Reels, currently, is the most highly engaged with feature on Instagram. Also, Reels reach the most people. That means, if you’re posting to your Instagram feed, the best way to get more…
- Eyeballs on it
- Potential followers
- Users to find your account
…is to utilize Instagram Reels.
Because Instagram Reels are performing better than carousels, videos, Stories, pictures, or IGTVs in just about every category — whether it’s likes, comments, saves or shares — you need these tips to get your Reels better engagement.
Number one: Multiple cuts.
My recommendation is to use a cut every two to three seconds. A cut is basically just a video term for when there is a:
- Break
- New scene
- Change of camera angle
- Recorded clip added in
So, when you’re creating or editing your Instagram Reels, try to incorporate more cuts. Rather than filming it all in one take, break up your content into multiple different clips.
Number two: Captions.
I’m sure there’s been a time you’ve watched an Instagram Reel and thought,
- “Wait, what did those words say?”
- “Woah! That text popped up and disappeared so fast I couldn’t even read it!”
- “Why are those words so freakin’ tiny?”
Most likely that was all done intentionally so that you had more to look at.
When you add captions and/or text to your Instagram Reels, they actually get more views because people are watching them over and over again.
Pro tip: Many people watch with their sound off. Hence, by adding some text, you allow people to still stay engaged without having to turn on their sound.
Number three: Serve your audience.
This is really across the board with Instagram and with social media, but the same goes for Reels. Even though this feature might have the stereotype of being dance-oriented or goofy or funny… Reels should still be used in a way to serve your audience — preferably within your niche.
If you truly want to see engagement grow with Reels, then use it to educate, motivate and captivate your audience in the short time window you’re allotted. Serve baby, serve!
Number four: Share to your Story.
According to Jon Youshaei (who works at Instagram), the views received when sharing your Reel to your Stories count.
That said, there’s no way for your followers to necessarily engage with your Reel from Stories. So, when you share in this way, make sure you’re adding some kind of:
- Call to engagement
- Reason to click on it and leave a comment / double-tap / save it / share it
- Curiosity factor
Basically, when you share Reels to Stories, do so with an incentive for your people to move to your feed.
For 4 more can’t-miss tips, plus:
- Suggestions on getting music on Reels
- Why you don’t need music to be successful on Reels
- How hashtags might be used for Reels
Then, listen to the Build Your Tribe episode below:
And don’t forget to subscribe to BYT for weekly shows that are designed for your social media success!
