What is Instagram Reels?

Instagram Reels can be an engaging tool for businesses to share how-to videos. For example, service-based companies can post bite-sized Reels about the different ways to fix certain problems.

Reels can also support social sales via product tagging. This feature is available for brands of all sizes. To use it, connect your online store to Instagram and enable Instagram Shopping.

Instagram Reels are a new way to showcase a series of videos on your profile. They’re a great way to build brand awareness, grow your following and connect with your audience.

Reels can be recorded on the app using either the camera or video uploads from your device. It is recommended to have a clear script, general blocking and an idea of what your reel should look like before recording your content. This will ensure you have enough footage to create a well-rounded and captivating reel.

Once your Reel is ready, you can edit it by adding text, filters, emojis, stickers and cropping the cover photo to the right size for your reel. You can also choose to add a caption and select hashtags and people you’d like to tag. Reels can be up to 90 seconds long.

You can share your Reel to your feed, Story or in a direct message. Reels shared to Stories are automatically featured in the Reels tab of your profile and can be seen by your followers and other accounts on Instagram.

The best way to use Reels is to create quick tips and tutorials about your products or services. For example, if you are a beachwear company, create a Reel showing your followers how to style their sarongs or if you are a dog-walker, demonstrate the top three commands you teach each of your clients. Instagram users are increasingly seeking out content that is informative and helpful, so providing a quick tip or tutorial will help your Reel stand out in the ever-growing Instagram feed.

1. Increase Engagement

Instagram Reels are designed to be fun and engaging – a perfect way to capture your audience’s attention. When you post a Reel, it’s important to keep in mind that Instagram users are looking for something entertaining, so try to avoid overly sappy content (lip syncs or dances are a great example of this).

Another tip is to use templates if you’re not sure where to start. Many video editing apps have a variety of pre-made layouts that make it easy to create standout Instagram Reels. These templates help you ensure your visuals sync perfectly with the audio and are professionally edited in a matter of minutes.

Additionally, don’t forget to add a clear and effective call-to-action (CTA) to your Reels. This will help you drive more engagement and leads, especially if your Reel is posted on your Instagram story.

Lastly, be sure to use relevant hashtags in the description of your Reels. This will help you reach new audiences and boost your visibility in the Instagram algorithm. If your business has a physical location, be sure to geotag your Reels as well.

By utilizing these best practices, you can turn your Instagram Reels into highly effective marketing tools for your business. As Instagram continues to push video content, creating Reels is a must for any social media strategy.

2. Drive Traffic to Your Website

Instagram Reels are a powerful tool to build brand awareness and attract new customers. Since they are often featured in the Explore tab and the main Instagram feed as recommended content, they offer a great opportunity to reach a large audience on the platform. Many content creators and influencers have experienced a surge in their engagement when using Reels. In fact, digital marketing company Later saw a 2,800% increase in engagement when one of its Instagram accounts posted Reels regularly for a month.

In addition, a good Reel can also encourage people to visit your website by featuring your products or services in the video. For example, if your business offers home security services, you can make bite-sized Reels that demonstrate various ways to secure a house. Or if you’re a pizza delivery service, you can share Reels that show how to create delicious pizzas. Reels that focus on your services are especially effective at attracting potential customers because they help solve common problems that your target market might face.

Similarly, Reels can be used to promote workshops and other training sessions that your business is offering. They can also be used to build anticipation for upcoming product launches and other events that your business is hosting. Reels are an excellent way to showcase your products without being too salesy or interruptive.

3. Increase Conversions

Instagram’s Reels feature is a powerful tool that can boost engagement and grow your audience, especially when used consistently. It’s a unique way to connect with consumers and should be incorporated into your overall social media marketing strategy.

Using Instagram Reels to share behind-the-scenes content is an effective way to humanize your brand and build trust with your audience. For example, if your business has a fun and quirky personality, create a Reel that showcases your team in action. Or, if your company is service-based, use Reels to show how your product or service works.

Another great way to increase conversions with Reels is to share how-to videos that solve your audience’s pain points. For example, if your company provides home security services, share Reels that demonstrate how to secure a house or how to make a pizza tastier in 15 seconds. This type of content is also ideal for generating leads and increasing sales, since it shows how your product or service will improve the lives of your target customers.

When creating your Instagram Reel, don’t forget to add a compelling caption that entices users to take further action. This is a crucial step in helping the Instagram algorithm understand what your Reel is about and serve it to relevant users. You can also include a link to your website or CTA button that allows users to learn more about your business or products.

4. Increase Sales

Keeping up with trends in the social media sphere is important for brands of all sizes. Instagram Reels, which mimic the catchy short-form video format of TikTok, are gaining popularity and offer businesses a unique way to reach, engage, and inspire audiences.

Incorporating Reels into your content strategy can help you increase your sales by exposing more people to your brand and allowing them to become familiar with your products and services. By promoting your Reels on the Explore page, you can gain visibility among users who may not follow you directly and who might be able to turn into customers down the line.

Reels can feature a variety of different content, from behind-the-scenes looks at your business to tutorials and countdowns. If you create content that is useful and relevant to your audience, it can be more likely to convert viewers into followers and then ultimately into customers. For example, the Kourtney Kardashian-owned makeup brand Poosh created a Reel showing how to make a face mask, which is a simple skill that their audience can easily try at home.

Additionally, Reels can also showcase your newest products. This can be done in a more authentic way than traditional ads without making the viewer feel like they are being targeted with a commercial. For example, Dyson released a Reel featuring their new vacuum cleaner with a focus on the benefits of the product.