3 things I learned creating REELS in 2025

KEEPING IT REEL

The best thing a content creator can do is create their own content. Take it from a veteran. During 2025, Facebook greenlit my profile, and I absolutely took advantage. Here are three things I learned while creating REELS on CANVA this year.

This is the first Saturday of the year. I usually like to reflect on my “Lessons Learned” from the previous year and share. Vertical video is KING on social media. If you’re serious about perfecting your craft in 2026, I can help you. Let’s work together this year.

Last year, after getting greenlit on Facebook, REELS were my money maker. Even after the platform’s recent algorithm shift in November. Yes, that is a thing, pay attention here. Content creators must know their audience and their platforms alike. Concentrate your forces.

Join me here in 2026 and learn who the authentic celebrity Dallas Cowboys fans are among Hollywood’s elite. Can you guess who’s not DC4L?

NUMBER ONE

Focusing on one monetized platform when the goal is three gets demanding. Efficiency is necessary. That’s why when I use CANVA to create my REELS, I do it differently. In 2023, I didn’t realize my SHORTS would become REELS on Facebook. That’s compound interest.

SHORTS are the same format as REELS. This means you can create ONE vertical video in CANVA and share it on THREE different platforms. That is the definition of efficiency. But the results vary on that same vertical video.

My two-year extensive SHORT catalog on YouTube is now paying dividends on Facebook. Two years ago, I clipped player interviews and left the video naked. Now I clip player interviews and dress them with text and images—this increased views on both YouTube and Facebook.

By dressing SHORTS up with text in CANVA this increased my views on YouTube in 2025. Notice the Dak Prescott 10K SHORT views?

NUMBER TWO

I was once a content creator who shared other creators’ content. It’s one thing to share other creators’ content, but to watch them follow your trend is another. When you find your lane, others will copy and paste. Keep developing, number TWO.

Just like algorithms change, so do trends. Creating trends is where the real engagement lies. Most creators tap into trends; I prefer to make them. Paying attention to trends benefits your engagement and your direct deposit amount. New skills can set new trends in 2026.

MJ would return to the NBA each season with a new move. Content creators also need to develop new creative skill sets. This year I plan to broaden my REELS and SHORTS catalog to the NFC East. No longer limited to Cowboys players’ interviews.

Taking one interview and chopping it into 4 vertical GP3 interview videos means more views on three different platforms. Efficiency defined.

NUMBER THREE

I once woke up every day hoping my next video would go viral. Once I stopped focusing on going viral and creating consistent content, I began to see REEL results. Just like going to the gym, it will take time to see your body of work reflect results.

This is why I incorporate a GYM strategy as a content creator. Only my GYM is my LAB. The more I spend time in the LAB, the more consistent my content becomes. My content calendar and strategy operate from April to April. This plan is keeping me focused until April 2026.

Number THREE, have a content strategy. Simply going to the GYM can get you results. With concentrated effort on specific muscle groups over time, however, your catalog becomes a body of art. Check out my 2025 plan I published here. In April, I will publish my 2026 plan.

Almost a 200K view difference between the same Dak Prescott Facebook REEL above & this YouTube SHORT.

IN CONCLUSION

“Just create it” is my new slogan for 2026. Demonstration beat conversation in 2025. Just like MJ, it’s time to hit the GYM now and develop a new move to keep up with these young’ns. I hope these three things I shared today helped you. Want more?

This year, each Saturday I will share more free game in my free CREATOR HUB collection on Patreon. Download the Patreon app today and join if you’re a monetized social media content creator, or not. Let’s compare notes and sharpen each other’s iron.

Join my FREE CREATOR HUB on Patreon in 2026. Download the app and join FREE TODAY! Tap image now!

Lastly, if you create REELS and SHORTS, what is one thing you learned this year? Please leave a comment below I would love to know about it. What did I learn? Become efficient, keep developing your skilss, and finally have a content strategy. The differnece between a dream and a goal is a written plan. See you next Saturday as I dive into PLANNING for 2026.

Tap the Lombardi to get my FREE social media marketing calendar I created exclusively on CANVA for 2025.