What Are Instagram Reels and How Can My Brand Use Them?

On August 5th, Instagram launched Instagram Reels, a new feature that has taken the place of the “Explore Page.” The launch of Instagram Reels created a major change to the social media platform and marketers are eager to take advantage of the new advertising opportunities that present themselves with this latest feature.

What Is Instagram Reels?

According to Instagram, Instagram Reels presents a brand-new way to create fun and engaging video content. This feature allows users to create 15-30 second video clips with audio, filters, effects, and more. You can share these reels through your feed as well as share them to the entire Instagram community through a new space in Explore.

Sound familiar? It should! This is essentially exactly what TikTok’s platform is designed for. Many people believe that this is in response to TikTok’s rapid growth in popularity over the past year. In fact, Instagram Reels even has its own version of TikTok’s “For You Page” called the “Reels Explore Feed.”

Instagram Reels seems to meet half way between Instagram’s IGTV, which allows for users to watch longer videos on the platform, and Instagram story, that only lasts up to 24 hours. With the new advancement of this feature, along with how successful TikTok is, marketers are eager to learn how to use Instagram Reels to their advantage.

How Can Marketers Use Instagram Reels to Their Advantage?

• Cross Post Your Content: If your brand is already advertising on TikTok, you can cross post your content. There’s no need to recreate content when you cross post. Not only will this save you time, but it can also increase traffic to your other social media channels.
• Show Brand History: Reels can be an exciting and creative way to show off your brand. Creating videos that highlight your brand’s values, history, and services is a great way to boost brand awareness and increase traffic to your site.
• Provide a Service: A popular trend amongst TikTok and Instagram Reels is to create videos highlighting how to do something. You can use Reels to educate your audience on different products or services that your brand offers.
• Share Your Reviews: Highlighting positive customer feedback on Instagram Reels can be a fun way to brag about your positive customer experience. This can help attract new clientele by showing how many other customers enjoy your product or service.

Instagram Reels provides a whole new way to market your products on Instagram. Implementing Reels into your social media strategy can help boost brand awareness, increase website traffic, and create brand loyalty. If you’re looking to expand your brand’s social media strategy, don’t hesitate to reach out to the digital strategists at Kraus Marketing! Contact us today to get started!