What’s the ‘Reel’ deal with Instagram Reels?

Ah, Instagram Reels. Almost a carbon-copy of the short-length video platform, Instagram Reels takes the best performing features from TikTok and reinvents them the Instagram way.

So, Reels has been around for about one year now. We’re able to take a better look at them, what it means for agencies, brands and personal profiles – and work out how to make the most of it!

Best posting practice

We all know that Facebook and Instagram can be cagey about algorithms and updates, which often leads to endless guessing games about best posting practice. Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri has been rumoured busting every Friday on his Instagram stories (if you’re not following him – this is your sign to!). Mosseri often discusses what users need to do to avoid red flags and restrictions on Reels.

1. Avoid TikTok (or other platforms) watermarks. Mosseri stated outright that videos that are “visibly recycled from other apps (i.e, contains logos or watermarks)” won’t be recommended as often as other videos.

2. Avoid low resolution or blurry videos. We recommend minimising the number of apps you use to create your Reels to avoid low-res videos. Using the Reel’s camera and editing tools is your best bet! They want you to be creating original content on their platform after all.

3. Minimise the amount of text you’re using, and make sure it doesn’t cover majority of your video.

So you like making your videos on TikTok and you want to continue to use the platform to edit and publish…

No stress! There is any easy way to save your TikTok’s without a watermark on iOS! Simply use Snaptik.

And you’re good to go! Just make sure that the video is still if a clear quality before you upload.

Stuck on content ideas for Instagram Reels?

We’re here to help! Here are a few different content ideas that work across most industries:

• Behind the scenes content: No matter what type of business you run, there’s a 99% chance your audience will LOVE behind the scenes content. An easy way to capture this is to put your camera on time-lapse as you pack up orders, style a product photo or work through orders.
  A popular trend on TikTok and Reels is daily vlogs. If you feel confident enough to film yourself throughout your day and add a voice over, then we’d recommend trialling this too!

• Before and after: Everyone loves a B&A! Think of different ways you could capture the change or effect you have as you work or on your clients / customers.

• Instructional: Whatever you do, there will always be someone who looks up to you and wants to learn from you! Can you break down simple daily tasks in easily digestible ways for your Reels?

Reels is heavily trend and music driven, both of which change week to week! So we recommend making sure you spend some quality time on Reels to keep track of current trends.

Remember that Instagram rewards users who utilise all of it’s features like Reels, IGTV or Live – so if you haven’t already taken a dip into the Reel’s pond, it could be worth the investment!