Creating Engaging Reels

Reels landed in the Instagram app late in 2020, and since then we have been trying to figure them out. What makes a good reel? What makes a viral reel? Can I figure out the perfect algorithm before everything changes yet again? It hasn't always been straight forward, but in our vast experience of creating reels and seeing what flops and what goes crazy, this is what we know for sure. 

1. Don't overproduce

TikTok's and reels are especially popular because they are more raw, fun and unfiltered than the perfectly curated static feed we had grow used to. This is the magic of reels, they are supposed to be entertaining without being perfect! So don't feel the need to pay for videography or buy an expensive camera, take fun and real content on your iPhone. At the moment vlog style content is really taking off, with fly on the wall style filming being extremely popular.

2. Use text hooks (clickbait if you must...)

Use text to draw people in and build suspense, this will keep them on your video for longer which ultimately increases it’ reach potential.

3. Use Trending music!

Audio trends are starting on tiktok before moving over to IG, so watch tiktok for new popular audio and use these on your reels (quick to the party performs best). 

4. Analyse your performance!

Don’t just post blindly, pay attention to what your followers like and respond to. This could relate to the time of day you post, the length of the video, do they prefer videos with a hook? With music or other trending audio? Clipped videos or a compilation of photos? Traditional vlog or fly on the wall style?

Implement these tactics and see what works for you and your audience!