Instagram Reels: 5 tips and tricks for the perfect video

Instagram Reels is similar to TikTok and allows you to create short 15- or 30-second videos and then immediately share them on your feed or story. Short, but powerful! It is therefore important to grab the viewer's attention immediately. You do this by adding effects, music and filters to convey your message to your target audience in a fun way.

A new feature is always fun - we are already fans - but how do you get started and how do you successfully deploy it for your business?

Video content has become more important than ever before. Because it is a relatively new feature within Instagram, the app is doing everything it can to boost your videos. This is because the algorithm reacts differently to Reels than it does to a regular post.

That means that you appear longer in users' feeds and can end up on the Explore page. This way, not only will you be seen more by your followers, but also by people who don't follow you. More visibility and therefore more chances to go viral!

As a business, you should always stay innovative and respond to the latest social media trends. Instagram Reels is a great option for this, not only to reach a larger audience, but that way you also provide varied and eye-catching content for your target audience.

This way you can introduce your target audience to your company in an original and creative way and show them what you have to offer. This can be done, for example, by making a product video or a tutorial to explain your services.

When creating Reels, it is important to differentiate yourself enough from your competitors and think carefully about your plan of action. Sit down with your team to brainstorm how to best use Instagram Reels within your business strategy and reap a lot of benefits!

Fortunately, Instagram has made it as easy as possible for us to create a Reel. Before starting the real work, proper preparation is essential.

In the beginning, it can be a bit of searching which videos to create correctly. For inspiration, check out TikToks or Reels from other individuals or companies within the same industry. Take advantage of existing trends and give it a twist so it fits within your business. Cool topics include:

• Behind the scenes Of your company on a common song
• Introduce yourself and your team, in the form of a trending dance
• Demonstration of your product, especially your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) that is cool enough for this youthful platform
• Share your best tips to teach others something

TIP: Think about your target audience and keep them in mind when creating Instagram Reels. That way, you will always ensure relevant content.

By creating a schedule, you immediately have a clear overview of which Reels you are going to post and when, and it helps you organize everything better. Think about the number of posts per week and which days/hours are optimal for this. That way you'll keep posting consistently for your followers.

The most important thing when creating Instagram Reels is to have fun with it. Be yourself and show your personality, this instills confidence in your viewers. This may be a little uncomfortable at first, but the more you practice the more comfortable you will be in front of the camera.

You can choose to get spontaneous with your smartphone when filming Instagram Reels. To do so, go to the Instagram home page and click on the plus sign at the top right. Then at the bottom, designate Reels and start filming.

Another way is to upload or edit previously taken videos or photos from your gallery in an editing app. Afterwards, you can conveniently upload the edited video in Instagram Reels.

Now it's time to transform your video into one. To do this, you can use the various editing tools offered by the feature:

• Choose the length of your Reel (15 or 30 sec.)
• Add music
• If necessary, adjust the speed of your video
• Choose from various effects such as AR filters and stickers
• The timer is useful for when you want to make your own video without having to hold your cell phone

TIP: Put text with your Reel. Some people watch without sound and this way you also make it visually clear to them what the video is about. Use your branding colors and corporate identity to remain recognizable.

• Finally, choose an appropriate cover photo. This is the first image your viewers will see when you upload your Reel. This can also be a pre-edited photo so it fits better in your feed.

A second option is to edit your video in editing apps such as InShot, mojo and VLLO. In these, you can conveniently add different photos and videos and edit them with effects. Afterwards, designate the video from your gallery, add the music and your Reel is ready to share.

TIP: Create your cover photo in a photo editing app and put it in your Reel afterwards. This way you make sure each video fits within the style of your profile.

Now that you have finished your Reel, you can add a caption and hashtags. Hashtags are an ideal way to be found by people who are not yet following you. Just make sure the hashtags you add are relevant and fit the Reel you created.

Among other things, you can choose to share your Reel on the Reels feed, your story or your own feed. This is definitely recommended if you want to ensure great reach. In fact, this way you can end up on the Explore page where even people who don't follow you will see your video.

Instagram Reels is a fun and creative feature that offers many opportunities for you and your business. Anyone can create Reels, so you can too! Experiment and who knows, maybe yours will go viral!