In today's very changing and challenging digital age, content creators are constantly seeking ways to preserve the influence they have earned on one social media platform, no matter what’s going to happen with it.
Instagram Reels is the answer for content creators who are into short videos. This feature has a very big advantage: a seamless integration into the Instagram ecosystem. What’s more, Instagram has more than 2 billion active users per month and the highest average watch rate among short video platforms.
In this article, we have answered the following questions:
Why do content creators need to make Instagram Reels in 2024?
How to make Instagram Reels?
How does the Instagram Reels algorithm work?
How to drive traffic from TikTok to Instagram?
How can content creators promote their One2fan page on Instagram Reels?
This article will be equally useful to content creators who know nothing about Instagram Reels, as it will to those who want to better understand the platform's algorithm in order to become popular and create viral and trending videos.
Keep reading to become an Instagram Reels influencer who creates trends! 🚀
Why do content creators need to make Instagram Reels in 2024?
Instagram Reels were introduced in 2020 as an effort to rival TikTok. They were not only available on ordinary feeds but were also added to the Explore feed. Thus, Instagram immediately began to firmly promote the new content format and made it possible for billions of users to discover Reels videos.
However, at the moment, there’s a separate tab for Reels, similar to the For You page on TikTok, and the Explore and Home pages are ready to show you a bunch of Reels instead of photos.
These are 3 reasons to create Instagram Reels in 2024 even if you have account on TikTok:
Speaking about user demographics, Instagram and TikTok are relatively close. The biggest share of users on both social media platforms belong to age groups of 18-24 and 25-34. According to Statista, slightly more male users of these age groups prefer Instagram, so if they are your target audience you should look for them there.
Instagram is still an extremely popular social media platform, so it would be unwise to ignore it. You can attract a paying audience and get a higher watch rate using Instagram Reels.
How to make Instagram Reels?
So, you've decided that Instagram Reels are worth it. What is important for every content creator to know?
Instagram Reels are vertical short videos and technically they are very similar to TikTok videos. Here are 3 things to know before diving into Instagram Reels:
Instagram Reels aspect ratio is 9:16
The ideal dimension and resolution for an Instagram Reel video are 1080 pixels x 1920 pixels
Instagram Reels maximum duration is 90 seconds.
There are two ways to post a Reel video on Instagram: shoot it in the app itself or upload it from your device’s gallery.
Follow these 3 steps to create or upload your Reel video in the Instagram app:
Open your profile and tap the “+” button in the upper right corner
Tap “Reel” in the opened menu
Select a video from your device's gallery or tap "Camera" to record a video directly in the app
You can also select one of the options on the Reel upload screen to create your short video:
Clip hub
This tool allows you to add popular GIFs or memes to your short videos or photos. You can also post some clips without using your own content and just add a text – a perfect way to create your own meme.
Templates
As the name suggests, this option contains templates for your Reels videos. All templates are divided into two tabs: Recommended For You and Trending.
You just need to choose a template and replace clips with your own media content – all edits are already done automatically.
Made for you
It’s another automatic tool that can help content creators to make a Reel video fast and easy. Instagram uses your archive to generate a video. You are able to use the suggested music or choose your own and edit clips if you wish. If you are happy with the result, you can share this Reel on your account.
Just like TikTok, Instagram also has its built-in editor tool. It has all the needed basic features to edit clips like trimming, merging multiple clips together, adding an audio, a voiceover, a text, a sticker or a filter.
Sometimes these tools are not enough to show your creativity. Then it’s better to use one of the video editing apps. You can check our article 5 best TikTok video editing tools to find a suitable short video editing app.
When you share your Reel, it automatically goes to the Reels tab in your profile. However, you can also post them in the general feed among the photos. To do this, you just need to select the “Also post to the feed” option in the same tab where you can add a caption to your video.
The user should frequently interact with your content: watch or read to the end, like, save, share, write comments. Algorithm also takes into account how often the content creator responds to the user's comments or whether you have messaged in DMs. Your new content will be shown to your followers as fast as possible.
So, you should also interact with users and especially with your followers to get promotion from Instagram’s algorithm.
2. Interest
One user watches Reels and barely looks at photos, another watches experts on a certain topic and scrolls through memes. The algorithm personalizes recommendations and shows the content that will be of interest to a specific user.
The content creator cannot influence this factor directly, unlike the previous one. You can analyze your own content: pay attention to the number of likes, comments, how many people saved your video or shared it. Find the most popular reels in your account and try to create clips in a similar format.
3. Relevancy
Instagram's algorithm is able to identify popular topics. Content on these topics is considered relevant and is shown to other users more often.
The algorithm also promotes new content more actively. In this regard, Instagram is different from TikTok: there, an old video can gain unexpected popularity and even go viral.
We offer the following tips for promoting your Reels based on 3 cornerstones of Instagram algorithm:
• Post regularly
This rule is true for any social network. Firstly, the more videos you have, the more likely it is that some of them will be popular and attract new followers to you. Secondly, your content must constantly appear in the feeds of those who have already subscribed to you to maintain a high level of engagement.
Finally, Instagram’s algorithm recognizes new Reels as relevant and promotes them more than old short videos.
• Encourage engagement
User interaction with content is the basis for the Instagram algorithm. Encouraging engagement with Reels is something every content creator should do.
Leaving a strong call-to-action is one of the ways to boost engagement on Instagram Reels. Ask your viewers something, encourage them to share their stories in the comments, or even add a poll right into the Reels description (yes, Instagram allows you to do this!).
Reels caption size is 2,200 characters but only 125 characters are shown before the “...more” button appears. It’s better to fit your call-to-action within these first 125 characters that any Reels viewer will see. You can also add a call to action to the short video itself. This will increase the number of users who will be engaged.
• Keep up with trends
Instagram also has its own trends just like TikTok or YouTube Shorts. There are different trends: a certain editing, dance, music and the theme of a short video. Almost every trend can be adapted to your niche.
At the end of any year, a trend constantly arises on social networks, where users share their achievements or events that will sum up this year. The year of 2023 in Instagram Reels was no exception. In December, Reels were captured by the song “What Love is” from the band Zimmer90. The band also created a template to help creators to make their recap videos. Original template was used for 31.6k videos and the original music was chosen for more than 1.6M Reels.
This trend was used to show vibe moments of the 2023 season but a lot of creators also used it to show what they have achieved: their artwork, tattoo, cakes they baked, etc. This is the perfect example of how trendy music, templates or ideas can be transformed and be adapted by different content creators from various niches.
The best way to discover new trends is to explore the Reels tab and Search page. Also follow other content creators in your niche, but remember that you yourself can become the founder of a new trend: if your Reels resonates in the hearts of many, they will want to repeat your video.
• Add relevant hashtags (or a Reels caption)
Content writers are used to hashtags being an integral part of content. However, Adam Mosseri, Instagram CEO, said that hashtags do not help content get more views. In the original article, Mosseri was talking about posts, but we suspect that Reels' algorithm works the same way.
Mosseri admitted that hashtags help the algorithm understand what the content is about, and therefore show it to users with matching interests. This means that content creators can use no hashtags at all! You just have to create a description of the Reels video, which will clearly make the Instagram algorithm understand the topic of your content.
Reels caption size is 2,200 characters and that’s more than enough to tell what your Reels is basically about. But we understand that it is difficult to create a thoughtful description for some content, especially for entertainment. And in this case, hashtags will really help you, but not on their own, but because they will tell the algorithm which users could be interested in the topic of your video.
Instagram's and TikTok's algorithms are similar because they take into account users' interests in certain topics and value interaction with videos over simply watching them. But the Instagram algorithm also evaluates the relationship between the content creator and the user and tends to promote new content because it automatically considers it more relevant.
General recommendations for hacking the Instagram Reels and TikTok algorithm are posting regularly, encouraging engagement, keeping up with trends and adding relevant hashtags or descriptions. You can also check our article to learn more about the TikTok algorithm.
How to drive traffic from TikTok to Instagram?
So, you have decided that it’s worth it to drive traffic from TikTok to Instagram. With the right strategies, you can grow your audience even further.
Here are 5 simple yet effective ways to do just that:
1. Cross-promotion in your TikTok content
Start by mentioning your Instagram in your TikTok videos. Be aware: do not leave direct links although you can write your nickname in the subtitles or description.
TikTok (and any other platform) is not happy when creators leave links to their competitors but you can give a clear hint what this nickname is for.
2. Create engaging Instagram-specific content
Consider creating content on Instagram that complements your TikTok videos. This could include photos or photoshoots, behind-the-scenes content, exclusive updates, or sneak peeks.
By offering unique content on Instagram, you'll give your TikTok followers a reason to follow you there.
3. Use the perks of Instagram Stories
Instagram Stories are powerful tools for engaging with your audience in a more personal way. It’s possible to use polls, quizzes, and countdowns on Instagram Stories to encourage interaction and keep your followers coming back for more.
TikTok also has this feature and we even explore how to use TikTok Stories to promote your One2fan page but this tool is still not so popular with TikTok users: partly, because your TikTok Stories are usually seen only for your existing followers and devoted fans.
Users will be more interested in searching your Instagram, viewing Instagram Stories and participating in surveys if these surveys have an impact on something. For example, your follow-up content.
4. Engage with your audience across both platforms
Finally, be sure to engage with your audience on both TikTok and Instagram. Respond to comments, answer questions, and show appreciation for your followers' support.
Fostering a sense of community across both platforms, you'll encourage your TikTok followers to become loyal Instagram followers as well.
Driving traffic from TikTok to Instagram is all about creating engaging content, promoting your Instagram account, and fostering a sense of community across both platforms. The main trigger for users to follow you on Instagram is to get access to something exclusive, be it content that they won't be able to see on TikTok or the opportunity to influence your subsequent content by participating in polls.
How can content creators promote their One2fan page on Instagram Reels?
Instagram Reels is a powerful tool for reaching your audience and attracting traffic to your One2fan.
One2fan is a platform where creators offer one-on-one interaction, while fans access unique experiences and enjoy creators’ insights. You can learn more about One2fan and how to join it in our article: What is One2fan?
You should know that Instagram profile bio is the only way there you can add a clickable link to your One2fan. We have an article on how to add a link to Instagram bio and how to solve problems you may have: How to Promote Your One2fan Page on Instagram?
Because of this Instagram feature, the only way out for content creators and promoting your One2fan is to draw users’ attention to that same link in your profile bio.
There are 3 effective strategies to help you promote your One2fan on Instagram Reels:
• Include a call-to-action in your Reels video
Include a clear call-to-action encouraging viewers to check and click the link in your bio to access more exclusive content on One2fan. You also can highlight the opportunity for your followers to chat with you on the platform. Think about what might be most important to your fans.
Just a couple of variants of a call-to-action you can add in your Reels video:
Check my link in bio to get more
Join my fan community in my bio
Click the link in my bio to chat with me
Keep the call-to-action short and compelling to maximize engagement.
• Add a call-to-action in the Reel description
In addition to including a call-to-action within the Reel itself, add a written call-to-action in the description of your Reel.
Use attention-grabbing language and emojis to encourage viewers to click the link in your bio to join your One2fan community. Be sure to mention the exclusive content and benefits they'll gain access to by subscribing.
• Engage with your audience in the comments
Take advantage of the comments section on your Reels to engage with your audience and promote your One2fan account.
Respond to comments with personalized messages thanking viewers for their support and directing them to check the link in your bio for more exclusive content or additional communication with you.
You have to motivate your followers and fans to check the One2fan link in your bio. You should add a clear call-to-actions in your Reels, Reel descriptions or comments. To be successful you need to use every opportunity to tell people about your One2fan.
The main thing is not to be too intrusive. Show your followers and fans what they can get by subscribing to your One2fan. Having found something interesting for themselves, they will gladly support you.
Instagram has not lost its popularity in 2024 and continues to develop. This is proven by the number of monthly active users. Instagram Reels are also successful considering its average watch rate.
Bloggers, content creators or influencers can easily create Reels videos thanks to Instagram features such as Clip Hub or Templates. If you are a TikTok creator, shooting a Reels video is a piece of cake for you, because video specifications for both platforms are the same: 9:16 aspect ratio and 1080 pixels x 1920 pixels resolution.
The only thing you should be aware of is how Instagram's algorithm works because it also takes into account the relationship between a creator and a follower, not just interest in the topic of the video or engagement.
However, Instagram Reels is a great opportunity to create a close community of your followers and fans and promote your One2fan page.