Elevate your social media game with Instagram Reels 

We’re over the moon to be commencing our weekly information series, where we’ll deliver short, sharp and value-packed business and social media insights directly to you! ✨

First cab off the rank – Instagram Reels. 

With the rapid rise of TikTok and Instagram Reels, it’s no secret that short-form videos are having their moment. In fact, studies show that approximately 75% of users take action after watching a brand’s Reel, whether it’s visiting a website, making a purchase, or sharing the content with friends (Sprinklr) – that’s huge! 

While Instagram now prioritises Reels over still images, boasting an average engagement rate of 1.23% compared to 0.70% for traditional photo posts (Strike Social), how well your content performs is still at the mercy of the all-mighty Instagram algorithm. 

Here are our top tips for mastering the Instagram Reels algorithm in 2024:

1. Use vertical video – A 16:9 ratio works best.
2. Use sound – Utilise music or trending sounds from the Instagram music library.
3. Hook your audience quickly – Capture attention within the first few seconds to prevent people from scrolling past your content.
4. Keep it short and sweet – Stick to 15-seconds as a general rule-of thumb to maintain viewer interest. 
5. Be authentic – Make sure your content is original and creative.
6. Post consistently – Post short-form video content regularly to signal to the algorithms that you’re an active user. 
7. Monitor insights and adjust – Watch your Reel’s performance metrics such as views, likes and shares, and adjust your strategy accordingly. 

On the flipside, creators should avoid:

• Blurry or low-res videos
• Content visible recycles from other apps (containing logos or watermarks)
• Content that is largely covered by on-screen text
• Videos that do not meet Instagram’s Community Guidelines.