Instagram has implemented the “reels” feature to help combat TikTok’s short video formatting. Reels are short videos that last up to 60 seconds and allow brands or creators to express themselves through video format. While a picture speaks a thousand words, a video provides much more. So, leveraging the short video clip feature can be extremely useful for marketing.

Any business not utilizing Instagram Reels is missing out on an excellent advertisement opportunity. Using short videos can help attract more potential clients to a brand’s page and can help boost user engagement. With the platform being the 4th most-used social platform, it’s best to use all your tools.

That being said, if you don’t know where to start, then don’t worry. Leveraging Reels isn’t complicated, and we’ll provide you with a breakdown of how you can use them to boost a business’s user engagement. Alternatively, FollowersId marketers explain how likes on Reels influence user engagement.

How to Implement Reels into Your Instagram Marketing Strategy

Implementing short videos can help boost user engagement, crucial to any Instagram Business. For example, suppose a company isn’t utilizing all of Instagram’s features. In that case, they’re likely not reaching as many consumers as possible. So, learning how to use the Reel feature is highly recommended.

Reels vs. Instagram Stories

A short video may be confusing about the Instagram Stories feature. However, these are two different video features implemented on the app. The main difference is that Instagram Stories are quick videos that expire after a short period. However, Reels are short videos that stay on a profile indefinitely.

How Do You Create a Reel?

Creating a reel is simple to do as long as you navigate the app. But, even if you don’t, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how you can create your Reel. So, here is how you can make an Instagram reel.

Step 1: Launch Instagram App

First, head to the app on your phone, as you won’t be able to access or film a Reel from the desktop version.

Step 2: Open Camera

Now, open the camera icon located at the top-left corner. If you have not already done so, ensure that the app has access to your microphone and camera. If it doesn’t work, head to your smartphone settings and give the app permission to access those.

Step 3: Select the Correct Option

Once the camera is open on Instagram, there will be a few different mode selections on the bottom. Scroll right until you see the option for Reels. Once you have the option selected, you can record the video.

Step 4: Customize

On the left side of the screen, there will be options for customizing the Reel. For example, you’ll be able to change the music, playback, effects, and there will also be a timer. Additionally, you’ll be able to toggle the flash, switch between cameras, etc.

Step 5: Record

Now you’ll be able to record a short video, and it will be posted to your account. The video will record up to 60-seconds and will stop recording after that. You can track the time because a pink progress bar will move to show you how much time is left. Use the Timer or Set Timer options to help record for specific amounts of time.

Step 6: Edit

If you don’t use a whole 60-seconds, you’ll be able to record multiple clips and then align them with other clips. This allows you to record various video segments and then conveniently meld them together to create one video. This is an excellent method for creating short Ads or featuring a business’s services or products.

Using Short Clips for Business

Instagram Reels are perfect for businesses because they expand their reach with minimal effort. Think of the short video as permanent Ads that you can keep on your profile. They are good at showcasing new services or products, but they also boost user engagement. With 95 million photos and videos being shared each day, making the clips stand out is good.

Also read: 5 Instagram For Business Tips That You Need To Know

Here are 6 different ways businesses can maximize the use of these short video clips

1. Create On-Brand Content

A business should only post on-brand content if they want to utilize the benefits of the clips. A video can be 15 seconds, 30 seconds, or 60 seconds. So, choosing the appropriate length is recommended. If you’re showing off a quick clip, then 15-seconds is more than enough. However, creating a short Ad may require 30 or 60 seconds.

2. Use TikTok Content

If a business has been utilizing TikTok, it should repurpose its content on the platform. That way, a company won’t have to redo or create new content for the platform. Instead, they can use the same content with both platforms, making them look more severe and consistent.

Luckily, the short 15-sec video uses the exact video dimensions as TikTok, making it convenient to repurpose content. Even if your content cannot be repurposed due to some technical error, you can use a free video resizer tool to help make content fit. In addition, you can either add in custom audio or find the duplicate audio online if audio is missing.

3. Use Tips, Tricks, Tutorials, Etc.

The best method to utilize Reels includes tips, tricks, and tutorials. For example, if a brand is using short videos for its company, it can highlight the strengths and benefits of its products or services. It’s either that, or it can also create tutorials of how to use their products.

The more valuable a viewer finds your content, the more likely they will like, follow, and share it. Even if they may not purchase anything the first time, they will still provide user engagement. With the average business account getting 0.83% engagement, it’s crucial to utilize every platform aspect.

4. Use Challenges

Another good way to get users engaged is to post Challenges via Instagram Reels. Think of a unique Reel Challenge and challenge your audience to tag you in their description. As a result, the company will get more coverage, and more people will likely hop on the trend.

5. Partner with Creators

Influencers and Content Creators are excellent ways to get users interested in your products. However, instead of having them post to their page, see if they would allow you to post their video to your page. Of course, you’ll need consent from the person you’re using.

6. Show Off Products & Services

Short clips are a great way to show off products, particularly collections. So, if a business is dropping a new line of clothing, accessories, etc., they will benefit from placing a Reel on their page. Adding a link can also help direct users to purchase the said product if they like it.

For services, businesses can demonstrate changes for their service. For example, delivery services can advertise how they improved their delivery times. Another example could be that a gym got new recruitment.

Instagram Reel Tips

Aside from creating an Instagram Reel, it’s also essential to keep some tips in mind. A company doesn’t want to create a cliche Reel to attract potential users. So, here are a few tips and tricks to keep your videos interesting.

Keep Clips Looking Native

The video needs to be recorded in portrait mode, a vertical orientation. Any horizontal videos will need to be edited and flipped before uploading. Aside from that, the dimensions need to fit the platform’s formatting. Otherwise, the video clip may become distorted.

Make the Video Addictive

Making sure the Reel pulls in views and keeps them watching is essential. A Reel can only do so much for your channel if it isn’t entertaining. So, include flashing text, stickers, or exciting music or sound. Any audio should also be catchy and entice the user to continue watching.

Create Interesting Edits & Transitions

A short video may not seem like it needs editing or transitions, but that’s untrue. Both edits and changes make a video more exciting and help break up any sections in the video. Adding some exciting improvements can also help entice users to watch for longer. A few exciting edits include cuts, zooms, angle changes, etc.

Create Q&As

When there is limited content to post, but a company still wants to keep users engaged, it’s good to do a Q&A session. This can help users understand more about the company and its practices. Aside from that, it’s an excellent way to help get users engaged with the page again. If the company runs out of ideas, they can also ask fans to leave questions in the comments.

The Bottom Line

A platform like Instagram has endless amounts of businesses trying to compete with one another. It’s a highly oversaturated market which means that companies need to be on top of their game. That’s why using Instagram Reels is so essential.

Video clips are just one aspect of the app, but the feature provides free advertisement. So any business looking to get more user engagement should capitalize that Reels provide free advertisement space and can be easily customized. Hopefully, we’ve helped you understand a bit more about how to leverage the Reels feature to enhance your marketing strategy.

Also read: How to Organically Promote an Instagram Account without Financial Investments