Social Media Marketing: An Introduction to Instagram Reels
We’ve put together an introduction to Instagram Reels for social media marketers. Click to read more about this new feature on the social platform.
An Introduction to Instagram Reels
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Social Media Marketing: An Introduction to Instagram Reels

Social Media Marketing: An Intro to Instagram Reels

11 Aug Social Media Marketing: An Introduction to Instagram Reels

Posted at 16:01h in Digital Marketing, Internet Marketing News, Social Media Marketing by
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Social media is the definition of an ever-evolving platform. It makes the world of social media marketing fun, exciting and exceptionally dynamic. In the United States today, some of the most popular social media platforms include: 

  • Facebook 
  • Twitter
  • Snapchat
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • TikTok
Each platform offers users unique features to share and engage with content online. Likewise, the platforms continue to evolve as user behavior changes over time. 

The Rise of Instagram 

The Instagram app was one of the most downloaded apps in 2019. Founded in 2010, Instagram was created to provide users a place to share photos and short videos. The platform exploded in popularity, hitting 112.5 M users in the US alone by the end of 2020

Instagram has seen a number of evolutions since 2010. One of the biggest updates was the introduction of Instagram Stories. Potentially inspired by Snapchat, it’s estimated that over 500 million accounts use Instagram Stories on a daily basis. 

An Introduction to Instagram Reels

Instagram Reels are a fun, new way to create engaging video content. With Reels, users can record and edit 15-second video clips. The videos can be added to music, have additional AR effects and filters added. Users can then share the Reels to their Instagram Stories, the Instagram Explore Feed, and the latest feature – the Reels tab on a user’s profile. 

Reels is positioned as a direct competitor to TikTok. TikTok was first launched in September of 2016, in China. By 2017, the app was launched in additional markets where it grew 5.5 times in under 18 months.

Notably, the announcement of Instagram’s latest feature, Reels, couldn’t have come at a better time as rival app TikTok is currently facing political scrutiny which could result in a ban in the United States.

A Quick Guide To Instagram Reels

If the growth of Instagram Stories is anything to go by, Reels is set for popularity. For marketers, understanding how to harness and use Reels in their digital strategy will be crucial.

To help get you started, here’s a quick guide to Instagram Reels. 

Where Are Instagram Reels? 

To get started with Instagram Reels, you’ll first need to open up your Instagram Stories camera. Once you’ve opened up your Stories camera, you’ll see “Reels” as an option (alongside Live and Story). Click Reels to open the Instagram Reels features.

What Features Are Available For Instagram Reels?

Reels include a variety of creative tools to help you create your content. These include: 

  • Audio – Select a soundtrack to your video. Choose from the Instagram music library, or opt to use your own, original audio. (We recommend against using un-licensed audio for your Instagram Reels)
  • AR Effects – Choose from a wide selection of effects. The effect gallery allows you to add some creative flair to your content. 
  • Timer and Countdown – Take advantage of the timer and countdown for hands-free recording. Once you’ve pushed the record button, you’ll see a 3-2-1 timer countdown. 
  • Align – A perfect feature for sequential Reels. Align allows you to line up objects from your previous clip before you record your next. Use this feature for seamless transitions from one clip to the next. 
  • Speed – Slow down or speed up parts of the video or audio of your choosing. 

How Can You Share Instagram Reels?

Once you’ve created your Instagram Reel, you want to get that content out there! If your Instagram account is set to ‘public’, you can share your Reels to a dedicated space in the ‘Explore’ feed. You can also share your Reels to your Instagram Feed or your Instagram Stories. 

Like with other Instagram content, you can attach hashtags to your Reels. Users who follow that hashtag can then potentially see your Reels video. Similarly, if you share a reel featuring certain effects or audio, your reel may appear “on dedicated pages whenever someone clicks on that audio, hashtag, or effect.” (Source) 

Once you’ve posted your Instagram Reels, it will live on a Reels tab on your Instagram profile. 

Instagram Reels also have a feature similar to TikTok’s “For You” page. The Reels Explore Feed will allow you to find and share reels. In this Feed, you will see Reels from accounts that you follow. However, as you scroll you’ll see Reels from accounts that are trending and popular on Instagram. 

Just like with any new feature on social media, it’s important to explore in order to best implement your marketing strategies.Instagram Reels has the potential to be a fantastic way to reach and engage your audience. If you’d like to explore how the social media marketing experts at 1 Stop Marketing Solutions can help your social strategy, get in touch today. Click here to request your complimentary consultation today or call us on (954) 632-3905.