How to Record on Instagram (Without Holding Button)

Recording videos on Instagram has become an integral part of sharing moments and connecting with others on the platform. Whether you want to create an Instagram story, record a reel, or share a clip to your feed, the Instagram app offers a variety of user-friendly features to help you capture and edit videos effortlessly.

From using the hands-free mode to add music to your clips, to accessing the story mode camera and built-in editing features, the app is designed to simplify your creative process.

Whether you’re an iPhone user or prefer an Android app, learning how to record on Instagram without holding the button ensures a smooth experience.

This detailed guide will walk you through the steps for creating engaging content, using hands-free options, and making the most of Instagram’s tools to upload and share videos seamlessly.

1 Key Takeaways

• Instagram Stories & Hands-Free Mode
  • Access the Stories camera by swiping right from your Home feed.
  • Select “Hands-Free” from the available modes for effortless recording.
  • Tap once to start recording and tap again to stop.
  • Customize your Story with filters, text, stickers, and other effects before sharing.
• Instagram Reels Hands-Free Recording
  • Open the Reels camera via the ➕ button or the Reels tab.
  • Enable gesture mode by scrolling to the right menu and selecting the feature.
  • Use hand gestures to start and stop recording without needing to hold the phone.
• Instagram Live
  • Tap the ➕ icon and select “Live” to begin a session.
  • Customize your live stream with titles, filters, and privacy controls.
  • Interact with your audience during the broadcast and save the session afterward.
• Instagram’s Edits App
  • Record and edit high-quality videos up to 10 minutes long using the standalone Edits app.
  • Use editing tools to add music, overlays, captions, and effects before sharing directly to Reels or your feed.

Feature	Access Method	Key Steps
Instagram Stories	Swipe right on the Home screen	Select “Hands-Free” mode, tap to start and stop recording, then customize and share.
Instagram Reels	➕ button or swipe left to Reels tab	Enable gesture control, start recording with a gesture, and edit before posting.
Instagram Live	➕ button, select “Live”	Customize settings, go live, engage with the audience, and save or repurpose the video later.
Edits App	Download from app store	Record videos, edit with advanced features, and share to Instagram seamlessly.

2 Instagram Stories (including Hands‑Free mode)

Instagram Stories offer a fun and engaging way to share moments with your friends and followers, and learning how to use the Hands-Free mode makes recording even easier.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you record videos without holding down the button, whether you’re using an iPhone or Android device.

1. Open the Instagram app and swipe right from your Home feed to access the Stories camera.
2. At the bottom of the screen, explore the available modes such as Normal, Boomerang, and Hands-Free.
3. Select the Hands-Free mode by swiping until you see it on the list and tapping it.
4. Press the record button once to start recording hands-free. Tap it again to stop recording.
5. After recording your Instagram story, customize it with filters, stickers, text, music, or voiceovers.
6. Once you’re satisfied, tap Your Story or Close Friends at the bottom of the screen to instantly share your video.

Using the Hands-Free option can make creating Instagram Stories effortless, allowing you to focus on capturing your whole body or filming detailed content without worrying about holding the button.

You can also enhance your videos with built-in editing features and effects available in the app. Whether you’re recording for Stories or Reels, this hands-free feature works seamlessly with both iOS devices and Android apps.

After posting, the videos will automatically disappear after 24 hours, or you can save them to your device for future use.

In this way you can record Instagram story, now moving forward to recording instagram reels.

3 How to Record Instagram Reels

Recording Instagram Reels is a straightforward process that allows you to create engaging, creative, and shareable videos directly within the app. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started and make the most of this feature:

1. Open the Instagram App: Tap the ➕ at the bottom of your screen and select “Reel,” or swipe left and tap the Reels tab, then hit the camera icon.
2. Start Recording: Tap and hold the record button to capture clips live. Alternatively, tap once to start recording and tap again to stop. This hands-free mode is perfect for capturing videos without needing to hold your phone.
3. Use Editing Tools: Enhance your videos with Instagram’s built-in editing features. You can adjust speed, set a timer or countdown, align clips, and add music, effects, captions, and stickers to elevate your content.
4. Trim and Arrange Clips: Once you’ve recorded your clips, trim and rearrange them as needed. This flexibility lets you craft your video exactly how you’d like.
5. Choose a Cover Image: Select a cover image for your Reel to grab attention. You can choose a frame from your video or upload a custom image from your device.
6. Add Captions and Tags: Write a caption for your Reel and include tags to help it reach a wider audience on the Instagram app.
7. Share Your Reel: Tap “Share” to post your video to your feed or Stories. Reels can also be saved to your device for future use or automatic disappearance after 24 hours if posted to Stories.

3.1 How to Record Instagram Reels without Holding Phone

Recording Instagram Reels without holding your phone is easier than you might think.

This hands-free method allows you to capture videos seamlessly, perfect for creating content like Instagram stories or Reels where you may want to showcase your whole body or perform actions without interruptions.

Follow these steps for hands-free recording:

1. Open the Instagram App: Launch the Instagram app on your Android or iOS device and swipe left to access the story mode camera or tap the camera icon on the top left of your screen. Select the Reels option at the bottom.
2. Enable Gesture Control: Scroll down the right sidebar menu and tap on the gesture control feature. This setting simplifies recording by letting you interact with your phone’s camera hands-free.
3. Adjust and Position Your Camera: Place your phone where you want it using a stand or stable surface to capture the desired angle. For best results, align the frame by tapping the change grid option for guidance.
4. Start and Stop Recording with a Gesture: Raise your hand to start recording on Instagram. When you’re done, raise your hand again to stop recording. This hands-free mode is ideal for producing content without needing to press or hold the record button.
5. Edit and Share Your Reel: Use Instagram’s built-in editing features to adjust your clips, add effects, or include music. When ready, tap the next button to post your Reel to the Instagram feed or story. You can also save videos to your device or share them with friends directly.

This detailed guide helps users, including iPhone users and Android users, streamline content creation. Whether you’re filming for Instagram Stories, editing videos, or creating Reels to share with followers, these tools make it simple to record on Instagram without holding the button.

4 How to record Instagram Live

Recording Instagram Live is a straightforward way to engage with your audience in real-time. Follow these steps to get started on the Instagram app:

1. Tap the ➕ button at the bottom of the screen and select the “Live” option.
2. Optionally, customize your live session by setting a title, selecting filters, adjusting privacy settings, or inviting co-hosts.
3. Tap “Go Live.” You’ll see a 3-second countdown before broadcasting starts.
4. Interact with your audience through features like chat, Q&A sessions, badges, and optional co-host invites.
5. Once you’re ready to conclude, tap “End Broadcast.”

After ending your live session, you can save it to your Archive for up to 30 days or choose to share it as a Reel. This feature provides flexibility to repurpose your live content for followers who may have missed the broadcast.

Whether you’re using Android devices or iPhones, the app ensures an effortless experience with tools like the story mode camera and hands-free recording options.

Maximize your reach by leveraging Instagram’s built-in editing features to adjust or enhance your videos before posting them to your feed.

5 Record Videos using Instagram’s Edits App

Launched in April 2025, the standalone Edits app revolutionizes video creation for Instagram by allowing creators to easily record and edit up to 10-minute clips, which can be imported directly to Reels.

This app expands the creative possibilities for Android and iPhone users who want to produce high-quality videos with convenience.

Whether you’re sharing on Instagram stories, uploading to your feed, or crafting seamless Reels, the Edits app is a powerful tool packed with features.

5.1 How to Get Started with the Edits App

1. Download the App: Begin by downloading the Edits app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, depending on your device. The app is available for both Android and iOS users, ensuring accessibility across platforms.
2. Open the App: Once installed, open the Edits app. The homepage is designed for simplicity, with a sleek interface that ensures an easy workflow.
3. Locate the Recording Icon: On the app’s homepage, you’ll notice the recording icon prominently displayed. Tap on it to access the recording interface, reminiscent of Instagram’s traditional recording layout. Although the app doesn’t include a hands-free mode yet, manually recording is straightforward and effective for capturing your videos.
4. Start Recording: To start recording, press and hold the record button on your phone’s camera interface. While hands-free recording isn’t currently available, you can still capture videos of your whole body or add music later for dynamic content. When you’re satisfied with the clip, release the button to stop recording.
5. Edit Your Video: After completing your recording, tap the “Next” icon at the bottom right of the screen. This will take you to the built-in editing suite where you can customize your video. Use features like adding captions, titles, effects, overlays, AI voiceovers, and more to enhance your content. The app is perfect for those new to video editing and provides the tools needed to create professional-looking clips.
6. Share or Save: Once you’ve polished your video, you can upload it directly to Instagram Reels, post it to your feed, or save it for sharing later. The app integrates seamlessly with Instagram, making it easy to create and share without effort.

If you’d like a more detailed tutorial, check out the video above for step-by-step guidance on how to record and edit videos.

Whether you’re using the camera icon on the homepage or exploring advanced editing features, the app simplifies the process for creators of all skill levels.