Instagram Reels are the latest and one of the most important features to be added to the platform. Allowing users to upload 15-second video clips set to music, Instagram Reels lets creators reach new audiences via stories, the explore feed, and the reels tab on a user’s profile. As we have seen over the past few months, apps such as Pinterest, Snapchat, and even Youtube are adopting a short-form video blueprint (made successful by the globally known app TikTok). So here is everything you need to know to get started growing your brand via Instagram Reels.
Avoid Recycling Content
As a direct competitor with TikTok, it’s not shocking that Instagram favors original content, created directly on the Instagram app. So if you plan on creating a video on TikTok and then saving it and re-sharing it on Instagram reels, you are going to hurt your reach dramatically. TikTok places a small watermark in the corner of your video when you download it, so to avoid this either create your original video on Instagram and then share to TikTok or make original content tailored to each platform individually.
Always Use Vertical Video
The best ratio to use for Instagram Reels is 9:16, or for our video editors out there, 1080 pixels by 1920 pixels. This ratio ensures that the video will be viewed vertically, full-screen, and on mobile. It is also important to keep in mind that the bottom fifth of a Reel is where the video caption is displayed, so avoid putting important visual elements in that area if possible.
Aim for High-Quality Video Content
If we have learned anything over the course of the last few years, it’s that Instagram loves high-quality content. So if your Reels are blurry or low-resolution, there is a very good chance that your video will not perform well. Your followers may still view your video, but it will not be pushed to new audiences via the explore page or Reels tab.
Use Instagram Reels Creative Tools
In order to reach more people with your videos, Instagram suggests creating Reels that are entertaining, fun, or inspiring. Some ways to implement these are by utilizing the creative tools Instagram has to offer such as text, filters, and camera effects. As of right now, TikTok offers a far vaster catalog of creative tools, but Instagram still encourages users to use the few tools they offer. Taking the time with these tools can increase your Reel views and keep users coming back to the app.
Instagram Reels should be viewed as a vital asset to your company’s marketing strategy. To get started you should focus on these main takeaways:
- Avoid recycling content
- Always use vertical video
- Aim for high-quality video content
- Use Instagram Reels Creative Tools
For more customized help with your social media marketing, schedule a free consultation with us.
Related Posts
3 Common Commenters & How to Respond
Engagement across your social media platforms can be broken down into 3 basic categories of commenters. Speaking from professional experience, I've found that the first step to great engagement is to spot the spam bots. You'll usually notice their obviously auto-generated emoji responses. Once you take those out of the equation and focus on actual human interactions, the real marketing can begin. While every marketer will have a different approach on how best to respond to the three following categories of commenters, here's our advice:
Are You Making Yourself Digitally Available?
Are your potential clients able to reach you on the platforms they prefer to use?
Avoid Industry Jargon
On our way home from the marina a couple of days ago, I was given instructions to fend off the stern and when I asked what stern meant I was told to move aft. (Stern and aft in simpler terms mean back of the boat). This struggle to understand boating terminology is a great example of why jargon is a huge NO-NO for your social media marketing.