There’s no question that video and visual storytelling are on the rise. Not only do videos engage and entertain, but they also get more attention from users than any other content type. TikTok’s endless feed of short, entertaining video clips quickly became an internet sensation.

First of all...

What is an Instagram reel?

Reels are a way for users to share short video clips on Instagram. These clips can be a series of photos, video clips, or other content. From a simple profile image change to a full-on music video, Reels let you tell your story in up to 90 seconds.

In addition to the ability to record videos with sound or audio overlays, the Reel camera and editor also offer a bevy of features on mobile. Features include:

• Editing tools: Create augmented reality effects, transitions, and the ability to speed up or slow down videos. Apply filters and effects to photos, enhance your compositions with animation, and make your videos more interesting by adding special transitions.

• Audio attribution: Instagram Reels allow you to overlay the sound from videos with audio from other user uploads (while the app gives sound credits to the original account).

• Instagram shareability: Share Reels with just friends on your Stories or profile, or publicly in the Reels tab or Explore page.

How do you create the reels?

1. Enter reels mode within Instagram

2. Begin recording a video or adding pre-saved clips

3. Find Audio for Reels - You have a variety of options for audio. You can select from a list of pre-recorded sounds on Instagram, add audio from your Instagram feed or add your own custom audio from a source other than Instagram.

4. Post a Reel on Instagram - Your Instagram Reel is ready to post!

To make sure the cover of your video looks professional, select Edit cover from the top of your screen and choose an image.

Instructions for setting your Instagram post permissions. Select or deselect Also share to Feed to tell Instagram whether you want your Reel to be seen on your Instagram profile. If this is grey, it will not be posted.

After you decide whether to share your Reel to the Feed, you have the chance to:

• Tag people or brands in the video.

• Rename the audio used in the video when it's one you added.

• Add fundraiser events you are supporting.

• Recommend on Facebook or show your Reel to anyone on the platform. This way you can choose to share it with Facebook friends or not

.Once you’ve added all of your preferences, you can now select the Share to Reels button in blue.

Mission accomplished! You’ve officially shared your Reel on Instagram. But if you start these steps and decide your minute — or less — masterpiece requires further edits, don’t worry! You can always save it as a draft so you don’t have to restart.

How does the Instagram reels algorithm work?

It’s a content-driven world, and Instagram Reels is the perfect place for brands to showcase the best of their feed. Whether you’re looking to increase engagement on your existing posts, or create Reels around a theme, knowing how the algorithm works will help you navigate the new update.

Your Instagram reel will be more likely to be viewed by the algorithm if you post reels that:

• Are highly engaging (have comments, likes, shares, saves, and watch time).

• Use the tools Instagram provides, ( text, filter, or camera effects).

• Have vertical dimensions.

• Use sounds from the Instagram music library and/or original audio you create

All in all

There is no trick of the trade to rank higher in users’ feeds. The best way to ensure that your content is seen by people who matter is to create high-quality Reels that resonate with your target audience and follow the best practices outlined in this article.

While there are Instagram users who may try to garner high engagement through methods like contests and giveaways, these tactics will not necessarily lead to long-term success. 

The best way to build a reliable following is to provide value for your audience by consistently posting content they would find useful.