Instagram launched Reels, which allows users to create and edit 15 to 30-second multi-clip videos with trendy audio, effects, text, and other creative tools. With 89% of marketers saying Instagram is critical to their marketing efforts, Instagram Reels is an essential part of your Instagam’s current engagement options.
So what are Instagram Reels and how can you use them in your marketing strategy? Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about Instagram’s latest feature.
What are Instagram Reels?
Reels invites you to create fun videos to share with your friends or anyone on Instagram. You can record and edit 30-second multi-clip videos with audio, effects, and new creative tools. You can share reels with your followers on Feed, and, if you have a public account, make them available to the wider Instagram community through a new space in Explore. Reels in Explore offers anyone the chance to become a creator on Instagram and reach new audiences on a global stage.
Benefits of Instagram Reels
1. Create meaningful 30-second video clips.
Unlike Instagram stories, which last for about 12 seconds, Instagram Reels not only allow you to upload up to 30 seconds of video, but also allow you to add music and filters to your content. Instagram Reels provides you with the option of selecting a wide variety of filters, audio/music files, and AR effects that you can apply to your video that will enhance the quality of your content.
2. Get your content on the Explore page.
If you have a public Instagram account, you have the opportunity to get featured on the Explore page. Getting your video on the Explore page will not only increase your brand awareness but will also help you get more engagement that could convert into leads.
3. Increased engagement from your followers.
With the new feature of Instagram Reels coming into play, Instagram will do all the things to promote its new feature among its users. So, if you upload a video using that feature, the algorithm will promote its feature by actually promoting your content to more and more of your audience. This will help you get more engagement. Instagram has the highest average engagement rate of all the main social channels, so Reels is a golden opportunity to promote your branded content.
How to Create a Reel
1. Open the Reels feature.
You can open the Reels feature many ways. Click the Create button in the top right corner of your Home page or Profile page. Clicking on the Create button on your Home page will bring you to your photo gallery to create a new post. Scroll to “Reels” in the bottom right corner. Clicking on the Create button on your Profile page will open a menu of the different types of content you can create. Click on “Reels”.
PRO TIP: You can also access Reels by swiping right on your Home page. This directs you to create a Story, but you can swipe to “Reels” in the bottom right corner.
2. Select the length of your video.
Click the top icon on the vertical list to select your video length. Your video can last up to 30 seconds. You can choose between the 15 and 30-second options, but your video can be shorter if desired.
3. Select your audio.
Click the music icon on the vertical list. Before you shoot your video, you can search for a song from the Instagram music library to accompany your reel. However, you can also use your own original audio by simply recording a Reel with it. Depending on your account (personal or business), some songs may not be available for you to use.
NOTE: When you share a reel with original audio, your audio will be attributed to you, and if you have a public account, people can create Reels with your audio by selecting “Use Audio” from your Reel.
4. Select your speed. (Optional)
Click on the “1x” icon on the vertical list. You can choose to speed up or slow down part of the video or audio you selected. This can help you stay on beat or make slow-motion videos.
5. Touch up video. (Optional)
Instagram has recently added a Touch Up feature that smooths skin in the Reel. You can utilize this feature by tapping on the magic wand icon in the vertical menu.
6. Set your timer and countdown.
You can access the timer by tapping on the stopwatch icon on the vertical list. This timer allows you to record any of your clips hands-free. Once you press record, you’ll see a 3-2-1 countdown, before recording begins for the amount of time you selected.
7. Shoot your video!
The next step is to record your video, which is almost exactly how you would record a video for Instagram Stories – just press and hold the capture button. You’ll see a progress indicator at the top of the screen as you record.
Keep in mind that Reels can be recorded in a series of clips (one at a time), all at once, or using vide uploads from your gallery.
8. Trim or delete clips.
Once you begin adding clips to your Reel, two arrows will appear next to the capture button. To edit the length of a clip, tap the left arrow. You can trim a clip by tapping on the scissor icon and dragging the clip to its desired length. If you don’t like a clip at all, you can delete it by tapping on the trash icon.
9. Add final touches to your video.
Once you’re done recording, you can add other effects to your videos, like GIFs, stickers, and text.
You can also select at what points in your video you want your text to appear. For example, if you want to text to appear at just the beginning of your reel, set the slider so that it only covers the first few seconds of the video.
10. Hit Share!
Once you’re happy with everything, tap the next button to share your Instagram Reel.
Sharing Instagram Reels
Unlike Instagram Stories, which has fairly limited sharing options, when you share Instagram Reels, you can add a caption and hashtags, edit the video thumbnail (including adding a cover from your camera roll), tag your friends, and select where you want it to be shared.
If you have a public Instagram account, you can share your Reel to a dedicated space in Explore, where it has the chance to be seen and discovered by the wider Instagram community. On top of this, you can share your Reel with your followers by posting it to your Instagram feed where it will appear under a new Reels section on your profile.
If you have a private account, your Reels will only be shared in your feed. People will not be able to use original audio from your Reels and they won’t be shareable with users who don’t already follow you.
BG Digital Group is a top, North Carolina social media agency here to create marketing that matters. Along with creating thoughtful, engaging content for your business, we can implement a results-driven social media strategy to increase your online footprint and top-of-mind awareness. Schedule a call today so we can fuel your marketing getting your business on the road to success!