It was only a matter of time before Instagram did to TikTok what it did to Snapchat with Stories. Introducing Instagram’s newest feature, Reels: the latest way to record and share short-form video.
With yet another feature added to the ever-growing roster of must-have content, marketing leads and social managers everywhere are wondering how the heck to keep up.
”In addition to static posts, Stories, and Instagram Live, we now have to be publishing vertical video?! Is this really something we need to jump on?”
Most brands won’t. Most will put it on the shelf with promises of ‘next quarter.’ If you choose to make the same call, that’s cool. You certainly won’t be alone. But you certainly won’t be ahead.
The key to success on any platform is early adoption and jumping on a new feature before it becomes mainstream with brands will give you a valuable head start. Navigating Instagram Reels for brands can be tricky but, with the right moves, you can leverage the platform’s newest feature to pull ahead of the competition and capitalize on its growth potential.
Here are 3 ways you can use Instagram Reels in your brand marketing strategy:
Reels was designed to deliver fast, fun, and creative content. There’s no need to invest in highly produced videos or spend hours editing—this unpolished content can be a relatively low lift by video standards.
Short-form video presents an opportunity for brands to show a more authentic, less picture-perfect side of their biz. When done right, this human approach to content can strengthen community and build genuine relationships with your audience.
Quick tips and how-to content is made for Reels! If you’re unsure about where to start, plan a “Top 5 ___ Tips” or “How to ___ 5 Ways” Reel based on what your audience is interested in.
For example, for our wedding client Joy, we shot content that would be helpful for couples in the process of planning their wedding, such as:
Big news! Instagram Reels are now shoppable! This presents a great opportunity to show off your products and then tag them for direct shopping.
You could create a Reel unveiling your latest product design or one that answers the top FAQs your customers have. As long as you do it in a way that adds value for your audience, Reels will not only be a way that brands can share creative content, but also a platform for marketers to push product.
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