By: Lizzy Markman
As a digital marketing agency, we’re always researching the best trends to help our clients stay relevant and gain greater visibility on Instagram — which currently includes the explosion (and importance) of Instagram Reels.
Let’s go back to the summer of 2021, when Instagram was all about mood boards, yellow-gold hues, and #hotgirlsummer, and also when the app’s Product Head, Adam Mosseri, announced that “Instagram is no longer a photo-sharing app.” Fast forward to one year later, and we are seeing his words come to fruition. Lately, you may have noticed that your feed has more Reels than ever before (we certainly have). You may also have noticed that your photos no longer have the same reach and engagement as they once did. As Instagram embraces video, so should you. Fortunately, as Instagram pivots to Reels, they have created a few tools to help create a fun, successful Reel with ease.
So, let’s get started by going to that bottom center button on your Instagram feed menu to view Reels and check out what’s trending! Once you find some trends you like that fit the content you have to share, you’ll want to start building your Reels. Below we share 3 tips for creating a successful Reel using the tools that Instagram has easily put in place.
1. Use a Template
You’ll notice some Reels have a “use template” button on the bottom left side of the screen. This is a great way to ensure your content perfectly matches the audio. Don’t have video content? Use a photo-heavy template to create a fun photo slideshow Reel that might show off a project from start to finish, what you did this weekend or the faces behind your organization such as this one.
2. Use Trending Audio
If there is an ‘up’ arrow next to the audio (listed at the bottom left corner of the reel), that audio is trending and will have better reach than audio that is not. While businesses can’t use copyrighted music on Instagram Reels, a majority of trending audio is “original audio” which businesses can use! If you see trending original audio, click on it and “save audio” so it’s easier to access later on when you’re building your content. When you create your Instagram Reel, you can find that audio again under your “saved list” when you add music to it. Be careful! Audio trends usually last a few days. It’s best to find a trend and create a Reel in the same week so you don’t miss out on the trend.
3. Keeping It Simple
We know video content can be intimidating but it doesn’t have to be. The most successful Instagram Reels are not heavily produced. Instead focus on short (5-15 seconds), candid videos that showcase a slice of life. And of course, all videos should be shot vertically! You can also combine images and video into a fun video with text overlay and catchy, trending audio — this is a great way to share images that may not be high enough quality to share directly in your feed too. Below is a great example of how we combined in-studio pics with text overlay to create an informative and playful Reel for our client Branwyn.
Still not sure where to start? We can help! Our team has implemented Instagram Reels into all of our social media clients’ strategies and we have seen an increase in reach and engagement across the board. Reach out to us to learn more about how we can help save you time managing your social channels and how to grow your social media channels.