I’m just a little obsessed with Instagram Reels. I have no idea how the algorithm for Instagram Reels works, but I reached WAY more instagram accounts than I usually do this week. Today, I’m sharing my experience using reels from my business page.
What is Instagram Reels?
Instagram Reels is Instagram’s version of TikTok. Short, 15 second video clips shared within the app.
Who can see Reels?
Reels are shared publicly on the explore page and reels feed. They are shared with people looking at a specific hashtag OR have enjoyed other reels like yours. For example, if you look at a reel from a fashion blogger the next reel you see is going to be fashion related. The reels feed is very similar to the TikTok feed in that is an endless scroll with several reels showing one after the other.
What should you post in Reels? What makes it different from Instagram Stories?
Reels are fun because you can get really creative with them like on TikTok. Plenty of content creators are posting challenges, dances, and humor clips. Some of your marketing and business gurus are sharing bit-sized clips too. In 15 seconds! It lets them share their existing content in a different way than their audience is used to seeing.
Instagram stories are like your own reality TV show. Instagram stories are great for behind-the-scenes, chit chats, and sneak peeks. You can check in with your tribe several times a day and have candid talks with them. I post my Instagram stories daily.
Do you have to make brand new content exclusively for reels?
Heck no! If you already have a Tik Tok I’d suggest starting off by sharing a few of those. That way you don’t have to create more content. I’ve also shared a few of my past Instagram Stories on TikTok and Reels and they both did well.
Which one gets more reach?
I know this isn’t supposed to be a comparison of Reels and TikTok, but I couldn’t share this obsession with you without being real about the numbers.
On TikTok, my very first post got 455 views. After that the other posts got at most 145 views.
On Reels, my very first post got 5,817 views. The second got over 6,189 views.
These numbers were in my insights for the week too. Instagram/Facebook might be on to something with reels.
The views and reach is good news for brands that have the goal of reaching new audiences to increase brand awareness. Only 2-20% of your current followers will ever become a customer. Tapping into new audiences with awareness ads usually costs lots time and money. While this part of the app is still very new I think it’s worth content creators and business owners trying.
Imagine how many more people you could help if they knew you existed.
Thanks for stopping by!
Xo,
Erica
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