Instagram has recently launched a new feature very similar to TikTok. A strategic move that we will soon be seeing how it works out for Zuckerberg’s company. Do you know what Instagtam Reels is and how to get the most out of it? Do you want to know how it is similar to TikTok and if it is a possible competition to this social network? Keep reading!
Table of contents
What is Instagram Reels?
Instagram Reels is a new tool within the Instagram App, in which you can make videos of up to 15 seconds, very similar to Instagram stories and also very similar to the content found in TikTok.
These videos, unlike Stories, are not deleted after 24h and can be viewed on your Instagram profile in a new tab, similar to how you can already see IGTV videos (videos lasting more than 1 minute, similar to those that can be seen on Youtube).
Videos created with Instagram Reels usually have music, something that doesn’t always happen with stories, also they can be seen in the “Discover” section with more probability that can happen with stories, which considerably increases the reach, being a great advantage nowadays, especially for Online Stores, Content Creators, Freelancers, and any user/company that wants to monetize their Instagram or increase their web traffic.
In the following table you can see the differences of Instagram Reels with Instagram Stories:
How to use Instagram Reels
To use this new feature, the first thing you have to do is go to your Instagram account and open the camera, just like if you were going to create a story.
Select Reels and start creating your video:
- Select the audio or song you want to add, you can also add the sound of what you record.
- Select the time of the Reel and even a timer.
- Select a filter, you can use all the ones you have saved and already used in stories.
- Select the speed, this is interesting and you can play with it, since you can create your video by recording sections.
When you have created your video, create a copy, choose hashtags, a cover, select if you want it to be published in the news section (the main feed) and publish it or save it for drafts if you prefer to publish it at another time. Once published, you will be able to see it on your Instagram profile in the new section dedicated to Reels.
We recommend that you watch many Reels from users in your sector to get inspired and see what this new “language” is like, since videos come in many types and the games with music, audios, cuts, uses of speed, etc, are very interesting and can create viral content of great interest for your brand.
Content ideas for Instagram Reels
As it is logical, so many possibilities to create content on Instagram can make the strategic work of planning and content creation more complicated, which is why having an expert agency in Social Media that has deep knowledge in each Social Network is key.
I leave you with some ideas of content for Reels according to your sector, so you can start taking advantage of this new functionality:
Clothing store:
-Try making a video showing a garment. Take advantage of filters and music to give it an original touch.
Hairdressers:
-Make some video showing the result of some client, use some song that is trending and a filter that highlights the spectacular result.
Nail salons:
-Record a Reel giving manicure ideas, taking advantage of the different shots you can record in the same video. Remember to take advantage of filters and viral songs, which suit your brand.
Vape store:
-do you have a new product? Show it off with an original filter and by adding trending music. Indicate the type of product it is and encourage people to go to your website.
Stationery store:
-Make a video explaining how to start a Bullet Journal and what products are needed. Take advantage of the different shots you can create, use relaxing music and some effect that goes along with the type of video and your branding.
Mechanic workshop:
-Make a video solving 2 main doubts that your customers usually find when they go to your workshop. Broaden your target and take advantage of the young audience you will find on Instagram.
TikTok competition?
Many of you have already come to the conclusion that the resemblance between Reels and TikTok is overwhelming. And no wonder, since it is clearly a bid to compete with the Chinese social network, at its best and worst.
Instagram already did this years ago, implementing the stories functionality, very similar to Snapchat videos. The move at first was not welcomed by many Instagram users, but it gradually became popular, until it became a must-have in every Social Media strategy. Will the same thing happen with Reels?
TikTok’s target is much younger than Instagram’s, but it may happen that more mature users who had not yet tried TikTok will now become fans of this format on Instagram, making it also a must-have, especially if at the algorithm level it is so interesting because of its wide reach.
Conclusions
Keeping abreast of new trends and functionalities in RRSS is an essential task for all Digital Marketing professionals. Reels is one of them, a new content format available on Instagram that is very similar to TikTok and promises to be a direct competition in a very intense moment for the Chinese social network.
Of course, the new features in the Social Media field are creating a very interesting ecosystem, which we must start taking advantage of as soon as possible.
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