You can now make your 9:16 video assets available for Instagram! Just add your 9:16 Reels assets to a campaign and be sure to make them available for Instagram.
Read on for more on Instagram Reels and best practices.
Reels is the video format for nearly all videos published on Instagram. Instagram launched its Reels format in 2020, mostly to compete with the fast-growing platform, TikTok. However, in July 2022, Instagram merged its standard video and Reels video formats, declaring that all videos from this point forward will be Reels.
This means any new video posts shared to Instagram that are shorter than 15 minutes will be shared as reels. So, pretty much all uploaded videos in the app will now be fed into the Reels stream.
This means that any video created for Instagram will load on Retailer follower’s feed, the Retailer’s grid, and in the Reels section of Retailer’s IG profile.
Retailer follower’s feed:
Retailer’s grid:
Reels section of Retailer’s IG profile:
Reels can get a massive boost in reach and likes. The average Reels reach rate is 20 – 39%, depending on the size of the audience, and engagement rates are good, averaging between 1.51 – 3.79%, depending on the size of the audience.
Sources: social media today, sharelov.com
Instagram Reels are the new hit of the popular social media platform and the opportunities are endless! With the ability to create engaging content and reach a wider audience, Reels have become an emerging trend. 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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
The audio in your Instagram Reel is important for enhancing your video’s quality and engaging your audience!
Here are some great ideas:
Instagram Reels continue to be a popular part of Instagram. By creating compelling and creative content, you can use this incredible feature to grow your brand and engage with your audience.
Sources: legendarysocialmedia.com, sharelov.com
