Instagram Reels are one of the most powerful social media tools businesses can use to increase visibility, build engagement, and reach new audiences. But not all Reels are created equal. If you’re looking to improve your content and make sure your videos are working as hard as you are, here are five ways to level up your Reels today.
1. Choose Enticing Thumbnails
Your thumbnail is the first impression your Reel makes. It’s the image that shows up on your Instagram grid and often determines whether someone clicks to watch. Choosing a visually interesting or eye-catching frame can make a big difference in engagement. Whether it’s a close-up of sauce being poured, a beautifully garnished cocktail, or a bold text overlay with a curiosity-piquing caption, the more appealing the thumbnail, the better. Make sure it’s framed well and represents what the viewer can expect from the full video.
2. Keep the Clips Short
Most viewers have a short attention span, especially when scrolling through social media. To keep people watching through the entire Reel, avoid staying on any one clip for too long. Keep things dynamic, especially in the first few seconds, to hook your audience and encourage them to stick around until the end. Think quick cuts, changing angles, and visual variety. The faster you get to the point, the more likely people are to keep watching and engage.
3. Create Relevant Content
Timeliness and relevance are key. Reels that tie into current trends or events tend to perform better because they feel fresh and relatable. For example, we created this Reel for The People’s Market timed to go live on May the 4th. Not only did it tap into the cultural moment of Star Wars Day, but it also highlighted their unique Star Wars mural that appealed directly to local Charlotte fans.
You can apply this same strategy by:
- Searching for trending hashtags in your city
- Creating content around upcoming sporting events, concerts, or holidays
- Connecting your business to what your community is already talking about
4. Include Relevant Details Without Being Wordy
Reels offer a unique opportunity to show your audience something real and tangible. In many cases, video content outperforms static images, but that doesn’t mean you should overload your viewer with information.
Keep captions and text overlays clear and concise. For example, in this Reel promoting The People’s Market’s Ricotta Be Kidding Me pizza, we included a simple call to action encouraging customers to pair it with their favorite wine. It delivered just enough information to entice the viewer without distracting from the visual appeal of the video.
5. Use Trending Sounds
Using trending audio can help your Reels appear in more feeds, but it’s important to choose sounds that align with your brand. Not every trend is a fit for every business. Consider the tone, style, and lyrics of the audio and make sure they reflect your company’s personality and values.
One example is this video we created for The People’s Market using a trending Kendrick Lamar sound. It worked because the brand has a fun, casual, and pop-culture-savvy image that resonates with its audience.
Need help creating Reels that actually work? Our team specializes in video marketing that’s aligned with your brand and built to perform. Let’s talk about how we can help you stand out on social.
