As a full-service digital marketing agency, we work with many small businesses that are looking to build their social media presence. One great way to do this is by posting Instagram Reels. By posting Reels, you have the opportunity to reach a broader audience by utilizing trending audios and uploading engaging content that users can engage with. Keep reading to learn why Instagram Reels can be beneficial to your business.

What are Instagram Reels?

Instagram Reels are full-screen, vertical videos that can last up to 90 seconds. Instagram has a large library of audio tracks, a variety of special editing tools, and clips from other users' viral material available for use. Reels can feature video clips, filters, captions, interactive backgrounds, stickers, and more in addition to audio.

So …Why are Reels Important?

Instagram marketing has altered social media in the same way that social media has permanently altered how we advertise. The new Instagram Reel features is an immediate result of businesses using the network for advertising. Instagram wants to encourage businesses to continue using Instagram marketing in order to reach consumers in addition to maintaining user engagement and interest.

Last year, Instagram Director Adam Mosseri claimed that the app was "no longer a photo sharing app" Compared to standard Instagram pictures, Reels get much more interaction. The app has received a lot of backlash for prioritizing videos on the platform, instead of its original intention of being a photo sharing app.

Many users have noticed the apparent competition between Instagram and TikTok, since Instagram has recently tried to increase the market share that TikTok currently has. The platform is known for copying features of other apps. For example, Instagram added “ Instagram Stories” (pictures and videos that disappear after 24 hours) directly after Snapchat introduced Stories to their platform back in 2017.

Why Reels are Beneficial for your Small Business

Now that you know what reels are and why they are important, let's discuss how they are beneficial to YOU. To start, utilizing Reels helps your Instagram marketing without costing you anything. Be sure to post your Reels and include a popular audio clip or song to increase your audience and engagement.

Also, Reels provide your account with more visibility. In addition to IGTV, Live, and Stories, Instagram Reels offer another channel for reaching your target audience. Reels are also easier to share as opposed to stories. They do not disappear after 24hours like Stories do. Users will have more time to view and share them.

Lastly, the best thing about reels is how discoverable they are. Unlike your feed, you don't just see videos from people you follow. The Explore tab displays public Reels, exposing your content to numerous individuals besides your followers. Additionally, the videos can be found on pages for songs, hashtags, or special effects in videos.