The year 2022 has arrived! If you’re looking for a new year’s resolution for your business’s marketing plan, we propose focusing on Instagram Reels. Instagram stated last year that its algorithm would promote and push native short-form video content. As we look forward to what this year has in store, Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri recently announced on Twitter that he wants to “double down” on what Reels have to offer.
When asked what this means, he said he wishes to “consolidate all of our video products around Reels and continue to grow that product.” Knowing this, if you haven’t already, it’s time to incorporate Instagram Reels into your social media marketing approach!
What is Instagram Reels?
Instagram Reels is a brand new Instagram feature that allows users to make 15-second video clips with music to upload to their Stories, Explore feed, and the new Reels tab on their profile.
Instagram’s latest video feature, Reels, is similar to TikTok and is currently accessible in the United States and 50 other countries.
Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri said that “If your reel is featured in Explore, you’ll receive a notification. Featured reels are a selection of public reels chosen by Instagram to help you discover original content we hope will entertain and inspire you.”
Major benefits of Instagram Reels are:
- Better Visibility – Instagram Reels provide another way to reach your business goals (apart from IGTV, Live, and Stories).
- Better Shareability – Reels, unlike Stories, won’t vanish after 24 hours. Users will be able to view and share them for a longer time.
- Better Discoverability – A public Reels video appears in the Explore tab, distributing your content to many users outside your followers. And the videos also appear on the pages dedicated to the songs, the hashtags, or the effects added in the video.
Instagram Reels Predictions for 2022
This year, short-form videos, particularly Instagram Reels, exploded in popularity. It’s because Reels are shared with everyone on Instagram, not just people that follow you. The unique format makes it easy for businesses and creators to go viral and expand their communities, which is why so many people are signing up.
There is no sign of Reels slowing down in 2022 – it’s only bigger and better from here.
Here are the hot takes for 2022:
- The Reels Algorithm will get more advanced
- Reels Shopping will go to next-level
- Reels will become a major part of the Instagram app
- The Aesthetic of Instagram Reels will become more prominent
- Reels will have a separate identity from TikTok
- New Creative Editing Features and Interactive Filters
- New Incentives for Creators
How Reels will Work in 2022
To use the feature correctly and fully utilize the platform, you should consider following the steps outlined religiously. The process is as follows:
Process 1: Create Reels
Step 1: Scroll to REELS at the bottom of the screen and tap it.
Step 2: Prepare for your recording by using tools. Tap Audio to add audio from Instagram’s music library to your video. You can even add only your favorite part.
Tap Speed to change the speed of your video, Effects to add special effects, and Timer to set the length of your video.
Step 3: Press and hold the record button to capture a video clip when you’re ready. There is a countdown before the hands-free recording begins if you set a timer early on.
You can end a clip by tapping the record button during recording, then start a new one by tapping it again. The Align button will appear, allowing you to align objects from the last clip before recording the next. This feature is useful for creating seamless transitions between action sequences, such as changing outfits, adding new music, or adding new friends to your reel.
Tap the clip (6) and edit it if you want to watch, trim, or delete the previous clip you recorded.
Step 4: Once you’ve completed the recording, you can edit your reel by adding stickers, drawings, and text. Done!, You already know how to make a video with Instagram Reels. Let us now look at how you can share it with your followers.
Process 2: Sharing Reels
You can share Reels that only your Instagram followers will see with a private account.
Reels posted by a private account adhere to the account’s privacy settings, with certain restrictions on how Reels from that account can be shared with others, particularly those who do not follow the Instagram account. Others are not permitted to use audio from reels posted by private accounts.
On the other hand, reels shared by public accounts can be featured on Explore on Instagram. A larger audience can view the reel and share it with anyone. Reels with particular hashtags appear on pages dedicated to them, as do songs and effects.
By using Reels as a platform for others to see your ad, business owners can build their brand and increase their visibility.
Now that your reel is complete, navigate the share screen to save a draft. Remember to add hashtags to your Reels, tag friends, add/change the cover image, and share when you’re finished.
It’s worth noting that Reels appear on a separate Reels tab on your profile, which you can share to your feed.
Process 3: Watch reels created by others
As a creator, you will never run out of ideas for creating more mind-blowing content for your followers and prospective followers.
You should watch other people’s Reels to get ideas, especially if you don’t know what to post or are out of ideas.
Explore on Instagram shows interesting Reels and those with “Featured” labels. Instagram selects “featured Reels” and displays them on people’s stories to inspire and motivate others to be creative.
How to track Instagram Reels analytics in 2022
Keep track of your Reels’ performance to see if they’re hitting the mark and engaging your audience. Instagram makes this simple: Reels analytics are available in Instagram Insights for Business and Creator accounts.
Performance metrics for reels include:
- Accounts Reached: This metric indicates the number of unique Instagram users who saw your reel at least once.
- Plays: This is how many times your reel has been played. Because some users may watch your reel more than once, it could be higher than the number of accounts reached.
- Likes: This metric indicates how many people liked your reel.
- Comments: The number of comments on an individual Reel.
- Saves: The number of times your reel was bookmarked.
- Shares: The number of times Instagram users shared your reel on their stories or sent it to another user.
You can view the performance of individual Reels and how the format contributes to the overall performance of your account in Insights.
Instagram Reels New Features
A new “audio” tab for discovering reels that feature your song
In an Instagram app, a new audio tab has appeared. Users can search for reels by the song by selecting the audio option.
When users try to swipe and search for a song, Instagram will serve them a list of songs with the same name, like other music apps.
When users click on one of the songs, Instagram displays a 30-second sequence and reels of that song.
Furthermore, users can save the songs for later use or use the “use audio” option to create a reel right away.
New collaborative feature for Reels
Instagram is testing a new “Collab” feature that will allow users to collaborate on Feed Posts and Reels. Users can now invite one another to collaborate on a post or reel.
If the invitation is accepted, both accounts will appear in the post or reel header, and the new content will be shared with the followers of each user.
Furthermore, the post or reel will appear on both profile grids and have the same view count, likes, and comments.
How to Use Instagram Reels for Business
Instagram Reels are a new way to engage your audience and expand your reach on Instagram. Reels make it simple to establish genuine relationships with your customer base and strengthen the community you’re attempting to develop. They’re also an entertaining and engaging way to share viral (and creative!) snippets with your audience.
Even though Reels has only been around for a short time, they are proving to be a space for brands and creators to go above and beyond.
Here are some ways you can use Instagram Reels in your marketing strategy:
1. Showcase new products
With catchy captions and AR overlays, you can promote your products and services. You can make Reels whether you sell electronics, clothing, or anything else. You can either discuss the advantages or demonstrate how something works. You can provide detailed insights into your products and services by combining photos and video snippets.
2. Answer common questions
Service-based businesses can create bite-sized how-to videos to ease target customers’ pain points. For example, if you provide home security services, you can discuss the various methods for securing a home. Likewise, if you deliver pizza, you can make Reels on making a pizza taste better in 15 seconds.
3. Provide useful tips
Sharing useful ideas is another interesting approach to using Instagram Reels for businesses. These suggestions can be related to your services or to challenges that your target audience may encounter in general. You may also share amusing DIY videos with your customers to assist them. Finally, you may lead your audience to solutions through a sequence of Reels.
4. Collaborate with influencers
Influencer marketing can help to raise product awareness. You can also enlist the help of relevant influencers to develop and share content on your behalf.
Influencers can write quick reviews or talk about how your product can help them. You can also work with influencers to promote a beneficial YouTube video, podcast, or blog that you’ve developed. Such advertisements will increase your reputation and authenticity while educating your target audience.
5. Post-behind-the-scenes videos
Behind-the-scenes content gives your company a human touch. You can also share such videos using Instagram Reels. For example, you can provide a glimpse of your workplace (or business) or how your team collaborates to complete tasks. On occasion, you can also share off-work Reels of family time, company lunches, or trips.
6. Share exclusive deals/sales
You can utilize Reels to advertise your product’s discounted sale offerings. You can also form partnerships with other small businesses to give substantial discounts on their goods and services. For example, clothing stores can collaborate with jewelry stores, bookstores with gift shops, etc. Collaborations like these will increase trust among your audience and other businesses.
7. Make hints about upcoming events
Instagram Reels can help spread the word about future workshops, training sessions, and other events. Giving sneak peeks into new product launches might increase people’s interest and attract new followers.
8. Get into the trend
With Instagram Reels, you have a few options for becoming popular (and possibly viral). You can get noticed by using popular hashtags, audio snippets, or interactive virtual effects.
So, experience the Reels feature on the Discover tab to see whether there’s a content format that’s trending right now. Then, use a structure if you think it will resonate with your audience. With Instagram Reels, it’s one of the quickest (but not the easiest) ways to grow your brand.
Final thoughts
Businesses who wish to boost their targeted audiences can use Instagram Reels. We know that this tool helps customers discover new products regularly and has high engagement potential. Make sure you’re getting the most out of this Instagram app by developing Reels content regularly and experimenting with what works best for your audience.