There was a time when TikTok was the app with a terrific engagement rate. All the memes, duets, and social media challenges which attracted audiences belonged to TikTok. Naturally, most brands gravitated towards TikTok. However, the world changed completely in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. While it was a pretty awful time for most of us, it posed many challenges to social media apps and the brands that depended on them.

During this time, Instagram launched its ‘reels’ feature in early 2020, which would change ‘Influencer’ marketing forever. Influencers with a strong Instagram following started including Reels into their game, and Instagram Reels rapidly became a source for snappy and engaging content. Instagram Reels is a tool that allows users to make short videos by merging various video clips with smooth transitions. Can’t figure out a way to download content on Instagram? Don’t worry we have got you covered. Introducing Instagram Reels Download.

What are Instagram Reels?

Instagram Reels is a feature on Instagram that enables users to create short videos just like what you can see on TikTok. The maximum time restriction for reels was initially 30 seconds, and however, it has been extended to 1 minute. With Instagram Reels, you can add effects, speed adjustments, and editing tools to your films. Brands have an excellent opportunity to leverage this feature as Reels have become a popular segment of the social media

experience.

How to create Instagram Reels?

Instagram Reels, like TikTok, allows you to “create and edit 15 seconds to 1-minute videos with soundtrack, effects, and new creative tools.” After hitting the ‘+ button’ where you would typically create a Story, you’ll see a new tab named ‘Reels’ and additional editing options such as Audio, AR effects, Timer and Countdown, Align, and Speed!

You may record your new Reel in parts by stopping and beginning with the touch of a button, or you can grab a movie you recorded elsewhere from your device storage.

Those who have a lot of videos on TikTok can reuse them on Instagram Reels. Both TikTok videos and Reels share the exact video resolution (1920 x 1080). This could also be your opportunity to showcase your creativity to a whole new audience. Instagram Reels also have a library of songs and audio clips similar to TikTok.

How are Reels different from Instagram Story?

If you think about it, you will realise that there is not much difference between Instagram stories and Instagram Reels. However, statistics show Reels are much more popular since they are more engaging as content creators apply a lot of creativity in making them.

Instagram Reels has more video editing tools, effects, and speed adjustments not seen in Instagram Stories. Reels allows you to combine numerous videos to create smooth transitions. Instagram Reels, unlike Stories, does not allow images; all content must be in the form of videos.

Another distinction between Reels and Instagram Stories is that the former only allows you to post stories that are only visible to your followers. However, Reels can be added to the Explore page, where the entire Instagram community can see them. A separate section in the app shows the latest featured Reels. Instagram’s robust algorithm rewards content creators with the most unique and engaging Reels by giving them maximum visibility. You can use this Instagram video download to download photos, videos, stories and reels anytime, anywhere.

TikTok vs Instagram Reels – Which is a safer bet for brands?

Before we conclude which app is better for branded content, we need to look at the demographic of both apps. Tik-Tok gets most of its users in the 10-19 age group (teenagers). This generation of people has grown up with the ‘Influencer culture’. Therefore it is more likely that people of this demographic will engage with individual influencers rather than big brands.

On the other hand, Instagram audiences are Millenials or the young adults of the (25-30) age group. This is a generation of kids who grew up in the age of Television advertisements and infomercials. Also, people of this age group have a certain amount of purchasing power, making them the perfect audience for brands.

So, it’s clear that brands need to focus a lot on Instagram, but it would be best for brands to utilise both apps to their maximum. Cross-posting is one way that brands can ensure their visibility for the long term. Audiences expect more than just products from brands these days, and they hope to be entertained and engaged through memes and other forms of eye-catching content.

Why should brands use Instagram Reels?

IG Reels are a valuable resource for raising brand visibility and prospective sales on social media for brands trying to reach engaged audiences ready to spend. Eighty-one per cent of Instagram users use the platform to study new products and services, and 90 per cent follow at least one brand account. Content creators who create the most engaging reels have the best ideas to bring a brand or product to life.

Let’s take a look at why Instagram reels can change the idea of Influencer marketing for good.

Latest Feature

It is too good of an opportunity to pass when a popular app such as Instagram comes up with a new feature. People get bored when the apps become static, and therefore an introduction of a new feature will get people flocking to it. Brands that take advantage of this feature while popular can easily dominate the game.

Reels are easy to create

We realise that developing video content takes a significant amount of time, money, and effort. The same cannot be said about Reels. Reels, like TikTok, are short videos that you may make without investing much money. Another advantage of Reels is that users learn about your brand in a short amount of time.

More Engagement

Reels are more attractive than most forms of content. It’s short and engaging, and most people tend to share it with their friends if they like it. Since the platform’s introduction of the short-video format last year, advertisers and creators have discovered that these posts generate more than just views. Many people have witnessed a boost in their follower and engagement rates. According to one Instagram Influencer, she garnered 2,800+ followers by sharing a Reel every day for a month.

Instagram is an ideal online shopping destination

As mentioned before, Instagram is the app where users look for brands and attractive products. Reels have the features necessary to showcase a product, and Reels allow brands to highlight the features and make them appear like educational content. Brands can also use tags that would redirect the viewers to their brand page, where they can explore more.

55% of Instagram users have purchased an item based on an Instagram influencer’s post. With more ‘online shopping; features being added for brands regularly, it’s easier than ever for brands to convert browsing into shopping.

Use influencers to target various demographics.

Brands could use Reels to partner with micro and nano influencers to promote their products, connect with their core demographic, and keep them updated about brand-related information creatively.

Introduce online challenges

Influencers can engage their fans by creating a challenge with specific hashtags. Many exciting challenges have recently spread on social media, like the #savagechallange and the #gibberishchallenge.

Brands can publish a video with a sponsored hashtag, and then the Instagram creative community can reply by creating and sharing their videos. As a result, daily consumers and fans become brand evangelists, co-narrating your story. Because Branded Hashtag Challenge is all about encouraging genuine connection between brands and customers, it’s the solution to utilise if your campaign’s goal is engagement. It also means you may foster brand affinity among our millions of users, leading to brand loyalty.

Sharing Educational Content

One of the simplest forms of advertisement is where you talk about a particular problem and offer your products or services as the solution. This concept works effectively on Instagram Reels. Brands increase engagement by sharing instructional information with their target audience, and Reels allow you to share educational content with an existing audience. Brands can seek user recommendations and develop Reels based on their audience’s top suggestions, crediting their audience for their contribution.

Conclusion

Reels’ creative possibilities are limitless. This feature provides significant interaction opportunities for brands and enhances an Instagram influencer marketing strategy. Creative content entices viewers to watch it again, share it, and like it, significantly improving the brand’s visibility. Brands can employ co-creation to involve users in the creative process, encouraging them to create and share content. Music and Reels are popular among E-commerce brands and users due to their unique editing options. Brands must select the appropriate tune and AR effects to make Reels catchy and engaging.

Influencers can use Reels to stay updated on future trends and incorporate them into their clips. Influencers create Reels based on popular TikTok trends and utilise a suitable hashtag to reach out to many people who do not follow their page. Every Reel is associated with a trend or a challenge. Through Reels, brands can partner with micro-influencers to display their products and convey exciting news to their audience. The brief length of Reels videos provides an innovative approach for marketers to keep their audience up to date on any brand-related information. Influencers use Reels to promote a brand’s new collection while developing their promotional hashtag.