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Quick answer: An acting reel (also called a demo reel or showreel) is a short video, 1 to 3 minutes long, that brings together an actor’s best performances. It’s your calling card in motion: it shows casting directors how you act before they ever see you in person.
If your acting resume tells your story in words and your headshot shows what you look like, your reel is the proof that you can act. It shows what casting directors care about most: how you act, beyond how you look.
With so much casting now happening remotely, the reel has gone from a nice extra to part of the basic kit. In the US, actors usually say acting reel or demo reel, while showreel is more common in the UK: the name changes, but the job is the same.
What should an acting reel include?
The clips where your acting shines brightest. These are the ingredients of a good reel:
- Footage from real productions: commercials, TV shows, films or shorts you’ve been in.
- Scenes shot just for the reel: if you don’t have footage yet, you can record scenes or audition monologues made for your reel.
- Range: ideally, show yourself in different emotions and situations so your versatility comes through.
- A strong opening: start with your best clip, because the person watching may not make it to the end.
If you’re starting from scratch, our guide to making an acting reel takes you step by step, from choosing the scenes to editing and sharing them.
How long should an acting reel be?
Between 1 and 3 minutes. Casting directors watch a lot of material, and a long reel is less likely to be watched all the way through.
It’s one of the most important rules and one of the most often broken. The urge to include everything you’ve ever filmed is understandable, but it works against you: a short reel with your best work goes much further than a long one with uneven scenes.
Acting reel vs. slate vs. self-tape
Besides your reel, a casting call may ask for a slate or intro video or a self-tape. They’re three different videos:
- Acting reel: brings together your best scenes from different jobs. You put it together once and update it whenever you have new footage.
- Slate or intro video: you talking to the camera as yourself, from a few seconds to about a minute, so they can see who you are.
- Self-tape: the scene a specific casting call sends you, recorded by you for that audition.
Ideally, have your reel ready along with the rest of your materials, so you can respond fast when a casting call comes out. We explain how in our guide on how to prepare your audition materials.
How to share your acting reel
Upload it to YouTube, as a public or unlisted video, or to Google Drive with access for anyone who has the link. That way, whoever receives it can watch it in one click, without downloading files or requesting access. If you have profiles on casting platforms, add it there too, so it goes along with your submissions.
Tip: Always include the link to your reel on your acting resume and in your submission email. Making a casting director hunt for your reel or ask for it separately greatly reduces the chances they’ll watch it. Instant access is key.
Frequently asked questions
What is an acting reel?
It’s a short video, 1 to 3 minutes long, that brings together an actor’s best performances. It’s also called a demo reel or showreel. It works as your calling card: it shows how you act before the casting team sees you in person.
How long should an acting reel be?
Between 1 and 3 minutes. The longer it is, the less likely they are to watch it all, so a short, punchy reel beats a long one with uneven material. If you only have a few good scenes, a reel of just over a minute is perfectly fine.
How do I share my acting reel?
With a YouTube link (public or unlisted) or a Google Drive link that anyone with the link can open. Put it on your acting resume and in the body of your submission email, so they can watch it in one click without downloading anything.
What is the difference between an acting reel, a demo reel and a showreel?
They’re the same thing: a short video with your best performances. The name changes by country and field; in the US, acting reel and demo reel are the usual terms, and showreel is more common in the UK. What matters is the content: short scenes that show how you act.
Can I make a reel if I’ve never acted on camera?
Yes. You can record scenes or monologues specifically for your reel, at home, with good light and sound. Choose two or three pieces that suit you and show different sides of you, and keep only the best of each when you edit.
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