How to Remix on Instagram

Instagram's Remix feature is more than just a creative tool - it's one of the platform's most powerful native features for collaboration, engagement, and organic growth. This guide will walk you through exactly how to create a Remix, share actionable strategies for using them well, and show you how to turn this simple feature into a consistent source of content that builds your brand.

What is an Instagram Remix (and Why Bother)?

An Instagram Remix lets you create your own Reel alongside an existing one created by another user. Think of it as Instagram's answer to TikTok's Duets and Stitches. You can record a reaction video that plays side-by-side, add a new clip that plays after the original, or overlay your video on top, all while the original audio plays. It's a direct, visual way to build on, respond to, or creatively interpret someone else's content.

So, why should you care? Beyond being a fun feature, Remixing is a strategic move for any creator or brand looking to grow a following. Here’s why it works so well:

• It Boosts Your Reach: When you Remix a popular Reel, you're tapping into a conversation that already has momentum. The Instagram algorithm often shows your Remix to audiences who engaged with the original video, giving you a chance to get in front of fresh eyes that you might not have reached otherwise.
• It Fosters Community and Collaboration: Social media is called "social" for a reason. Remixing is a direct form of collaboration. It's a way of saying, "I see your content, and I want to add to the conversation." It fosters a sense of community, encourages engagement, and can even lead to more formal collaborations down the line when you feature and credit other creators. Plus, the original creator gets a notification, giving them a chance to check you out and share your work.
• It Lightens Your Content Creation Load: Constantly coming up with original ideas is exhausting. Remixing gives you a starting point. You don't have to build a concept from scratch, you just have to provide a valuable or entertaining response. This "content piggybacking" is an efficient way to stay active and relevant when you're short on time or inspiration.
• It Showcases Your Personality and Expertise: A Remix allows you to add your unique voice to an existing topic. You can use it to share your expert opinion, showcase a different perspective, or simply add a humorous touch. It’s an authentic way to show potential followers who you are and what you stand for.

How to Remix a Reel on Instagram: The Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to create your first Remix? The process is refreshingly straightforward. Instagram baked this functionality directly into the Reels interface, making it accessible to everyone. Here’s how to do it in just a few taps.

1. Find a Reel You Want to Remix

First, find a video you want to build on. You can only Remix public Reels, not photos or carousels. Look for content that is relevant to your niche, inspires a reaction, or connects to a larger trend. You can find remixable Reels in your main feed, on the Reels tab, or on a creator's profile page. For a Reel to be remixable, the original creator must have the feature enabled in their settings (most do).

2. Open the Remix Menu

Once you've found the perfect Reel, tap the three-dot icon (☰) which is usually located in the bottom-right corner of the screen. This will open a menu of options.

3. Select "Remix"

In the menu that appears, simply tap on "Remix." This will take you to the Reels creation screen with the original video already loaded in. You'll also be prompted to choose how your video will be displayed.

4. Choose Your Remix Layout

When you enter the editing screen, Instagram will present you with two main layout options. You can access these by tapping the layout icon on the left-side panel.

• With original video: This is the classic side-by-side layout, perfect for reaction videos, commentary, or split-screen comparisons. Your recording appears on one side, and the original Reel appears on the other.
• After original video: This is a sequential layout. The original video will play in its entirety first, followed by the clip you record. This works well for "reveals," step-by-step follow-ups, or continuing a story where the original creator left off.

5. Record Your Video

Now, it's time to film your contribution. You can record a single clip or multiple short segments just like you would with a regular Reel. All the standard Reels tools are available on the left-hand menu. You can set a timer, change the speed, use a green screen effect, or apply a filter. You can also upload a pre-recorded clip from your phone's camera roll.

By default, the audio from the original Reel will serve as the soundtrack for your creation. However, you can add a voiceover to supplement it, mix the audio levels, or even add a different piece of audio if you prefer.

6. Add Your Creative Touches

Once your recording is complete, tap "Next." Here, you can use Instagram's full suite of post-production editing tools. This is where you can add text overlays, stickers (like polls or quizzes), captions, or draw on the screen. Adding text is a great way to emphasize your point and make your video understandable even with the sound off.

7. Write Your Caption, Tag, and Share

The final step is the share screen. Here, you'll write an engaging caption, add relevant hashtags, and edit your Reel's cover image. Most importantly, Instagram will automatically tag the original creator in your caption and as a video credit. Do not remove this tag! It’s what notifies them of your Remix and gives proper attribution. When you're ready, hit the "Share" button to publish your Remix to the Reels feed and, optionally, your main profile grid.

5 Creative Ways Brands and Creators Can Use Remixes

Knowing how to Remix is only half the battle. Coming up with a strategy for what to Remix is what makes the feature so valuable. Here are five practical ideas you can adapt for your niche.

1. Share Your Expert Reaction

One of the easiest ways to provide immediate value is by reacting to someone else's content through the lens of your expertise. Find a video that makes a bold claim, displays a new trend, or asks a question in your industry and weigh in.

Example: A registered dietitian could Remix a "What I Eat in a Day" video from a wellness influencer, offering science-backed commentary on the meal choices in a respectful, educational way.

2. Fact-Check and Debunk Myths

People in every industry encounter common misconceptions. Use the Remix feature to address misinformation head-on. Find a Reel that perpetuates a myth and use your side-by-side video to gently correct it with evidence. This positions you as a trustworthy authority.

Example: A personal finance coach could Remix a Reel promoting a risky, high-yield investment scheme, breaking down the red flags viewers should watch out for.

3. Demonstrate How to "Fix It" or "Do It Better"

This "before and after" format is incredibly compelling. Find a Reel where someone is struggling with a problem your product or service solves. Use the sequential "after original video" layout to show them the solution step by step.

Example: A professional cleaning brand could Remix a video of someone struggling with a stubborn kitchen stain, and in their own video, show a quick demo of how their product works to remove it instantly.

4. Show Your Behind-the-Scenes Process

Consumers love authenticity. Find a Reel that shows a perfectly polished final product - whether it's a beautiful piece of art, a well-plated meal, or a coded website. Remix it to show the messy, chaotic, but real work that went into creating it.

Example: An artist could find a Reel of someone showing off a stunning finished sculpture, then Remix it with clips of their clay-covered hands, failed attempts, and the long kiln process. It humanizes the craft and builds a connection.

5. Participate in a Trend or Challenge

Every week, new challenges, dances, or meme formats take over Reels. Remixing is a great, low-stakes way to jump in. Find a video of someone doing the trend and use the side-by-side format to do it with them. Make sure the trend aligns with your brand's voice and feels natural, not forced.

Example: A B2B software company whose brand is fun and approachable could Remix a popular lighthearted trend, but customize the on-screen text to relate to the daily struggles their software solves.

Best Practices for Standout Remixes

To get the most out of your Remix efforts, keep these simple guidelines in mind:

• Always add something valuable. The best Remixes don't just repeat what the original creator said. They add a new perspective, insert humor, share expertise, or provide a follow-up. Ask yourself: "How am I making this content better or different?"
• Keep it positive and respectful. While fact-checking is valuable, avoid turning a Remix into a personal attack. The goal is to build community, not tear others down. Constructive, respectful interaction goes a long way.
• Prioritize high-quality audio and video. Just because it's a response video doesn't mean quality flies out the window. Film in a well-lit space and make sure your audio is clear, especially if you're using a voiceover.
• Engage with the original creator and their audience. If the original creator comments on your Remix, respond! Watch for new followers and engage with any comments left on your post. This is your chance to turn momentary visibility into a lasting community connection.

Final Thoughts

Remixing content on Instagram is a fun, effective, and efficient way to participate in online conversations, connect with other creators, and consistently deliver value to your audience without reinventing the wheel every single day. By intelligently building on existing content, you can amplify your reach, showcase your expertise, and build a more dynamic brand presence.

Planning out a mix of original and remixed content is essential for a balanced and sustainable social strategy. At Postbase, we designed our visual content calendar specifically to help you see the bigger picture. You can map out your entire schedule, drag and drop posts to different slots, and see where a timely, trend-based Remix can provide a quick win, all without getting bogged down in spreadsheets or losing track of what’s going live and when.