Like all social media apps, TikTok’s future is uncertain therefore Instagram has taken this uncertainty and is hoping to lure some creators away. They can do this with the rollout of a direct competitor, Reels, which has been launched in more than 50 countries ,including the US, UK, Japan, and Australia, on both IOS and Android. This blog will help you understand how to maximise Instagram for business and your video marketing across social media marketing.
Similar to TikTok, Reels lets people create short-form videos set to music or another audio that can be shared with friends and followers and discovered while browsing the app. It’s the newest opportunity for Instagram to bring in users, increase the amount of time people spend in the app every day, and establish itself as a video entertainment platform. Reels allows people to record videos up to 15 seconds long and add popular music, as well as an array of filters and effects, over top of them. For businesses looking to use Instagram for business, reels are a great way to build a following and improve video marketing, Instagram has revamped its Explore page to create a specific landing spot for Reels at the top of the screen that people can vertically scroll through. This is similar to TikToks “For You Page.”
Since Instagram Reels is TikTok’s rival, it’s worth discussing how they’re similar and/or different. The essence of Instagram Reels and TikTok is the same: providing users with a creative space to create and share short videos with others. They come with creative options, allowing users to make their best possible clips, especially when using Instagram for business.
| Instagram reels | TikTok |
| A new feature inside the overarching Instagram eco system. | A platform |
| Users can create a 15 second video maximum | Video time limit up to 1 minute long |
| Duet and local file uploads are not currently supported | Users can “duet” one another’s videos and also react to them |
| Reels disappear after 24 hours | All video stay on TikTok unless deleted |
In terms of social media marketing it can be too soon to say Instagram Reels will be successful as its predecessor, Stories. But one thing for sure is that it gives you a new way to create more compelling content, better understand your followers, and increase your reach on Instagram. So, just give it a try. From a single dashboard, you can schedule and publish posts, engage the audience, and measure performance. When Instagram Stories was first launched in 2016, it was called a Snapchat clone. But Instagram Stories quickly surpassed Snapchat in daily users and has become an effective channel for brands to build their audience.With that in mind, brands should grab the opportunity to be the first creators on Instagram Reels and engage a new kind of audience, people who prefer quick and easily digestible content. Besides, brands can collaborate with new creative talents to experiment with Reels content they create.
Select Reels at the bottom of the Instagram camera. You’ll see a variety of creative editing tools on the left side of your screen to help create your reel, including:
Audio: Search for a song from the Instagram music library. You can also use your own original audio by simply recording a reel with it. When you share a reel with original audio, your audio will be attributed to you, and if you have a public account, people can create reels with your audio by selecting “Use Audio” from your reel.
Effects: Select one of the many effects in the effect gallery, created both by Instagram and creators all over the world, to record multiple clips with different effects.
Timer and Countdown: Set the timer to record any of your clips hands-free. Once you press record, you’ll see a 3-2-1 countdown, before recording begins for the amount of time you selected.
Align: Line up objects from your previous clip before recording your next to help create seamless transitions for moments like outfit changes or adding friends into your reel.
Speed: Choose to speed up or slow down part of the video or audio you selected. This can help you stay on a beat or make slow motion videos.
Whether you have a public or private account, you can share your reel to your Story, close friends, or in a direct message. If you do so, your reel will behave like a regular Story. It will not be shared to Reels in Explore, it will not appear on your profile, and it will disappear after 24 hours.
One more thing about Reels is that they sit in the Explore page, a place that more than 50% of Instagram accounts use every month. If your reel is shown on this page, you have a huge chance to expose your brand to new followers. If big names like Maybelline, Sephora, or Louis Vuitton have been using Reels from day one, and if you’re already using Instagram for your business, why not give Reels a try?
Modus Film is a video production company based in Kent and London. Our services are nationwide and our video marketing agency can help you make some groundbreaking content. If you want to discuss this further contact us or better yet see how video marketing can transform your current marketing mix. We are now fully PPE compliant. Plus we carry on working! We are Social media marketing experts.
As video marketing experts we are specialists in all forms of video marketing. Here at Modus Film, we have completed many projects for our clients that have required us to define a digital strategy with really great results. If you want to speak to a specialist email [email protected] or call us on 01233 273 273.
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