Doesn’t it feel like a new social media trend pops up every week? Some become popular very quickly and disappear just as fast (remember Vine?), so it can be a challenge to decide which platform to invest in. Instagram Reels just rolled out this past summer. Is this one of the new trends you should try? Let’s take a closer look at this new social media opportunity and whether it is a good fit for you.
What is Instagram Reels?
This new trend is basically a direct competitor to TikTok, the massively popular short form video sharing app. With Reels you can create and edit super short videos that are synced to music or audio clips. You can create and launch these clips through the Instagram app, and your Reels show up directly in users’ Instagram feeds, as well as the Discover feed and your profile page. Look for a little icon on the bottom left corner of a video to tell if it is a Reel on Instagram.
Should You Try It?
If you have been a victim of the rise and fall of past social media trends then you might be hesitant to dive into Instagram Reels. We get it. There are many factors that point towards Instagram Reels being a success, however, and we encourage you to become an early adopter.
For starters, Instagram isn’t a new service. This social media giant is immensely popular and growing by the day. If you already have a presence on Instagram, taking Reels for a test run won’t cost you a thing. (And if you’re not on Instagram, what are you waiting for?) Secondly, TikTok is coming under fire in many countries and has been banned in some places. When the app was shut down in India, for example, Instagram downloads in that country shot up. Instagram has a very active customer base, and your business should be where the people are. Reels has the potential to put you there.
Reels for Business
When you are ready to test out Instagram Reels for your business, here are some ideas to try:
- Show off your brand’s personality with a look behind the scenes.
- Highlight your services or products with fun clip set to music.
- Amplify special offers or services.
- Host informative Q&A Reels.
- Offer quick fixes or solutions in your area of expertise.
- Share tips such as styling advice, wine-pairing suggestions, etc.
- Let customers see the fun side of your business, such as an office party or friendly competition.
Instagram Reels are meant to be fun, so they might not be a good match for every brand or business. Most of us, however, do have a lighthearted side, and clients like to see that. Engage them with Instagram Reels to build brand awareness and consumer confidence. Not sure if your digital marketing is working? Check out our Online Impact Audit to get a bird’s eye view of your digital presence and find out where you’re killing it and where you might need a little more work.