Instagram has been leaning more into its video strategy over the past few years. In July 2022, the app announced that all new videos under 15 minutes will be shared as Instagram Reels. Users were also granted access to Reels editing tools to make videos more engaging.
With the ability to publish longer videos and consumers’ love of short form video, there’s a lot of Reel-estate for brands to get creative and boost their engagement.
Here are some ideas broken down by industry to help you get inspired and improve your video Instagram marketing strategy.
1. How-To Tutorials
What is the fastest way to boost your views on Instagram Reels?
Tutorials.
Why?
You’re teaching your audience how to do something. It’s incredibly valuable, which makes it shareable and saveable. Those two actions are crucial to the algorithm picking up your content and sharing it with more users.
2. Create A Series
Do you have A LOT to say on a specific topic?
Turn it into a series.
Not only is it an excellent way to keep your followers coming back to your profile for the next instalment, but it creates binge-worthy content, and your account becomes known for that “thing.”
3. Mini Vlog a Day in Your Life
Day-in-the-life videos are some of the most popular content types on any platform. Youtube, TikTok, to Reels, people love watching other people live their lives. …
But why?
We want to imagine what it would be like to have that lifestyle or job. It’s aspirational and inspirational content at its finest. Lastly, it allows us to escape the humdrum of our current lives for a couple of minutes.
As a brand, you can leverage mini vlogs to give your audience a behind-the-scenes look into your business. Show your followers what goes into making your product, packaging it, and sending it to the couriers.
4. Hop Onto Trends
Trends are one of the best ways to get more eyes on your content and grow your brand.
But there is a trick to it.
You want to jump onto a trend as soon as it starts taking off. If you wait too long, it becomes saturated, and your Instagram Reels will get fewer views
. So how do you find this sweet spot? There are two methods:
1. Plann for trends around specific events like Halloween, Valentine’s Day, etc.
2. Watch videos on TikTok.
Why?
Audio trends tend to start on TikTok and then trickle over to Instagram Reels.
There’s one more thing to keep in mind when it comes to trending videos… You. Don’t. Need. To. Do. All. Of. Them. Stick to trends where you can easily tie them back to your niche. If it works, it works. If it doesn’t, move on to the next best thing.
5. Tell Your Story
Your brand story is a powerful way to connect with your audience and share your passion with the world.
Why does it work so well to grow your social media following?
It’s inspirational. It helps your customers understand your values and connect with your brand on a much more intimate level.
You’re creating an emotional connection and planting the seeds for the know, like, and trust factor to take root, ultimately leading to true fans who love to buy your products and services.