Use these three Instagram video tools to achieve maximum engagement
Power to content creators as short-form video captivates the world!
As our media-dominated society continues to evolve, so do the platforms we use. Instagram, like all others, is no stranger to an update. Over the years, the app has evolved from a photo sharing tool to a platform that encompasses the most used features of all your go-to social media apps.
Short-form video currently takes the cake, dominating the social media game on platforms such as Instagram (reels) and Tik Tok. Packed with features to create hard-hitting content, short-form video gives content creators the tools needed to get on the trend… and do it right!
According to a survey from HubSpot that interviewed 500 marketing gurus, 85% of marketers say short-form is the most effective video style they leverage. Videos are a unique and effective tool for marketers, opening the door to the limitless potential to influence their audience in a way that sits beyond your average text or image.
Video content is paramount to ensuring engagement on your social profile. But you can’t just post any video.
So how exactly should you use video? Platforms like Instagram host different short-form video options and In-feed, Reels and Instagram Stories are our favourites.
In-feed Videos
In-feed Instagram videos allow for planning and are usually specifically curated as these videos are displayed directly on your grid. In-feed Instagram videos can be up to 60 seconds long and are perfect for interviews, product launches or behind-the-scenes footage.
Instagram Stories
Instagram stories are the playful sister. Perfect for on-a-whim content, Instagram stories are the shortest video format. Truly capturing a moment in time, stories disappear within 24 hours, however you can pin them on a story highlight if you want to make that moment last just a little bit longer. Stories are versatile and can be used to engage with your audience through a conversational informal tone. Whether you are filming yourself talking to your followers or capturing a pretty sunset, stories include a beautiful array of stickers and gifs to help elevate your content to the next level.
From an interaction perspective, Instagram stories include features that allow viewers to engage, quite literally, with your content. From polls and Q&As, to links and hashtags, your audience can tell you exactly what is on their mind. Users can even participate alongside you via Instagram’s new ‘add yours’ sticker, allowing them to join a chain of responses and share their own take on the creators prompt – often these explode worldwide.
Reels
The reel showstopper when it comes to Instagram video tools is Instagram Reels. Instagram’s most recent video tool, reels, allow users to create 30-second multi-clip videos with text, stickers, AR filters and audio. Reels can be used to share highlights from your feed or totally new content. Through Instagram reels, trends are born. Users can collaborate, discover, and challenge other creators – sending shareable moments right across the world.
Warning: Instagram reels are addicting. You will find yourself mindlessly scrolling.
Now that you know what kind of videos you could make, here are our top tips for optimising engagement, no matter the video tool you choose!
- Keep your short-form videos…Short. The same HubSpot research discovered that the Instagram videos that got the most comments averaged just 26 seconds.
- Add an enticing thumbnail. It doesn’t have to be complicated – just choose a slide that matches your brand’s aesthetic. Then just add some text to create a title so the viewer knows what the video is about. This brief title will increase curiosity and persuade people to click to watch
- Simplify the language. If your video includes speech, use simplified language as to not overpower the audience with too much information. Generally speaking, people tend to have a short attention span, so keep all information direct and to the point.
- Play around with the array of video editing tools out there! Instagram itself offers great simplified editing tools on their platform already. You can easily trim videos and add filters or text and not require a third-party application or software.
- Hit them from the first second. Make those first few moments of the video count with a compelling hook right off the bat that encourages people to watch instead of scroll – cut out fillers and waffle and get straight to the good stuff.
- Incorporate engagement features like stickers and polls when creating Stories to really drive up your audience interaction.
Instagram Videos can create multiple opportunities for your online brand. Here are some of our favourites:
- Assists in diversifying your marketing strategy
- Gives you the opportunity for real-time marketing
- Increases sale opportunities
- Great reach and engagement levels
- Can add personality to your brand and is great for brand story telling
So, get creative and play around with the variety of video features that Instagram has to offer. You never know when you might go viral!
Looking to create engaging video content? Get in touch with our Creative Director, Bec Kowald, via [email protected] to see how our team of creatives can help.