While Instagram has historically been a photo-first platform, recent changes have shifted it to a video-first platform. 

You can currently view Instagram video content in three formats:

• Reels: Instagram’s reaction to TikTok’s massive growth. Traditional videos posted to Instagram feeds are now also Reels. 
• Live: Instagram live broadcasts that can be saved as a story.
• Stories: Short videos or photos that disappear after 24 hours.

91% of users watch Instagram videos on a weekly basis, so it’s no surprise that the social media magnate is pushing video content more than ever. Let’s take a look at how you can use each of the four video types to your advantage in your Instagram video marketing strategy.

Instagram Reels

If you’ve ever used TikTok, you’ll immediately be familiar with Reels. Reels are short-form videos that allow users to watch creative content from other users, set to popular music, background sounds, or their own audio. Reels can be up to 90 seconds long and users can browse through them by topic or hashtag.

Reels can show up in users’ feeds or in the dedicated Reels section. Similar to TikTok content, Instagram Reels constantly show up, one after another, in a never-ending feed. The best Reels are creative, funny, and offer something unique to catch viewers’ attention.

While you may not have thought about using Reels for your business before, they can be a great way to show off your brand’s personality and get creative with your marketing content.

Tips for Instagram Reels

The most important thing to consider when creating Reels content is the aspect ratio. Reels are filmed in vertical portrait mode, meaning that they take up the entire screen on a smartphone with an aspect ratio of 16:9.

The best way to create branded content for Reels is by using sounds and video styles that are currently trending. You can browse through the Reels feed to see what’s popular and get inspired for your own content.

Another great way to get ideas for your Reels is by looking at what other businesses in your industry are doing. See what they’re posting, how they’re using trending audio, and what kind of reaction their videos are getting.

Instagram Live

Going live is one of the best ways to interact with your audience in real time. You can use Instagram Live to give your followers a behind-the-scenes look at your business, host Q&As, or even do product demonstrations.

The key to a successful live broadcast is engagement. You need to make sure that you’re regularly interacting with your viewers and giving them a reason to stay tuned in.

You can also use Instagram Live to collaborate with other businesses or influencers in your industry. This is a great way to reach a new audience and get your name out there.

Tips for Instagram Live

The most important thing to remember when doing a live broadcast is to be prepared. You should have a general idea of what you want to talk about and what your goals are for the broadcast.

It’s also important to interact with your viewers as much as possible. Live broadcasts are all about engagement, so make sure you regularly respond to comments and questions.

Live streams are also a great place to offer exclusive deals and discounts. This gives viewers a reason to tune into your broadcast and will reward the most dedicated members of your audience.

Instagram Stories

Stories are short, ephemeral videos that disappear after 24 hours. They can be up to 60 seconds long and can be edited with filters, effects, and other creative tools. 

Stories are a great way to give your followers a behind-the-scenes look at your business or to show off your brand’s personality. They’re also a great way to promote new products or deals.

Tips for Instagram Stories

Instagram Stories are one of the few places on the platform where you can place links to your products, so they’re a great place to drive sales. If you plan to advertise through stories, make sure to pay attention to Instagram ad size and dimensions so your story looks great and doesn’t get cut off.

You also need to make sure that your story is visually appealing and interesting. Remember, your Story’s only purpose is to get your audience curious enough to swipe up and learn more.

Final Thoughts: How You Can Use Instagram Video Marketing

Instagram is a great platform for video marketing. It has a wide range of video content types that you can use to reach your target audience. And since so many users are already on the platform, you have a great opportunity to reach a large number of people.

When creating your video content, keep in mind what your goals are and who your target audience is. Each type of video content has its own strengths and weaknesses, so make sure to choose the right one for your needs.

And finally, don’t forget to have fun with your videos! Instagram is a great place to show off your brand’s personality. So get creative and experiment with the different types of content that you can create.