This TikTok exclusive-turned-IG staple is without a doubt the number one way to reach new people, create engagement and grow your audience – or go VIRAL – in 2021!!

But what are Reels I hear you ask? And how will it help lead me to Instagram fame?

On 5th August 2020, Instagram launched Reels. This feature enables the user to record a 15-30 second video with the use of audio, effects and a range of other tools.

But WHY is it that Reels are so appealing? Let’s take a look…

• Instagram is currently prioritising Reels, actively placing them in the Explore page to get them in front of a larger audience. 

• Posts containing video receive about 38% more engagement than images.

• Reels are very browsable, with the swiping up such an easy, passive way to find new things, meaning way more people will have sight of your content. 

Also, think about this – before Reels, most of us watched Instagram video content with our sound OFF. But with Reels on the other hand, most of us are actually turning our sound ON.

(And yes, most of us have been stuck at home for more than a year, but still – anything that can get me to turn my sound up is worth talking about).

So what should you be doing, and not doing when it comes to your reels creation? 

Reel-y simple dos and don’ts 

1. DO: Jump on popular trends. You don’t have to be original with Reels! Swipe through your Explore page and see what audio comes up again and again - if you like it and can use it, save it!

2. DON’t: Recycle your TikTok content. Yes its super easy to download and repost, especially if you’ve built up a collection of content - but don’t do it! Instagram has it written into the algorithm that anything with a watermark from another app will be deprioritised.

3. DO: Take the opportunity to be natural. This is a great way to get your face in front of your audience and show some personality. Reels give you a chance to be goofy, funny, inspirational, serious, or whatever you are feeling in that moment. 

4. DON’T: Use too much text in your Reels. Again, this is part of the algorithm. Any Reels where the text covers too much of the image will not fare well. Use timed text, and choose it wisely!

5. DO: Give thought to your caption! This is just as important as with the other posts in your feed. Keep them short and sweet so they don’t overshadow the video, because they appear as an overlay. 

6. DON’T: Overthink it! If you put too much time into the idea behind each Reel, then you’re losing valuable momentum. In fact, one of the best ways to go viral with your Reels is to follow established trends!

Reel-y easy trends to follow

Much like TikTok, Reels runs mostly on trends – meaning people use the same audio clips over and over to create similar videos, and these are more likely to go viral because they’re a part of that trend. That’s not to say you can’t go viral with original content – it has been done!  But you don’t have to be original in your Reels like you do in your other content. In fact, if you’re just starting out, trends are a great way to get your feet wet.

So if you want to get started with Reels, here are 3 popular trends you can try, and how to adapt them to your business. 

Friends french lesson

Anybody else LOVE this scene from Friends? Phoebe is trying to teach Joey French, and he just DOES NOT get it. This is a great audio for business owners to use to address misconceptions or problematic ideas their clients have, in a funny, accessible way. 

Roses, Imanbek Remix by SAINt JHN

Upbeat songs like this are great for sharing lists of recommendations and tips with your audience, especially if you can change the slides / text on the beat. In fact, this might be a great opportunity to recycle some of your old content!!

Level Up by Ciara

The song really says it all here, doesn’t it!! This trend is usually used when there’s a big list of things people can do to improve something. Even if they won’t have time to read all of it, even better! This means they’ll watch your Reel more than once and/or pause it with their finger, all of which are fantastic for the algorithm.

Getting started 

Why not have a look through Instagram Reels to see what catches your eye and makes you feel excited? Why not use this newly ingested knowledge to create your own eye-catching Reels and make others get excited?! Why not grow your business and go viral at the same time whilst having fun?

Simply put, Reels have the power to change your business faster and with less effort than anything else in social media history.