Instagram has long been making moves towards encouraging video content with the likes of Instagram TV, but now Reels is here to help encourage and enable users to create short, entertaining videos for Instagram. This marks the start of yet another great marketing tool for businesses, so here’s what you should know.

Reels are short and entertaining videos, up to 15 seconds in length. They can consist of multiple clips, too, with the ability to add videos, audio files, and even effects using Instagram’s suite of tools. Once you create one, you can share Reels on your Feed just like you would any other Instagram post. Those with Public accounts can also make their Reels available in the new dedicated “Explore” space.

Creating a Reel is fairly easy. You’ll begin by tapping on the Instagram camera at the bottom of the screen and selecting “Reels.” A number of editing tools will then appear allowing you to create your Reel, like:

• Audio: Look up a song in the Instagram music library or use your own original audio when you record your Reel. Once you post your Reel, your original audio will be available in the Instagram music library for others to use and it will be attributed to your Instagram page.
• AR Effects: You can choose from a number of different Augmented Reality (AR) effects created by other users and Instagram developers. You can even incorporate multiple clips into one Reel with each one using a different AR effect. Once example of an effect is the Green Screen effect, which you could use to put your product in unexpected places throughout your Reels.
• Timer and Countdown: The timer lets you record clips hands-free, starting with a 3-2-1 countdown before the recording starts.
• Align: Use this feature to line up objects from one clip to the next, allowing you to make seamless transitions for things like magic outfit changes.
• Speed: You can slow down or speed up different parts of your video and/or audio, which is a very handy tool to fit as much as possible into your 15-second Reel.

You can create a Reel using a series of clips that you record one at a time or by choosing video uploads from your gallery. If you want to record directly in the app, just press and hold the capture button to get started. The progress indicator at the top of your screen will show you how long the video is. When you stop recording, that clip ends and you can add another by repeating the process.

Now that you know everything there is to know about how Instagram Reels work, it’s time to answer the all-important question: Why should you use it?

To put it simply, Instagram is hoping that Reels become the next big thing, which is why they’ve designed them to be very similar to Tik Tok (an app that’s amassed over X users over the past few years).

Whether or not your business uses Tik Tok, Reels offer a unique opportunity to further connect with your audience on social media. And, since it’s a new, fun tool, you’re definitely going to enjoy the added attention as everyone on Instagram goes about exploring this new feature.

Convinced that Reels can add value to your business page? We agree. With video content being the most engaging type of content on the internet, Reels represents the perfect opportunity for adding more enticing video content to your brand’s lineup and doing it in a proven way that’s highly engaging.

Of course, to get the best results, you should follow a few key tips.

Actually Use The Special Effects

One thing that’s going to make or break Reels’ success is the creativity behind the Reels users produce. As a business, your creativity is going to be the primary determining factor in whether or not users actually watch (and share) your Reels.

So, get creative and play around. Have fun with Reels and try out the special effects Instagram has made available to you. As always, look to top creators and your competitors for inspiration.

Show Behind-The-Scenes

If you’re at a loss as to what you should actually record, start with some behind-the-scenes content that will help people get to know your brand at a deeper level and better understand who you are, what you do, and why you do it.

Example: Show what goes into packing your small business’ orders or how you go about curating styles for your fashion mystery bags.

Incorporate Your Values

As a brand, finding ways to showcase how you live up to your mission and brand values each and every day goes far in building trust and showing off your transparency.

Being short and sweet, Reels offers you the chance to give your viewers a snapshot of the good things you do on the day-to-day that may not be worth a dedicated article or even a Facebook post — like, celebrating a birthday in-house or assembling a welcome kit for a new employee.

With Reels, your creativity really has the chance to shine.