So, how do you start? How can you push your Reels to the top of someone’s Explore page and what’s the best time to post? This guide will walk you through all things Reels, demystifying the process so you can achieve maximum impact with your video content.
From humor to education, Instagram Reels offer a diverse spectrum of content.
Instagram Reels: The Bite-Sized Video Craze Taking Over Your Feed
Reels are Instagram’s answer to the wildly popular short-form video format pioneered by TikTok. Reels might seem like just another passing social media trend, but they’ve quickly become a driving force on the platform. With the ability to create videos up to 90 seconds long, Reels offer a fresh and engaging way for creators and businesses to display their content.
One of the key advantages of Reels is their discoverability. Instagram’s algorithm actively promotes Reels across the app, giving them prime real estate on users’ Explore pages and even their main feeds. This increased visibility makes Reels a go-to format for anyone looking to boost their reach and engagement.
Reels aren’t just about going viral – they’re also a powerful tool for building a loyal following. By consistently creating engaging, high-quality Reels, creators can tap into Instagram’s vast user base and cultivate a dedicated audience that keeps coming back for more.
As Instagram continues to put more and more emphasis on Reels, it’s clear this format is here to stay. Whether you’re a brand, influencer or just someone looking to have fun and express yourself, Reels offers a unique opportunity to stand out in the crowded world of social media.
If you haven’t already, it’s time to embrace the Reels revolution and start creating bite-sized masterpieces. Who knows? Your next Reel could be one that goes viral and takes your Instagram presence to new heights.
Why Your Business Should Be On Reels
The stats don’t lie! Consumers are lapping up short-form videos. Research from Wyzowl shows that 86% of marketers saw increased traffic due to video marketing and 84% have seen increased leads.
With a staggering 97.6% of U.S. marketers utilizing Instagram, it’s evident that the platform’s versatile content formats and robust creator tools continue to draw significant attention. Whether or not you’re uncertain about Instagram’s suitability for your brand, the reality is that your competitors are likely already active on the platform. According to eMarketer, Instagram Reels is projected to be adopted by 62.2% of marketers in 2025, positioning it closely alongside Facebook in terms of marketing effectiveness.
In a game-changing move, Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri has made it clear the platform is no longer just about sharing static images. The social media giant is pivoting towards video, with a particular emphasis on the short-form, vertically oriented format known as Reels.
This strategic shift shouldn’t come as a surprise. Instagram is facing stiff competition from video-centric platforms like TikTok and YouTube and Reels is their way of fighting back. By prioritizing Reel content in the algorithm, Instagram is incentivizing creators and businesses to embrace this dynamic new format.
But this isn’t about keeping up with the competition; it’s also about providing users with the content they crave. Short-form videos have proven to be incredibly engaging, with the ability to capture attention in a way that traditional posts simply can’t match.
For businesses, this pivot towards Reels represents a massive opportunity. With the potential for longer shelf life and increased organic reach compared to other Instagram content formats, Reels offer a powerful way to connect with audiences without breaking the bank on paid advertising.
Imagine being able to display your products, services or brand personality in a fun, creative and endlessly shareable way. That’s the promise of Reels and it’s one that savvy businesses simply can’t afford to ignore.
Three Terrific Benefits Of Using Instagram Reels
Nowadays, you won’t find any Instagram business profile without a full Reels section. Before you get your phone and start creating, you need to understand how Instagram Reels for business can be beneficial for your brand.
It might sound repetitive at a point, but we can’t stress this enough; Instagram Reels are a reliable source for boosting your reach and engagement. The Instagram algorithm is a fan of Reels, making them appear regularly on feeds. And since Reels are very snackable, they draw ample response from viewers.
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Instagram Reels Are Easily Created
What makes creating Reels feasible for everyone is they don’t require big bucks or professional-grade equipment. A smartphone with a decent camera is enough to get started. And yes, a well-lit space can do your content wonders. The less-than-professional feel of Reels is what makes them so well-liked by the audience.
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Promote And Entertain On The Go
Participating in trends is important, especially for businesses wanting to create brand awareness for themselves. However, bombarding your audience with product promotions does not make much difference to your ROI.
Instagram Reels are a wonderful way to pitch your products to your audience without being too in their face. Marketing with Reels gives you creative freedom like few other things can. Making DIY Reels with trending music as the background is a go-to for many brands, and entertainment is one of the best ways to hook your target audience.
Six Tips For Creating Instagram Reels For Business
You can edit video clips in the Reel app itself or use other video editing apps if you want to get super creative. If you need to schedule your posts out, you can always use platforms like Later to plan your video content instead of directly in the app. Here are some more tips for using Instagram Reels for business.
Use Music And Closed Captions
Each time you use music, your Reels are exposed to that specific song’s tag. It’s similar to hashtags with the potential of more reach. Since there are plenty of users that don’t keep their sound on even while they are scrolling through Reels, it’s good to use captions so they can engage with the sound off.
Tip: If you use words on your video, try to get them as centered as possible (without obstructing the important parts of the video). The ratios for posts and Reels are different, so centering your captions can help reduce any cutoff on your feed.
Tag Relevant Accounts
Tagging other accounts is highly encouraged in the Instagram realm. You get more reach by putting your content on someone else’s account as well as the potential for them to share your content with their following. You can utilize this tip with regular Instagram posts as well.
Push Reels To Your Feed
You can organically post your Reel as is through the Reel platform (it will then show up in your Reels tab), or also publish it on your own feed. It’s best practice to publish on your feed so your current audience can engage too. This also helps build more content and promote your account.
Repurpose Old Content Into Reels
A substantial portion of the content creation community repurposes older posts and Stories to create 15-to-30-second videos for Instagram reels. For example, if you recently traveled somewhere as a business or have some pictures from a job you just completed, you can combine all of those photos into one video.
Upload Your TikTok Videos To Reels
Did you just post a video to TikTok? You can post that same video to your Instagram Reels! Just make sure it’s all your 30-second versions of those videos (TikTok allows 60 seconds), or you can cut the 60-second video into two Reels if it works for the video.
Add Titles To Your Reel Cover Photos
When someone navigates to your Reels tab, make it easy for them to select which Reel they want to watch. Titling your Reels also gives your Instagram followers a feel for what kind of content you post. Useful tips? Inspiring landscapes? Company culture?
How Does The Instagram Reels Algorithm Work?
The Instagram Reels you encounter, as well as those you don’t, are subject to the whims of the platform’s intricate algorithm. Purposefully enigmatic and in a perpetual state of flux, this algorithm dictates what content surfaces on users’ feeds. While its inner workings remain shrouded in mystery, there are several established factors that contribute to this feed-dictating formula. Understanding these proven elements is essential for creators and businesses striving to maximize their reach and engagement within the dynamic world of Instagram Reels.
- The algorithm pays attention to who you interact with and how often. You’ll be more likely to see Reels from accounts you follow, and liking, commenting, DM’ing or sharing something with another user increases the chances of your Reels showing up on each other’s feed.
- Instagram aims to show you content it thinks you’ll like. The more tree frog videos you watch, the more you’ll see.
- Newer content is prioritized by the algorithm.
- The larger and more engaged your audience is, the more likely the algorithm will favor your content.
Reels for Every Business: Unlocking Instagram’s Hidden Marketing Goldmine
We get it, the world of Reels can seem daunting at first. With its emphasis on trends and ever-changing content, it might feel like a challenge to find your brand’s place in the mix. How can you tie your products or services into the latest dance craze without feeling like you’re just being silly for the sake of silliness?
The good news is that Reels are far more than a playground for Gen Z and influencers. They’re a bonafide business tool with the power to turbocharge your reach and put your offerings in front of your ideal customers.
Example of a behind-the-scenes Reel by the brand Anima Iris displaying how their bags get made.
Still not convinced? Let’s break it down:
- Trend-Based Content: Jumping on the latest trends can be a smart move for businesses. By creating Reels around popular sounds, challenges or themes, you can tap into existing conversations and reach new audiences.
- Product Showcases: Reels are the perfect canvas for highlighting your products in action. Whether it’s a quick tutorial, behind-the-scenes peek or creative use case, these bite-sized videos can bring your offerings to life.
- Brand Personality: In a world of faceless corporations, Reels allow you to infuse your brand with personality. Share a glimpse into your company culture, highlight your team or inject some humor – whatever resonates with your audience.
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- Educational Content: Reels aren’t just for entertainment – they can also be a powerful tool for educating your audience. Share quick tips, industry insights or bite-sized tutorials to position your brand as an authority.. Collaborations: Partnering with influencers or other brands can amplify your reach and tap into new audiences. Reels make it easy to create collaborative content that feels authentic and engaging.
Embracing The Reel Revolution
As we move further into 2024, it’s clear that Instagram Reels are no longer just a passing trend – they’re an essential part of any business’s social media marketing strategy. With their ability to display products, services and brand personality in a fun and engaging way, Reels have become a powerful tool for reaching new audiences and boosting organic engagement.
Whether you’re a seasoned Reels creator or just starting, the key to success lies in experimentation, creativity and a deep understanding of your target audience. Don’t be afraid to try updated content formats, jump on trends or partner with influencers and other brands. The beauty of Reels lies in their versatility, allowing you to highlight your business in unique and captivating ways.
As Instagram continues to prioritize Reels in its algorithm, businesses that embrace this format early on will undoubtedly have a significant advantage over their competitors. With the potential for increased reach, longer shelf life and a direct line to your ideal customers, Reels are an investment that simply can’t be ignored.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your camera, get creative and start crafting Reels that truly capture the essence of your brand. The world of short-form video is yours for the taking and the rewards for those who master it are immense. Happy Reeling!
Looking to boost your brand’s presence and drive meaningful engagement? Take the leap into Instagram Reels with Three Girls Media and start seeing results today!
Don’t let another day go by without tapping into Reels’ immense potential for boosting your online presence and driving meaningful engagement. Partner with the experts at Three Girls Media and gain a strategic ally who will guide you every step of the way. From ideation to production to analysis, we’ll ensure your Reels content resonates, educates, entertains and converts. The opportunity to elevate your brand has never been greater. Reach out to Three Girls Media today and schedule a complimentary 30-minute consultation with our CEO to ignite your journey toward success.
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