Everyone knows about TikTok, but people often underestimate what Instagram reels can actually do. Used well, reels are a powerful tool for your business, a great way to pick up new followers and drive real engagement for your brand.
So let’s get into why Instagram reels are worth your attention and how they can strengthen your social media strategy.
What is an Instagram reel?
Instagram Reels are full-screen vertical videos that run up to 90 seconds long. You can customise them with filters, stickers, backgrounds, and other embellishments. Unlike Instagram stories, reels don’t disappear after 24 hours, they stick around unless the creator deletes them.
Instagram Reels vs TikTok
TikTok’s popularity is undeniable, with over 1 billion monthly users. Despite the obvious similarities between the two, TikTok skews toward a younger demographic while Instagram’s audience spans a broader age range. Posting consistent, high-quality content on both platforms lets you extend your reach and connect with new potential customers on each one.
How to utilise Instagram Reels
Create the right content
With so many other creators already posting reels, yours needs to stand out. The best way to do that is by leaning into entertainment or education with your own unique spin. Instagram also favours video that isn’t visibly recycled from other sources, so originality does a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to visibility.
Including captions
Did you know 85% of video content on Facebook gets watched without sound? That alone makes on-screen text and captions essential, they get your message across even when sound’s off. Captions also matter a great deal for viewers with hearing difficulties, which is exactly why they’ve become such a core part of Instagram reels.
Include a link in your bio
Drive traffic effectively from your reels with a clear CTA pointing people to the link in your bio. On-screen text or a verbal callout both work well here.
Take advantage of trends
Much like TikTok, trends on Instagram reels move fast. Checking what’s trending each day helps you catch a trend while it’s still hot, rather than jumping in after it’s already fading.
What Instagram Reels can do for your business?
Tell your brand’s story
Reels are an unbeatable way to tell your brand’s story. Real faces and real voices build genuine engagement and trust. Sharing reels helps your audience feel a real sense of familiarity and connection with your brand, which makes them far more likely to choose you over a competitor.
Introduce new products
If you’ve got a new product to show off, reels are the perfect format. They give you the flexibility to demonstrate how it works, talk through its benefits, and highlight whatever else makes it appealing, whether you’re selling electronics, clothing, or anything in between.
Answer FAQs
Use reels to answer the questions your customers are already asking. Think through their pain points and what they actually want to know, then build content around answering that directly.
Provide useful tips
Sharing helpful tips through reels is a great way to keep your audience engaged while adding genuine value. That could mean tips tied directly to your products or services, or broader tips relevant to your niche.
Increase your reach
Posting engaging, useful reels improves your odds of landing on the Explore page. Instagram’s algorithm favours reels, so brands that post them consistently have a better shot at getting featured there. With 200 million users checking the Explore page daily, a spot there can give your engagement a serious boost.
Still unsure how to make the most of Instagram reels in your digital marketing strategy? Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help.