Instagram’s version of Tik Toks, Reels are a brilliant way to increase your followers and boost engagement rates. Reels are heavily favoured by the Instagram algorithm, with creators seeing huge increases in engagement rates – an average of 40% higher – for their Reels over regular feed posts or even traditional video.
Reels allow you to create short, vertical-format videos to share on your Instagram profile. These can show to your audience on your feed and to the wider Instagram community through a new space in Explore.
However, for all the engagement and opportunities Reels drive, some brands still find creating these intimidating. In this blog, we share our top tips on how to create an engaging and informative Instagram Reel for your business.
1. HAVE A PURPOSE
Our number one tip for creating a Reel on your mobile phone? Put the phone down. Yes, you read that correctly! Before you hit the record button, think to yourself, what message do you want your audience to gain from watching? It might be behind-the-scenes footage of creating your product or showcasing your venue, it might be introducing team members, or even promoting a new product or offer.
Don’t overcomplicate it, and make sure your message is clear to both you and the viewer.
2. KEEP IT SHORT
At the moment, the current length of a Reel can be either 15, 30 or 60 seconds long. Keeping your video as short and to the point as possible means there is a greater chance the viewer will watch until the end.
Keeping it short also gives your video a better opportunity to be rewatched over and over again, which indicates to the algorithm that this is what users want and need to see, meaning you should expect more views, more engagement, and more brand awareness.
3. ADD TRENDING AUDIO
Audio can make or break your Reel! It is all about uplifting music that can enhance your video. This could be a trending sound clip, a popular song, or the voiceovers that seem to be a forever favourite with viewers.
If you are struggling with inspiration, Instagram has a music library with endless sounds and music to choose from. You can browse music curated just for you, trending songs, and categories, or use the search bar to find a specific song. Of course, when picking your audio make sure it relates to your message and brand.
4. ADD CAPTIONS
Did you know that 85% of videos on Facebook are watched without sound? A lot of viewers tend to watch videos on their daily commute to work, at lunchtime, at the gym, or in public places where unless you have headphones you can’t necessarily watch out loud.
With that in mind, we recommend adding on-screen text and subtitles to your Reels. Happily, Instagram have made it incredibly easy: to add video subtitles, you can use Instagram’s closed caption sticker. Tap on the sticker icon and select “Captions”. Once they have pulled through, you can edit the text to make sure all is correct.
5. ENGAGING COVER PHOTOS AND HASHTAGS
Once you’ve finished your Reel, you will be given the option to add your caption, hashtags and cover photos. To add a cover photo, you can tap on the thumbnail of the Reel. Here you have two options – upload a cover image or select a frame from the Reel that will become the cover thumbnail of your video.
This will make your Reel and feed look visually appealing and prompt your audience to click on your Reel. Instagram also recommends that you use 3 hashtags in your caption of the Reel to help Instagram’s algorithm understand your content and bring it to your relevant audience.
6. LINK IN INSTAGRAM BIO
The link in the biography of your Instagram account is what we would like to call your Reel conclusion. Although there isn’t a link sticker just yet for Reels, you can drive traffic to your website in the Reel’s caption. Consider adding this call-to-action in your caption or even in the video itself. Note: Reels are best used for awareness and reach, so don’t rely solely on website traffic being the main objective for your Reels!
Get your thinking cap on to create a Reel that speaks to your audience and ultimately converts them to your business. Unsure where to start? Don’t be afraid to get in touch with us here at Sprint Digital for any content marketing strategies.
Author Bio: Katie McGarr is one of the resident writers for SPRINT DIGITAL Agency Dublin, a firm offering an extensive range of digital marketing and website services to businesses across UK, Ireland, and Continental Europe. She enjoys sharing her insights about blogging, web design, SEO, and other forms of digital marketing.
