If you’re on Instagram a lot, you’ve probably already heard about Reels. But you may not know that much about them. After all, Reels are a newer feature on Instagram, and new features can almost always take some time to figure out. But let’s start that process here!
So…what are Reels?
If you’re familiar with TikTok, you’ll probably know that Instagram Reels are very similar in structure. Reels are short videos that can compile video clips, pictures, text, and more into one video that’s easy to view on the Instagram platform. Reels can be as simple or as complicated as the maker would like–sometimes, they’re just 30-second video clips, but more often they include voice-overs or are used to showcase a talent, explain an event, or to entertain the viewer.
Like TikTok, Reels also tend to follow certain trends, which can be short-lived as they quickly become saturated. For example, a frequent trend on Reels is to use a sound or music clip over a video to make a humorous or thoughtful statement.
How do Reels work for businesses?
Lots of people who make Reels are doing so for personal reasons, but Reels can be used for professional purposes. The main thing to keep in mind is how to attractively display your products or explain your services in a concise way to fit within the limited time allowed for a Reel.
One way to use Reels from a business perspective is to jump on the trends we mentioned above. For example, some music trends involve showcasing many photos at once over a fast beat to create a video. A business that wanted to show off its products could feature photos of its offerings over this beat, and post the Reel to advertise.
Are Reels essential for me to market my business online?
This is the big question, and the short answer is yes…and no.
Reels have skyrocketed in popularity, and in general, it’s always a good idea to market to your customers where they’re at. Because of this popularity, many businesses are now viewing these kinds of videos as essential marketing tools. TikTok videos and Reels can be very lucrative ways to market if your customers are already using the TikTok and Instagram platforms.
But there are a few things to keep in mind with Reels if you’re considering making them to market your business:
- Time
It can take significant time for you to figure out how to make a Reel, especially if you haven’t been using Instagram as a platform for long. Making a Reel involves cutting together music, videos, and photos, and potentially text and other features as well, and it can be easy to get overwhelmed. If you don’t have a lot of time to devote upfront to learning how to properly make a Reel, your marketing efforts may be better spent elsewhere.
- Your products/services
The creative people who make Reels every day have proven that it’s possible to make a Reel about almost anything. However, you should consider what your potential subjects might be before jumping in to create Reels. If you have a lot of beautiful and interesting products to show off, such as your handmade jewelry or the behind-the-scenes process to creating your baked goods, then Reels could very easily help you to showcase them. But if your services are mostly intangible, you might have to think about creating a less visual Reel, such as advice videos, which may be more difficult or impossible to do.
- Where your customers are at
Reels are a great way to appeal to both current and potential customers, and the popularity behind Reels is growing (they have expanded to Facebook, which owns the Instagram platform). However, that doesn’t mean that everyone is watching them, and if your current customers aren’t interested in Reels, or in Instagram in general, then investing your time into creating Reels might not be the most lucrative decision for your business. Consider surveying your customers and gauging their interest in Reels, or seeing where your target audience falls compared to the demographics of those who watch Reels most frequently. Reels can still be a great way to reach a whole new audience, but it’s up to you if it’s worth the time to find out.
Do you still have questions about Reels? Leave them in the comments, and let’s start a discussion about this feature!
Wreath Writing & Marketing Services 