Instagram reels have now become an integral part of almost every account on the platform. Users are aware of how essential this content format can be in improving their page’s engagement. But when the market is filled with short-form video content, you need to do something to make yours stand out—this is where we come in. Follow our guide to discover how you can use Instagram reels for maximum engagement and reach, whether you need to advertise a finance business or a gambling guide like Slotozilla in Toronto.
Use Easily-Readable Subtitles
Adding subtitles to your video always makes the content more engaging, but make sure to keep them readable. If the audience can barely read what the text says, they might be put off by the video quality as a whole. Subtitles also make the content more accessible for deaf or hard-of-hearing viewers.
Put Keywords Even in On-Screen Text
Instagram’s algorithm can be a bit tricky to understand, which is why it’s good not to leave any bases uncovered. The algorithm might also check the text on your videos, so it’s good to use keywords there. These keywords will also stand out to the audience and help them locate reels they really want to watch, making it a win-win situation. Just try not to clutter your videos with way too many words because it might take focus away from the actual content.
Use Trending Audio Clips
This is one of the most important things you need to do in order to increase the engagement on your reels. Using trending audio will help the algorithm pick up your videos and show them to people who usually watch reels with that audio. However, making mediocre content with highly popular audio might not be a good idea either because your content might get lost in a sea of reels. It’s always good to strike that balance. Here are a few songs that have been trending on Instagram in 2024:
| Song | Artist |
| Beautiful Things | Benson Boone |
| Texas Hold ‘Em | Beyoncé |
| Strangers | Kenya Grace |
| I Like The Way You Kiss Me | Artemas |
| Roslyn | Bon Iver and St. Vincent |
Create Data-Backed Content
As much as your fans enjoy watching funny and entertaining videos, people have now also started gravitating towards bite-sized informational content in reels. You could use data related to your business and make an informational video about it for your audience. For example, a cupcake business could post a reel talking about where different frosting flavours originate from. It’s content that will offer educational value while staying relevant to your audience.
Try Various Video Lengths
Short and long videos serve different purposes. Short videos tend to capture the attention of more individuals, whereas longer videos are great for storytelling meant for your loyal fans. You need to experiment with different video lengths to find out what sort of content your audience enjoys. Make sure to post a good number of reels in each length so you can analyze statistics over a period of time.
Start With a Strong Hook
This is pretty much self-explanatory. In a world where people are bombarded with content every second, you need to catch their attention quickly. Your video could have a brilliant ending, but if it doesn’t have a captivating start, most people won’t stick around for the rest of it. This is why it’s essential to start with a strong hook that reels in your viewers right away (pun intended)!
Pick an Optimized Cover Photo
Before people see the actual reel, they will see the cover photo. This is why it’s important that you pick a good picture to represent the contents of your reel. You can use a real photograph or design a graphic in Canva. Either way, make sure to add a keyword regarding your reel on the cover photo. This will help in capturing an audience that might be interested in your reel.
Write a Detailed Caption
Captions help improve the discoverability of your reels while also providing additional information to your audience. You can also use them to engage with your viewers in various ways. Instagram might be a primarily visual platform, but captions are equally important in maximizing the reach of your videos. Just make sure not to put something way too lengthy, or your viewers might get bored halfway through it.
Use Trending Ideas According to Your Own Brand
Instagram and TikTok have a new trend almost every other day, but the real creativity lies in customizing them according to your brand. For example, a footwear brand can use the popular ASMR format to showcase their heels or boots. Brands can also follow a similar format with trending audio clips on the platform. The content will appeal to their unique audience while also following through with what’s widely popular on the platform right now.
Embed Instagram Reels on Your Website
This is just another way of exposing your content to various audiences without limiting it to one platform. When you place your reels on your website, they become visible to a new set of individuals who might potentially follow them to the rest of your Instagram profile. If done well, these reels can also look quite classy on your homepage, upgrading the look and feel of your whole website. This might not work for every business, but it’s definitely a pathway to explore in your reel creation journey.
Collaborate With Creators
You might have heard this one a lot, but people also tend to dismiss this tip quite frequently. Content creators and other brands can come in handy when you need to showcase your content to a wider audience. The only thing that matters is locating accounts with audiences similar to your own. However, combining different audiences can work out in your favour if masterfully done. For example, an eco-friendly makeup brand could partner up with a climate change organization because they will manage to merge their unique values together.
Use High-Quality Visuals
Last but not least, you need to use high-quality footage in your reels. It goes without saying – your content needs to be visually appealing. Instagram audiences are on the platform because they’re searching for content that looks good to the eyes, and you need to provide them with that. This is why stock footage can only help you to a certain extent. It always helps to invest in a good camera and then use it to capture footage for your own content. Not only does this allow you to control the quality, but it also helps you personalize the viewing experience.
Final Thoughts
Cracking the formula for Instagram reels isn’t easy—mainly because there is no one-size-fits-all equation. But with practice and the right tools, you can create a unique brand identity for yourself. This is how accounts manage to bring in and sustain reach and engagement in the long run. The game might look intimidating, but it’s a gradual process. Use our tips to get started today and witness the results yourself.
