Short and engaging videos have taken off because of TikTok, and Instagram Reels are the latest competition to create similar content.
Social media trends can come and go, but is Instagram Reels here to stay?
And if it here to stay, can businesses use it to build their Instagram marketing and capitalize on their audience?
What is Instagram Reels?
Instagram Reels is a new feature that lets you create short videos. Reels can be up to 15 seconds long and can feature multiple clips in one video.
You can edit videos to make them more interactive and exciting for your audience. Some features include:
- Adding songs from the Instagram music library
- Use original audio (Other users can download this audio and use it on their own Reels)
- Add filters or other effects
- Hands-free recording options
- Increase the speed or slow down the video
- Select cover image (Great if your Reel is going on your main feed)
- Add captions on the screen
- Tag other Instagram accounts
You can even add hashtags. Hashtags will allow your Reels to show up on the Explore page, where you can find a bigger audience.
Once you start sharing Reels on your main feed, a new tab will appear on your profile. This tab will house all of the Reels that are on your feed.
Why Instagram Reels is Great
Instagram Reels may help increase your exposure. Your audience persona may prefer getting to know you through video, and Instagram Reels is an excellent option if your audience is using that platform.
Creating a connection is a powerful tool in content marketing, and Instagram Reels can help build your community.
Ideas on How to Use Instagram Reels for Your Business
Educational content
Audiences often find educational content valuable, and Instagram Reels is one way to provide them that type of content.
Some examples of educational Instagram Reels include:
- Workout demonstrations
- Making a recipe from start to finish
- Inside knowledge of your industry
Show your brand story
Your audience wants to get to know you, and your Instagram Reels is an excellent opportunity to share your company story and values.
You can create Reels about specific employees, fun facts about your company, or share testimonials and reviews from customers.
Keep in mind that Instagram Reels is only up to 15 seconds long, so you may have to get creative with time.
Behind-the-scenes content
If you want to create entertaining Instagram Reels, showing off what life is like behind-the-scenes can be a bonding experience between you and your audience.
From dance-offs to cute moments of your employees’ pets, there are multiple ways to connect with your audience.
Behind-the-scenes content helps show the people behind your brand, which can make you more relatable and personable.
Repurpose Your Instagram Reels
Add to highlights
You can repurpose your Instagram Reels by adding them to the Highlights section on your profile. Instagram Highlights are basically a permanent home for your Instagram Stories.
This is a great place to store your Instagram Reels for your audience to consume.
Let’s say you’re a health brand. If you create several educational Instagram Reels, you can create an Instagram Highlight titled “Health Tips.” Your audience will know that this is the place to find valuable content concerning a specific topic.
Use them on Pinterest
Pinterest allows you to add video pins. Since Instagram Reels are only up to 15 seconds long, they can easily be repurposed into video pins, which also have a 15-second limit.
Repurposing your Instagram Reels can help you build your brand on Pinterest. Video pins are a great way to stand out from the crowd of images.
If you want to learn more about Pinterest marketing, check out our blog post about it here.
So will you use Instagram Reels?
Instagram Reels has a lot of potential to increase brand awareness, build relationships with your audience, and make you a memorable brand.
Just like with any content marketing strategy, you need to develop a plan and decide if this is the best tactic for your Instagram marketing goals.
Have you started seeing Instagram Reels on your feed yet? What do you think?