In the past few years, there has been a major shift in the way that people consume content online. Gone are the days of scrolling through lengthy articles and watching hour-long videos. Now, consumers want their content quick, easy and in bite-sized chunks. This is where TikTok and Instagram Reels come in.
There’s no denying that TikTok and Instagram are two of the most accessed social media platforms right now. With each boasting over a billion active users (and counting) every month, there is a lot of potential for businesses to reach new customers via these channels.
TikTok is a short-form video app that allows users to create and share engaging content. Instagram Reels is a similar feature that was introduced to the platform in 2020. Both TikTok and Instagram Reels can be utilised to show off a particular skill, promote a brand or product, or simply to have some fun.
Why use Reels for digital marketing?
If you haven’t already incorporated TikTok and Instagram Reels as part of your digital marketing, you’re missing out. These platforms are incredibly popular, especially with younger audiences, and offer a unique way to reach potential customers.
Businesses can:
- Share behind-the-scenes content: Give your followers a sneak peek of what goes into making your product or service.
- Show off your products in action or announce new products/launches: Use Reels to showcase your products in use and highlight their features, or promote your latest product or service being released to the market.
- Share user-generated content: Repost Reels from fans and customers engaging with your product or service in creative ways.
What to consider when creating a TikTok or Instagram Reel?
Storytelling is an essential element of social media content creation — it can help you connect more deeply with an audience and ensure your posts are compelling and engaging.
To create stand out social media Reels for your business or brand, follow these simple steps to help get you started.
1. Plan ahead
Before you begin filming, it’s important to have a clear idea of the type of Reel you want to create. What is the overall message or story you’re trying to tell? What tone do you want to set? What type of content will resonate with your audience? Planning ahead will help ensure that your reel turns out the way you want it to and hits the mark.
2. Include a strong introduction
Your introduction should be brief, attention-grabbing and give viewers an idea of what they can expect from your Reel. Also think about the hashtags you might use to attract your audience and incorporate some of these core keywords into your content. Remember hashtags will allow you to reach a wider audience if you are using clear and relevant keywords.
3. Add appealing visuals & trending music
Use high-quality visuals in your Reel to capture your audience’s attention. This could include photos, videos, GIFs or even illustrations. Whatever you select, make sure it’s visually appealing and on brand. Adding a song as part of your Reel can underscore the emotions you are trying to evoke and enhance the overall video.
4. Keep it short & sweet
When it comes to creating engaging social media Reels, shorter is always better. Videos that are too long will lose an audience’s attention. TikTok and Instagram Reels are meant to be quick and digestible snippets of content, so keep them to around 30 seconds to 1 minute for maximum engagement. If you have more than one minute of footage, consider editing it down or creating multiple shorter videos.
5. Use subtitles
Subtitles are a great way to engage your viewer, even if they are not watching with the sound on. Make sure your subtitles are clear and easy to read so that everyone can follow along.
6. Be creative with your editing
There are lots of editing features built into TikTok and Instagram that you can use to make your Reel more visually interesting and appealing. Experiment with different transitions, filters, music and other effects to find what works best for your content.
7. Pay attention to the details
Even though Reels are meant to be quick and easy to watch, that doesn’t mean you should skimp on quality. Make sure your videos are well-lit and in focus, and that the audio is clear and easy to hear. This will help ensure that viewers stick around until the end.
8. Collaborate with TikTok & Instagram influencers
If you’re looking to get your content seen by even more people, then collaborating with other TikTok and Instagram users and influencers is a good idea. This can help you reach a whole new audience and get your content in front of more eyeballs than you ever thought possible.
9. Have fun with it
The whole point of creating Reels is to have fun! Don’t take yourself too seriously – allow your business or brand’s personality to shine through. Your audience will appreciate it and you’ll be more likely to enjoy the process too.
Ready to go viral with your next social media marketing campaign?
If you’re not already using TikTok and Instagram Reels for digital marketing, now is the time to start. These platforms offer a fantastic opportunity to reach potential customers and grow your business.
Our in-house content creation team are well equipped to produce fun, interactive and trending TikTok and Instagram Reels to increase your brand exposure. If you need some creative direction, contact us today at hello@moderncurrency.com.au.
