Harris KhanJust a year ago, Instagram released a new feature called Reels. Pretty much like Stories, it allows users to create and share short videos to engage their audience. The only difference is, Reels won’t disappear after 24 hours.
Sounds familiar? Yep, many social media fanatics have criticized Instagram as having copied the whole idea from TikTok.
With TikTok gaining widespread attention across the globe shortly after launching, we can’t really blame IG, can we?
Despite the criticisms and whatnot, Instagram Reels gained a lot of love from brands, influencers, and users. Big names like Apple and Sephora are already using the feature to keep their customers posted while entertaining them at the same time.
In this post, we’ll talk about Instagram Reels and how your business can benefit from it. You might also want to stick around for a few tips to get you started.
What Are Instagram Reels?
Instagram Reels is a feature that gives users the freedom to create and edit 15-second videos they can share with their followers. You can include multiple clips, filters, stickers, music, interactive backgrounds, captions, and more.
Like its inspiration-turned-rival, TikTok, Instagram Reels is all about providing users with a creative space to come up with short videos. When done right, it’s one of the best ways to attract more followers to your page.
Benefits of Using Instagram Reels for Your Business
The fact that millions of Americans are on Instagram every day may be enough to motivate you to start exploring the feature. However, just to inspire you to create the best Reels one can ever think of, we’re sharing five reasons that make this feature instrumental in the growth of your business.
Without further ado, let’s dive right in!
Reels Are Super Easy to Create
Video content usually takes a lot of investment in time and money. You have to set up your equipment, find an ideal place to shoot, edit the video using computer software, transfer the video file to Instagram, and finally upload it.
With Reels, it’s a completely different story. You just record your video using your phone, make it more attractive with filters, add clever captions to capture the attention of your followers, and voila, you’re done!
Not only are they quick to create, but they’re quick to consume, too. This allows your viewers to learn everything they need to know about your brand without spending too much time.
Reels Can Easily Captivate Audience
Did you know that humans now have an average attention span of eight seconds? That’s a significant decrease from 21 years ago, when we were still able to hold our attention for at least 12 seconds.
That’s exactly why social media is focused on creating bite-sized video clips. People can only digest so much information in so little time.
No wonder Reels continues to be a hit among Instagram users. It keeps them engaged not just because of the content of the video, but also because of the duration. Plus, extra features like text and music make the videos even more fun and exciting.
Whether you’re posting about a new product you want to highlight, tips to grow a small business like yours, or even the most boring topics such as chemistry stuff, you’ll be giving life to your videos through those features. Your audience will have their eyes on their screens the whole time.
Reels Can Boost Engagement
Reels provide businesses of all sizes a huge chance to reach a wider audience.
As with any Insta feed post, Reels are also featured on the Explore page.
Keep in mind that your Reels will rank higher in the Explore tab if you receive organic engagement. A handy tip is to share them both on your feed and Stories to gain traction.
Once the algorithms see that you’re getting enough interaction – likes, shares, or comments – they will push you to the Explore tab. This improves brand exposure and boosts your chances of gaining more followers who can eventually turn into your next customers.
If people like what they see from your featured video, expect them to check out your profile and follow you. Don’t forget to include a link in your bio to get them to perform a desired call to action, such as making a purchase or booking an appointment.
Reels Can Humanize Your Brand
Creating Reels will require you or anyone in your team to be the star. This gives you an opportunity to showcase brand personality and develop a relationship with your audience on a personal level.
Let’s be honest, these days, consumers just want to be treated like real humans, and not just another sale to add to a profit. They’re more inclined towards brands that are authentic, those that are open to show off their personality.
Giving your followers a behind-the-scenes look into your everyday life as a business won’t only display the human side of your brand, but it will also establish trust. Introducing them to the rest of your crew will gain you bonus points. Of course, they’d love to see the wonderful people behind your company!
Reels Allow You to Retarget Your Audience
With Instagram Reels getting rolled out just last year, Facebook has yet to monetize the feature. In other words, there are presently no ads in the feed. Don’t expect it to remain that way forever, though, as our gut feeling tells us that it will be monetized in the near future.
While you can’t necessarily advertise in the Reels feed, you can use your Reels to enhance your campaigns on Instagram and Facebook. And, if you’re using Facebook ads as part of your digital marketing strategy, you can take full advantage of Reels.
How? Facebook allows you to create retargeting audiences from people who have watched your Reels. Besides that, you can also harness the power of a Lookalike audience and discover more users similar to your Reels viewers to serve your ads to.
Promote Your Brand Using These Instagram Reel Tips
We’re pretty sure those perks have gotten you super excited, and now, you’re probably wondering how to begin. As promised, here are some quick tips to guide you:
- Give your audience a “backstage pass” feel. Take a Reel of your day at the office, or better yet, show your followers how much fun everyone’s having despite a busy day. Don’t hesitate to share the inner workings of your company.
- Feature a new product in a creative way. By now, many Instagram users are tired of seeing popup ads on their feed. They want something new, something fresh, something that brings out the creativity of a brand – yes, we’re talking about Reels.
- Create how-to videos. If you making a tutorial video in less than 30 seconds is impossible, think again. You might be surprised to learn that Reels actually comes with professional editing tools that allow you to splice together a quick tutorial about your product or service.
- Answer frequently asked questions. A short FAQ session where you mention common questions and answering them concisely not only helps you connect with your audience, but it also shows your willingness to address issues.
There You Have It!
Growing your brand using the power of social media has never been this easy, thanks to Instagram’s newest addition, Reels! Don’t miss that golden opportunity!
