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Get a Quote Today!8 Tips for Creating Instagram Reels that Stand Out
Whether you’re an avid video creator or you’re looking to boost your video marketing strategy by using social media, Instagram reels are a great way to drive engagement and boost your user base.
Ready to start publishing engaging Instagram reels that reach the reels tab of thousands of users?
In this article, we’ll cover eight tips for creating stand-out Instagram reels.
We’ll also cover the following questions:
- What is An Instagram Reel?
- What’s the Difference Between Instagram Reels and TikTok?
- How Many Instagram Users Use Reels?
Key Takeaways
- Instagram reels are video clips allowing users to create and post entertaining videos for their followers.
- Instagram reels are typically between 15 and 60 seconds and often include multiple clips, original audio, and visual effects complete with text overlays.
- Instagram Reels and TikTok are both short-form video platforms. However, key differences include the length of videos and content formats.
The Instagram reel function has over 2.35 billion monthly active users, which is likely to rise to 2.5 billion by the end of 2023.
What is An Instagram Reel?
Instagram reels are video clips allowing users to create and post entertaining videos for their followers.
A similar format to TikTok videos, Instagram reels are typically between 15 and 60 seconds. They often include multiple clips, original audio, and visual effects complete with text overlays.
Instagram reels are visible in a separate “Reels” tab on users’ profiles and the Explore feed, where users can watch your Instagram reels – even if they don’t follow your account.
The Instagram reels algorithm will push your content to people that watch similar Instagram reels, so you can rest assured that only people who are interested in your content style will find your video clips.
Instagram reels can also be shared on your feed or your stories, allowing you to reach a wider audience and boost your engagement.
What's the Difference Between Instagram Reels and TikTok?
Instagram Reels and TikTok are short-form video platforms allowing users to create and share engaging videos with their followers and other app users.
While there are similarities between Instagram Reels and TikTok, key differences include their user base, video length, content format, music, and algorithms.
The choice between the two platforms ultimately depends on your goals and target audience. If you’re casually posting for fun, either platform will provide you with the tools needed to make videos. On the other hand, if you’re looking to market a business or service, there are key differences between Instagram Reels and TikTok that you should consider before posting content.
1. Platform
Instagram is a social media platform focusing on photos and videos, while TikTok is a standalone app focusing only on short-form video content.
2. User Base
Both Instagram and TikTok have large user bases, with both surpassing over 1 billion monthly active users. However, TikTok has a younger demographic of users compared to Instagram.
3. Video Length
Instagram Reels allow for videos up to 90 seconds, while TikTok recently released a new feature that allows users to post up to 10-minute videos.
4. Content Format
While both platforms allow users to create and share short-form videos, TikTok offers far more editing features and filters, allowing users to create more complex and visually appealing content.
When posting an Instagram reel, it is possible to use TikTok to edit your video and then save and upload it to the Instagram platform.
5. Music
Both platforms offer a vast music library for users to include in their videos. However, TikTok has more extensive audio options, allowing users to use original sounds and audio from other users.
In comparison, when posting an Instagram reel, you can use sound effects and voice-overs but have limited options to use trending audio from other creators.
6. Discoverability
Instagram Reels are most often shown to a user’s followers and can be discovered in the Reels tab, while TikTok offers a more robust algorithm that suggests videos to users based on their interests and previous viewing history
How Many Instagram Users Use Reels?
The Instagram reel function has over 2.35 billion monthly active users, which is likely to rise to 2.5 billion by the end of 2023.
When publishing an Instagram reel, you’ll likely reach a wider audience of users finding your content through the Instagram reels algorithm.
8 Tips for Creating Stand-out Instagram Reels
If you’re interested in posting your first Instagram reel or want to up your game and reach more people, here are 8 Instagram reels tips designed to boost your engagement.
1. Keep it Short and Punchy
Instagram reels should be between 15 and 60 seconds long to keep your content concise and engaging. Short and punchy reels are likelier to be shared by others as they are easily consumable.
The average attention span of an Instagram app user is just 8 seconds, so it’s important to make your video clips count.
2. Plan in Advance
Organisation is key when filming a storyline for Instagram reels. Without a storyboard, your Instagram reel may not make sense, and you’ll struggle to drive good engagement.
Create video content that stands out by planning your Instagram reels well in advance.
3. Use Trending Audio
Audio clips are essential for driving Instagram engagement. Viewers are more likely to watch Instagram reels if they use engaging music, sound, and voiceovers, as they provide a fun and immersive experience for the viewer.
You can either choose to use trending songs and audio that already have plenty of engagement or your own audio with the hopes of it reaching trending status.
Whatever you decide, using audio in your Instagram reels is a must.
4. Be Creative
Unique content performs far better than recreated themes from already published Instagram reels. Think outside the box and create engaging content that’s one of a kind using props, costumes, and special effects. You never know; you might end up on the explore page!
5. Use Captions
Captions are an essential part of any Instagram reel. They allow you to provide context to Instagram users while boosting your content’s discoverability.
Use emojis, call-to-actions, and hashtags to take your Instagram reels from anonymity to trending status.
6. Use Hashtags
Hashtags allow Instagram audiences to find Instagram reels that appeal to them and improve their reels tab over time.
By using relevant and trending hashtags for your content, more Instagram app users can find your reels.
7. Collaborate with Other Creators
Collaboration is key on Instagram. Post Instagram reels with other popular creators to utilise their follower base and create more engaging and diverse content.
When searching for other users to collaborate with, look for creators with a similar audience or style to you, preferably with a decent follower base. You can find similar creators to you by searching public Instagram stories or browsing your reels tab.
8. Consistency is Key
Consistency is key when it comes to Instagram reels. Create content regularly and post consistently to keep your audience engaged and interested.
If your followers don’t see you on their Instagram feed often, they may forget about you and be less likely to engage with your Instagram reels.
FAQs
Can you Use your Camera Roll for Instagram Reels?
You can use videos from your camera roll to create Instagram Reels. When creating a new Reel on Instagram, you can either record a new video or select one from your camera roll.
This means you can edit your videos on a third-party app and upload them directly to Instagram.
Are Instagram Stories Better than Reels for Engagement Purposes?
Both Instagram Stories and reels are effective for driving engagement, and it’s impossible to say which is better. Consider factors such as your audience and content format when choosing which posting format is better for your goals.
Should Posting a Reel on Instagram Be Part of My Marketing Strategy?
Posting a reel on Instagram can be a valuable addition to your social media marketing strategy, especially if your target audience is active on Instagram.
Instagram Reels are short, attention-grabbing, and shareable. Creating engaging and entertaining reels that resonate with your audience makes them more likely to share your content, which can help boost your brand engagement.
How Does the Reels Feed Work?
The reels feed works similarly to the picture feed. You’ll see video collections from accounts you follow and reels from accounts that Instagram suggests based on your interests and activity.
The Reels you see in your feed are gathered by the Instagram algorithm based on your previous watches and likes.
What is the Difference Between Reels and Traditional Instagram Videos?
The most apparent difference between traditional Instagram videos and reels is their length and format. Typically, reels are around 60 seconds long, whereas traditional Instagram videos can be up to 60 minutes long.