Instagram is the sixth most popular social media platform overall.
You would assume that Instagram’s crew would be pleased with the progress they’ve made so far.
Nevertheless, you’d be mistaken, since TikTok really occupies the eighth slot.
Instagram is feeling the effects of the viral video platform’s sudden rise to prominence as a marketing hotspot.
This explains why Instagram released their newest product feature, Instagram Reels.
Reels on Instagram: what’s the deal?
Instagram Reels is an attempt to imitate TikTok, much as Instagram Stories was an exact imitation of Snapchat.
Note that this isn’t Facebook’s first attempt at imitating TikTok; in late 2018, the company released Lasso, only to cancel it the following year in July due to little adoption. Evidently, Facebook wants to achieve far greater results with its current effort if it can tie it to a widely used platform.
How familiar are you with TikTok? If so, then you’re prepared for everything Reels throws at you. Instagram allows users with public accounts to make and edit short (30 second) films with music and effects, which they may then share with their followers and the larger Instagram community.
Making Instagram Highlight Reels
Again, if you’re comfortable with TikTok, you’ll have no problem using Instagram Reels.
To begin, please keep in mind that Reels is only available on mobile devices. In other words, you’ll need a mobile device or a scheduling application that supports this capability in order to make and distribute them. It is not possible to make Reels on the Instagram web app.
To begin, open the Instagram app on your mobile device and on the Reels button there.
The following editing options will appear on the left side of your screen once you reach that location:
You may listen to music from Instagram’s collection or upload your own. If your account is public, other users will be able to access your original music and use it in their own Reels while giving you credit for it.
An augmented reality feature that allows users to add AR effects made by Instagram’s in-house team or by other developers.
Countdown and timer: Set a 3-2-1 countdown for as long you’d like your hands-free recording to be, then start filming.
Adjust: Make it so that changing clothes, for example, is a smooth transition from one cut to the next.
You may slow down or speed up the video or audio to your heart’s desire.
You may use the app to record Reels, as well as edit and share films from your camera roll.
Instagram Highlight Reels: How to Share
Have you ever put together a reel? Congratulations! It is now time to release your creation to the world for everybody to enjoy.
This is what the screen looks like right before it goes live:
As a result of being there, you can:
You may save a draught of your Reel to modify and share at a later time.
Adjust the thumbnail that appears at the top of the page.
Embed a hashtag-appropriate caption in your video.
Mention your coworkers and associates.
When you’ve completed these steps, you may click the large blue button to publish your Reel to your Instagram Stories, Explore Feed, and the Reels page.
Is your carefully planned grid in danger of being ruined by your Reel? Have no fear; Instagram provides the ability to delete such content.
Everything You Need to Know About the Tech Behind Instagram Reels
Now you know the fundamentals of making Instagram Reels and sharing them with others. But, your material has to look great if you plan to utilise Reels as part of your Instagram marketing strategy. This necessitates that you study up on the relevant technical particulars. Some suggestions are as follows.
Fix the aspect ratio, please. To get the full effect of an Instagram Reel, you should see it in full 9:16 portrait format, much like an Instagram Story. To fit in the newsfeed, your video will have to be cropped by 15% on both the top and bottom.
You should be familiar with various distances. When Reels originally came out, they were only 15 seconds long, but today users may choose a length between 3 and 30 seconds.
Always double-check the thumbnails. One and the same thumbnail can be used for both your grid and the Reels gallery (at 9:16). It doesn’t take a mathematician to see the vast difference between those ratios. The idea is to centre your thumbnail’s content such that it looks well on both.
Tips for Including Reels in Your Instagram Ads
Now that we’ve covered all the bases in terms of functionality, let’s talk about how you can use Reels as part of your current Instagram marketing plan.
However, nothing “new” in social media lasts forever, and many well-established firms have already developed effective applications.
Exhibit the Character of Your Product or Service
One of the greatest benefits of social media is that it provides a platform for companies to present their unique identities. Why? Simply said, social media sites are more relaxed than other types of online meeting places. You can’t succeed in the social media sphere if you stick just to boring business conversations.
The use of video may greatly aid in showcasing one’s individuality. Moreover, the Reels tab’s extremely immersive nature (where films take up the full screen) provides businesses with a great deal of real estate to convey their identities and philosophies in a compelling and effective manner.
Provide a Unique Selling Point
Using Reels as part of your Instagram marketing strategy is pointless if you plan to release the same material in a slightly different style.
Rather, you should think about Reels in the same way that you would TikTok. Make your Reels stand out from the rest of your Instagram activity by adopting a distinct style and content topics that your followers won’t find anywhere else.
Putting Your Goods On Display
You’re right that there’s more to life than just making a buck on social media. Yet, with the rise of social commerce, more and more companies are turning to channels like Instagram to promote their wares.