Here’s Why You Should Be Using Instagram Reels

The Reels function on Instagram has opened up a brand new opportunity for businesses using the social media platform. Instagram Reels are videos that can be up to 60 seconds long and can be found on an account’s profile page, as well as on a platform-wide base under the Reels tab at the bottom of the screen.

Instagram Reels offer a chance to share creative content in an engaging and highly trendy format. Though a Reel is posted from an account’s profile, it’s more likely than images to end up on the Explore page—where recommended content appears on Instagram.

Recommended content can introduce consumers to new accounts, thus increasing the reach of a profile. We’ll dive deeper into Instagram’s Explore feature and how to get your Reels watched by viewers there.

The Explore Page

The Explore page is a key facet underlying the success of Reels. The average engagement rate on Instagram varies by industry but lies within the range of 1-3%. The Explore page offers an incredible opportunity to widen your audience and increase engagement.

The Explore Page statistics speak for themselves: 200 million users look at the Explore page daily on Instagram, and half of all Instagram users visit the Explore page every month. Its value for any business using Instagram is clear: the more people see your content, the more likely they are to engage with it.

Obviously, Reels are a lucrative tool to use to promote your business on Instagram. Here are a few more reasons why you should consider using Instagram Reels in your social media marketing efforts.

Increasing Engagement

Instagram launched a video feature nearly ten years ago, allowing users to post what started as 15-second videos to their profile. Although Reels are thought to be the same thing, they are in fact a vastly different tool––and not only because they appear in a different way on your profile.

A study of professional sports leagues who used Reels showed that, compared to standard videos, the Reels averaged a stunningly higher engagement. The NFL is the most active league when it comes to using Reels, and they are averaging 67% more engagement when compared with standard video content.

Data shows that Reels are far more advantageous than standard videos are, particularly with profiles that have established audiences. For example, the NHL’s account posted on average less than 4 Reels in a month and still saw an increase in engagement of over 50%. Using Instagram Reels is a smart and strategic move to help boost your content and its performance on the highly competitive platform.

Staying on Top of Trends

The Reels function is another example of how keeping up-to-date with trends in the social media sphere can be highly beneficial to a marketing strategy. The format of Reels is similar to the format of TikTok, where catchy, short-form videos have garnered more than 600 million users worldwide. TikTok drew the attention of many Instagram users, and as a result, Instagram decided to introduce their own version of short-form, vertical video: Reels.

Short and engaging videos are at the center of social media right now. They are what consumers are looking for and responding the most to. Trendy vertical videos are a tool that every business can use to help diversify their content, reach new audiences, and boost their engagement. Staying on top of trends is key to social media marketing, and right now, Instagram Reels are a tool to keep a close eye on.

Explore Your Creative Side

Considering the impressive stats of how many people are on Instagram every day, it provides an excellent avenue for companies to be creative with content. The Reels function is another great avenue to use if you want to push your brand’s creativity.

Approximately 80% of all Instagram users follow at least 1 business on the app. That baseline lends itself to a greater likelihood of users following more than just 1 business––and that’s where your business comes in. Using Instagram Reels to attract new customers is one great way to get creative while driving traffic to your profile and website.

Get To Work

Vertical, short-form videos have been taking the internet by storm since the start of the pandemic, and Instagram’s Reels feature allows you to take advantage of that trend without leaving the Instagram app. Reels provide another creative way for a business to share content and amp up its social media presence. Reels can help any business get creative, explore new strategies, and increase their overall brand awareness on Instagram. If you’re looking to spice up your Instagram strategy, Reels is a great place to start.

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