know in 2025

• Profile grids are actually moving to 4:5.

• A trial feature is rolling out for reels.

• You can now add music to your profile.

• Users can now comment on stories.

• Highlight bubbles could be moving to the grid.

 

How long is a successful reel?

There's no specific length that guarantees a Reel will go viral, but shorter Reels—typically around 7 to 15 seconds—tend to perform better. This is because shorter content is easier to consume and encourages viewers to watch the entire video, which boosts completion rates, a key factor in Instagram's algorithm.

 

What does a good showreel look like?

The simpler, the better. You need to start off with your name, followed by your best scene that features you in a closeup and that it's very clear who you are in the scene. It doesn't need to be more than three minutes long, three to five minutes we say on the website, but it can be a lot less.​​​

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How long should clips be in an acting reel?

between 20-30 seconds

Each clip should be between 20-30 seconds long, and the entire demo reel should be two to three minutes long, maximum. Your reel should also include your name, contact information, headshot, and website.

 

How long should a reel be to get attention?

Most sources agree that 15–30 seconds is ideal for Instagram Reels, especially for quick and engaging content. For storytelling or tutorials, 30–60 seconds may be more suitable. Experiment with these lengths to find what works best for your audience.

 

What not to do on reels?

Here is exactly what not to do after posting your reels..

• Posting and ghosting! Please don't do this!!!!

• Not engaging with other creators. Take the time to comment on fellow creators posts.

• Not posting your reel in your stories. Your stories provide you with extra views!

• Not liking or engaging with your own post.

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​​​How to end a showreel?

It's a good idea to end your showreel by sharing contact information so that people can get in touch with you easily. This could include: Your website address. and all your social media  deatails.

 

How many clips should be in a showreel?

Three clips. You should aim for a minimum of 3 clips, each 30-40 seconds, showing different character Types and emotions. Once you've been acting for a year or two and you have some footage, you should compile all those clips together into a compilation (or "sizzle") reel.

 

Do actors need a showreel?

Your showreel can help to define your type, by selecting clips which reflect the kind of roles you are best suited for. If there is more than one niche you fit into, having different showreels that reflect these different types can make it much easier for casting directors to see you in quite different roles.

 

Is four minutes too long for a demo reel?

The golden rule is to keep your demo reel between 90 seconds to 3 minutes long. Time is valuable, especially for busy casting directors or producers. You want to ensure they see your best work and that they are not tempted to skip parts or end the viewing prematurely.

 

What to do if you don't have an acting reel?

You'll just want to find a monologue or scene (or write something yourself) and then ask a friend to use your smartphone camera to record it. A simple single-angle shot on you looking off-camera or into the camera can work fine. Make sure the scene you choose to shoot fits perfectly with your brand.

 

Can I use any music for my showreel?

You do need to ask permission to use any music in your showreel.

“Can you use copyrighted music on Instagram Reels?” is a common question among content-makers. Instagram has specific guidelines regarding the use of music in Reels. While the platform provides a library of licensed music, using tracks outside of this library or without proper licensing can lead to copyright claims.

 

What do you wear to a showreel?

Choose plain colour’s, don't wear patterns, no graphics, no zig zags, nothing that shimmers on camera, no words on t-shirts. Colours like teal, cobalt and coral pop on screen. Avoid white, bright red and all-black outfits.

 

How do I make my showreel stand out?

Vary your footage
By including some more technically difficult scenes, such as filming in backlight. Varying focal lengths, compositions and lighting styles will all help add that mix, which will ensure that your showreel keeps the viewer's interest and doesn't feel too one-dimensional.

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​​​​​​​​​​What makes an interesting reel?

Add Text and Effects: Use text to highlight key moments or provide context. Play around with effects to make your Reel more visually appealing and fun to watch. 5. Share, Share, Share: Once your Reel is ready, share it across your social media platforms.

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How long should reels be in 2025?

3 minutes

Previously, only reels up to 90 seconds were eligible for recommendation, but now reels up to 3 minutes will be eligible to be seen by non-followers in places like the Reels tab and Explore. Appetite around long-form content is changing, and we'll continue to improve how reels are recommended on Instagram.

 

What is a showreel example?

A showreel is a short video compilation of your work: a trailer, a teaser, a portfolio, a résumé.

 

What to include in an acting reel?

Include four to five video or audio clips of your best work. These clips should range from 30 to 60 seconds in length. You can use clips from any professional films, TV shows, or commercials you've been in, alongside monologues you record to showcase your range and skills. All essential information namely: your name, age, height, all social media links that you use for self promotion, your agent's details (if you have one) and if not a contact email address but stay save by creating a free dedicated email acount used solely for your acting communications.

 

What is a slate for acting?

State your Age. Where you're based. And the character you're about to play, some slates instructions for slates will say "Okay we also want to see your side profile. State your height.

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​​​Do 1 minute Reels do well?

A minute-long reel gives you plenty of opportunities to share content, whereas a 15 or 30-second Instagram reel length is better when you want to share a specific piece of information. Change your reel time on the Instagram app. Open the Instagram app and click on the plus, then reel to bring up the reel screen.

 

How to edit a good acting reel?

Here are some guidelines to keep in mind as you're editing.

1. Retain focus. You've got roughly 60 seconds to knock their socks off. ...

2. Hold their attention. Keep the footage as succinct as possible. ...

3. Put your best footage first. ...

4. Don't be afraid to trim footage

 

Do you need an acting reel to get an agent?

If you don't have a showreel, many agents will be uninterested in your application. However, there is a range of professional showreel companies that will film and edit scenes for you so that you have something to show potential agencies.

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What not to do in a showreel?

Here's our special to-do list of how 'not-to' make an actor' showreel.

1. They start the reel with two people of the same gender having a conversation. 

2. They have a montage. 

3. They put bad stuff at the end of the reel. 

4. They show too much diversity. 

5. They keep the reels running for far too long. 

6. They use grainy footage.

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Bottom line, how much does it cost to make a showreel?

​Well it depends on what you want in it, do you have other actor/s that you can bring along to work with you for you scenes. Do you require set/s to be built, period or elaborate costume, to shoot in locations with high production value but also more difficult to film in and therefore taking more planning and time.  Blue/Green screen shooting, CGI, FX's,. Original copyright free music, sound design, delivery in different formats i.e. three min reel, one minute reel, versions for YouTube, Instagram, Facebook or other all correctly formated for each, one, two or three scripts and scenes?​

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So in answer to the questions, it all really depends on what you want and your budget so please get in contact, lets meet to discuss and then we can tailor design your perfect showreel to your budget and expectations.

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​Want to star in you own tailor made film

Finally we offer an option to shoot a film with you as the lead, from script to delivery, plus an international film festival campaign, part of which could also be used for your showreel. If this is something you would like to discuss please do get in touch.

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We are based in London in the UK, we film mostly there but we you would like us to come and film with you with a small team we would be happy to organise and provide a quote for our services.​​