Thursday, 30 December 2021

Decoding Instagram Reels

Instagram Reels enable you to make fun and engaging videos to share with your friends or anyone on Instagram. Similar to TikTok, Instagram users can now record and edit 3 to 30-second multi-clip videos with audio, effects, and new inventive tools. You'll be able to share reels with your followers on their Feed, and, if you have a public account, make them accessible to the broader Instagram community through a brand new space in Explore and its very own Reels tab.

The new Reels tab offers anyone the opportunity to become a creator on Instagram and reach new audiences on a worldwide stage as users can see the Reels created not only by their followers but by other public accounts as well.


It's no surprise that the majority of the features sound extremely familiar, Reels might be seen as a direct response to the growing popularity of TikTok, which has gained a lot of traction in the last year. According to Adweek, TikTok had "the most downloads for any app ever in a quarter" in Q1 2020.

And TikTok's core demographic is evolving at a rapid pace. While Gen-Z users used to dominate TikTok, Millennials now account for a larger portion of the platform's user base than ever before, making it a much more appealing prospect for advertisers.

So it's no surprise that Instagram is attempting to copy TikTok's most popular features, particularly in markets where TikTok has yet to establish a significant foothold, such as Brazil. It also fills the void of high-quality content that is still informal but has a longer shelf life than 24 hours with Reels.

In August 2020, Instagram Reels became available to the majority of users. Unlike IGTV, Instagram knew that in order for Reels to be useful and popular, it needed to be integrated into the existing Instagram user interface. Reels is comparable to Instagram Stories in this regard, and you can even access the Reels camera from the same Stories camera.

Instagram Reels are a more dynamic and imaginative way to show off your individuality and brand and we can already see an overwhelming amount of brands and small businesses using Reels to do just that. Here’s an overview of the main highlights of Reels:

      They are portrait-mode short-form videos that can last anywhere between 3 to 30 seconds.

      They can be recorded directly in the Reels camera and/or uploaded from your mobile's camera roll.

      They can be shot in a single take or in a series of takes that are edited together.

      They are only available on mobile devices and can only be uploaded by your phone.

 

HOW TO CREATE INSTAGRAM REELS

Step 1: Open the Instagram camera and look for Reels ( you will find it in the bottom menu).

 


Step 2: Pick a length and some creative tools.

On the left side of your screen, you'll find a selection of creative editing tools to aid in the creation of your reel, including:

Audio: Use the Instagram music library to find suitable audio. You can also add your own original audio and it will be attributed to you when you post a reel with it, and if you have a public account, users can construct reels with your audio by selecting "Use Audio" from your reel.

AR Effects: To record several films with different effects, choose from the many effects in Instagram’s effect gallery.

Timer and Countdown: Set the timer to record your clips hands-free. After pressing record, you'll get a 3-2-1 countdown before recording for the duration you choose.

Align: Before recording your next clip, line up elements from the prior one to help create smooth transitions for moments like costume changes or adding new friends to your reel.

Speed: Choose whether to speed up or slow down a segment of the video or audio you've chosen. This can assist you in keeping a steady beat or creating slow-motion videos.

To make your reel more creative, choose a length of 15 or 30 seconds and a choice of options such as effects, timer, speed, and alignment.


Step 3: Record your reel.

Tap the multi-clip shutter to start recording. To stop recording, tap the multi-clip shutter once again. Reels can be recorded in a succession of clips all at once, or videos from your phone can also be uploaded. After you've finished filming, you can trim or delete any prior clips from your video.


Step 4: Share your Reel

When you're satisfied with your entire video clip, hit the right-pointing arrow next to the shutter button to continue on to the next step. You can now use the icons at the top of the Reels camera to add stickers, text, and doodles to your video, just like in Instagram Stories. You can save the video clip to your camera roll by tapping the down-pointing arrow in the top toolbar.

Add a description, and hashtags, tag other accounts, and choose your cover image. Your reel may be seen and discovered by the larger Instagram community if you have a public account.


And voila! You just made your first Instagram Reel. For a more detailed guide, refer here.

 


TRENDS AND VIRAL REELS

Instagram Reels have already made their way into the hearts and feeds of users around the globe and the huge community of creators has since begun and participated in various trends and experimented with a plethora of new effects. To give you a glimpse of Instagram Reels at their best, we have compiled a list of some of the most viral Reels in 2021:

 

1.     Do Things in the Right Way by khaby00

https://www.instagram.com/p/CPOCmA3ownK/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again

 

2.     Runaway Aurora with Dog by my_aussie_gal

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CNnw0ySHfU1/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=0535afed-db29-4d6b-a36d-3d3c0dcec75c

 

  1. Ice In The Glass by leomessi

https://www.instagram.com/p/COdSO0hqjWZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again

 

  1. Never Miss A Monday by kyliejenner

https://www.instagram.com/p/CNAydRfnx5Q/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again

 

  1. Bole Chudiyan by oyeankit

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CORsbAhhLA1/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=e3e95593-b2ce-47d0-95e5-561ae15fddba

 

REMIX REELS

Similar to TikTok's popular Duet functionality, Remix is a new video editing feature that allows users to create a video in response to an existing Reel. It's a new and innovative way to work with creators and expand your following on Instagram Reels.

This feature allows users to create Reels that display alongside the original Reel. Users can remix any Instagram Reel if the original creator has granted Remix permission. Instagram creators are already flexing their creative muscles with this new format, which is ideal for hilarious reactions, dancing and singing collaborations, and challenge participation. Even popular celebrities are participating in this new trend, here's an example:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CL7v4t4CJyr/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=f8fc806e-8b72-4aae-9eda-484e42470ce3


Here’s a quick guide on how to use this new feature:


DO’S AND DON’TS OF CREATING INSTAGRAM REELS

Instagram Reels began as a TikTok clone, but it has since grown into a significant platform for content creators and businesses to connect with their audiences.

While Reels are just 15-30 seconds long, coming up with an idea, writing a script, filming, and editing it can take hours. When the right content is sent to the right audience at the right time, it can increase brand engagement without being overbearing. However, checking all of the boxes can be difficult.

The Reels Algorithm on Instagram has long been a mystery, particularly when it comes to what appears as a suggested post or on the Reels Explore page. However, Instagram recently announced that content that is blatantly recycled from other applications (such as TikTok) and low-quality video material will be deprioritized by the algorithm. Instagram has stated that material with apparent watermarks or branding from other apps will be also less discoverable. This change essentially means that audiences will have a tougher time finding rehashed or blurry content, which will lead to lesser views.

This is a deliberate step by Instagram to stop creators from cross-promoting TikTok videos on Instagram, which is understandable given how closely the two apps compete for the same audience.

Instagram has also announced that “entertaining, hilarious, and intriguing content” will be prioritized in Reels recommendations. As a result of these adjustments, brands, and creators can revise their content strategies to take advantage of the Instagram algorithm. According to Instagram, creators should upload Reels that:

      Are entertaining and enjoyable

      Are motivating or inspiring or starts a trend that others can easily participate in

      Uses text, filters, and camera effects to express yourself.

      Uses vertical video instead of horizontal

      Uses unique original audio you produce or find on Reels, as well as music from the Instagram music library.

      Are experimental! Try different things, be yourself, and explore what works best for you.

 

On the other hand, Instagram recommends brands and creators do not upload Reels that:

      Are clearly recycled from other apps (i.e, contains logos or watermarks)

      Have a border around them when they're posted

      Have text that covers the majority of the image.

      Don't follow Instagram's Community Guidelines, you'll be banned.

You'll have a higher chance of cracking the algorithm, reaching new audiences, and improving your follower count if you follow these Instagram Reels techniques directly from Instagram.

 

Instagram Reels has opened up an ocean of opportunities for brands and content creators and it is the best time ever for you to take these and unleash your creativity to create the content you have always wanted to create!

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