> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://bestwpexpert.gitbook.io/product-reels/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://bestwpexpert.gitbook.io/product-reels/getting-started/quick-start.md).

# Quick start: your first reel

Go from zero to a shoppable video on your store in about ten minutes.

This walkthrough follows **Luma Skincare**, a WooCommerce store that wants a row of shoppable videos on its homepage. Use your own video and product as you go.

**What you'll need:** one short video (an MP4 file, a YouTube Shorts link or a Vimeo link) and, if you use WooCommerce, one product to tag.

The first time you open **ProductReels → Widgets**, you'll see a short guide with three steps. Each step is ticked off as you complete it: add a reel, create a widget, get your first view.

## Step 1: Add a reel

A **reel** is one video plus the products or buttons that go with it.

1. Go to **ProductReels → Reels** and click **Add reel**.
2. Under **Video**, choose a source:
   * **Upload**: pick a file from your Media Library, or drag a video onto the sheet.
   * **YouTube Shorts** or **Vimeo**: paste the link.
   * **Video link**: paste a direct link to an MP4 or WebM file.
3. Give it a **Title**, for example `Morning routine with Vitamin C serum`.
4. Under **Cover**, scrub the filmstrip and pick a frame. You can also upload an image or click **Use first frame**.
5. Under **Shop this reel**, click **Tag products**, search for `Vitamin C serum` and select it.
6. Click **Save**.

The preview on the left shows the reel exactly as shoppers will see it, product card included.

{% hint style="info" %}
If the Save button seems unavailable, read the note in the footer. It tells you what's missing, for example *"Add a video and a product or button to save this reel."*
{% endhint %}

**Repeat this for two or three more videos.** A widget looks best with at least four reels.

## Step 2: Create a widget

A **widget** is a group of reels shown together on a page, in a layout you choose.

1. Go to **ProductReels → Widgets** and click **Create widget**.
2. Name it `Homepage stories`.
3. Choose the **Carousel** layout and the **Rectangle** shape.
4. Click **Choose reels**.

The widget editor opens on the **Reels** step.

## Step 3: Pick and order your reels

1. In the library below, click each reel you want to add.
2. Drag reels to set their order. The first reel shows first on the page.
3. Watch the live preview on the dark stage. Use the device switcher to check desktop, tablet and mobile.
4. Click **Save widget**.

The header now shows your shortcode, for example `[productreels id="3"]`.

## Step 4: Place it on a page

Open the **Place it** step in the editor. Choose one way:

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Shortcode" %}
Copy `[productreels id="3"]` and paste it into any page, post or text widget.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Block editor" %}
Edit your page, add the **ProductReels** block and choose **Homepage stories** from the list.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Elementor" %}
Drag the **ProductReels** widget onto the page and choose **Homepage stories**.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

Update the page and open it in a new tab. Your reels are live. 🎉

## Step 5: Check your results

Watch one of the reels on the live page for a few seconds. Then go to **ProductReels → Widgets**. Views, clicks and click rate start to fill in, and **Top reels** shows which videos are performing best.

{% hint style="warning" %}
A view is counted after about one second of actual playback. To keep numbers honest, each visitor can only add a limited number of views per reel in a short time window. See [Settings](/product-reels/configuration/settings.md#view-tracking).
{% endhint %}

## What's next?

* Make it look like your brand: [Look, player and product card](/product-reels/widgets/look-player-product-card.md)
* Try other layouts: [Layouts](/product-reels/widgets/layouts.md)
* Follow a full setup: [Recipes](/product-reels/recipes/homepage-reel-slider.md)


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