Are you also addicted toInstagram Reels? The new short-video feature on Instagram has something for everyone: educational content, comedy, fashion, travel… it’s a new must for every brand or creator.
Sincemy first Reel got more than 1 million views, you’ve asked me how I made it. Even when it’s kind of random, there are a few steps to follow. Ever since my first viral Reel I’ve got many other Reels with millions of views and I’ll share all my tips and tricks with you.
On this post, you will discover how to post on Instagram Reels, video editing tools, and how to go viral and get new followers on Instagram Reels.
Why using Reels
Instagram was created as a photography app and 10 years after, we’re far from the original version. Now, after its exponential growth and a few algorithm changes, Instagram has become a perfect mix between photography, video, and storytelling.
Reels is a new type of content. It’s different from Stories, Tiktok, YouTube… it’s basically Meta’s version of Tiktok, but they’re not the same thing.
If you’re a brand or a creator, you have to start using Reels. It’s the best way to show your personality and to connect with your audience.
Plus, Reels is the easiest way to grow organically on Instagram, as Instagram is promoting this type of content on the platform.
Get used to Reels
The first step is getting to know how Reels work and how to use the video editor in Reels. Play with it to learn the basics: it’s pretty simple! You’ll get it quickly.
Next, you need to identify trends. You can do this by watching what others are doing.
Speaking of trends, keep an eye on trendy sounds and music. You will easily identify them when you start noticing an arrow next to the sound details, as in the photo below.
Try a few things with different ideas and concepts. You can always leave the content in your Drafts if you’re not ready to post yet!
Jump on the trends with your own personality
Reels is the best way to share your personality.
If you want to hop on a trend, think first how to add your personal touch so it’s valuable for your audience.
You need to be a trend-setter, not a follower. So instead of replicating the same reel everyone else is doing, make your own.
Whenever you’re creating a new reel, make sure to follow these steps:
- Think outside the box
- Enjoy the process
- Post with a plan / estrategy
- Research what your target audience’s interests
- Create valuable content: solving problems, educating, or entertaining your audience
How to edit a video Reels
Luckily, there are apps that make video editing easy on mobile.
These are the ones I recommend:
- InShot or CapCut: the most popular apps to adjust speed, separate clips, adding transitions and much more.
- Lightroom: to edit the video colors – get the Lightroom filters for your content at a discounted price.
How to post on Reels to go viral
Once your Reel is ready to be posted, your goal is to get your Reel to be a featured pick. This way your video will appear on the top of the Explore page for thousands of users. If that happens, you’ll get seen by thousands or millions of accounts and you’ll get new followers as a result.
This can happen days or even weeks after posting and it can last for weeks or even months.
You need to follow these steps when posting on Reels:
- Share your Reels on the Instagram Grid
- Share your Reels on Instagram Stories
- Tag the brands or companies in the video so they share it and you get extra views
- If you have a viral Reel, create new versions around the same theme, style or music
- Keep creating new Reels often to get featured again
- Join the current trends with your own twist
- Use popular/trendy music
- Keep your reels short, from 6 to 15 seconds max.
- Make sure your video is high quality. Go to advanced settings before posting and make sure it will upload at the highest quality. This way you can use 4k videos.
- Use between 5 and 10 related hashtags.
- Write a call to action on your Reel. This way, your audience will click to read more.Example: details in the caption.
- Create informative content. Think about the things the people like to save to check later on. This is something that helps the algorithm to identify valuable content and it will get shown more.
- Create shareable content. Think about the things the people like to share on their stories. Those views count, too!
If your Reel gets picked, you will get a notification like this one:
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The story behind 100k followers on Instagram
As a seasoned social media expert and Instagram enthusiast, I've delved deep into the intricacies of the platform, exploring its evolution from a photography app to a multifaceted hub of visual storytelling. My expertise is not just theoretical; it's backed by hands-on experience that has yielded tangible results. Let me guide you through the key concepts embedded in the article about leveraging Instagram Reels for maximum engagement and growth.
Instagram's Evolution: Instagram has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade, evolving from a photo-centric platform to a dynamic space that seamlessly integrates photography, video, and storytelling. This evolution is marked by exponential growth and algorithm changes, turning Instagram into a powerhouse for content creators and brands alike.
Introduction to Reels: Instagram Reels stands out as a distinctive form of content, not to be confused with Stories, TikTok, or YouTube. It represents Meta's take on the short-video format, making it essential for brands and creators to embrace. Instagram actively promotes Reels, making it the optimal avenue for organic growth.
Getting Started with Reels: Understanding how Reels work is the first step in maximizing its potential. The video editor within Reels is user-friendly, allowing creators to grasp the basics quickly. Identifying and adapting to trends is crucial. Observing what others are doing, especially with trendy sounds and music, provides valuable insights.
Crafting Unique Reels: Reels becomes a platform for showcasing personality, and success lies in adding a personal touch to trending content. Rather than being a follower, aim to be a trend-setter by putting your spin on popular challenges or themes. The creation process involves thinking outside the box, enjoying it, and strategically planning content that resonates with the target audience.
Video Editing Tools: To enhance the quality of Reels, leveraging mobile video editing apps is essential. Recommended apps include InShot or CapCut for adjusting speed and adding transitions, and Lightroom for color editing. The latter offers discounted filters for enhancing video aesthetics.
Posting Strategies for Virality: The ultimate goal is to have your Reel featured prominently, potentially reaching thousands or millions of users. Strategic posting involves sharing on the Instagram Grid, Stories, and tagging relevant brands or companies for increased visibility. Continuous creation of new Reels around successful themes contributes to prolonged virality.
Optimizing Reel Content: Several tips contribute to the success of Reels. Keeping them short (6 to 15 seconds), using high-quality videos, incorporating popular music, utilizing 5 to 10 related hashtags, and crafting engaging captions with a call to action are essential. Creating content that is informative and shareable enhances visibility and engagement.
Notification of Virality: The article concludes with a notification example, signaling the achievement of having a Reel featured, highlighting the potential for substantial growth.
In essence, mastering Instagram Reels involves a combination of creativity, trend awareness, strategic posting, and optimizing content for maximum impact, as outlined in this comprehensive guide.
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