Instagram Reels is a feature that allows users to create short, 15-30 second videos. It is a great way to show off new products, establish brand authenticity, show behind-the-scenes or bloopers, and do 'How-to-tutorials' in an easy-to-consume way! The list goes on and on!
If you've not checked out Instagram Reels yet, go dive in. Instagram is giving some crazy good traffic to brands that are using Reels. Brands can get more views on Instagram Reels than they do for a regular feed post.
As of the date, I'm writing this, as more people begin to use Reels, the less advantageous it will be. So take action today!
Read below some tips (+ bonus tip) that can make you discoverable in the sea of Instagram Reels.
Know more about the ultimate guide to Instagram Reels
1. First Things First – Content
Focus on what kind of content should go in your Reels. Make sure your video is fun and entertaining. These kinds of videos delight viewers the most as it grabs attention quickly. The idea is to make it interesting.
It's a good if you can make your viewers laugh or surprise them with a twist. However, it is not a must to come up with super funny and cracking content.
Keep in mind the following points:
- Do you want your viewers to learn? Be entertained?
- What emotions do you want your audience to feel?
Checkout how apple shared Reels for dark universe film and how it was made.
2. Share Your Reels On Instagram Stories
Share Reels to your stories using the share button (the little paper airplane icon under your Reel) to get more viewers' attention.
3. Posting Frequency
Regular uploads of Reels can boost your Instagram engagement rate. A higher engagement rate, therefore, dramatically enhances your chance of being featured on Reels. Chose a frequency, experiment, and see what works for you.
4. Brand Consistency
Having a clearly defined brand representation immediately identifies your content when your followers scroll through their feeds. You don't always have to stick to brand guidelines, but you can think: Color, lighting, effects, editing, kind of content, etc. Just keep it consistent!
5. Be Aware
Be aware of what is trending. Join the current trends with your twist. See what works and coincides with your product or target audience.
6. Choose Popular Music & Hashtags
Just like TikTok, songs frequently go viral on Reels. This is partly because if a tutorial accompanies the song, viewers may watch it multiple times to memorize all the info provided.
A Harvard study has proved that humans have musical memory, which refers to the ability to remember music-related information.
Similarly, adding popular (but not TOO popular) hashtags to Reels helps get them in front of more potential new fans.
7. Posting Time
A simple rule: If you post at the right time when your audience is most active, you are likely to get more views and engagement on your short videos.
For this, head back to the Insights Tab and evaluate your audience timings. Check the most active hours when your audience is live on Instagram. Target those slots and upload your Reels.
8. Add 'Topic' Tags To Reels
Instagram now allows you to add 'Topic' tags to Reels. This update will make it even easier for Instagram users to discover the reels they want to see!
New! Instagram lets you add 'Topic' tags to Reels
— Matt Navarra (@MattNavarra) September 5, 2022
h/t @TSbyJacki pic.twitter.com/TVqdmH5bNa
Bonus Tip For Brands
Most people watching Reels aren't going to read a caption, especially a long one! If you have a call to action (CTA) or an important point to stress in your post, make sure it's in the audio and text overlay on the video, so the viewer sees and hears it to act on it.
Remember, Instagram users can turn into followers, and followers can turn into loyal customers. Multiply returns on your marketing efforts on Instagram with statusbrew. Turn your audience into customers by managing Instagram for brands with your team.
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