Should you use Instagram Reels for brand growth in 2024 and beyond? The short answer is- yes!

In today’s fast-paced social media landscape, grabbing attention and building a loyal following for companies is harder than ever. However, there is a secret weapon that brands can leverage on Instagram: reels. These short, engaging videos offer brands an unparalleled opportunity to catapult their growth. Unlike static posts and polished photoshoots, reels are all about raw, authentic connection, letting you showcase your brand personality, values, and offerings in a way that resonates with viewers. 

Instagram boasts 2.35 billion monthly active users, with 91% of these users saying they watch videos on the app at least once a week. There was also a 57.4% year-on-year increase in Instagram reel users in 2023. With such a massive audience, the benefits of reels are undeniable: your brand will pop up on the Explore page, spark conversations and interactions in your comments, and reach new audiences who would not have found you otherwise. So, if you are a business looking to enhance your social media presence, read on to discover how to use Instagram Reels for brand growth.

Understanding how to use Instagram reels for brand growth

Before learning how to use Instagram reels for brand growth, we need to understand exactly what they entail. Reels are short, maximum 90-second videos that you can easily create and watch, similar to other short-form videos such as YouTube shorts or TikTok. Reels provide an opportunity to grab attention quickly, tell your brand story, and dynamically engage your audience.

They will be featured on the user’s feed and in the explore section. The Explore page is curated by Instagram’s algorithm showcasing reels it deems engaging and relevant to a wider audience beyond your followers. Landing a spot here can skyrocket your brand’s visibility and attract new customers. 

The exact algorithm is not known but Instagram’s algorithm prioritises reels that generate high engagement including likes, comments, shares, and completion rates (viewers watching the entire video). So, the key is to create content that is both captivating and keeps viewers hooked until the very end.

Here are some key features of reels: 

• Text overlays – Add quotes and captions to your videos using text overlay. Customise these by changing the colour and font, positioning them to guide viewers through your video or add emphasis.
• Music and sound effects – Choose from a wide range of music from all genres or add sound effects to create a mood for the video. 
• Trends and hashtags – Join trending challenges, like dances, or use popular audio. Incorporate hashtags to enhance discoverability and connect with viewers interested in similar content.
• Call to action – Encourage viewers to visit your website, follow your page, or participate in a giveaway with clear and compelling calls to action.

Creating compelling reels for brand growth

Now that we have a clear understanding of what reels are and their key features, we can delve into some ideas of what brands can post on their accounts. Here are some suggestions:

• Behind the scenes:

1. 1. • Show viewers the amount of thought and effort behind product development
      • Show viewers parts of the production process
      • Show off your team’s quirky personalities, or capture the chaos of your office

• Product tutorials: 

1. 1. • Demonstrate how to make the most of your product through visual storytelling
      • Break down complex features of the product into bite-sized visuals or stage fun challenges to showcase unique selling points

• Funny videos: 

1. 1. • Embrace humour and don’t hesitate to poke fun at your brand, participate in trending skits or create challenges related to your industry
      • Utilise humour as a powerful tool to draw in viewers and create a memorable brand association

• Tap into the power of UGC:

1. 1. • Transform your customers into brand ambassadors by featuring user-generated content (UGC) that showcases your products or services in action
      • Authentic validation through UGC strengthens trust and inspires potential customers

• Educational Content:

1. • Share valuable tips, insights, or tutorials on topics relevant to your audience
   • Position your brand as a thought leader and build a loyal community around your expertise

However, remember that the details in your videos matter. Elevate the quality of your content by investing in good lighting, cameras, experienced editors, and clear audio for high-quality visuals and sound. Choose trending sounds or genre-specific music to set the right mood for your video. Incorporate captions, quotes, or witty banter to add context, humour, or calls to action. You can also experiment with animations, styles, and positioning to keep viewers engaged to efficiently use Instagram reels for brand growth.

Furthermore, research relevant hashtags to connect with your target audience and ride the wave of trending topics. However, ensure your reels reflect your brand’s personality and visual identity, maintaining consistency in everything from colours and fonts to humour and messaging across videos.

Optimising reels for discovery and engagement: Instagram reels for brand growth 

Now that we have ideas of what reels to post and how to make them high-quality, we can focus on how to increase their reach and viewer engagement. Timing and engagement are the secrets to reel success. Analyse your audience’s habits and industry trends to pinpoint optimal posting times. Additionally, consistency is key. Post reels regularly to maintain audience attention. You could even consider crafting compelling narratives using the reel series.

After you post the reel, you must ensure to respond to as many comments and questions as possible. Spark the fun with reel-based contests and giveaways, encouraging user-generated content and boosting reach. Collaboration is your friend – invite viewers to share and remix your reels, expanding your reach and fostering a community. Finally, you can re-use the content you created for your reels to post across all company social media platforms including YouTube Shorts, Facebook and TikTok, to reach people who may not use Instagram. 

Tracking and measuring success

Once you post your reels it is important to analyse data to see what you are doing well and what you can improve. Track key metrics like views, likes, comments, shares, reach, and engagement rate to gauge your performance and identify what type of content clicks with your audience. Use these findings to refine your content strategy, experiment with different formats, and optimise future reels for maximum impact. Remember, data is your guide to brand growth on reels – embrace the analytics, refine your approach, and watch your reels skyrocket!

Case Study – Sephora

Sephora is one company that successfully uses Instagram reels for brand growth. In particular, they launched the #sephorachallenge which has since received 26 million views on Instagram. They post regularly with reels ranging from product demonstrations to makeup tutorials, and user-generated content. They are also effectively using post captions to create a call to action and encourage engagement. For instance, they use captions like “Which colour is your favourite” or “Tag a friend you would love to go shopping with”. 

Instagram reels for brand growth in 2024 and beyond

In conclusion, Instagram reels for brand growth is a powerful tool, and as a business, you must capitalise on its vast user base and engagement potential. Crafting compelling content aligned with the algorithm’s preferences is key, ranging from behind-the-scenes glimpses to educational materials. Attention to detail, consistency, and optimization for discovery and engagement are crucial for success. The journey extends to tracking metrics, using data to refine strategies and propel brand growth. Embrace analytics, adapt, and watch your reel engagement rapidly rise.

Looking to leverage Instagram reels for brand growth in 2024 and beyond? Contact us at hello(a)syncpr.co for a free consultation today. Let us guide you in creating engaging and impactful reels that connect with your audience.