Instagram is a popular social media platform with over two billion active monthly users. It is the fourth most popular social media app globally, generating an estimated 45 percent of Facebook’s total revenue. With its ever-evolving features and massive reach, Instagram offers businesses an increasingly powerful platform for marketing and advertising.
A recent addition to the platform — Instagram Reels — are quick, entertaining and creative, and have the potential to quickly engage audiences and help businesses reach new audiences.
Reels vs. Posts
Let’s jump right to effectiveness, then we’ll circle back to the basics of what you need to know.
We created an identical reel and post for a client — same visual content, same hashtags.
- 400 non-followers saw the post, total.
- The Reel had 3000 views in the first hour.
The results are clear — Reels are a winning strategy!
What are Instagram Reels?
Instagram Reels are short videos available through the platform for users and brands to promote content or communicate with their followers. These Reels differ from the standard Instagram Stories feature because Reels don’t automatically disappear after 24 hours. Like a typical Instagram post, Reels only disappear if you remove them from your page.
Reels are becoming increasingly important for businesses and marketers for expanding reach and achieving higher engagement. Reels are typically more effective than other Instagram marketing tools, as they are more likely to be recommended to users who don’t follow your page.
How Long Can Instagram Reels Be?
Instagram Reels last up to 90 seconds when recorded in-app — or up to 15 minutes outside the app. While keeping an audience’s attention with a short Reel might be more accessible, you should consider longer Reels if your content would require multiple parts when split into shorter videos.
How to Get Started
Making an Instagram Reel for your brand is practical, simple, and fun. Here’s how you can get started:
- Determine the concept you want for your campaign, and storyboard to prepare for filming.
- Open the Instagram app and tap the plus icon at the top of your page.
- Select the Reel option, which allows you to begin recording or uploading your video.
- Edit your Instagram Reel using various in-app features. Tools can alter audio, add filters, crop the visuals, shorten the clip, change the speed, and many other valuable assets.
- Tap the “next” button, then adjust the settings for your Reel if necessary.
- Add a caption and any other details, then post!
Top Tips for Making an Effective Instagram Reel
Creating an effective Instagram Reel that boosts engagement requires planning and creative thinking. Additionally, you can improve your Reel by considering some of the following tips:
- Keep it short: Reels recorded in-app cannot exceed 90 seconds, but typically shorter is better. A concise and straight-to-the-point Reel is more likely to be viewed all the way through by your audience.
- Use music: Music can add energy and emotion to your Reel, engaging your audience.
- Use effects: Draw attention and make your Reel stand out.
- Be creative: Reels should be entertaining and eye-catching. You only have a short window of time to catch an individual’s attention, and the more creative your content, the more likely it is that a user will stop scrolling and watch.
- Utilize hashtags: Hashtags can help you reach a wider audience, so include them whenever possible.
Can You Boost Reels on Instagram?
Yes, you can absolutely boost your Instagram Reels! This is a great way to get in front of a larger audience and increase the reach of your Reel. To boost your content, take the following steps:
- On your profile, select the Reel that you want to expose to a broader audience.
- Below the selected Reel, tap the “boost” option.
- Describe the details of your ad by selecting a Goal, Audience, Budget, and Duration.
- After filling in these details, tap on the “next” button.
- To finish your ad, tap the “boost Reel” option under “Review your ad.”
The Benefits of Using Instagram Reels
Some of the numerous benefits to your brand include the following:
- Instagram’s algorithm favors Reels.
- Even on a budget, Reels can effectively promote your brand.
- Reels can help you save time creating marketing content.
- Reels can place your brand on Instagram’s explore page.
- Instagram Reels can be repurposed across for other social media platforms.
- Consumers want to engage in relatable and relevant content from the brands they purchase from – Reels accomplish this.
- Reels allow brands to demonstrate their content and services in a fun, digestible way.
- Reels can boost brand awareness because of their broad reach and ability to showcase products, services, and promotions consumers might not learn about otherwise.
- You can reach new, untapped audiences and potential customers with Reels, especially when using hashtags and location tags.
Access Full Spectrum Marketing With Pixaura
Reaching your target audience through social media tactics and tools — like Instagram Reels — is easy when you work with quality agencies like Pixaura. Our options for Instagram ad targeting can help newcomers, business leaders, and experienced marketers navigate the Reels marketing environment to drive engagement and give your team access to the benefits of this medium.
Contact our team to get creative and start making Reels today!