How to use Instagram Reels

Trying to find out how to use Instagram Reels? Want to know how you can use Instagram Reels to market your business? If so, you are in the right place! Keep on reading to find out what an Instagram Reel is, how to create your very own Instagram Reels and how to use Instagram Reels in your marketing strategy.

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On the 5^th of August 2020, Instagram released a new feature – Instagram Reels. In their announcement, they stated Reels are“a new way to create and discover short, entertaining videos on Instagram”. The new feature will allow you to “Record and edit 15-second multi-clip videos with audio, effects, and new creative tools”.

Does the concept sound familiar to you? Well as soon as Instagram Reels went live lots of people were commenting about how it felt very similar to TikTok. If you’ve been using TikTok in your marketing strategy then creating content for Instagram Reels will probably be very easy for you. However, if you haven’t used TikTok don’t panic. You can still become an Instagram Reel pro.

HOW TO CREATE AN INSTAGRAM REEL

1. Open the Instagram app
2. Click on the camera icon in the top left-hand corner
3. At the bottom, you should be able to select LIVE, STORY or REELS. Click on REELS.
4. To start creating a reel in the app click on the record button in the middle of the screen towards the bottom. If you want to use already recorded or edited content click on the bottom left-hand corner to access your phone gallery.
5. Record or add together as many clips are you require. You can also add music, change the speed and add effects by clicking on the options down the left-hand side of the screen.
6. Once you are happy you can write your caption and choose where to share to
7. If you publish to your feed then your Instagram Reel will appear in your feed, but there is also now a specific tab for Instagram Reels.

KEY THINGS TO KNOW WHEN CREATING AN INSTAGRAM REEL 

• LENGTH: Maximum length is 15 seconds
• FORMAT: Video and portrait
• CREATION: You can record within the app or you can upload content directly from your phone
• DISTRIBUTION: If you have a private account reels will only be shown on your Instagram feed. If you have a public account reels can be shown on your feed and / or in Explore.

WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER USING INSTAGRAM REELS TO MARKET YOUR BUSINESS?

• As with all new features that are introduced to the platform Instagram wants them to be successful and therefore increases the reach of that content type.
• With Instagram Reels being published in the Explore section is offers a great opportunity for you to be seen by new people and thus grow your audience.

WANT TO WORK OUT HOW TO USE INSTAGRAM REELS TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS?

The introduction of Instagram Reels means that content planning and creation for Instagram just got more complex. Now if you want to use Instagram in your marketing strategy you need to decide which features are best for your business. You’ll need to consider whether you should be using:

• The Feed
• Instagram Stories
• Instagram Live
• IGTV
• Instagram Reels

And then once you’ve decided what features to use you’ll need to work out exactly what content to create for each feature.

It’s a lot to think about, but luckily that is what I specialise in! I help business owners to work out where to market their business and what content to create.

Ready to have a bespoke strategy designed to give you clarity, confidence and most importantly clients?

Book a Strategy Day.