Meta is continuing to encourage Instagram users to use Reels
and make more content using its short-form video feature. Instagram has enabled
displaying of all forms of videos posted on the app as Reels, which indicates
that the company is focusing on Reels more than ever, so much that Meta believes
that in order for your content to reach more audience, Reels must be a part of your
marketing approach.
According to Instagram, over 45% of accounts now interact
with a Reel in the app at least once a week. This shows how much social media
users have become more comfortable with engaging with short-form content. Of course,
the trend was initiated by TikTok, and was adopted as a strategy by other platforms
after TikTok’s massive popularity, in order to keep up with the usage shift.
To further develop creators and brands’ interest in using
Reels, Instagram has recently introduced a bunch of tips that can help maximize
content reach, the top most of which are about immediacy and creativity.
First, Instagram suggests that brands must highlight their mission or showcase their products within the first few seconds of a Reels clip. Second, Instagram encourages getting creative and experimental, which would create both entertainment for viewers, as well as make a brand stand out in its personality.
Next, Instagram takes into account the impact of music,
which has been a key element in the popularity of TikTok videos. Instagram
reveals that over 80% of Reels clips are viewed with sound on, meaning that adding
music tracks to videos can lead to better content performance. Additionally,
aligning content with latest and ongoing trends is also a significant element for
performance. Adding relevant hashtags, remixing Reels, and initiating
conversations with audience, all contribute to keeping the content relevant.
Instagram also believes in the power of collaborations, as it
says ‘Collaborating with influencer voices drives more engagement, authenticity
and awareness. Campaigns that include Branded Content ads saw +123% lift in
awareness, +112% lift in association, and +67% lift in consideration and
motivation, showing that creators can help boost brand impact.’
The last tip that Instagram has for creators and businesses
is to focus on authenticity, which may sound cliché, but is wise at the same
time. Above everything else that you do to make your content stand out, you
must make sure that your Reels are reflective of your brand’s values and originality.
