Types of Reels I've Tried
Through trial and error, I found these formats work differently:
| Type | Duration | When I use it |
|---|---|---|
| Talking to camera | 30-90s | Strong opinion or story |
| Storytelling | 30-90s | Journey moments, BTS |
| Quick tutorial | 15-30s | Gear tips, packing |
| Text on screen | 7-15s | Hook + cinematic footage |
Here's the truth: I've been hiding behind text-on-screen and cinematic footage. Almost none of my top posts show my face. But if I grew this much while barely showing my face, imagine what's possible when you actually bring your personality into it.
What Actually Moved the Needle
- The first 2 seconds — if they scroll, nothing else matters
- The actual message — what are you really saying?
- Subtitles — most people watch on mute
- Movement and contrast in the visuals
Things I Stressed About That Didn't Matter
- Having cinematic quality
- Expensive gear
- Looking good on camera
- Using trending sounds I didn't connect with
On Filming
The thing I keep relearning: the more natural, the better.
I spent way too long trying to "create content." The posts that blew up? They were moments I almost didn't film because I thought they weren't "good enough."
On Gear
I started with an iPhone and a €20 tripod. That's it. I've since upgraded to a Sony A7IV, but the gear didn't make the content better — it just made me more comfortable shooting.
Your phone is enough. The goal isn't to have the best camera. The goal is to speak with intention, take a position, and let your personality come through.
What I Try to Remember
- Film when you're living something, not performing
- The imperfect moments usually hit harder
- If you're thinking "this would be good for Instagram" — you've already lost the magic
Moments I've Learned to Capture
- Waking up somewhere random
- Things breaking down
- Silence
- Arriving after a long day
- Strangers who became friends
On Hooks
I used to start my videos with context. Big mistake. Nobody cares until you make them care.
What I've Seen Work
- A question that stings — "You know why most people never do it?"
- A specific number — "€2,600. 15,000 km. 0 regrets."
- A statement that pisses some people off — "I fucking hate corporate life."
- A contrast — "POV: You joke about riding to Dakar → 2 months later you're in the Sahara"
- Curiosity — "Nobody told me this before I left..."
The hooks that worked best were the ones that made some people leave. You want to filter, not please everyone.
Stand for Something
The post that changed everything: "I fucking hate corporate life."
It wasn't a calculated move. It was just how I felt. But it worked because it was a position.
I genuinely believe the 9-5 grind isn't the only path. I chose freelance. I chose entrepreneurship. I chose the road.
When you say what you believe, you repel some people. Good. They weren't your people anyway.
"People follow people who represent who they want to become."
Touch Something Deep
The post that surprised me: "He is still inside you. Do it for him."
About the inner child. The kid who dreamed before the world told him to be realistic.
People shared it like crazy. Not for me — for themselves. Sharing was their way of saying "this is who I want to be."
"Nostalgia, identity, buried dreams — that moves people way more than tips and tricks."
Be Stupidly Specific
The post that converted best: "€2,600. 15,000 km. Day 39 — Dakar."
No fluff. Just numbers. Specific details do three things:
- They prove it's real
- They kill objections ("too expensive" → "€2,600")
- They stick in people's heads
"Vague is forgettable. Specific is memorable."
When something works, I reverse-engineer it.
Reel Structure
-
0-2s
Hook Text that stops the scroll
-
3-10s
Contrast Before/after, dream/reality
-
10-20s
Payoff Cinematic moment, beat drop
-
End
Anchor Number, fact, concrete
Carousel Structure
-
Slide 1
Disruption Break the pattern
-
Slide 2-3
Agitation Build tension with rhythm
-
Slide 4
Reframe Flip the script
-
Slide 5+
Proof Photos, map, stats
Emotion pulls them in. Logic lets them stay.
Questions I Ask Before Posting
Check off each question before you hit publish.
"Your phone is enough. Speak with intention. Let your personality show. Film your life, not content."— The thing I keep coming back to
What I Keep Coming Back To
On Filming
Your phone is enough. Speak with intention. Film your life, not "content."
On Hooks
3 seconds to earn their attention. Filter, don't please.
On What Converts
Stand for something real. Touch deep feelings. Be specific.
On Structure
Emotion first. Logic second. Proof at the end.
Final Thoughts
This trip rewired how I think about content — and about life.
The best strategy? Live something worth watching. Then just show.
The algorithm rewards authenticity. Real moments. Real stakes.
Everything here, I learned by doing it wrong first. I'm still learning. Still on the road.
Stop planning. Start riding.
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