Understanding Instagram Reels

Over the last 6 months, Tik-Tok has gained unprecedented traction - new influencers have emerged, brands have created real connections with customers, large communities have been created, and Instagram clearly isn’t happy about it. So, in August, Instagram decided to create a new video feature, allowing users to create and share short clips of content whilst staying on the app.

Instagram Reels, a Tik-Tok-esque new feature that allows users to create 15 second long videos with music, captions, and all kinds of effects is now available for users in over 50 countries worldwide. 

You can create Reels by heading to your story and swiping across the bottom tp the ‘Reels’ icon. You can also find the Reels feature on user accounts between the IGTV feature and tagged photos, as well as by looking on the explore page. 

In this article, we’re going to share insightful advice for you and your brand when it comes to Instagram Reels, so by the time you’ve finished reading this article, you’ll be ready to hit record. Buckle up and get ready to engage with and grow your audience like never before!

Why Is Instagram Reels Important To You and Your Brand?

Whether you’re an influencer or you’re trying to grow your brand, utilising the Instagram Reels feature is a great way to increase engagement and stand out amongst the crowded feeds of your followers. It’s a way to engage with users by creating visually appealing content that’s not static and non-interactive the way a photo is.

Similar to when IGTV was released, Instagram Reels allows you to maximise your reach which invites new followers to your feed, giving you potential new customers. 

Accounts pictured in this image - @louisvuitton, @spell, @teganphillipa, @gypsea_lust.

How To Use Instagram Reels - Top 4 Ideas For Your Brand!

Now that you know how essential it is to incorporate Instagram Reels into your marketing strategy, it’s probably a good idea if we share with you exactly what kind of Reels you should be producing.

Of course, you can create whatever you like (it’s your brand after all), but there are 4 specific, captivating ideas that you may want to use. So, let’s take a look at them.

Show Your Audience What They Want To See

If you want to create engaging content using Reels, you need to actually know what your audience wants to see and then produce it. Take a look at your Instagram Insights and see which stories are most viewed, which IGTV’s are most liked and which posts drum up the most engagement. You need to figure out what your audience wants to see, and then create a Reel that resonates with this.

For example, if you’re an influencer who posts about pretty much everything but you see that people are really engaging with your travel content, it’s a good idea to produce a travel-related Reel.

Behind The Scenes Footage

You should utilise Instagram Reels to share a more authentic side of your brand, and there are not many better ways to do this than to share behind the scenes footage. For example, if you’re a fashion brand, sharing your photoshoot BTS not only lets followers see the work that goes into those glossy, perfected images, but it still allows them to see your garments in an aesthetically pleasing way. 

Informative Content

One of the best ways to create a real community around your brand is to share informative content with your followers - it makes them feel as if you’re sharing advice and tips the way a friend would.

For example, if you are a fashion brand you could produce a styling Reel, giving fashion advice to your audience. If you’re a beauty brand, you could create a Reel sharing benefits of the product you just released. If you’re a photographer, you could share a Reel with tips on how to shoot a flawless photo. You get the gist...

A Lookbook In Motion

A look book is typically a selection of photographs from a photoshoot showing the brand’s products, the model, the stylist’s work, and the overall aesthetic of the brand. Look books are a wonderful way to show your audience your garments or products and your overall brand image, so why not make a look book in motion to make it even more engaging, by using Reels?

Have Fun Creating and Growing Your Brand!

Now you’re equipped with an array of knowledge about Instagram Reels, it’s time that you start incorporating this feature into your marketing strategy. Go ahead, start creating, and have fun with it - after all, the Reels feature is a great way to show authenticity and really connect with your audience and create a community.