Information in this blog post was obtained from Social Media Today, the Content Marketing Institute, and Moz.
Instagram Reels, introduced in August 2020, gained traction for its ability to create short, entertaining videos set to music or sounds. Enabling users to record and edit 15 to 60-second multi-clip videos with various creative tools, effects, and music tracks. At first, it was seen as a response to the rising popularity of TikTok, Instagram Reels has since evolved into a unique method for brands and marketers to connect with their audience.
In today's ever-shifting digital ecosystem, social media platforms continuously evolve, offering innovative features to captivate audiences and drive business growth. Among these, Instagram Reels has emerged as a game-changer for marketers, providing a dynamic tool to engage their target audience and gain an edge in the competitive marketing landscape.
Nicole Small from Moz.com says, "Instagram boasts 40 million photos per day with upwards of 8500 likes and 1000 comments per second. Most Instagram users are regular people, posting pictures from their day-to-day lives, but a growing trend is emerging with brands taking to Instagram to boost their social media management. More brands are beginning to not only have an account in Instagram, they are posting upwards of 20 or more times per month, which is helping to increase engagement and followers".
This is a testament to the fact that the market is there, the people are on the platform and they are active. Marketers just need to realize that consistency and quality in posting are very key. They are key because they keep your audience engaged, build trust and reliability, maintain your brand's image, and also the algorithm can be in your favor.
The Instagram algorithm is a way for Instagram to record data regarding which type of content I engage in, which type of content I stick around to watch, and which content I post and like. This allows them to curate a feed that is most likely going to make me engage with it. The Instagram algorithm has four main components, engagement, relevance, timeliness, and relationships. Master putting these all together in a post, and watch your engagement rise. Ann Gyn from contentmarketinginstitute.com says you must incorporate calls to action in your posts to beat the algorithm. She says, "You could make a straightforward request – please like, comment, or share. Or you could make a more creative request that gives them a reason to like, comment, or share, such as: “Want to know the next part of the story? If enough of you click on like, we’ll share the rest of the story next week."
Embracing Instagram Reels offers marketers a means to expand their reach and enhance visibility. With over a billion active users on Instagram, Reels has a huge audience for brands to tap into. Also with Reels, you could enjoy placement on the Explore page, which is where users can see content from random users rather than only users they are following. By leveraging Reels, marketers can elevate their brand's exposure and attract new followers who resonate with their content.
If any marketing strategy is going to be successful, you need people to be engaged. The interactive format of Reels along with its naturally entertaining purpose, has users engage with posts by liking, commenting, and sharing. Reels can also be a form of two-way communication, creating connections with customers through wholesome, organic content, along with direct messaging and comment sections. These Reels can spark conversations and attract new customers that you never would have reached otherwise.
Instagram reels offer another social media avenue to display creativity within a brand. In a saturated digital world, differentiation is crucial for brands to make a lasting impact. They could show behind-the-scenes of a certain product or event, demonstrations, and storytelling. Mixing reels with personality and quality can really create a sense of community within your brand. This is the ultimate sign of success!
Consumer preferences change all the time, gravitating towards short, visually appealing content. We live in an era of instant gratification, and reels is the perfect platform to swipe just for that! These short, calculated videos can capture your attention within seconds and keep you hooked if created properly. By staying on top of trends and challenges, brands can stay ahead of the curve by staying in touch.
In conclusion, Instagram Reels is an opportunity for marketers to increase their brand's reach, engage with their audience, and drive content results. By embracing this useful tool, marketers can not only stay ahead of the curve but also establish a meaningful connection with their audience in today's competitive social media landscape.
For more information on how to boost your posts, visit my colleague's blog, https://www.thesmmu.com/post/deciphering-social-media-promotion-boosted-posts-vs-ads-which-is-right-for-your-business
Disclaimer: No AI was injured in the production of this content. AI (ChatGPT) was used as a tool to supplement, enhance, and make suggestions in writing this blog post.
Resources
Gynn, Ann. “Outsmart the Instagram Algorithm: Proven Strategies for Success.” Contentmarketinginstitute.Com, 2023, contentmarketinginstitute.com/articles/outsmart-instagram-algorithm-strategies.
Julian, Jordan. “Brands Are Driving Higher Reach and Engagement by Posting Instagram Reels.” Social Media Today, 27 Sept. 2022, www.socialmediatoday.com/news/Brands-Driving-Higher-Reach-and-Engagement-via-Instagram-Reels/632817/.
Small, Nicole. “Brands Take to Instagram for Marketing.” Moz, moz.com/blog/brands-take-to-instagram-for-marketing. Accessed 15 Apr. 2024.
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