You may have noticed a new tab at the bottom of your Instagram stories, Reels….
So what is this little Reels tab and, how does it work?
Launched initially in Brazil in November last year with great success the new functionality has launched in 50 countries including the UK.
Instagram Reels is, without doubt, another TikTok – there are rumours to suggest Reels was created in direct competition to TikTok after TikToks phenomenal success during lockdown. There has been no word to suggest whether this is true or not or if the functionality was already being developed in the background, pre-COVID. All we know is that TikTok is going get a run for its money!
Reels allows a user to create and post short, 15-second videos with the option of using music or filters, audio and effects. The videos can be posted on the users feed and Top Reels will be shared on the ‘explore’ page where the most popular posts will be shown using an algorithm that selects the most popular posts. Featured Reels will be highlighted in Reels based on creativity, entertainment, fun and interest.
So with users no longer having to switch platforms for different functionality, Instagram is giving brands the chance to monetise their content further….
Before we begin with that, here’s a little tip for you – you don’t have to use new content! You can use existing blogs, podcasts and previous social posts to adapt to your strategy on Reels. This does not have to become a full-time job in itself, marketing is about efficiency, so use what you’ve already created to showcase your products or services.
What you didn’t think you would want your audience to see.
Creating behind the scenes content is incredibly important for your brand in 2020, this content takes your audience on your journey, from choosing samples, materials or goods to product development to product launch and all the time building a relationship and trust with this audience to ultimately grow the strength of your brand and sales. Would you ever have imagined sharing all the nitty-gritty with your audience before? Well, now it’s time to put it all out there!
Get fun!
We’ve talked about sharing behind the scenes content with your audience using Reels but this is also a great opportunity for your audience to get to know you and your company better – we can all visit an ‘about us’ or ‘meet the team’ page but surely creating some fun videos is going to hit the sweet spot?! Again – you are using the platform to build trust, encourage engagement and show off your super amazing company, products and team. You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain from giving a little bit of yourself to your audience.
Give the goods!
Using Instagram Reels for educational resources is an opportunity not to be missed. Using Orphic Digital Marketing as an example, we could create educational content that would show off our expertise and make us the ‘go-to’ agency for all your digital marketing and SEO!
– The basics of SEO
– How to write creative Adwords
– Facebook ads for beginners
– How to use Instagram Reels (!)
– The Importance of digital marketing…..etc, etc.
Just adapt your business offering to the educational information your audience will want to know about, whether it be knitting, skiing, clothes design, dance routines or make-up tutorials. Give instructions on how to take part in a challenge or how to cook a specific meal.
How good?
Need to shout about a product or service? Well, Reels is your perfect opportunity! Get creative with your reviews use all the tools provided to make your review noticed. Use user-generated content, if someone is saying amazing things about your company, product or service USE IT! (you can upload photos of videos sent by other people so this is a winner!)
With TikToks bad press for reportedly providing user data to the Chinese government. India, the USA and other countries including Australia are considering banning the app – so it’s no surprise that Instagram Reels has made its appearance now! As with all Facebook/Instagram products, it would not be unfair to expect big things of Reels.
