How to Duet on Instagram

Looking to create a side-by-side video on Instagram, just like the popular Duets you've seen on TikTok? You're in the right place, but you're looking for a feature called a Remix. This tutorial will guide you step-by-step through creating your first Instagram Remix, give you some creative ideas to get started, and show you how to leverage this feature to grow your account.

What is an Instagram Duet? (It’s Called a Remix!)

If you're an avid TikTok user, you know all about the Duet feature. It lets you create a new video that appears directly alongside an original video, creating a split-screen effect. It’s perfect for reactions, collaborations, challenges, and building on another creator's content. On Instagram, this same functionality exists for Reels, but it’s called a Remix.

When you Remix a Reel, you're essentially borrowing someone else's video as a prompt and adding your own spin. Your video can appear side-by-side with the original, or you can have your video play immediately after the original concludes. It’s an incredibly powerful way to engage with trends, collaborate with other creators, and produce fresh content without having to start completely from scratch.

How to Remix an Instagram Reel: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating your first Remix is simple once you know where to tap. Follow these steps to get started.

Step 1: Find a Reel You Want to Remix

First things first, you need to find a video that inspires you. This could be anything from a trending dance, a funny skit, an educational tutorial, or a question someone poses to their audience. Scroll through your Reels feed or visit the profile of a creator you admire to find the perfect clip.

Keep in mind that not all Reels can be remixed. Creators have the option to disable Remixing on their videos. If you don't see the option in the next step, it's likely they’ve chosen to turn it off.

Step 2: Open the Remix Menu

Once you’ve found the Reel you want to use, look for the three-dot icon (...). This is usually located in the bottom-right corner of the screen or along the side menu.

Tap the three dots to open up a menu of options. Here, you'll see choices like "Save," "Share," and, if the creator allows it, "Remix."

Step 3: Select "Remix" and Choose Your Layout

When you tap "Remix," Instagram will take you to a new screen to prepare your video. It will automatically download the original Reel and show you a preview. You'll then be prompted to choose a layout for your Remix:

• With original video: This is the classic side-by-side "Duet" style. Your recording will appear next to the original Reel in a split-screen format. This is great for reaction videos, follow-along tutorials, and comparisons.
• After original video: This layout plays the original Reel in its entirety first, and then your new clip plays immediately after it. This works well for answer videos, "part two" scenarios, or providing a resolution to the original video.

Select the layout that makes the most sense for the story you want to tell and tap "Next."

Step 4: Record or Upload Your Video

Now it’s your turn to shine. You’ll be taken to the Reels camera interface, with the original video playing on one side (or ready to play before your clip). You can record your part by pressing and holding the record button. You have access to all the standard Reels recording tools:

• Speed controls (to slow down or speed up your video)
• Timer (for hands-free recording)
• Effects and filters
• Align tool (to line up shots for seamless transitions)

Alternatively, if you already have a video saved to your phone, you can upload it by tapping the gallery icon in the bottom-left corner.

Step 5: Edit and Enhance Your Remix

After you’ve captured your video, you’ll land on the final editing screen. This is where you can add all the personal touches that make your content unique. At this stage, you can:

• Add text overlays: Tap the "Aa" icon to write captions or comments. You can change fonts, colors, and add text animations.
• Use stickers: Access Instagram's library of stickers, including polls, quizzes, GIFs, and captions for transcribed audio.
• Add a voiceover or your own audio: You can record a voiceover commentating on the video or add music from Instagram's library.
• Trim your clips: Refine the beginning and end of your video clips for a more polished final product.

Step 6: Share and Tag

Once you're happy with your creation, tap "Next." You'll be on the final sharing screen. Here, you’ll want to:

• Write a compelling caption: Explain what your Remix is about. Since it's a collaborative format, acknowledging the original video is good practice.
• Tag the original creator: Instagram automatically gives credit to the original Reel’s creator, but it’s always a good idea to tag them directly in your caption using their @username. This notifies them of your creation and exposes your video to their audience.
• Add relevant hashtags: Use a mix of broad and niche hashtags to help your Remix get discovered by users interested in your topic.
• Choose a cover photo: Select a frame from the video or upload a custom image to be your Reel's cover.

Finally, hit "Share," and your Remix will be published to your Reels feed and shared on your profile!

Why Can’t I Remix Some Instagram Reels?

Ever found the perfect Reel to Remix, only to discover the option is missing? It’s a common frustration, and there are a few reasons why it might be happening.

• The Creator Disabled Remixes: The most common reason is that the original creator has manually turned off the Remix feature for their video or their entire account. You can control this for your own content by going to your Settings >, Privacy >, Reels and Remix and toggling your preferences.
• The Account is Private: You cannot Remix content from a private Instagram account. The feature is only available for public videos.
• The Audio is Restricted: Sometimes, the licensed audio used in a Reel isn't available for Remixing. This often happens with certain musicians or copyrighted sounds, and there's unfortunately no way around it.
• Your App is Outdated: If you're running an old version of the Instagram app, some newer features may not be available. A quick visit to the App Store or Google Play Store to update your app can often solve the problem.

Creative Ideas for Instagram Remixes

You know how to make a Remix, now, what should you create? Here are some popular and engaging formats to spark your creativity.

1. Classic Reaction Videos

This is the bread and butter of the Remix feature. Find a video that is shocking, hilarious, heartwarming, or educational, and simply record your genuine reaction to it side-by-side. Your expressive response adds a new layer of commentary and entertainment to the original clip.

2. Side-by-Side Tutorials and Challenges

Is there a trending dance, a workout challenge, or a viral recipe making the rounds? Use a Remix to show yourself attempting it alongside the original creator. This "I tried it" format is relatable, fun, and a great way to participate in trends.

3. "Finish the Line" or Role-play Skits

Creators often post skits where they leave a role open for others to fill. They might say a line and then pause, inviting you to respond. Use the Remix feature to act out the other part of the scene. It’s a fun, improvisational way to create content.

4. Add value or a new perspective

Find a Reel that offers advice or teaches something. Your Remix can build on it by adding "Part 2," offering a different point of view, or demonstrating an application of the knowledge from the original clip. For example, if someone shares a productivity tip, you can show how you implemented it in your own workflow.

Leveraging Instagram Remixes for Your Brand

Remixes aren't just for fun challenges, they're a smart tool for social media marketing and brand building.

• Boost Your Reach: By Remixing a trending Reel from a larger creator, you're tapping into their audience and the existing momentum of a viral video. It’s a bit like drafting behind a race car - it helps push your content further.
• Increase Engagement and Community: Remixes are inherently conversational. They invite a response, start a dialogue, and build a sense of community. By featuring other creators, you foster a collaborative spirit that followers appreciate.
• Source User-Generated Content (UGC): Encourage your own audience to Remix your Reels! You can post a call-to-action, ask a question, or initiate a challenge related to your product or brand. This generates valuable social proof and content you can share.
• Show a Human Side: Brands can feel corporate and distant. Jumping on a fun, lighthearted trend with a Remix shows authenticity and personality, making your brand more relatable and approachable.

Final Thoughts

What used to be known as a "Duet" on one platform is now thriving on another as the "Remix" feature. It's an incredibly versatile format for creating collaborative, timely, and engaging content on Instagram. By following these steps and getting creative with your ideas, you can easily use Remixes to connect with your community and grow your presence.

As you incorporate more Remixes, a solid plan helps keep your content organized. Planning short-form videos like Reels used to feel chaotic, which is why we built a visual content calendar into Postbase. You can see your entire video strategy at a glance, drag and drop posts to reschedule, and plan campaigns weeks in advance without getting lost in spreadsheets. It’s the kind of modern scheduling and planning support creators and marketers actually need today.