Instagram Reels Best Practices

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

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