Now all uploaded videos will be fed into the Reels stream, which means they will load on Retailer follower’s feed, the Retailer’s grid, and in the Reels section of the Retailer’s IG profile. With all of those things in mind, it is important to follow best practices when creating reels for your audience.
1. Capture your audience’s attention in the first 3 seconds
Since Instagram’s users are primarily Millennials and Gen Z, they have a shorter attention span. That’s why it’s important to dive right into your message and grab your audience’s attention in the first few seconds.
Also keep in mind that your video will need a profile image- by default IG will grab the first second (or so) frame of the video and use that as the image. To ensure that it is not blank or black, make sure to have something compelling at the beginning of the video.
2. – Avoid Low-Quality Videos For Reels
Instagram says it will deprioritize low-quality Reels in places like the Reels tab.
For example, content that’s recycled from other apps (with logos or watermarks), blurry videos, or those with low resolution will not do well in Instagram’s algorithm.
Instagram Reels are viewed in a vertical orientation, so videos and photos should be 1080 pixels wide and 1920 pixels tall (an aspect ratio 9:16).
Other Instagram Reels Specs And Requirements:
- Aspect ratio between 1.91:1 and 9:16
- Minimum frame rate: 30 FPS
- Minimum resolution: 720 pixels.
- Maximum file size for videos under 10 minutes: 650MB
- Maximum file size for videos between 10 – 60 minutes: 3.6GB
- Cover photo size: 420px by 654px (or 1:1.55 ratio)
To give your content the best chance of getting discovered and generating engagement, follow the specs, don’t post blurry videos, and avoid reposting videos to Instagram from other apps.
3. Film vertically
The Instagram Reels feature is created for vertical videos. That’s why it’s important to film or create your video vertically to optimize the quality of your Reel.
Having your videos horizontal may not be as visually appealing to your audience since the Instagram Reel feature is designed to accommodate the dimensions of vertical videos.
4. Include copy and captions
To offer the most user-friendly experience, make sure you add captions to your videos! It can help a wider range of viewers enjoy your videos.
Creative captions are also a great way to increase the user experience! Whether it’s a short and funny quip or a longer explanation of your Reel content, it can be a great way to engage the audience with your video.
Captions are also an opportunity to expand upon the topic of your video. For example, if you’re showing off a product, you can add more details about sales and recommendations.
5. Add engaging audio
The audio in your Instagram Reel is important for enhancing your video’s quality and engaging your audience!
Here are some great ideas:
- Use audio provided for you in your design tools (like Canva)
- Create original audio with your own voice
- Build a narrative using voiceover
Sources: legendarysocialmedia.com, sharelov.com
