7 Instagram Reels Strategies You Should Know
When it comes to creating Instagram Reels, there are a couple things you need to do to help you with creating the best content for your account.
Posted 5 months ago
Written by
Guest PostPosted 5 months ago
Instagram Reels are short, fun videos (up to one minute long) that you can create using the appās built-in editing tools. You can use them to spice up your social media strategy and reach a whole new audience.
The emergence of TikTok has sparked a new interest in short-form videos. But not all companies market to TikTok users, which skews younger. If you want to target a different audienceāsay, millennialsāthen Instagram Reels might be the way to go. š
There are a few Instagram Reels strategies to keep in mind when creating your content, though. Here are our top five tips:
Jump to a section āØ
1. Plan and Storyboard Your Content š¤
Before you start creating your Reels, itās important to take some time to plan and storyboard your content. This will help you ensure that your videos are cohesive and on-brand. It will also make the editing process much easier.
Think about these questions to help you storyboard your content:
- What is the overall theme or message of my Reel?
- What kind of images and footage will I need to create my Reel?
- What are some creative ways to transition between clips?
Over time, as you become more comfortable with making Reels, youāll be able to wing it and create content on the fly. But in the beginning, itās important to take some time to plan and storyboard your content. This will help you ensure that your Reels are high-quality and on-brandāwhich is exactly the look youāre going for!
Itās important to remember that Reels are meant to be viewed vertically on smartphones. That means an aspect ratio of 9:16 works best. A 1080Ć1920 pixel resolution is also ideal.
2. Use Hashtags to Find Your Community #ļøā£
Hashtags are a great way to connect with like-minded people and build a community around your Reel. When you use relevant hashtags, your Reel is more likely to be seen by people who are interested in the same topics as you.
To find relevant hashtags, start by brainstorming a list of keywords that describe your Reel. Then, use a hashtag research tool (hi, hello, this is what Flick is great for!) to find popular hashtags that you can use.
Once youāve found some relevant hashtags, add them to your Reelās description. We recommend using as many relevant hashtags as possible on the Reel so you can get the highest amount of reach potential!
Want to quickly and effectively find hashtags for your content? Click the banner below to start your FREE 7-day trial with Flick:
3. Use Creative Editing Techniques šØ
One of the best things about Reels is that they allow you to be creative with your editing. There are a variety of built-in editing tools that you can use to make your Reels stand out from the rest.
But while these tools are great for personal Reels, you may need more powerful editing software if youāre creating Reels for business. Fortunately, several editing apps are specifically designed for this, such as:
- InShot
- Splice
- Beatleap
- Videoleap
Story articulation is important, but so is the way you put your story together. With so little time to make an impression, editing your Reels to make the most impact is crucial.
4. Go with the Algorithmās Flow š
The algorithm plays a larger role for Reels than it does for other types of content on Instagram. Users see only the Reels that are recommended to them based on their interests and the people they follow.
While this may seem like a disadvantage at first, itās actually an opportunity to reach a whole new audience. By creating Reels that are relevant to your target audience, you can get your content in front of people who wouldnāt normally see it.
Generally, the algorithm favors Reels that are:
- Relevant to the userās interests
- Popular with other users
- Vertically-oriented
- Uses music (original or derived from the Instagram library)
On the other hand, the algorithm penalizes Reels that are:
- Not shot in vertical format
- Blurry or low-quality
- Duplicative of other content on Instagram
- Recycled from other apps
If youāre still not sure how the algorithm works, donāt worry. Just keep an eye on your analytics and make note of when your Reels are getting the most views. Then, try to post during those times. over time, youāll get a feel for when the algorithm is working in your favor and when itās not.
Want to dive deeper into your analytics and get a weekly report sent straight to your email? Click the banner below to start your 7-day FREE trial with Flick:
5. Evaluate Your Reelsā Performance š
Social media marketers used to have to wait months or even years to see how their content performed. But with Reels, you can get real-time insights into your videosā engagement and reach.
To access these insights, simply go to your Reels tab and click on the three dots in the bottom right-hand corner of any Reel. This will bring up the āInsightsā tab. Select it to see how your Reels are performing across several metrics, such as:
- How many times have users played your Reel
- How many users viewed your Reel
- How many times have users saved your Reel
- How many times have users shared your Reel, via DM or Stories
Knowing how your Reels are performing will help you adjust your content strategy moving forward. If you notice that a particular type of Reel is getting more engagement than others, try to create more content like that in the future.
Pay attention to the times when your Reels are getting the most views, such as the day of the week or time of day. Then, try to post on those times, or use a post scheduling app like Flickās Scheduler that can automatically post your Reels for you based on when theyāre getting the most engagement.
6. Use Templates
Reels templates are pre-designed video formats on Instagram that users can customize with their own content. These templates often include pre-set effects, transitions, and music, making it easy to create visually appealing and engaging Reels videos without extensive video editing skills.
How to Use Reels Templates to Boost Your Instagram Strategy
Find a Template:
- Explore the Reels section: Browse through popular Reels to find templates you like.
- Search for specific templates: Use Instagramās search bar to find templates with keywords like ātemplate,ā ātrend,ā or specific effects.
- Use third-party apps: Some apps offer a wider variety of Reels templates and editing tools.
Customize the Template:
- Replace the content: Add your own photos, videos, or text to the template.
- Adjust the effects: Modify the pre-set effects or add new ones to suit your content.
- Change the music: Select a different song or audio clip from Instagramās library or upload your own.
7. Jump On Viral Trends
Viral trends on Instagram Reels refer to popular content formats, challenges, or sounds that quickly gain widespread attention and engagement. These trends often evolve rapidly, with new ones emerging and old ones fading out.
Why Incorporate Viral Trends into Your Reels Strategy?
- Increased Visibility: Viral trends can significantly boost your Reelās reach, as they are often featured on Instagramās Explore page and shared by other users.
- Higher Engagement: People are more likely to engage with content that is part of a popular trend, leading to more likes, comments, and shares.
- Brand Awareness: Participating in viral trends can help you connect with a wider audience and increase brand recognition.
- Relevance: By staying up-to-date with the latest trends, you can demonstrate that your brand is relevant and in touch with current culture.
- Community Building: Engaging in viral trends can foster a sense of community and connection with your followers.
There are many ways to find viral trends and you can learn all the ways in this blog post.
š” Flick Tip: Use our AI Social Media Assistant, Iris, to help you find daily viral trends! Iris will send you a notification on what is currently trending, plus give you detailed instructions on how to recreate the trend perfectly for your brand. Start a free 7-day trial to get started today!
Creating Reels can be a great way to connect with your audience and show off your brandās personality. But itās important to remember that success doesnāt happen overnight. It takes time, effort, and experimentation to find what works best for you and your business. So donāt get discouraged if your first few Reels donāt perform as well as youād like. Just keep producing quality content, and youāll eventually find your stride!
More articles related to
Best Instagram Scheduling Tools in 2025
Discover the best Instagram scheduling tools for this coming 2025. Elevate your social media strategy with top picks like Flick, Sprout Social, and more.
Mackenzie Taylor
2 months ago
Trending Instagram Reels Songs to Try This Week
No more searching for trending audio! Here is your up-to-date trending Reels audio for Instagram to use this week.
Mackenzie Taylor
Yesterday
15 Instagram Reels Ideas to Post Today
In need of some engaging ideas for your Instagram Reels content? Look no further, we’ve got your back. Here are our top 15 Reels formats!
Sam King
3 months ago