As you probably know, video content is and always has been the most engaging form of content. In this day and age, short, snappy videos seem to get a lot of mileage online, which is probably why you see tons of brands put out videos on platforms like TikTok. However, Instagram also has a feature similar to TikTok that lets you put out quick, crisp videos. This feature is called Instagram reels.
In this article, we shall take a look at what Instagram reels are, their benefits, how to make one, and how you can use them for your business.
Contents
What is an Instagram Reel?
Instagram reels are a short form of video content, similar to TikTok, that can go upto 60 seconds. Instagram reels offer you a variety of editing tools and options to make your footage more engaging. You can add more clips, captions, filters, stickers, and much more.
If you were to compare them to Instagram stories, here are the primary differences between the two –
- Instagram reels do not disappear after 24 hours. They get added to your profile.
- Instagram reels have more editing options and tools.
- If you use audio in your clips, your viewers will be able to identify the audio and use it for their reels.
What are the benefits of Instagram Reels?
Here are the main benefits of Instagram reels:
Higher reach
Instagram reels get more reach. Considering reels is a new feature, Instagram’s algorithm will push reels to the ‘Explore’ page where they will receive a lot of engagement. The explore tab exposes your content to hordes of new users who can like, share, and comment on your videos. In other words, you get more brand awareness and potentially, more sales.
More engaging content, more engagement from your followers
Mixing up your content is crucial to staying relevant on Instagram. You (or your followers) may have gotten bored of the same old content – images, infographics, texts, etc. Instagram reels serve as a great way to mix things up.
Since reels are quick, spanning upto a minute, you have enough time to make an impact, covering tons of ground, but simultaneously, keeping it just short enough for your followers to digest it and yearn for more.
Great way to repurpose your content
If you are putting out video content regularly on platforms like YouTube, chances are you are experimenting with all types and lengths of content. You may have slightly longer videos on YouTube that you want your Instagram followers to watch.
You can identify the best and most important parts of your videos and add them to your reels, which is an excellent way to repurpose your content.
How to create an Instagram Reel?
Now that you know what an Instagram reel is and why it is useful, here’s how you create one:
- You can either press and hold the record button and record footage as a reel or upload footage that you’ve already captured.
- Open Instagram and swipe right to open the camera. Here, you can either capture video or upload previously captured footage. You will also find different modes – story, post, live, reels, etc. Select reels
- Here, you will find a bunch of tools – audio, length, speed, effects, video layout, touch up, and timer.
- Use the audio tool to add audio from Instagram’s music library. You can use the speed tool to change the speed of the video, use the timer to specify how long the video will be, and so on.
- If you are choosing to record footage, hit the record button and capture the video. Then, when you want to capture the next clip, do the same, and use the align button to line up the clips together. You can rewatch and trim each video as required.
- Once you are done editing your clips, you can add effects, stickers, and text to the video to give your viewers more context and clarity.
- After this, choose a cover photo to go with your video. You can either choose one from the video or add one from your camera roll. Then, write a caption if you want to, and hit share. If you do not want to share the video just yet, save it as a draft.
How do you use reels for your business?
At this point, you probably want to get started with Instagram reels. But, what do you post? Here are a few ideas for reels to help you get started:
Product How-Tos
Tons of brands showcase their products on Instagram with how-to videos. As it turns out, merely having a great product isn’t enough. Your followers and potential customers need to know how the product works and how they can use it. This is where product how-to videos come in handy. Use reels to create quick product how-to videos to help your audience get started.
Product benefits
Most people do not have the time and patience to sift through an entire blog or piece of written copy about a product. They would much rather view a condensed version of it. Using Instagram reels to showcase your product’s features and benefits in one quick video can help your followers understand precisely what they can expect from your product.
Behind the scenes
A lot of people are interested in the ‘making of’ or behind the scenes footage of a successful product or event. You can post the occasional behind the scenes footage on Instagram reels to draw viewers in.
Teasers work for the same reason movie trailers work – you give your audience a taste of what they can expect. You can use Instagram reels to give your viewers a teaser of your upcoming product, service, event, or anything else.
Promotions and Announcements
Every once in a while, you will have to put out an announcement or promotional material to remind your audience that you have products to sell. Consider using Instagram reels to post a quick announcement about your offers, contests, discounts, or anything else that you may have to offer.
Conclusion
While Instagram reels initially received flak for emulating TikTok, people are increasingly buying into it now. As a brand, if you are not using Instagram reels, you are missing out on a ton of engagement, followers, brand awareness, and as a result, many sales. Be sure to start posting Instagram reels today and watch your brand awareness go through the roof.
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