With over a billion monthly active users, Instagram is the platform to be in order to grow your business. Aside from its large audience base, the app is also known to provide a ton of new tools for content creators and brands to showcase their content, the newest of which is Instagram Reels. While it may sound like just a TikTok copycat, it would be a mistake not to take advantage of its early stages. Now that Instagram is putting the spotlight on Reels, it will be easier for your content to reach a wider audience. Read on for some tips to help you get creative on Instagram Reels:
Take a Cue from TikTok
Because TikTok has been in the short video format longer, it may still be the better source for viral content. Check out what’s trending on TikTok — whether it be an audio or a challenge — and do a version for Instagram Reels.
Image source: https://www.tiktok.com/@spikeball?
Spike Ball, an American sports equipment company, has over 12.5 million likes on TikTok and hundreds of thousands of followers. The company’s success on the platform is thanks to its ability to capitalize on trending audio and creating platform-specific content that’s always on-brand.
If your brand already exists on TikTok, it would be a good idea to repurpose content for Instagram Reels. But as much as possible, reshoot the content without the TikTok watermark to make sure it’s optimized for Instagram. Use tools like Instasize to help you shoot and publish videos that are made for your platform of choice.
Using something that’s already trending on TikTok, will increase the chances of your content working on Instagram Reels. After all, it follows the same concept. When jumping on a trend, it’s important to consider how it will reflect back on your brand image. Make sure to participate on trends that are relevant to your target audience.
Enable Remix for Your Reels
Just launched on March 31, 2021, Reels Remix allows you to upload a side-by-side video similar to the Duet feature of TikTok. Enabling your own content for Remix will open up your content to millions of other users, increase your reach, and up your chances of going viral.
Image source: https://about.instagram.com/features/reels
When someone remixes your Reel, your original video will appear on the left side of the screen, while the new one will be on the right. To encourage more people to Remix your content, you can partner up with influencers and other content creators.
Reels Remix will give your brand the opportunity to connect with your audience and collect valuable user-generated content.
Educate Your Audience
“How-tos” is the most popular video category; use Reels as a platform to share your expertise! Regardless of your industry or niche, you can provide tips that can help your audience.
Image source: https://www.instagram.com/apartmenttherapy/
Apartment Therapy (@apartmenttherapy), a publishing company focused on interior design and home decor, regularly posts how-to videos on Instagram Reels.
Posting valuable content on Reels that can educate your followers and customers can help establish you as a thought leader in your industry. How-to videos are great for marketing your products or services without being too hard-sell.
Use your Frequently Asked Questions as an initial guide to help you produce your first how-to video on Reels.
Show Your Unfiltered Side
Eighty-six percent of consumers say that authenticity is important when deciding to support a brand. Use Instagram Reels as a platform to let your customers know who you are at a deeper level. Introduce the people behind your brand through “a day in the life” videos, show behind-the-scenes moments during shoots, and reveal the more human side of your brand.
Showing the people behind your brand will help customers connect to you better and build trust which can enhance your customer experience strategy.
Unlike your main grid where everything needs to have the right look and filter, treat Instagram Reels as the “backstage” where every one of your followers can have a pass.
Post Teasers
Short-form videos are the perfect medium to tease upcoming product launches or new content. With Reels, you have 30 seconds — more than enough time to create a trailer that will get your audience excited.
Image source: https://www.instagram.com/skillshare/
Skillshare (@skillshare), an online learning platform, created buzz for its class hosted by celebrity guest chef Kelis by posting a snippet of the course.
Instagram Reels is especially perfect for teasing long-form content like videos on Youtube or IGTV. It will allow you to create hype and at the same time, let your audience know about the other platforms you use.
Get Started
You probably don’t hear about many brands on Instagram Reels just yet — that’s a good thing. As one of the latest Instagram updates, the feature is still gaining traction. Now’s your chance to be one of the first brands to dominate. Use our tips to help you get started!
