While Instagram has been a social media staple since 2010, it wasn't until 2020 that they rolled out Instagram reels, a move that came after TikTok had already captured the affection of Gen Z and Millennials. These short-form videos are a game-changing tool for businesses.
Reels not only expand your reach to a broader audience but also supercharge your impressions and engagement. They offer versatility for repurposing across various platforms, provide a platform to showcase your business's unique personality, and so much more. In this blog post, we’ll explain exactly why Instagram reels should be included in your marketing strategy.
Reach a Broader Audience
If you’re looking to connect with the younger demographic, Instagram reels are the best option. Global internet users between the ages of 16 and 24 rank Instagram higher than Facebook, TikTok, and all other social media networks. According to Criteo*, the Gen-Z demographic streams an average of 23 hours of video each week.
Increase Impressions and Engagement
Instagram reels have become a game-changer in the world of social media, offering unparalleled engagement and impressions. We know by now that when a social media page has great engagement, it has the potential to foster an online community and elevate its brand presence.
But how do we get there? Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes reels, featuring them on users' homepages, oftentimes instead of photos. A study conducted by Zoomph*, a leading digital measurement platform, revealed a 200% increase in impressions, on average, for reels. In this study, reels consistently outperformed traditional photo posts in terms of impressions per post. A similar study done by Emplify* additionally found that brands earned nearly 40% more engagement with reels compared to other instagram content formats. That’s a heck of a lot more views, follows, and engaged audiences overall.
Repurpose Content Across Various Platforms
The advantages of repurposing content extend beyond SEO; they also allow you to connect with people who may have missed your content the first time around.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to repurposing Instagram reels. You can seamlessly share them across other short-form video apps like TikTok and Youtube Shorts. You can explore behind-the-scenes content creation for YouTube, which not only enhances your SEO but also provides opportunities for long-form storytelling.
A study done by Hootsuite’s YouTube experts* found that embedding YouTube videos in a blog post can boost SEO for both your YouTube channel and the blog. In addition to improving your reach and engagement, repurposing also increases the likelihood of your content going viral.
Showcases Your Business's Personality
Not only do Instagram reels perform better, but they allow your business the opportunity to demonstrate who you are in a fun, digestible way, which drives brand awareness and connects with your audience on a more personal level. A study completed by Market Splash* found that 64% of consumers are more likely to make a purchase after engaging with an authentic, branded video piece. So go ahead, be yourself, and the engagement follows!
Expand Your Creative Potential
Along with Instagram’s trending audio and templates, video allows for more creative freedom - and fun. When utilizing videos, the opportunities to cultivate a compelling story visually are boundless. For more information on why videos perform well on social media platforms, read our blog post, Why Video Content is Critical For Brands
Despite its late arrival in 2020, reels have proven to be a game-changing tool for so many – in a very short period of time. Start exploring, and watch your brand's online presence and engagement soar.
