Instagram Reels Posting & Credit Guide

Last updated: August 5, 2025

Overview

This page explains how to post an Instagram Reel and how to credit properly using Invite Collaborator, Tag People, or a Mention (@handle). Keep this as a neutral reference for listings, project highlights, and brand content.

Policy: We accept collabs (Invite Collaborator) and mentions only if agreed in advance. If expectations are unclear, please ask before posting—some posts we must be on, some we prefer not to be on, and some vary by context.

Credit Options (What’s the Difference?)

Invite Collaborator

Share the post to both profiles after the invite is accepted. Appears on both grids; analytics are shared.

How: On the final screen tap Tag people → Invite collaborator → search agreed handles → Done.

Tag People (No Collab)

Adds a profile tag without sharing to the other grid. Credit is visible on the “Tagged” tab.

How: Tag people → add handle(s) under Add tag → Done.

Mention in Caption

Type @handle in the caption. No grid share; credit appears in text and is searchable.

How: In the caption: “Media by @yourhandle”.

When to Use Which

Use a Collaborator when:

  • The content was co-created and both parties want it on their grids.
  • It’s a marquee piece (portfolio, launch, high-visibility campaign).
  • Cross-audience reach and shared analytics matter.

Use a Tag (no collab) when:

  • You want to credit without sharing to another grid.
  • Your grid aesthetics or scheduling require single-profile posts.
  • Paid ads or internal brand rules limit collaborators.

Use a Mention when:

  • Caption credit is sufficient and discoverable.
  • You need flexibility across platforms (IG + FB) without collab.
  • There are regulatory/disclosure lines to include in text.
Reminder: Please confirm in advance whether to use collab, tag, or mention. If in doubt, ask.

How to Post a Reel (Step-by-Step)

**REELS CAN ONLY BE POSTED FROM A MOBILE DEVICE!**

Prepare the file

  1. Open the video in Dropbox (or your delivery link) → tap the menu (⋯) → Save video to your camera roll.

Create the Reel

  1. Open Instagram → tap the Add (+) button → switch from Post to Reel → select the video → Next.
  2. Audio is already mixed; tap Next.
  3. Skip the editor for all Summit Media content; tap Next.
  4. (Optional) Change the cover: Edit cover → scrub to desired frame → Done.
  5. Add your caption. If using mentions, include @agreedhandle here. Keep hashtags targeted (8–10 is a common range).
  6. Credit choice:
    • Invite collaborator: Tag people → Invite collaborator → search agreed handle(s) → Done.
    • OR Tag (no collab): Tag people → Add tag → add handle(s) → Done.
    • OR Mention only: keep the @handle in the caption and skip tags/collab.
  7. Add location (e.g., city or neighborhood) if relevant.
  8. Audience: set to Everyone. Toggle to share to Facebook if desired.
  9. More options → ensure Upload at highest quality is on. (Optional: add Alt text for accessibility.)
  10. Tap Share.

Troubleshooting

  • Can’t invite as collaborator? The other account may have restricted invites, hit a daily limit, or declined earlier. Use a tag and mention instead and notify us.
  • Audio or quality looks off? Ensure Upload at highest quality is enabled and you’re posting the original file, not a screen recording.
  • Cover looks blurry? Choose a frame from the video rather than an external image for best consistency.

FAQ

Do I need pre-approval for credits?

Yes. We accept collaborators and mentions only when agreed in advance. If you’re unsure, please ask before posting.

What credit format should I default to?

Follow the direction provided with your deliverables. If none was provided, ask which option (collab, tag, or mention) applies to your post.

Hashtag guidance?

Use 8–10 specific hashtags tied to location, property type, and audience intent (e.g., #{City}RealEstate, #{Neighborhood}, #{PropertyType}). Avoid generic, over-saturated tags.