Since Reels -in August 2020- entered the list of Instagram features, to For many it has been inevitable to relate it to the format and usability that characterizes Tik Tok, the Chinese social network that was born in 2016. Both are free alternatives that allow you to record and edit short videos with music, voice-over or effects.
(Also read: Instagram’s new option to recover deleted photos and videos)
However, being a bit more recent, there are still many doubts about how to make good use of Reels and what practices are positive to improve your performance in this tool.
Therefore, here we explain everything you need to know to produce good quality content on the platform.
How does it work?Capture the video
We will start by explaining how to create a simple video, with background music or audio:
1. Go to the application and in the lower center where the menu is, find the option Reels: is identified with a white, rectangular icon with a triangle inside it, resembling a video player.
2. After clicking on the button a suggested offer of Reels for you, go to the camera icon on the top right.
3. There you will find several options:
-Audio: you can choose songs for your video in the wide range of the sound library of Instagram or simply leave the ambient audio of your choice.
-Time: You need to select the duration of the video and you can also use the timer tool. Remember that the recording can have a maximum length of 30 seconds and a minimum of 15 seconds, a measure of time that makes these videos perfect to be shared in Instagram Stories, increasing the exposure of the content.
-Effects: you have the option of using any of the filters that you have saved in your account.
-Video cut speeds: set the video faster or slower and divide into sections of recordings.
– Use a video from the reel: just by sliding your finger up, you can also import a video from the reel of the cell phone.
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Edition
Once the video has been taken, a preview of the recording will appear and with this the option to add texts with a certain duration, stickers, draw something with the brush in its different thicknesses and tips or download the video.
Publication
Have your created video ready? Come up with a creative description, choose hashtags, a cover, and tell the app if you want it to be published in the news section (the main feed) or save it for drafts. Once published, you can see it in the section dedicated to the Reels.
(Also: How does Instagram take advantage of the access we give to the cell phone camera?)
Suggested contents
If you want to take advantage of this tool, it is essential that you think about formats and the communicative purpose that will bring you closer to your target audience, the strategy will always be a good advisor. Here are some formatting ideas:
Showcase for sales
Reels can be a good space to display your products in a creative way. Either showing your catalog from the box to the operation or a video showing the options of use.
Tutorials
If there is something that users reward, it is to teach them something new, that is why the step by step of an activity can be an excellent way to connect with the audience.
Trends
Seek inspiration from other users, monitor the dances and dynamics that are trending in the app, and tailor it to your needs.
Humor
Laughter always opens doors, so if your thing is humor, do not hesitate to use fun as a resource to communicate a message. It is sure to make someone’s day.
TIME TRENDS
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