Instagram Reels is a new way to build your community and grow your reach on the app. It’s a fun and engaging way to share creative clips with your audience. The new feature allows users to create 15 or 30-second clips to music. Many people are comparing it to TikTok—it has been said to be considered a direct response to TikTok’s growing popularity.
Instagram is currently favoring the reels feature by changing the apps layout and placing them, in the forefront, where the posting button use to be. Similar to how the TikTok algorithm works, it appears that reels will likely appear on your feed if you already follow an account, if you interact with an account often, and/or by your location.
Instagram has made creating reels very easy allowing you to upload a video you already have or filming and editing right within the app. Some of the features include options to trim and delete clips, a countdown timer, an option to change the video speed, and a library of video effects and filters.
Reels is already proving to be an area where both brands and creators can make noise. Here are three ways you can use Instagram reels in your marketing strategy:
- Create authentic content that resonates with your audience – reels are a great space for brands to show a more “real” + less “picture-perfect” side – which in turn helps build connections with your audience. In addition, you’ll reach a whole new audience by exploring with reels since they’re pushed out on both the Explore page and the new Reels tab. Users who don’t follow you will see your content!
- Post educational content – reels is a great place to start teaching your audience things. For example, if you’re a beverage account — teach them how to make the trendiest drink. If you’re a food account – share a recipe.
- Showcase products and/or services – reels is a huge chance for brands to drive awareness and boost sales. Now that reels are shoppable, brands can tag products they’re sharing directly, making it super easy for consumers. If they’re interested in your product they can tap “view products” to learn more, save for later, or purchase right then and there. Check out this reel we created for one of our clients, Java Beach!
- Partner with Influencers – reels is a great opportunity to team up with influencers in your niche to create branded content for both the brand and the influencer to use/post.
Although no one knows quite how the reels algorithm works yet, it’s a great idea for brands to jump on board. If you need help doing so, contact us today!
