Every social media platform is looking for ways to leverage video to engage their audience and Instagram is no different. In this article I’m going to walk you through five ways you can start using video to grow your Instagram account. Without further ado, let’s hop in.
Instagram is owned by Meta (formally known as Facebook Company). If Meta sees an independent app start to gain traction, typically, they will integrate that technology into their products as a feature. Here’s what I mean:
INSTAGRAM STORIES ARE REMINISCENT OF SNAPCHAT
Instagram Stories, which expire after 24 hours, provide an informal way for you to leverage video to engage your existing user base. One of the best uses of Instagram Stories is market research. You can utilize the engagement stickers to get feedback from your followers. My favorite option is the poll sticker. I’ll create a graphic that says “Help Me Plan My Content” and I generate content based on audience responses. It’s a simple way to “give the people what they want” and increase conversions.
INSTAGRAM LIVE IS VERY SIMILAR TO PERISCOPE
Periscope was a stand-alone livestreaming app owned by Twitter that gained traction in 2015. I actually started my marketing company live on Periscope and it helped me establish my reputation online as a marketing expert. I used the platform on a regular basis and shared about topics related to my niche. Consistent activity on the app helped me overcome my fear of speaking without a script. Now, I’m no longer overwhelmed when I need to speak at a conference or on a podcast interview because of the skills I gained using Periscope. Hands down, livestreaming will help you become a better speaker. Even if you don’t save the content after you go live, simply going live, knowing that people can pop in to listen to you will help you to firm up your speaking skills. So if you find yourself struggling with public speaking, I would give Instagram Live a try. What’s unique about Instagram Live is you can actually save your broadcast after you conclude and it converts your content into a feed video automatically.
INSTAGRAM VIDEO MIGHT REMIND YOU OF YOUTUBE
On October 5, 2021, Instagram announced that they were combining IGTV and feed videos into one video format called Instagram Video. Instagram Video provides 60-second previews in your feed, captioning, trimming and the ability to tag people and locations. The best part about Instagram Video is the ability to upload longer form content. Upload horizontal or vertical video to your feed that’s less than 10 minutes to engage more deeply with your community. Your saved Instagram Lives and Feed Videos will now appear under the same video tab on your profile, making it easier to discover video content on your feed.
INSTAGRAM REELS WERE CREATED IN RESPONSE TO THE POPULARITY OF TIKTOK
Instagram Reels have really changed the culture on Instagram because they have provided an outlet for people to show the lighthearted side of their personalities. Who would have ever thought that you’d see world leaders lip-syncing and dancing in their homes—but here we are! Reels can also provide a fun behind-the-scenes look at the brands you know and love. Use comedy, creative edits and sounds to entertain your audience. If you want to use reels as a marketing strategy, just make sure you always tie your content back to your brand and provide a call to action. You can create your reels directly in the Instagram app or you can utilize the app InShot for free to expand your editing options.
USE CAROUSEL POSTS TO CREATIVELY INCORPORATE VIDEO INTO YOUR FEED
Did you know you can include video in a carousel or multi-slide post? Using the carousel feature could allow you break up your content into 60-second sections or add context to your video by incorporating static graphic slides as well.
Video continues to be a growing trend on social media. Don’t get left behind. Start utilizing one of these tactics on Instagram today!
