The Importance of Instagram Reels in Digital Marketing

Instagram is among the most recognisable names in today’s online space. As a social media platform with nearly 1.1 billion active users each month, it ranks among the top social networks on a global scale. Naturally, there are many reasons for its popularity, the main one being its versatility, allowing users to share all kinds of content, from simple photographs to video experiences.

Given its large and continuously growing user base, there are many opportunities for brands like yours to harness the power of Instagram and further their profits. However, just like any other social media platform, this is easier said than done and even getting started can prove tricky already. The question now is: how can you catch people’s attention on a platform as oversaturated as Instagram?

The answer to that may lie in leveraging short-form video clips. This recurring trend has once again exploded in popularity and is set to stay for good thanks to the rise of TikTok, which mainly caters to this type of content. Hot on the heels of this new social media platform’s success, other platforms have decided to jump on the short-form video bandwagon and implemented their own feature where users can create, edit, and share video snippets. Instagram is among those who wanted a piece of the pie and have thus pushed their Instagram Reels feature inspired by the TikTok formula. Below, we go over the inner workings of Instagram Reels, how it can reach audiences, and why it should have a place in your digital marketing strategy.

Understanding what Instagram Reels is and how it works

Instagram Reels is a relatively new feature on Instagram that lets users upload or take short videos (up to 60 seconds long), cut, and edit them on the Instagram app itself. This native video feature makes it so much easier for users to get their fill of short clips on Instagram, so they do not have to switch to other competing apps. The app also provides nifty features like a hassle-free and fully licensed audio library, creative editing tools, various effects like augmented reality, and more.

Instagram Reels share many similarities with Instagram Stories, but Reels do not disappear a day after they are posted.

Instagram Reels also has a dedicated feed showing only the Reels posted by other users on the platform. To make one, navigate to the upper-right-hand side of the Instagram app and click on the camera icon to start filming. When recording, users can choose a theme for their video and add stickers, audio, and other effects. After editing, post the clip video using the publish button, and that’s it.

Why Instagram Reels can be a powerful tool in digital marketing

Instagram Reels can serve as a stand-alone strategy to catch eyes on Instagram or be used as a way to seed your brand’s other content. As mentioned earlier, Instagram Reels has a dedicated feed page that attracts users that enjoy short-form clips the most, enabling them to see your posts and be drawn to your brand in the most frictionless way possible.

By connecting with audiences already interested in your content, your posts are more likely to be shared with others and gain further traction. Without a doubt, Instagram Reels is a powerful tool that can get your content seen by users most likely to engage with your brand.

Tips on using Instagram Reels for your digital marketing strategy

1. Put out educational content

If you have already built up some brand recognition, publishing educational content about your products, industry, and other interesting topics is a great way to use Instagram Reels. As you only have a minute to work with, keep things light, fun, and educational so that viewers can always take away something useful after watching the clip. One can even go beyond by hosting a short Q&A and answering questions at the end of the videos. This interaction attracts fans to keep coming back and is also a great way to create content with little effort.

2. Share teasers

From product launches to promotions and events, teasers make for great content in the short-form format of Instagram Reels. Doing so can generate the hype you need to get people excited and eager about your brand and garner the attention necessary for your success.

3. Follow the trends

Trends are a big deal when it comes to social media platforms, so be sure to stay updated on the latest happenings. The best way to do this is by going through the Reels feed page on Instagram and checking the trending posts. Keep an eye out for videos with similar content or using the same hashtag. However, be careful about which trends to jump on, as publishing those that do not fit your brand image or content may alienate your users.

4. Repurpose existing content

There are several ways to repurpose existing content, the most common being recycling them. Recycling content involves using videos posted on other online channels, such as YouTube or TikTok, on Instagram Reels. Apart from not having to create new content for one platform, recycling also spreads your brand’s media presence.

5. Showcase your offerings

Last but not least, Instagram Reels is a great way to showcase and introduce your products and services to your following. These posts work well alongside your educational content as they can better understand your offerings after learning about them in the showcase.

When pushing this kind of content, it is crucial to touch on the features that make your product and services different and better than the competition. For instance, if it is more affordable than leading brands but offers the same quality and functionality, make a point of it. Otherwise, make sure to justify why it is worth the asking price. Be sure to include a link to the product page in the comments or description so they can easily make a purchase and prevent potential buyers from losing interest.

Conclusion

Reaching as many people as possible is essential to any digital marketing strategy, and adding Instagram Reels to your list of online presence channels can help tremendously in furthering your marketing goals. Moreover, its fast-growing user base of millennials and gen Z, better monetisation, and seamless integration with Instagram makes it a no-brainer to get your brand’s products and videos on the platform.