Sizzle reels are short promotional videos also known as demo reels, highlight reels, show reels, promo videos, pitch tapes, or teasers. Actors, editors, videographers, and other creatives use them to showcase their work. In fact, director and producer Taylor Kavanaugh says that when looking to hire for a project, he considers two things: whether someone is easy to work with, and how good their sizzle reel is.
Sizzle reels also help sell TV shows to networks, raise the money to fund films, and provide an overview of an exciting new product. In these cases, the reel serves as proof of concept, selling the idea by generating excitement.