How To Make Instagram Reels and Use Them to Boost Your Ecommerce Business

As an ecommerce business owner, you're always looking for new ways to boost your marketing efforts. Fortunately, the latest feature on Instagram – Instagram Reels – can take your marketing up a notch. But what are Instagram Reels, and how can you use them to your advantage?

What is an Instagram Reel?

Instagram Reels is a feature on Instagram that allows you to create, upload, and share short 15-second videos. These videos can be edited with music, text, and other visual effects, making Reels a perfect platform for businesses to showcase their products and reach a wider audience.

How to Make A Reel on Instagram

If you're new to Instagram Reels, here's a step-by-step guide on how to make a Reel:

Step 1: Enter Reels mode within Instagram.

Open Instagram and swipe right. Under the camera options, select Reels. You're now in the Reels camera mode.

Step 2: Begin recording a video or adding pre-saved clips.

You can record a video by pressing and holding the capture button, or you can upload pre-saved clips from your camera roll.

Step 3: Find audio for Reels.

You can use the built-in music library on Instagram, or you can use your original audio by recording a voiceover.

Step 4: Post a Reel on Instagram.

Once you're done editing your Reel, add a caption and hashtags, and post it to your Instagram profile. You can also share your Reel in your Instagram Stories or send it to specific users.

Instagram Reels FAQ

Do Reels show up on your Feed?

No, Reels don't show up on your feed. Instead, Reels are housed in a separate section in your profile, and users can access them from there.

When’s the best time to post reels on Instagram?

As with any social media platform, the best time to post Reels depends on your audience's geography and demographics. By checking Instagram Insights, you can determine the best time to post Reels for your business.

How to See Instagram Reels Insights

To view your Instagram Reels insights, go to your Instagram profile, and tap on your Reels tab. Then, tap on the Reel you want to see insights for. You'll see the number of views, likes, comments, and the demographics of the viewers who watched your Reel.

What You Need to Know About the Instagram Reels Algorithm

The Instagram Reels algorithm is similar to that of the Instagram Feed. Reels are shown to users based on their user behavior, such as the accounts they follow, the hashtags they use, and the Reels they interact with. Additionally, Instagram's algorithm promotes Reels that have a higher engagement rate.

Viral Brand Reels Examples

Some businesses use Instagram Reels to go viral and create brand awareness. Here are some examples of viral brand Reels:

• Netflix Brazil created a Reel to promote its show 'Money Heist,' which received 1 million likes and 9 million views.
• Chipotle released a challenge on Instagram Reels, which received over 100,000 submissions from users.
• Rihanna's fashion brand Fenty Beauty uses Instagram Reels to showcase its products in action.

Instagram Reels vs. TikTok

Instagram Reels competes with TikTok, a viral sensation among young adults. Here are some differences between the two:

Reels compete against a unique, viral sensation.

TikTok has a unique algorithm that promotes creativity, while Instagram Reels relies on Instagram's existing algorithm to promote content.

What works on TikTok might not work on Reels.

On TikTok, businesses can go viral without having a large following. However, on Instagram Reels, businesses with a large following are more likely to receive views and engagement.

Reels Take Your Instagram Marketing Up A Notch

By using Instagram Reels, ecommerce businesses can showcase their products and increase brand awareness. By following these steps and being creative, ecommerce businesses can use Instagram Reels to their advantage and increase their following and engagement rate.