Have you heard of Instagram Reels? It’s a new and fun way of sharing content on Instagram. Think TikTok, but on Instagram! Now, you might wonder why you should try it and how it can build your business. I’ve got the details on what Instagram Reels is, how to create and share your first Reel, and how to utilize this new tool to build your brand and business on Instagram!

What is Instagram Reels-

Instagram Reels is a new option for sharing short videos on Instagram. 15 second videos that can be edited and have effects added. It will also have a new feed in Explore that will have a similar algorithm to TikTok’s ‘For You’ feed. It will allow you to be seen and discovered by new audiences more easily on Instagram. 

Why would Instagram want to add TikTok-type videos to their platform? 

TikTok has grown in popularity over the past year and it’s demographics have changed, as well. With more Millenials making up the user base of TikTok, advertisers are taking notice. Instagram wants to capitalize on this by making sure they have more reasons to keep your business and big advertising dollars on their platform. Enter, Instagram Reels.

How to create an Instagram Reel-

1- Select Reels at the bottom of the Instagram camera.

2- Select one or more of the available creative editing tools on the left side of your screen to help you. (for a full list of available filters, click here)

3- When you’ve got your video recorded, go to the share screen.

4- Decide on your cover image, add a caption and hashtags, and tag friends before sharing. 

Besides just sharing your Reels with your followers, you can also share your reel to a dedicated space in Explore where you will be able to be discovered and seen by more people. 

Once you’ve shared your Reel, it will live on a separate Reels tab on your profile. You can also share your Reel to your Instagram Stories, close friends, or in a direct message. If you do this, it will disappear after 24 hours. 

Why start using Instagram Reels now-

Instagram wants to reward people who utilize their newest features. By beginning to use Reels as soon as it is available to you, it could explode your business. This is new territory, and Instagram wants to make a splash with Reels. Take advantage of the excitement and use it to market your business to new audiences! 

How to Utilize Instagram Reels for Your Business

Ok. you’re already creating Instagram stories, Lives, and maybe even IGTV episodes. So adding another video-based marketing tool might seem like overkill. However, the beauty of Instagram’s Reels feature is that it provides a really fun and engaging way to share snippets of your business and life with your audience. This is a great way to personalize your brand and be creative. For those who have been testing Reels, they have said that their engagement rate is already rising!

Here are a few ways that you can utilize Reels with your business-

1: Educate-

Sharing and posting educational content is always a good thing when it comes to growing your brand and business on social media. I’ve shared my tips before about how to use Instagram’s features to grow your business here. Think of Instagram Reels as 15 seconds to share quick tips, tricks, and facts with your audience. Are you a photographer? Share how to take the perfect selfie in 15 seconds. Are you a food blogger? Show how to make your favorite simple recipe. 

2: Share Products-

I’ve talked before about the power of Affiliate links and products (here). Reels is a great place to utilize those affiliate links and share products that you can earn commission on. It’s also the perfect platform to share your own products! Remember, not only will your current audience see your Reels, but they can also be shared with new followers and those who haven’t started following you yet. Did you know I have a planner? I will for sure be sharing my Queen of Content Planner on Instagram Reels!

3: Create Authentic Content-

When Instagram stories started a few years ago, nobody could have predicted how successful and far-reaching it would become. Instagram stories are a fun, informal way to connect with your audience and Instagram Reels can just add to this. Now you won’t have to save your silly dances or voice-over videos for another platform. Instead, you can share them right on Instagram. 

 

I am excited to add Reels to my Instagram strategy! Any plans for your first Reel video? What do you think, will it be as big as TikTok? Or maybe even bigger? Only time will tell!