Instagram Reels offer companies a dynamic way to create short, entertaining videos and share them with a broad user base. A big advantage of Instagram Reels is the preferential treatment in the Instagram algorithm. Compared to regular feed videos or stories, reels often achieve a greater reach as they are also displayed to users who do not yet follow the account. This gives companies the opportunity to present their content to an even broader target group and gain new followers.
Use Instagram Reels to put your brand in the spotlight and maximize visibility on the platform. In this blog post, you’ll learn everything you need to know about creating Instagram Reels and how to use them effectively for your marketing.
What are Instagram Reels?
Instagram Reels are short videos of up to 90 seconds in length that have been specially developed to present entertaining and creative content. The format is similar to the short videos on TikTok and is particularly popular with a younger target group.
A major advantage of Instagram Reels is the variety of creative tools available. With interactive stickers such as poll, quiz or emoji slider stickers, you can make your reels more interactive and appealing. Since June 2022, Instagram has also made it possible to upload your own sound that other users can use in their reels. This feature opens up the potential for your sound to become the next viral hit.
What is the difference between Instagram Reels and Instagram Videos?
Instagram Reels and Instagram Videos differ primarily in their length and format. While Instagram videos appear directly in the feed and can be viewed by users’ followers, reels are specially designed for short, quick content and offer a separate display in your account.
A reel is ideal for conveying content briefly and concisely. This makes reels particularly suitable for entertaining clips, teasers or short instructions. In contrast, Instagram videos are better suited to longer formats such as reports or interviews, which require more time to fully convey the message.
Another difference is the type of presentation and the focus of the content. Reels are designed to be quickly consumed and creatively engaging, while longer Instagram videos are often used to convey more in-depth information or tell more complex stories.
Reels are displayed separately in your account, giving them extra visibility and making it easier for users to find and share this short, snappy content.
How does the Instagram reel algorithm work?
The Instagram Reel algorithm is designed to present users with the most entertaining and relevant short videos. Unlike normal Instagram videos, the reel algorithm primarily shows content from accounts you don’t follow based on various factors that reflect your interests and engagement.
Here are the most important factors that the Instagram Reel algorithm takes into account:
- Your activity: The algorithm analyzes which reels you have liked, commented on or shared to better understand what type of content interests you. The more you interact with certain types of reels, the more likely it is that you will be shown similar content.
- Your interaction history with the creator: Even if you do not follow a certain account, the algorithm evaluates how often and intensively you have interacted with the content of this creator. These interactions give an indication of how interested you might be in this person’s content.
- Information about the reel: The algorithm takes into account various details of the reel, such as the audio track used, the specific video content and the general popularity of the reel. Popular reels that quickly receive many likes and comments are preferentially displayed in users’ feeds.
- Information about the person who posted the reel: The algorithm also takes into account the creator’s overall popularity and activity to ensure that diverse and engaging content from different sources is displayed.
The advantages of Instagram Reels for companies
Instagram Reels offer companies a variety of benefits that make them a powerful tool in social media marketing. The short, visual form of reels allows brands to present their messages in an engaging and tangible way, which is particularly well received by the younger target group.
Here are some of the key benefits of Instagram Reels for businesses:
- Visualization of content: Reels enable companies to present their content visually and dynamically. The visual presentation makes the content more appealing and easier to access for the target group.
- Tangible content: Complex issues can be explained in a simple and entertaining way using reels. This promotes understanding and interest in the content.
- Optimization through voiceovers: Reels make it possible to optimize content with voiceovers. This is particularly useful for conveying additional information, explaining the context or adding a personal touch.
- Increased reach: Thanks to the preferred position in the Instagram algorithm and the option to display reels to non-followers, companies can significantly increase their reach. Reels have the potential to go viral and can therefore reach a large number of new potential customers.
- Increase engagement: The interactive nature of Reels – through the use of stickers, music and effects – invites users to interact with the content.
Tips & tricks: Create effective Instagram reels
Instagram Reels are a great way to showcase your brand in a creative and engaging way. To get the most out of your reels, you should follow some tried and tested tips and tricks. Here are some of the key steps to creating effective and successful Instagram Reels:
1. understand the Instagram reel algorithm
To place your reels optimally, it is important to understand the Instagram reel algorithm. The algorithm shows preference for content that is entertaining, creative and relevant. Make sure that your reels are appealing and encourage viewers to interact. The more likes, comments and shares you receive, the higher your reels will be ranked in the algorithm and the more people will see them.
2. create your reels directly on your smartphone
You don’t need a professional camera to create high-quality reels. A good, up-to-date smartphone is all you need. Shooting and editing directly on your smartphone allows you to work quickly and efficiently. Videos created on a smartphone often come across as more authentic and likeable, which will go down well with your target group.
3. focus on a concise start
The first few seconds of your reel are crucial to grab the viewer’s attention. Make sure that the opening of your video is concise and captivating so that viewers remain curious and watch the video to the end.
4. pay attention to the perfect length
Reels can be up to 90 seconds long, but that doesn’t mean you have to use up all the time. Make sure your video is the right length to get your message across clearly and concisely. Shorter videos often have the advantage that they are more likely to be watched to the end and encourage viewers to interact.
5. the choice of music is crucial
Music can significantly influence the mood and effect of your reel. It is advisable to choose music from Instagram’s own database, as this may be preferred. Be sure to choose music that is currently trending to maximize your reach.
6. be creative
Make full use of the creative possibilities offered by Instagram Reels. Whether through the use of interactive stickers, original ideas or special editing techniques – creativity is the key to standing out and inspiring your target group.
7. post at the right time
The time at which you post your reel can have a big impact on its success. Test different times to find out when your followers are most active. Use the insights of your Instagram profile to find the best time for your target group.
Get even more out of your Instagram Reels with FollowerPilot
Instagram Reels are an effective way to increase your brand’s visibility and engage your target audience in a creative way. However, in order to exploit the full potential of these short videos, it is important to follow a well thought-out strategy and use the right tools.
With FollowerPilot, you can push your Instagram Reels and take your social media marketing strategy to the next level. Whether it’s about getting more followers, likes, comments or views – FollowerPilot offers you the right solutions to make your reels even more successful.
Our services include:
- Buy Instagram followers: Increase the number of your followers and boost the credibility and reach of your profile.
- Buy Instagram Likes: Increase engagement on your reels and improve your position in the Instagram algorithm.
- Buy Instagram comments: Encourage interaction and create an active community around your content.
- Buy Instagram views: Make your reels more visible and attract more attention to your videos.
Discover how FollowerPilot can help you achieve your goals. For more tips and tricks about Instagram and other social media platforms, check out our blog.