How to use Instagram Reels for your business
If you have been using Instagram lately you may have noticed Instagram Reels.
And if you’re like most people, you’re probably wondering how reels differ from stories, lives or TV, and if it’s something else you should be using for your business.
So, what are Instagram Reels?
They’re a new way to create and discover short, entertaining videos on Instagram; very similar to Tik Tok.
Here’s the lowdown on all the Instagram parts as they stand now:
Instagram stories
These are 15-second clips that you can share to the story section of your Instagram, and these disappear after 24 hours. You can save stories to the highlight section of your profile if you would like your audience to watch them for longer. Instagram stories are perfect for short-form, behind the scenes content.
Instagram Live
You can access the live button within your Instagram stories section. When you click the button, you’re broadcasting straight away to your audience. With lives, your audience can interact with you so they can comment and ask questions. They can also request to come on to you live with you (you accept them and add them to your screen). Once you’ve filmed your live, you can save the video to your phone to use it on other platforms or share it straight away to Instagram TV. Lives are perfect for longer-form content sharing and for interactive Q&A sessions.
Instagram TV (IGTV)
These are videos that are usually your repurposed content. That is, videos that you’ve recorded in your lives. You can also create a video on Instagram and upload it to your IGTV. These videos appear on the special IGTV section of your profile and you can share a snippet on your main profile grid. IGTV is perfect for longer-form content and repurposing your lives.
Instagram Reels
These are 30-second multi-part videos set to music, which are very similar to Tik Tok videos. Reels can be recorded in a series of clips, one at a time, all at once, or using videos that you've uploaded from your phone. Once shared, Reels appear on the Reel section of your profile and you can also share a preview of them to your main feed. Reels are perfect for fast-paced, light-hearted, short-form content and to show off your brand personality.
HERE’S HOW TO CREATE AN INSTAGRAM REEL
To start, open your Instagram camera. You’ll see ‘Reels’ at the bottom.
When you click on this, your screen will be on camera mode, and you’ll see some options down the left-hand side (things like ‘add music’ and so on).
You’ll be able to choose different effects like you can with stories (if you want to use them). You may choose to have a countdown timer that you can set for how long you’d like that clip to record for. And you can also speed up or slow down different parts of your reel.
To record your first clip:
Press and hold the capture button on the bottom of your screen
You’ll see a progress indicator at the top that tells you how long you’ve been recording (remember you only have 15 seconds)
When you’re happy with you clip, take your finger off and stop recording
You’ll see the back arrow at the bottom of your screen – you can tap on this to preview the clip and can choose to delete it if you wish
Once you have filmed, or added up to the 15 seconds worth of content, you will see some extra editing tools (similar to stories)
You can download each of the clips, add stickers, use the pen and add text
Once your Reel is ready:
You can move across by tapping the arrow to the right and move to the share screen where you can download the draft of your reel
You can change the cover image (upload from your camera)
You can add a caption
You can share your reel to the main reel section, your stories, or share it on your main profile grid
And the good thing is you can add or remove your reel once you’ve shared it to your profile
What content should you share on Instagram Reels?
The number one type of content is entertaining content. Create video content that shows off your personality and show your sense of humour. This could be things like quirky insights about you or your morning routine.
The second-best type of content is educational. This could be some quick tips or some how-tos.
Another option is to create inspiring content. Show off previews of new products that you have (one per clip). Or show highlights of an event or a special location.
Hopefully, that has given you an overview of Instagram Reels and how you can use them for your business. I’d love to hear if you have used Reels and what you think of them, so let me know in the comments!