In mid-2020, Instagram unveiled its latest feature—Reels! Given the popularity of Vine and TikTok short-video content, it was only natural for Instagram to foray into this area. As was expected, Instagram Reels quickly became a hit with digital marketers. The feature allows you to pack a punch in a 15-second video, providing you with a lovely set of video editing tools, special effects, and AR effects to help you out. Quickly after Reels were introduced, Instagram downloads increased by over 11.40% in India. If you’re a content creator, then you should definitely start to make some beautiful Reels.
One of the biggest reasons why Reels are so popular is their sophistication and simplicity. It is very easy to make Reels using Instagram’s in-built features. There are thousands of filters, augmented reality effects, and sound effects for you to choose from. Not only are they really easy to make, but they also have a surprisingly wide reach. A lot of NBA teams started using Reels back in 2020, and their engagement levels have shot up by a whopping 22%. Here are 5 helpful tips that will let you make videos online with ease.
Tip #01: Use AR Filters for your Reels
Instagram is littered with a whole range of filters, augmented reality effects, and other special effects. There’s one that gives your face an angelic halo, and then, with a simple tap, converts it into a pair of devil horns. Your Reels can get an all-new spark and uniqueness upon using AR filters. In fact, there are a lot of filters that you can use for free—all made by content creators already on the platform.
If you like, you can also start to create your own AR filters. There are tons of fantastic software solutions out there to help you create your own filters. And then, who knows? Maybe users on Instagram will start picking up your AR filters for their Reels. There is no special expertise required to create an AR filter—all you need is a pinch of creativity.
Tip #02:Use High-Quality Online Video editors
You can also make videos online by using a high-quality online video editor tool . The intuitive interface lets you prepare a basic template for your Reel even before you have the clips ready. This is best suited for small businesses, who have specific products they need to display. Preparing the template earlier can streamline the entire process and make it simpler and quicker.
There are many amazing video editors out there that will let you add effects, special transitions, and filters in a jiffy. You will be able to create beautiful videos that are ready for immediate uploading. While you’re uploading, you can also use all of the in-built Instagram features to fine-tune your Reel. Here’s a pro tip: remember to save the Reel to your device so that you can repost it in case anything goes wrong.
Tip #03: Formulate a Plan Before you Start to Shoot
Even though Instagram Reels are only 15 seconds long, you need to have a proper plan of action in place before you begin to shoot. With Reels, it is very easy to mess up the timings—which could mean a lot of adjusting and re-shooting. Plan out every aspect in advance, ranging from the content to the music and the effects.
Many successful Reels start with an attractive intro, which keeps viewers hooked. It keeps them scrolling ahead and skipping it. Then, you can film the clips that you want to include in your Reel. Once you are satisfied with all the clips, you can go back and add any music, graphics, special effects, or text that you want to add. The goal is to create content that you are happy with.
Tip #04: Add Zingy Sound Effects and Music
You can add your favorite music to your Instagram Reels now, courtesy of Instagram’s growing library of licensed music. You have more than a million songs and musical numbers to choose from—all of which are licensed and ready for use. You can even sync your content to the music, which will make the Reel fun and entertaining.
If you don’t find the song or piece of music you are looking for on Instagram’s music library, there are various online platforms that you can download the audio from. You may download the audio for free or for a nominal fee. When you make videos online using a video editor, you can directly add the music to your Reel. You can even tweak the speed of your Reel as well for that extra effect.
Tip #05: Try to Stay Ahead of the Trends
Keep an eye out for trends—the landscape of Instagram is full of them! You can hike up your brand’s engagement levels if you pick up the right trend. Remember, most trends on TikTok and Instagram Reels are very short-lived, which is why if you find a good one, then jump on the wagon ASAP.
Some Extra Advice
You should also try to include closed captions with your Reels—especially if they are informative or entertaining. Adding CC takes hardly any effort, but it will increase the engagement and interest-level in your content drastically. More than 85% of Facebook videos are watched without sound, so there must be a lot of users who watch Reels soundlessly too. Adding closed captions and in-video text is a great idea, and one that you should start executing right away.
Conclusion
If you are new to Reels, then you should consider posting your Reel on your main feed as well as your Reel feed. This will create a spike in engagement and will lead to increased visibility for your brand. You should also remember to incorporate appropriate hashtags so that your Reels reach the intended audience. If your Reel finds its way to the ‘Explore’ page, then you will be seeing a lot of organic traction. Instagram also allows Reel-posters to add a cover photo to their Reel. It is a great idea to add text to the cover photo.
You’ve reached the end of this article, and we hope you learned something new. We also hope that you go ahead and create some of the most gorgeous and eye-catching Reels starting today.
