If you have ever wondered how to make reels with existing video for free, you are not alone. The Instagram Reels format takes over the whole platform and is watched more than other types of content on the app. That is why creators, brands, and regular users are looking for ways to turn long videos, YouTube content, Twitch recordings, longer video interviews,  podcasts, or even casual footage into short shareable Reels. The good news? You do not need to start from scratch or cut those videos manually – you just need the right tool. Here is the right place!

Can You Make a Reel with an Existing Video?

Yes, totally. AI Video Cut is a tool that is made exactly for this purpose. Using existing content is time-saving, increases your reach, and gives new life to footage you have already created, attracting new viewers to your longer content. So, if you are wondering how to turn a video into a reel on Instagram, there is a smart solution that will do it for you.

AI Video Cut: Reel Creator & Repurposing Tool

AI Video Cut is a powerful tool that uses AI to automatically find the most engaging moments in your long-form videos and transform them into dynamic, platform-ready short clips. These are perfect not only for Instagram Reels, but also for YouTube Shorts, TikTok, and other short video platforms.

Why AI Video Cut is the best free tool for making Reels:

• Instant repurposing: Just upload your video (or paste a link), and the AI analyses the content to find the most engaging moments.
• Suitable aspect ratio: The tool converts horizontal videos into the 9:16 vertical format required for Instagram Reels.
• Auto captions: AI Video Cut can easily recognise speech and add caption text to reels.
• Adjustable length: You can choose the desired length and number of quotes you want to see in your Reel.
• Trending Templates: Preset prompts allow you to choose the format of the resulting video to suit your needs. You can also create your custom prompt to get even more control over your results.

AI Video Cut helps you create reel short videos free of hassle or expensive tools, from product promotion and event recaps to sharing moments and repurposing any content.

How to Make Reels with Existing Videos

Here are easy steps to repurpose your existing content and expand your reach:

1. Upload a video from your device or paste a link and click “Submit”. Wait for the video to process.

2. Select video type depending on your goals. Choose “template” if you want to use preset prompts or “Custom” if you're going to use your own prompt.

3. If you choose “Template”, select the desired prompt for your video.

4. Select Clip length and, if applicable, number of clips.

5. Choose the aspect ratio (in case of Reels, 9:16) and original video language for caption generation.

6. Choose the captions design or turn them off if you do not want any.

7. Click “Submit” and wait for your video to process.
8. Download your results! You can also regenerate your video if you need a better outcome.

Want to Make Popular Reels? Let the AI Guide You

Have you ever wondered how to make popular reels or how to create short videos for Instagram that don’t just look good but actually perform? The secret is in storytelling and timing. AI Video Cut’s smart algorithms understand which parts of your video will hook viewers (and prompts will select the parts for your chosen format), keep them watching, and encourage shares. 

You don’t need to reshoot. You don’t need to purchase expensive editing software. And you definitely don’t need to spend hours on manual editing. Just upload your video footage and let our ultimate free reel creator turn it into something powerful, engaging, and ready to go viral.

Now that you know how to make reels with existing videos with AI Video Cut, the only thing left is to try it and make your next Instagram Reels!