With the rising popularity of bite-sized content, people are all the more likely to engage with reels, short videos running for 15-90 seconds. Be it bloggers or brands, reels are becoming the new favorite and are slowly replacing static posts. It is a wonderful way for businesses to expand their social media following and build their communities because it gives users the tools required to produce entertaining and interesting content. Given its freshness as a technique, it is an excellent chance for businesses to establish themselves as early users.

Mark Pro Tip - Reels are currently favored by the algorithm, which is more likely to recommend them to people who don’t follow you than feed posts. That’s huge for social marketers. 

What are Reels? 

Instagram Reels are vertical full-screen videos with a maximum runtime of 90 seconds. They feature a sizable audio file collection with a wide range of unique editing options, from samples of other users' popular material to well-known songs. Reels can also have several video clips, filters, captions, interactive backdrops, stickers, and more in addition to noises. The app also offers businesses professional video editing tools and the option to share their videos with potential customers.

Stories vs. Reels 

Reels and Instagram Stories both feature short-form films, text effects, filters, and stickers, making them similar to those who are unfamiliar with both. But this is what sets Reels apart:

1. Reels remain on your feed permanently, unlike Stories that disappear after 24 hours (unless saved).
2. Reels can be shared to multiple locations: including Instagram feed, Stories, or the Explore page. They are also arranged in a dedicated tab on your profile.
3. Additional editing features in Reels include augmented reality effects, buttons for joining several clips, transitions, and speed settings, among others.
4. On reels, you can use text to speech to add AI voices.
5. Reels have the potential to reach a wide public audience. Stories, on the other hand, are solely made available to a creator's followers.
6. Reels have a maximum length of 90 seconds, which is six times longer than Stories' 15-second limit, allowing more in-depth focus.
7. If your Reel has unique audio, other users can use it in their own Reels and credit you for it, meaning greater visibility.
8. Reels can be saved by anybody for a future reference, but Stories can only be saved by their creators.

How to create a reel (Steps) 

Does this seem to be a lot of hassle? Worry no more, and follow these easy steps to get started.

Step 1: Select Reel by tapping the + sign. 

Simply open the Instagram app and go to your profile page to see Reels. Tap the + sign at the upper right of the screen, and select the Reels option. You may also access the feature by swiping left on the Instagram camera and choosing Reel from the bottom options.

Step 2: Shoot a video clip and upload it

You have two choices when creating a Reel with Instagram Reels: 

• To record video, press and hold the record button. 
• Upload video footage from your camera roll. 

Reels can be recorded all at once or in a sequence of smaller clips. There is a countdown before the hands-free recording begins if you set a timer early on. You may hit the record button once to stop recording and again to begin recording a new clip.

The Align button will then show up, allowing you to align elements from the prior clip before starting your subsequent recording. This enables you to make smooth transitions for scenes when you switch out of your attire, put on some fresh music, or add some new people to your Reel. 

Step 3: Edit the Reel

When you're finished recording, use the icons at the top of the editor to edit your Reel by adding stickers, pictures, and text. Since the Reels editor has integrated creative tools, you can complete all of your editing tasks from a single interface. Here are some features you can explore:

• AUDIO: You may add audio to your video by choosing it from the Instagram music library or by importing it from your device. 
• LENGTH: You may alter the duration of your Reel between 15, 30, 60, or 90 seconds long. 
• SPEED: You can also change the speed of your Reel. You can choose between slowing it down by 0.3x or 0.5x and speeding it up by 2x, 3x or even 4x. 
• LAYOUT: You can change the layout and include other recordings in the same frame. 
• TIMER: You may set a timer to go off before you begin recording and a time restriction for the next clip. This is very handy if you want to record hands-free.
• DUAL: You may simultaneously capture videos with your front and back cameras. 
• ALIGN: After you record your first clip, you can line up the items from the previous clip

After aligning your clips, you may press the music note symbol to 

• add current music or noises. 
• record a voiceover.
• add trending sounds.

Step 4: Adjust the Reel Settings

After editing the Reel, tap the Next button in the lower right corner of your screen. You should be able to: 

1. Create a new reel cover: either a frame from the movie or a picture from your camera roll can be added. 
2. Include a caption: this would help explain why you are creating this content and boost engagement. 
3. Tag people to your Reel: this is specifically important for collaborative and partnership posts.
4. Add location: this shows the area where your business is based on, feel free to skip if you are global.
5. Enable Facebook recommendations: this would redirect the Reel to Facebook users who are most likely to enjoy this content. 
6. Rename the audio file: you should definitely not skip this if you are using original sound (like a voiceover) as your name will appear in other users' Reels if they choose to use this sound. 
7. Decide where to post the Reel: You can choose between sharing it to your Instagram Feed or just adding it to the Reels tab on your account.

Step 5: Post the Reel

Tap the Share option at the bottom of the screen after making your setting adjustments. And voila, there you go with your first Reel! You could create these on a weekly basis, to ensure you are not compromising on the quality, and schedule posts in advance to avoid the hassle of regular posting. 

Mark Pro Tip - Markopolo allows you to schedule your business posts in advance, along with an array of other features that are going to automate your digital advertising. 

Conclusion

Whether you're a brand, company, or content creator, using Instagram Reels into your marketing plan is a guaranteed method to expand your audience, earn their trust, and strengthen your relationship with them. With some strategy, a little imagination, and a few effects, you will soon be enjoying the engagement associated with this hype.

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