The digital sphere is forever changing the algorithm, upgrading, or adding new features. TikTok brought a fresh perspective on the format of video content. It was expected that Instagram, also owned by Facebook and known for countering other social media platforms, would introduce its take on short video format.
Instagram announced its Reels feature in August 2021. Since the Reels feature was added, many business owners, marketers, and social media managers find themselves wondering if it’s the REAL deal? Is it worth the resources to investigate this platform and incorporate it into a content plan?
This blog explains the main benefits of using Instagram Reels and if it’s the right fit for your brand.
What Are Instagram Reels?
Reels is an Instagram feature that lets you create short-form video content that you can share with your Instagram followers or anyone on the platform. You can record and edit 60-second videos, adding audio and effects, and then share the videos with your followers and the entire Instagram community, should your account be public (if you’re a business, we sure hope your account is set as public 😉.)
Why using Instagram Reels are worth it
#1 Increase reach and awareness
If your Instagram account is public, Reels can be shared to the Explore feed to make it easier for people who don’t already follow you to find your content. Because it’s also a ‘new’ feature, Instagram’s algorithm tends to push REEL views, more than other content views. It’s an opportunity for brands and influencers to get their content in front of more people.
#2 No need to rebuild a following
Building up a quality following is hard work. If your business already has a large Instagram following and you don’t have the resources to build up a new following from scratch on the now-iconic TikTok, Reels is a great feature to use instead.
#3 Engaging content
It’s an innovative way to capture your audience’s attention, educate and engage. REELS are short enough to share bite-sized content that prompts people to engage. The audio available makes it even more intriguing for people to watch, and consumers can easily fall into the rabbit hole of watching Reels for hours…
#4 Easy Creation
Trying out Reels for the first time, you’ll likely disagree that it’s easy to create Reel content, but Reels are user-friendly and straightforward, considering the time and money that goes into other forms of video content. Reels can be created inside the Instagram app.
#5 More permanent than stories
Instagram already provides a place to create short videos inside Stories. Still, Reels offer the added benefit of it being permanently on the grid, whereas stories expire after 24 hours (unless you save them as highlights to your profile).
#6 Reels Offer More Visibility Through The Use of Hashtags
Like a grid post, you can use a maximum of 30 Instagram hashtags for a Reel. Given the sizeable 2,000-character limit, you have the space to write good, engaging copy alongside your hashtags. On the other hand, Stories only allows you to add 10 hashtags, limiting your ability to reach a wider audience.
Your Reel may feature in some, if not all, of your hashtag feeds, so again, the ability to raise awareness and increase reach. Because Reels are permanent, the chances of your content being discovered in that hashtag feed are far higher than in the Stories hashtag feed.
#7 Retargeting
Retargeting customers who are already familiar with your brand is one of the most powerful features of digital marketing. While you can’t currently advertise in the Reels feed, you can use Reels to advance your social advertising on Facebook and Instagram.
Unlike Stories or IGTV, Reels can be used to create video views custom audiences for retargeting, which is a game-changer tactic if you’re using Facebook and Instagram ads as part of your marketing strategy. If your audience reacts well to your Reels content, you can retarget them to take the next step in the sales funnel.
In conclusion:
Sometimes, it can be scary to incorporate a new feature into your marketing strategy, but if it can contribute to a more impactful marketing strategy, what’s stopping you from trying it out?
The benefits of using Instagram Reels are indicating that it’s worth it. Instagram Reels are the real deal 😉. If you need assistance with content creation, get in touch with us.
Sources:
https://about.instagram.com/blog/announcements/introducing-instagram-reels-announcement
https://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/is-instagram-reels-worth-pursuing-pros-and-cons-for-marketers/
https://influencermarketinghub.com/instagram-reels-hashtags/
