Ready to captivate your followers with short, entertaining videos which can be found quickly on Instagram? Then, Instagram Reels is THE new trend to try! Even if Reels are not yet entirely available in Mauritius, it is only a matter of time before we can use them to their full potential. So, let’s take a closer look at this phenomenon, its features and how it could help you level up your brand’s online presence when the time comes.
What are Instagram Reels?
Instagram Reels are 60-second vertical videos that allow you to exhibit your creativity while also bringing your business to life. Despite initially being criticised as a “TikTok copycat,” Instagram Reels has received favourable feedback from influencers, brands, and users worldwide. Reels, like TikTok, provides a collection of editing tools that allow users to produce engaging and entertaining video content. Reels can include multiple video clips, filters, captions, interactive backgrounds, stickers, and other elements.
Instagram Reels vs. Instagram Stories
Make sure you don’t mix up Instagram Reels and Instagram Stories. Even though they sound very similar, they have a few key differences:
- AR effects, speed settings, and the opportunity to align multi-clip films for better transitions are just a few of the creative options available in Reels.
- Reels can be featured in Explore and also shared to Stories. When you upload a Reel, you can also choose to post it to your Feed. Your Reels will be saved in a separate section of your profile, same as how IGTV posts are saved.
- If you add original audio, it will be attributed to you and other people will be able to use it to make new Reels (just like TikTok)
Now that you have an overview of Instagram Reels, let’s move on to how to use them in your Social Media Marketing Strategy.
Why should you use Instagram Reels?
Well, your audience is looking for to-the-point content. And Instagram Reels provide you with an opportunity to be creative while being relevant. It’s a quick and easy approach to connect with your audience and convey your message. The following points are some of the most significant advantages of Instagram Reels:
- Increased visibility – In addition to IGTV, Live, and Stories, Instagram Reels provide another effective option to reach your target audience.
- Increased shareability – Unlike Stories, Reels do not vanish after 24 hours. Users will be able to view and share them for a longer period.
- Increased discoverability – Public Reels videos may appear in users’ Explore tab, thus distributing your content to many people who are not yet following you.
How to use Instagram Reels for businesses?
Brands should seize the opportunity to engage new audiences with Reels, especially those who like quick-to-digest content. Here are 5 Instagram Reels ideas to help you get started creating business content:
- Showcase your Products
Use snappy captions and AR overlays to promote your products and services, explain the benefits, and show how it works. - Answer Common Questions
Service-based businesses can create bite-sized videos (like How-To videos) to answer frequently asked questions from their target customers. - Provide Helpful Tips
Sharing valuable tips is another interesting approach to using Instagram Reels for businesses. These videos can be directly related to your services or instead to challenges that your target audience may face in their daily life. - Collaborate with Influencers
Influencer marketing can help to raise product awareness. You can also hire a team of relevant influencers to develop and share content on your behalf. - Behind-the-Scenes Videos
Behind-the-scenes content, such as a glimpse of your office or store, adds a human touch to your business.
If big names like Maybelline, ASOS and Netflix have been using Reels from day one and assuming you’re already using Instagram for your business, why not give Reels a try in due time? Get in touch with our Social Media team to walk you through the process and help you manage your Instagram account alongside your other social media accounts.
