5 reasons why you should be using Instagram Reels

Have you noticed that your Instagram feed is a lot more dynamic these days? Are you seeing more video and moving images as you scroll?

In 2021, Instagram boss Adam Mosseri announced the platform would be prioritising video content - and that theme is set to continue.

But what does that mean for you as a business owner?

Are you now expected to start turning out Spielberg-style video content for your followers? Do you need to learn to sing and dance to promote your business online? And, if everyone else is doing it, should YOU be embracing this hot new trend?

Before you come out in a cold sweat, the short answer is no, but that doesn’t mean that your current strategy may need to adapt slightly.

So what are Instagram Reels?

Instagram Reels are short 15, 30 or 60-second videos that are created primarily within the app.

Reels are basically Instagram’s answer to TikTok and often creators will post the same content across both platforms to save time.

If you click on the little clapperboard icon at the bottom of your feed, you’ll be taken to the Reels feed. This is where you’ll find popular and trending Reels that Instagram thinks you’ll enjoy based on your own user behaviour.

Reels your way

Instagram’s mission is to entertain - that way users will spend more time on the app.

Lots of people use Reels to create fun content such as lip syncs, dances and simple how-to tutorials - but if that feels wrong for your business, don’t worry. Reels don’t have to be silly, serious topics can also be handled sensitively.

Like all the features on Instagram, the algorithm uses a complex set of ‘signals’ to decide which Reels to show you. This will be based on the type of content topics you usually engage with and how much time you spend looking at particular Reels.

You can also find your own Reels (once you have some), or another account’s Reels, via the clapperboard icon under highlights on the profile page.

5 reasons to use Reels

If you’ve spent any time watching Reels, you’ll know how addictive they can be. Here are five more reasons why you should include them in your content strategy.

1)   Reach a whole new audience

One of the best things about Reels is that - unlike the rest of your content - they aren’t just shown to people who follow you. This means they’re a great way for new people to discover you. One downside is that those viewers might not be your ideal audience, but you can improve your chances by making your Reels super focussed and using targeted hashtags and covers.

2)   They generate lots of engagement

Instagram is really pushing Reels right now and, as a result, they’re generating lots of views and engagement. Take the time to engage back and you could see a spike in your follower numbers.

3)   They have a longer shelf life

Unlike Stories that disappear after 24 hours and grid posts that drop down the feed, Reels have a much longer shelf life. I’ve heard of examples of Reels that are still going strong weeks after they were posted.

4)   Reels are everywhere!

As well as having their own feed, Reels can be posted to your grid and to your Stories. They’ll also appear on the Explore page and on the hashtag feed pages too. So, as you can see, Reels can massively increase your chances of being seen on the platform. Not only that, Reels can be downloaded and shared across other social platforms and in newsletters.

5)   Showcase your brand personality

Reels are an opportunity to have a bit of fun with your audience and give them a glimpse of the people - or person - behind the brand.

As we know, people buy from people so Reels offer a brilliant opportunity to make deeper connections with your ideal clients by building know, like and trust.

Ideas for Reels

If you’re struggling with ideas for your Reels, the best way to get inspiration is to simply watch them.

One of the great things about Reels is that it’s perfectly OK to copy others (with your own twist). In fact, it’s encouraged. The sooner you spot and jump on a trend, the more reach your Reel will get. You can identify trending audio by the little arrow on the bottom left corner where the music note should be.

Start by making a note of the types of Reels you’d like to make. If you don’t want to show your face that’s fine, there are plenty of other options 😉