How To Use Instagram Reels For Your Business or Brand In 2024

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Updated: October 8th, 2022

What Are Instagram Reels?

Instagram Reels is a content format that allows you to create and share short engaging videos. Many brands are using reels to reach a new audience and promote their brand in a fun and creative way.

According to statistics, Instagram has close to 135 million users in the US. One way to engage this audience is through Instagram Reels.

In this post, we look at how IG reels works, and show you examples of brands using the platform to engage and grow their following. Keep reading to find out more.

IG Reels Key Takeaways

IG Reels offers businesses a new way of engaging a bigger audience on Instagram
Because of Instagram existing reach, brands are likely to see high engagement rates on Reels
Brands can improve the potential for impressions through catchy and entertaining Instagram Reels videos.
Unlike Instagram stories, IG Reels videos do not disappear after 24 Hours.

Understanding How IG Reels Work

Just like TikTok, Instagram reels let IG users create and edit 15/30 seconds multi-clip videos. To create a reel, tap on the IG stories camera and select Reels.

After recording the short video, it lets you use a variety of editing tools like Audio, effects, alignment, and speed, to create unique and entertaining clips.

You can record one or multiple reels at a time. Alternatively, you can upload pre-recorded videos from your gallery, and use the editing tools to make the video as engaging as possible.

Instagram Reels vs. Instagram Stories

IG reels and stories may seem somewhat similar. However, they have some key differences. Here is an overview of the key differences between the two.

IG stories disappear after 24 hours while IG reels stay in your reels tab and feed
Instagram stories have a video maximum length of 15 seconds while IG reels offer 15, 30, and 60 seconds on select accounts
IG followers cannot save IG stories, but they can save IG reels for later viewing
IG stories rarely get featured on the explore page. However, IG reels take the most space, ensuring they are watched the most.

Ideas to Create IG Reels Content

Like all social media marketing platforms, there is no one size fits all approach to using IG reels. However, there are some suggestions to start leveraging reels to grow your brand. Here are some of the ideas you can try:

Give your audience a peek behind your brand's curtains
Share user-generated content
Educate your audience with quick how-to-videos
Showcase your products in an engaging and fun way
Engage your audience in a fun and personal way

Examples Of Brands Using IG Reels

Here are exciting examples of how brands are using IG stories

1. How Beardbrand uses IG Reels To Highlight Their Services In a Fun and Creative Way

Beardbrand is an American men’s grooming company based in Austin, Texas. The brand has been using Instagram reels to display its services in a creative and engaging way.

In this IG reels a video, bear brand highlights how they offer their services leaving the customer feeling happy and satisfied.

embed:instagram

The video got over 1K likes, with chances of converting into customers.

So if you are a service-oriented company, record a short IG reels clip in which you are serving your customer, and do not forget to add a call to action.

2. Anima Iris Creates IG Reels Content To Show Behind The Scenes Content

In this example, luxury purse brand Anima Iris gives followers a peek into the product shots for an upcoming campaign.

embed:instagram

Anima Iris understands that consumers want brands to be more authentic. Creating content like this does humanize your brand, and helps to build a stronger relationship with customers.

Sharing behind the curtains videos on IG reels is an effective strategy for building anticipation and excitement within your Instagram following.

Tips For Using IG Reels

Here are important tips to enable you to use IG reels like a pro!

Make fun and creative content with your own unique twist
Include video subtitles by manually typing your audio in text boxes and showing on the screen
If you are repurposing TikTok videos on IG Reels, remove the TikTok watermark first
Keep video captions short and sweet
Hop on trends fast
Share IG Reels to your feed
Optimize on-screen text so that it is visible easily
Find your niche and post consistently
Provide valuable and sharable content
Include Instagram Hashtags

Managing your social media strategy can be an overwhelming experience. To increase engagement, you can partner with social media influencers.

meet the author

Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.

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