How to create successful reels and increase your reach on Instagram

Instagram recently revealed how reels are ranked - and how you can maximize the reach of your posts. With 4.5 billion shares a day, reels are a goldmine for businesses. Here are some handy tips to help you stand out from the crowd.

Today one of the world's largest platforms

Instagram has long been an important channel for businesses looking to build their brand and reach out to new customers. With over 2 billion monthly active users, it is one of the world's largest platforms. When Instagram was launched in 2010, the focus was solely on images, but today the video format - especially reels - dominates. Statistics show that video time on the platform grew by double-digit percentages last quarter, and that reels are shared 4.5 billion times every day on Instagram and Facebook.

There is no doubt that reels are a powerful tool for businesses that want to increase their visibility. But how should you think about creating reels, and how do you share them? To put an end to the speculation, Instagram recently shared unique information about how reels are ranked and recommended.

How reels are ranked and recommended

When you post a reel on Instagram, it is first shown to a smaller group of users who the platform believes will like it. If the content receives a good response, i.e. high engagement in terms of watch time, shares, likes and comments, it is further disseminated to a larger audience. The process repeats, and the reels that continue to perform well can reach an even wider audience.

This means that reels gives both large and small accounts the opportunity to grow, regardless of the number of followers. A real goldmine for businesses!

5 strategies to succeed with your reels

1. Post regularly
   Reels give you a unique opportunity to reach new audiences. The more often you post, the more chances you have to be discovered. A consistent posting rate, such as one reel a week, can make a big difference to your reach.
2. Create content that can stand on its own
   Many people who see your reel have probably never heard of your business. Therefore, make sure that each reel works as a standalone unit. Always start with a strong hook within the first three seconds to grab attention and make sure the message is short and to the point.
3. Use audio to increase reach
   Audio doesn't just bring your content to life - it's also prioritized by the algorithm. Use trending soundtracks or create your own audio content, such as a voiceover. Using audio is not only beneficial for videos but also increases the visibility of posts with still images.
4. Test and analyze
   Not all your reels will go viral, but by analyzing what works, you can improve your strategy. Test different formats, themes and storytelling styles to see what your audience appreciates most.
5. Embracing the unpredictable
   With Instagram's recommendation system, it's hard to predict exactly how much reach a reel will get. But that's what makes reels so powerful - each post has the potential to reach far beyond your current follower base.

Change your strategy today

Reels have become the strongest format on Instagram, and for marketers looking to increase their reach, investing in moving content is more important than ever. By creating engaging and recommendable content, you can reach new viewers and strengthen your digital presence.

Source: https://creators.instagram.com/blog/helping-creators-of-all-sizes-break-through