Create Hyperrealistic, Eye-Catching Reels Using Canva

Jacqui Naunton // White Deer
4 Jul 2025

In today's visually driven world, creating unique and engaging content on social media platforms like Instagram is essential. One creative way to grab attention is by designing reels that appear deceptively interactive, offering an optical illusion of two separate, interacting posts. This guide will show you how to craft such hyperrealistic content using Canva, ensuring your posts stand out in your followers' feeds and bring more attention to your brand.

1. Set Up Your Canva Design

Start by opening Canva and creating a new design. Use the Instagram Reel template since it provides the perfect dimensions for a tall video format. This setup is essential to ensure your content will appear beautifully on Instagram’s Reel section.

2. Capture Your Instagram Screenshot

Next, use your phone to screenshot an Instagram post. This screenshot will serve as the background for your design and will be edited to appear as if two posts are interacting. Choose a post that has good interaction or engaging visuals.

3. Upload and Adjust Your Screenshot

Upload your screenshot to Canva. Crop the image to remove unnecessary parts like comments or navigation buttons, creating space at the top and bottom for the illusion of separate posts.

4. Design Your Interactive Elements

To create the illusion of interaction, begin adding in your separate images:

  • Add images that will represent the two interacting posts. For instance, you could use images that appear to pour liquid or connect with each other visually across the post divide.
  • Use Canva’s cropping tools to size the images appropriately and position them where you envision the interaction to occur.

5. Incorporate Videos and Animations

Enhance the dynamic element of your design by adding videos or animations. Search within Canva’s elements for related videos that suit your theme, and utilize the vertical orientation option to simplify this process.

  • Insert these videos between your images to complete the interactive illusion. Use Canva’s background remover (a pro feature) to make your video blend seamlessly with the design.
Support Jacqui Naunton // White Deer

Your support helps me produce more content like this. If you enjoy the content I make - like, follow or subscribe!

Subscribe on YouTube

6. Refine and Animate Your Design

To add further interaction:

  • Use Canva’s animation tools to create movements. For example, if you have a water droplet, you can animate it to flow between the two images.
  • Adjust the speed and smoothness of your animations for natural effects.

7. Export and Post Your Reel

Once your design is complete:

  • Export your design as an MP4 video file. Ensure your settings are configured to match the high-quality output necessities for Instagram Reels.
  • Transfer the video to your device and adorn it with a catchy audio clip and compelling captions before posting.

By following these steps, you will be well on your way to producing visually engaging and interactive Instagram Reels that are not just eye-catching but also strategically aligned with your brand message.

Enjoy experimenting with this creative technique, and don't hesitate to share your creations! The allure of an engaging and visually stunning post can significantly bolster your brand's presence on Instagram.

Jacqui Naunton // White Deer