How to: Add a Text Message Bubble to a Reel

Adding a text message bubble to your Reel is a great hook for the video. It provides immediate context and something to react to. If you’ve ever wondered how to do it you’re in the right place because I’m going to teach you! Here are two ways to add this effect to your Reel with […]

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BAM BBQ 2026

If you're still treating AI like a search engine, this is for you. BAM BBQ is two and a half hours of real instruction on AI for real estate, from conversations to content to systems. It’s free, virtual, and loaded with plays you can run the same week. Save your spot →

Adding a text message bubble to your Reel is a great hook for the video. It provides immediate context and something to react to. If you’ve ever wondered how to do it you’re in the right place because I’m going to teach you!

Here are two ways to add this effect to your Reel with the help of our go-to graphic design platform, Canva.

Let’s get started:

Option 1

  1. Head to Canva.com. In the Elements section, search “Message”
  2. Add a text box and type in your message. Tip: Use the font Arimo for text-like font
  3. Download the image with a transparent background (Available to Canva Pro users) and save the image to your phone
  4. On Instagram record your Reel and save it to your phone
  5. Upload the Reel as an Instagram Story. Add the text box image. (Click the smiley face sticker to add the image)
  6. Download the Story and re-upload it as a Reel

Option 2

  1. Record your Reel in Instagram
  2. Save the Reel to your phone
  3. Upload the Reel into Canva.com then add the Reel into Canva’s Instagram Story Design template
  4. Add a text message element by searching “message” in the Elements section
  5. Add a text box and type in your message. Tip: Use the font Arimo for text-like font
  6. Animate the font – we recommend using the pop animation
  7. Download the file as a video (.mp4) and upload it to Reels

There you have it; Two ways to add a text message bubble to your next Reel!

For more real estate marketing tips, follow Coffee & Contracts on social @coffeecontracts or head over to our blog where we answer all of your real estate marketing FAQs!

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About the Author

Haley Ingram is the creator behind Coffee & Contracts. As a recent grad leading up to the launch, she was getting all her real estate leads from Instagram. She soon found her best hours go towards helping other agents with social media marketing. Today, this thriving community exists to help agents grow online through the power of social media.

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