Tips for Instagram Reels and Reels Ads 2023
Since publishing this post over a year ago, Meta has packed Instagram Reels with a lot of new updates. In the spirit of 'The Princess Diaries' makeover, I'm updating this blog post so you can jump into 2023 like a true Reels connoisseur.
Here we go!
What has happened to Instagram Reels lately?
Back in October 2021, I wrote that Instagram has revealed that Reels is one of the fastest growing ways for businesses to reach new followers and get discovered across audiences. You should take note of that claim - because since then, Reels has only expanded their market share on Instagram!
This has more to do with the explosion of TikTok, which has become a worldwide addiction with over a billion monthly users. TikTok's popularity has forced Instagram to redirect their algorithms to prioritize Instagram Reels in our personal feeds.
For you as a business, this means that you can no longer rely on simple posts to grow and capture a dedicated following on Instagram. With an average engagement rate of 1.95% - which is at least double compared to other post types on Instagram - don't underestimate Reels' positive effect on your Instagram profile's reach and engagement.
It's time to get your work gloves on so you can increase your follower count and get more attention for your business in 2023. And I've created the ultimate how-to guide to make Reels your most powerful tool!
What are Reels?
Instagram Reels are vertical videos that - since July 2022 - can be up to 90 seconds long. Where Reels really stand out is that the user sees Reels not only from the profiles they follow, but from all Instagram profiles on the platform.
Reels makes it possible to create interactive videos where music and sound clips are the essence of the experience. Reels allows you to edit the video sequence directly in the Instagram app, so you don't need any other tools or apps to do the job.
You can share Reels on your story and in your feed, where it will automatically appear in the 'Reels' and 'Explore' tab.
The face behind a brand is what consumers today are hungry to experience. Instagram users want to see branded content that they can relate to and that gives them a closer relationship with the products or services they buy. That's why Instagram Reels are a great way for brands to flex their creative muscles and show who they are in a fun and visual way.
Bonus info: A 'view' applies as soon as a user taps into your Reel.
Instagram Reels' algorithm
Since Instagram's Reels feed consists of suggested content, it's a huge advantage if you familiarize yourself with the algorithm. I'll give you a brief overview of what Instagram themselves have said about their algorithm and what you can do to get your Reels prioritized.
1. People see your entire reel
Instagram likes it when people watch your entire Reel. Therefore, you should also consider how long your video sequence should be. If you make a Reel of up to 90 seconds, the chance of it being viewed from start to finish will be far less than if you made a 10-15 second video.
In my experience, 5-10 seconds is the most optimal length for an Instagram Reel.
Short and sweet!
2. Your Reel has high engagement
Make sure to encourage interaction when you create a Reel so you can get as many likes and comments as possible. Another trick to boost exposure and the algorithm is to ask your colleagues to view, like, comment and save it.
3. People click on the audio that you have applied
People are happy to click on the audio if they are considering using it themselves. That's why it's a good idea to do some research before you start producing your Reel. One trick is to use TikTok and find out what's trending there in terms of music and sound sequences.
Instagram is about 14 days "late" when it comes to trends. If something is trending on TikTok, you can be sure that it will soon be trending on Instagram.
4. When format and quality are top notch
Does your Reel fit the 9:16 aspect ratio while maintaining high quality? Then you should probably get some extra love from the algorithm. Another tip is to use effects and filters from the Reel Workshop to give your Reel an extra wow effect.
Instagram doesn't like it when:
- You reuse videos with watermarks or logos from other platforms such as TikTok.
- When you post political content or anything that goes against Instagram's guidelines.
- You are uploading a Reel in poor quality.
Everything you need to know about Reels Ads
In June 2021, it became possible to advertise on the Reels location.
According to Instagram, Reels is the best location to reach unfollowed users and be discovered worldwide.
Unlike organic Reels, you can upload a video that lasts up to 60 seconds. The video will then loop if the user does not scroll further. The user can also like, comment, save and share Reels ads, allowing you to create interaction with your target audience.
What's important if you decide to advertise on Reels is that you customize the creative to match what the user expects to see when they view Reels. Make sure to use music from Instagram's music library or trending sounds and use effects such as transitions.
Do a lot of research and gather ideas and inspiration on how to best present your product to fit into the Reels universe.
Get started with your first Reel
Get started with your first Reel
Step 1 - Where is the Reels feature in Instagram?
Since I made this guide, there are many more ways to access the Reels feature.
1. from the 'Reels' feed
Tap the Reels button at the bottom of your screen and then tap the camera icon in the top right corner.
2. From the 'Story' feed
Open Instagram story by swiping right on your feed. At the bottom, select the 'Reel' function.
3. From Instagram's 'Home Screen' feed
Tap the plus icon in the top right corner. Then select the 'Reel' function.
Step 2 - Record clips or paste from camera roll
Now it's time to start making your Reel. And there are several options.
But first, you need to remember to set a length for your Reel. You can do this by clicking the clock icon on the left-hand side. Here you can also access the music library, effects, speed and much more if you want to select these before you start recording or inserting video clips.
You can record clips on the fly by pressing the 'record' button in one of Reel's workshops, or you can insert existing clips from your camera roll. It is also possible to insert images from the camera roll.
Once you have recorded or inserted a video clip, you can delete it again, crop the length or change the order of your clips by pressing the 'Next' button on the bottom right and then 'Edit' on the bottom left. You can always go back and add more clips.
Step 3 - Reels' smart toolbox
Now it's time for the fun and creative part of making an Instagram Reel!
Once you're happy with the length and order of your video clips, you can use a Reel tool to edit your Reel to perfectly fit your business and hopefully capture your audience!
Tap the music icon at the top to choose which song or sound you want to play on your Reel. In here you can also create voiceovers or import your own audio!
Remember that businesses do not have access to all music on Instagram due to license restrictions.
Bonus info: If you use your own original audio, your profile will be credited. This means that users can create Reels with your audio by selecting "Use audio" from your Reel.
When you tap the effects icon, you can make your Reel more exciting so it stands out from the crowd of Reels on Instagram! You can choose filters, draw, edit the sound and add text, emojis, stickers and gifs. It gives your Reel that final touch!
Step 4 - Share your Reel on Instagram
It's time to share your Reel on Instagram!
To share your Reel, press the 'Next' button. Choose a cover image, adjust it to fit your profile grid and write a catchy text! Remember to use various hashtags and tag relevant profiles, collaborators and your location.
Now you're ready to publish your first Reel by pressing 'Share'.
Well done!
Gain deeper insights
Whether you're a generalist or a marketing specialist, our specialists have put together some great advice for you on our blog.
