In 2020, Instagram introduced Reels as a TikTok alternative and a means of sharing short vertical videos. The purpose of this article is to provide insight into how to improve the quality of your Reels material, hence increasing its visibility.
So, before we go into how to utilise Reels on Instagram, let’s define what it is.
Instagram Reels: What Is It?
For making and editing short videos, Instagram has introduced a feature called “Instagram Reels,” which is essentially a TikTok clone within the Instagram app. Like TikTok, Instagram Reels allows users to add music from a library of millions of songs or record their own soundtracks, tweak the video’s effects, and combine their work with that of other users.
Reel Features on Instagram
Instagram has an existing Stories feature, which allows users to record short videos that expire after 15 seconds. In what ways then does Reels stand out?
The editing tools in Reels are more sophisticated. In addition, the point of Reels is to display carefully orchestrated montages that have already been cut and arranged to music. The telling of tales is more of a lifestyle and informal activity.
The benefits of the Reels structure are as follows:
Your movie might be as short as 0.1 seconds or as long as 30 seconds.
Like IGTV, Reels may be published and shared on the main feed of your profile.
Just the followers you have on Instagram will be included in the Reels you see. Instead, the Explore page’s algorithm considers your preferences based on the specific topics you’ve shown interest in.
Large selection of available sounds, with the option to add your own recordings.
When browsing the Reels stream, you have the option to bookmark the songs that catch your ear.
Reels’ Remix feature functions similarly to TikTok’s video stitching by allowing users to combine two user-generated videos into a single product.
Accelerate up to 4x and slow down by 3 and 5 times, respectively, to customise the firing pace. Nevertheless, this feature is accessible only while shooting in Reels mode.
The full arsenal of augmented reality masks and filters found on Instagram is at your disposal.
Create a countdown using a timer. They allow you to produce videos without using your hands. You can start recording immediately by pressing the record button; after a 3-2-1 countdown, your recording will begin for the duration you choose.
Include transitions into your writing. You may produce the smoothest of transitions by aligning elements from one clip with those in the next before you capture them.
You have the option of recording Reels all at once, in a succession of segments, or by uploading videos from your picture library. You may start recording immediately by pressing and holding the capture button. As recording begins, a bar will appear at the top of the screen to show how far along you are. Once you’re done with a clip, stop recording.
Reels may be shared with friends on Feed and in a dedicated tab on the Explore page, just like regular Instagram posts, Stories, and IGTV.
The Instagram app displays all videos that share a similar audio track, hashtag, or effect when you tap on each one individually. Quite similar to what TikTok does.
After your reel is complete, you may save a draught of it, customise the cover, add a caption, hashtags, and user tags, and share it with the world. In order for the public to view your reel, you must post it to Instagram and make it public. Putting the video in your Feed will make it visible in the main profile grid.
You can only send direct messages, share the reel for your tale with your Close Friends, and make public posts if you have a public account. It will disappear from the Explore tab and your main profile after 24 hours if you post it to your story.
Tips for Increasing the Popularity of Your Instagram Reels
Increasing the number of cuts
Every two to three seconds, especially when there is a, there should be a cut.
- Break
- Change of pace
- shift in perspective
- Your video has an additional clip
Instead of filming your Instagram Reel in a single take, try breaking it up with various edits.
Include subtitles above the video
In spite of the fact that you’re working on a video and not a feed post, a strong caption is still essential. Many people view short videos without the sound on, therefore it’s important to include captions both in the video description and inside the video itself.
In an effort to get you to watch their videos again, some makers include subtitles that vanish so rapidly that you can’t even read what they say.
This is a useful hack for attracting more viewers, but it’s not really genuine or respectful of them.
Make videos that your demographic would like to see
You shouldn’t use Reels to show off dancing moves or silly antics; instead, you should offer your audience something worthwhile, something they’ll want to watch and share. Make entertaining films, but also information that teaches and inspires.
Post video clips of your work
Indeed, the number of people who see your story is important. Hence, if you want more engagement and views on your Reels, including them in your stories with a call to action is a must.
Continuously upload reels
If you want your material to be seen by as many people as possible, consistency is a must. In fact, this is true of all forms of information shared on social media, not only Reels. Thus, posting frequently will increase the likelihood of gaining the Instagram followers you require.
This may also increase the exposure of your Instagram videos by getting you included on the Explore page.
Include current music selections
The Instagram Reel music collection is extensive. Keep an eye on what songs are trending at the moment, and use those in your Reels. If a lot of people are checking out Reels with the same music, Instagram will start featuring more of them on the Explore tab and in their suggestions.