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Instagram Reels – the new era of creative storytelling

25.05.2024

Video content is king. Almost everyone in today’s digital world should be aware of this. Not least because of this, social media have created a multitude of platforms on which users can let off steam creatively. Instagram in particular has experienced a real boom in recent years. In addition to the classic feed and stories, Instagram offers another highlight: Instagram Reels.

What are Instagram Reels?

Instagram Reels are 15 to 60 second videos that can be created and shared in the Instagram app. However, externally created videos can also be published as Instagram Reels. They allow users to create entertaining, informative and creative short videos with music, effects and text. With Instagram Reels, users can creatively realize their ideas and share them with the Instagram community. Whether it’s clips from everyday life, tutorials, recruiting or product videos – creative corporate content is also very popular.

Why are Instagram Reels so popular?

Instagram insiders know what it’s like: you scroll through the reels in the evening and let yourself be captivated by the content. But why are the short videos so popular? For the user, the short videos on Instagram mean getting information quickly. For the content creator, it’s all about reach and visibility. Since Instagram Reels are presented on the discovery page and directly via the “Reels” button, even the content of a content creator with fewer followers can be seen by the masses and go viral. Additionally, sharing in the Instagram Story can help increase reach.
But it’s not just about the clicks. Videos on Instagram offer valuable creative freedom. The trick is to make the most of it. As with other formats like TikTok or YouTube Shorts, you only have a few seconds to get a message across and get the prospect to keep watching the video. The key here is to get creative, present the content in an appealing way and always keep the added value for the community in mind.

Doch es geht nicht nur um die Klicks. Videos bei Instagram bieten einen wertvollen kreativen Freiraum. Die Kunst ist es, diesen optimal zu nutzen. Wie auch bei anderen Formaten wie TikTok oder YouTube Shorts hat man nur wenige Sekunden Zeit, eine Botschaft zu vermitteln und den Interessenten dazu zu bringen, das Video weiterzuschauen. Hier heißt es: kreativ werden, den Inhalt ansprechend aufbereiten und dabei immer den Mehrwert für die Community im Auge behalten.

How can Instagram Reels be used?

Storytelling: Use the short time to tell a meaningful story. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a tutorial, insights from the company, product presentations or short explanatory videos – inspire your followers!
Value-added content: Create added value! Create useful tutorials or share expert tips in your reels; the shorter and more concise, the better. For more information, you can link to your website, for example.
Behind the Scenes: Instagram users are curious and like to take a look behind the scenes. For this reason, exclusive insights into everyday working life, production or the training area, for example, are particularly popular. Product tests, unpacking of products or unique projects are also very suitable.

Tips for creating successful reels:

Captivate audience within the first few seconds: Due to the large number of videos consumed in a short period of time, it is important to immediately arouse the interest of users. Fast cuts, emotions or music can be used to tie the user to content. Additionally, subtitles can help, as videos are often watched without sound.
Choose the right hashtags: Instagram reels can be found more easily by other users by using relevant hashtags in the description text. If you search for hashtag XY, the video will be played in the results.
Be creative and unique: Testing is above studying. This is the only way to find your own style to make reels unique and appealing. It helps to be guided by what is well received in the communities. However, it is important not to copy content from competitors, but to invest enough time in collecting relevant topics and visual language.
Stay on the ball: Continuity is the key to success. Regularly publishing new reels helps to be taken into account by the algorithm and to increase the reach.
Keeping an overview: A look at the insights of the published reels provides valuable information about the success of the video played on Instagram. These include, for example: Impressions, video views, profile views, saving of the post or likes and comments. This allows you to see how well the content has been received by the community.
Form work teams: In cross-departmental teams, new creative ideas can be developed more quickly. Outside support can help to find fresh impulses for the implementation of Instagram Reels.
Focus on community management: Once the reel is published, does everything run by itself? Posting is only the starting point. The goal should be to encourage interaction with the community. Community management includes replying to comments or private messages and liking shared posts. Colleagues and partners can also increase the reach of the reel by liking, sharing or commenting on the video. It is also suitable to mark the profiles or tag them in a comment.

Telling stories with Instagram reels

Instagram Reels have become an integral part of the platform. In addition to stories or feed posts with images, reels in particular offer the opportunity to quickly convey information, set trends and live out creativity. Whether influencers or companies – Instagram Reels can be used to tell stories to reach the community directly and stay in touch with them.

So, what are you waiting for? Create an Instagram reel and use the opportunity of creative storytelling! Are you short of ideas? Then feel free to contact us for a joint brainstorming session.