How to Create Instagram reels that demand attention

Ever since they were launched in August 2020 – Instagram Reels have been demanding everyones attention but just what is it about them that makes them so effective and how do you create them?

Why are Instagram Reels so effective?

Like all new features on tech platforms – Instagram has designed Reels with the aim of getting more people to use Instagram and stay longer when they do.

This means that when a user create a Reel the platforms rewards them,  their Reels gets shown to more people and this in turn should inspire more users to make their own Reels and therefore they stay on the platform too

  As with all formats there are best practices on how to get the most out of Instagram Reels so read on to find out my ‘must do’ tips.

Instagram Reels Must dos

One of the most creative formats of contents out there there are a few key points to keep in mind when you make your Reels. Below are 4 points to keep in mind

1.Make them relevant to your niche

Always keep in mind what your account is about and keep your Reels relevant to that point.   e.g if you’re chef then showing ingredients or your favourite utensils makes sense but, if you start talking about the best cameras for wildlife photography then your audience will be confused

2. Share them to your feed.

People can go to reels tab directly to find and watch reels. By sharing to your feed they will appear as people scroll through their feed meaning there is a higher probability of them being seen.  

3. Include text

Some accounts already have the ability to automate captions but, even if you don’t, it’s not hard to add the text – either long form or just the key points

4 Never delete your reel.

Lastly – never delete your reel.  Keep in mind that done is better than perfect – what’s the worst thing if someone sees one of your reels you’re not that proud about?  The algorithm doesn’t like it when you delete them!

As with all formats there are best practices on how to get the most out of Instagram Reels so read on to find out my ‘must do’ tips along with suggestion about what to make a Reel about. 

What to make Instagram Reels about?

There are lots of variations and you should always be testing what your audience responds to but I like to think about 2 broad categories

A) Educational Reels

 These kinds of Reels are when you are you helping solve a problem for your audience. The length of these education reels (or any Reel)  doesn’t matter – you don’t have to fill in time.. Keep it short, to the point and ideally in this kind of format:

Start with a hook

What is going to grab your audience’s attention and stop to watch

Include Multiple cuts

Switching to different angles adds interest

Add text

Overlay the key information so that your reel still makes sense with the sound off

End with a CTA

Be clear about what you want your audience to do next – DM you for more information, click to buy etc.

 B) Edu-tainment reel

These types of Instagram Reels are purely for fun and building a bit of that all important know, like and trust.  They should still be relevant to your brand but can be more personal and not specifically about your product or service.

 Look out for popular trends

As you scroll you will start to notice popular music or themes to the content that appeal to you

Save sounds you like

Not only will this mean you can use the sound yourself, but you will also be able to see how others have used it for more inspiration

Record reels in batches

As with other forms of content it a good idea to try to make multiple Reels in batches.  Save them as drafts but also download them to your camera roll (just incase!)

Edit and share

When you’re ready to use, edit the individual reel, add relevant text and stickers and share!

 So now you understand what makes Instagram Reels so effective, the best practices and the 2 best format of Reels that demand attention you may still need a little more inspiration. In which case why not check out my blog “Instagram Reels -10 content ideas for businesses“.

HAVE FUN!