Video content is the key to captivating your audience, and that’s why Instagram created Reels, an excellent addition to the platform to increase engagement for creators. Have you been wondering how to ensure your Reels go viral on Instagram?
This article will tell you all you need to know to get the most out of Reels and make them work for your brand.
What Are Instagram Reels?
Instagram Reels are short immersive videos that allow you to express your story, interact with your audience, and discover new ones. With Reels, you can create up to 90-second full-screen videos in vertical mode with an aspect ratio of 9:16 and a size of 1080 x 1920 pixels. You can add audio tracks, multiple video clips, captions, backgrounds, filters, and even stickers!
Unlike Instagram Stories, Reels don’t disappear after 24 hours. Plus, your Reels will be featured on the user’s feed, similar to TikTok’s For You Page, and even recommended to users who don’t follow you yet.
Here are some exciting features that are available on Instagram Reels:
- Editing tools with access to augmented reality effects.
- Remix duet feature that allows you to stitch another user’s video with yours to make it appear like a side-by-side interaction.
- Audio overlay feature that lets you use music from other user uploads while adequately crediting the original account.
- Merge video feature that lets you combine multiple takes in one video.
- Share feature that allows you to share your Reels with your followers through Stories or directly on your feed. It also automatically appears in the Reels tab or Explore page publicly.
- Boost feature that lets you promote your Reels with ads to get the best reach possible.
How to Create an Instagram Reel in 3 Steps
Creating Instagram Reels is quick and easy! Its beginner-friendly features allow you to produce amazing content like a pro. Plus, if you’re already used to doing TikTok videos, this should be a piece of cake for you.
Here’s how you can get started on your Reels in 3 easy steps:
Record or Upload Your Video
Open your Instagram App and tap that ‘plus sign’ button at the top right of the screen. Then, swipe left on the Instagram camera and choose Reel among the options on your screen.
Now, it’s time to get creative! Upload a file from your camera roll or record directly in the app by tapping and holding the record button. You can upload or record a series of clips or upload them in bulk. You can even set a timer before hands-free recording starts. Just tap the record button to end a clip and again to create another.
When you’re done, the Align button will appear so you can fix objects from previous clips before recording the next video.
Preview and Edit
Make your Reel stand out with the Reels editor! Just tap the Edit Clips button to preview, trim, or delete any clips you’ve recorded. You can have even more fun with your Reel by adding effects like stickers, text, filters, and audio. Look for the icons on top of the editor, and you’ll find all the tools you need to take your Reel to the next level.
Creating Viral Instagram Reels for Your Brand: 7 Top Tips
Post and Share Your Instagram Reel
And voila! Your Reel is now ready for posting! Give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done, and don’t forget to tap the share button at the bottom of your screen. Now, it’s time to watch your Instagram Reel take off and dazzle the world!
Working With the Instagram Reels Algorithm: 4 Key Factors to Know
Navigating Instagram’s algorithm can be tricky, but there are ways for you to give your content an edge over the competition! Here are some tips to help you crack the code and get your content to reach its peak with Instagram Reels:
Posting at the Right Time
Are your Reels getting the attention they deserve? You might be posting at a time when people are less likely to be scrolling around Instagram. It can be tricky to uncover the best time to post Reels, but that’s where data comes in handy. Instagram’s analytics will provide you with insights to identify how you can reach new audiences.
Reels Popularity
Having a solid reputation outside Instagram can give you a leg up in becoming Instagram famous! Leverage your Reels and watch as Instagram rewards you with maximum reach for your content.
Audience Engagement
Create posts that will keep your followers engaged and coming back for more! Posting consistently is key to keeping your profile popular, so publish content that will get you those likes and shares!
Hashtags and Content Relevance
Through tracking your posts and interests, Instagram’s algorithm will determine which hashtags will help you make the most of your Reels. The better the quality of your video, the more likely it is to be shared with select users and become a trending topic.
7 Best Tips for Creating Viral Instagram Reels for Your Brand
Instagram Reels can be an excellent way to get your business noticed and increase your followers. But it’s not as simple as “set it and forget it.” To make waves on Reels, you need to know the tricks of the trade for going viral!
Create an Engaging Storyboard
Before pressing Record, get creative and map your vision with a storyboard. Ask yourself what topics would be most engaging for your viewers, how your Reels can enhance your posts and Stories, and what special effects you want to include.
When you clearly understand your direction, you can start assembling ideas for each clip and ensure everything is in place before recording. With some planning, you can ensure you have everything you need to create great Reels!
Use Trending Audio
You can get more views by jumping on the trend train! There are a ton of popular audio clips circulating the app. Just keep an eye out for the ones with an arrow next to them (that’s a telltale sign that it’s trending), and remember to save Reels you like with catchy audio that you can use later on your own stuff.
Add On-Screen Text and Captions
Are you having trouble getting your message across without sound? Instagram has got you covered! With the closed caption sticker, you can add subtitles to your videos to capture everyone’s attention. Plus, it takes just a few seconds for the audio transcription to upload, and you can make any necessary edits to ensure that your text is accurate.
Be Genuine and Relatable
Creating a bond with your followers can be a challenging task. Why not be your authentic self and let it shine through your Reels and other posts? Instagram is a place where people feel comfortable, so steer away from anything too sales-y and instead make content that resonates with them.
Do Instagram Collabs
Do you know what’s better than one awesome Reel? TWO awesome Reels! Collabs on Instagram allows you and your brand partners to team up and share your Reels on your profiles. This can be a total game-changer for your brand. Think of the reach you can get when you join forces with popular creators.
Ready to get started? Here’s the lowdown:
- Select Tag people before posting your Reel.
- Tap “Invite collaborator.”
- Choose the user you want to feature.
Once you’ve both accepted the invite, your Reel will appear on your accounts.
Avoid Cross-Posting Videos
If you want to get the most out of your content, try giving each social media channel a unique spin! You can still use the same theme, but your videos should be tailored to your platform. Keep in mind that the orientation and requirements can vary between channels, so be sure to do your research before posting!
Track Your Analytics
Check out your analytics to determine how your content is received. Track your reach, engagement, and views, and use the data to improve your future Reels. You’ll be able to see which type of content is most popular and also discover when your viewers are most active so you can plan your Reels accordingly.
Key Takeaways
Get creative and determine the best way to get those views and show off your content. With careful planning and a dash of experimentation, you can soon master the art of creating Instagram Reels!
Figuring out what works for the app’s algorithm can be fun, and your hard work will pay off with lots of views, comments, and shares for your content. Not to mention, you’ll reap the many benefits your Reels can bring to your brand, too:
- Introduce a brand new experience for existing followers.
- Reach another set of audience and turn them into actual followers.
- Promote your brand in a creative and more engaging way.
- Identify what content and schedule works best with your audience through insights and analytics.
- Appeal to Instagram’s algorithm to increase visibility and reach across all app’s features.
Find this post helpful? Read more Instagram Reels and boosting your presence here: How to Become Instagram Famous: Persistence and Partnerships to
Ervin Kalemi
