How to Create Your First Instagram Reel
So, you want to begin creating Instagram Reels? It can be intimidating to think about mastering a new form of content - but it doesn’t have to be! Reels are the perfect way to create a relationship between you and your followers.
Let’s start with the basics
Step 1: Open Instagram and select the + icon - the hit Reels
Step 2: Select Your Music, and Filters (Check out the top trend IG Reel music here)
Step 3: Record Your Video (Don’t forget to choose your cover image!)
Step 4: Post Your Video (You can choose to share to your feed or just to reels - I recommend both as it increases your chances of being discovered = Higher ENGAGEMENT!!)
Instagram Reels are a relatively new concept to the ever-growing platform. They are a great way to generate engagement and show your personality online. Which can be a great way to capture the attention of your audience and create genuine connection with followers. Think of IG Reels as a new way of building a bigger audience – whether you have a large following or not, Reels can be viewed by the wider Instagram community!
If you are already using Instagram Stories, you should have no problem transitioning to Instagram Reels.
My top tips for creating IG Reels are:
Be authentic
“Being real and creating authentic content can forge a deeper connection with your audience - let your brand speak for itself by showing the real you!”
Followers relate to real people! Reels are a great feature to show your true personality. Being real and creating authentic content can forge a deeper connection with your audience - let your brand speak for itself by showing the real you! For followers to believe you are being your true self, you must actually be - being open and honest with your audience goes a long way in creating authenticity on your platform!
The best way to create connection with your followers is to show as your full imperfect, human self. While dancing in your reels can be fun, it is not the only way to build awareness using reels. Simply turn your camera on selfie and share 3 key tips or 1 common myth with your audience. By showing your face and giving easy, digestible tips, you can easily gain the trust as an authority would provide value!
Put Your Passion to Use
Let’s think about TikTok for a minute. The most popular accounts and videos are those who have found a specific niche and utilize that throughout their content. Think about what you are passionate about, or skills that you can share with your audience! Are you an expert in any particular field? Reels are the perfect place to utilize these skills in a fun and engaging way that will create value for your audience.
Have some fun with it
Finally, have some fun with creating your first Reel. Everything does not need to be perfect! In fact, reels are ALL about informal video - no studio or expensive equipment needed. This new feature is a gift for you to shed the “perfectly curated feed” and instead give your audience a glimpse of who you are. Don’t take yourself too seriously and enjoy the process of creating something fun for your audience to enjoy! The more you see this new feature as an opportunity to help your audience, the more reels you’ll create and the easier this new type of content will be to create.
Ready to post your first reel? Come to the next Content Planning Sprint to get the support you need!
Join a 2.5 hour Content Planning Sprint and create Instagram Reels with a social media expert!