Instagram reels have taken over the social media space for influencers and content creators since being introduced in 2020. Creators are finding extraordinary success in introducing these short-form videos into their Instagram feeds.
The popularity of reels has extremely increased because of the reach and engagement that they offer. If you haven't started using them, let us tell you why you should.
What is an Instagram Reel?
A feature that was introduced to Instagram about 2 years ago, reels let you create short-form video content (60 seconds) with your followers or anyone on the platform. They are fun, dynamic and easy to watch.
They present themselves as an infinitely scrollable lineup, making it easy for users to engage with a large amount of content in one sitting. Instagram reels are snappier, wittier, and trendier than their counterparts, stories and post.
Instagram Reels vs. TikTok
Even though TikTok and Instagram reels may feel like basically the same thing, there are some significant benefits to creating reels as a brand already on Instagram:
INSTAGRAM REELS | TIKTOK |
Allows 2,200 characters in the description. | Allows 150 characters. |
Viewers can easily consume a variety of brand content without leaving the platform. | Only has content in video form. |
Instagram reaches a broader audience. | Audience is primarily Gen Z. |
Stories vs Instagram Reel
Instagram stories are similar to reels, but there are a few key differences that sets Reels apart :
A wider range of editing tools
AR effects
Speed controls
Combining multiple videos
Aligning and trimming seamless transitions
Why you Need to use Reels as a Creator
There are a few reasons as to why you should be creating reels as a content creator on Instagram:
1. They are easy to create
Video content often requires a lot of time, money and production (especially before), whereas now they are short videos that do not require a lot of time and can easily be created. Not only are they quick to create but they are quick to consume, this allows viewers to know your brand without investing a lot of their time.
2. They create more visibility for your brand
Reels have outstanding visibility compared to regular posts, the top video on many explore feeds is usually a reel, which is displayed much larger than the rest of the posts on the page.
Reels is not the only place on Instagram for video content, stories also have the ability to showcase short videos but only for 24 hours. The permanent aspects of reels make them important in terms of visibility.
3. They create more reach
As we know, reels are the latest feature by Instagram, meaning that the company wants to promote this feature. You are more likely to reach a larger audience and get more engagement from non-followers on reels than any other feature on Instagram.
The average engagement for Instagram posts is about 2-3%, whereas if you had posted something similar in reel format, you would have been seen significantly more by non-followers.
EXPLORE FEATURE: Reels allow you to be discovered by the huge and diverse community on the Explore page. Having a public account means that you can share your reels to a dedicated space in Explore. This explore feature gives you the chance to be discovered by the wider Instagram community.
The ability to attach certain songs, effects and hashtags to Reels also gives you the opportunity to appear on dedicated pages related to that specific feature.
Quick Tips for Making Reels
Find the correct/best settings for your camera
Where do you want the sun to be positioned? Plan accordingly the time of day.
Have a backup day if weather conditions change
Use Trending Audio
Add Your Own Unique Spin
Include Relevant Hashtags
Post Often
Share Reels on your Story and/or Feed
Get Inspired
Be patient and seize the right moment
Reels have become the recipe for viral growth on Instagram, now let’s get creating!
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