Videos can make your Instagram channel stand out, but how can you increase engagement rates?
The popularity of video content on Instagram has surged in recent years. 91% of Instagram users report that they view videos every week.
Therefore, Instagram videos (Stories and Instagram Video, Reels, and Live) are a must-have for any brand’s social media strategy.
It may seem overwhelming to manage all the different video formats on Instagram. But it has also opened up new opportunities for marketers to tell stories to their target audience.
Which Instagram video format works best for your brand? Each of these formats may have a place in your social marketing strategy; you have to decide to concentrate on one.
Different types of Video Content:
There are many formats in which you can upload video content on Instagram:
Stories: This is the easiest way to share content on Instagram. You can make a video or take a picture and then share it with your followers without editing. This is a great way to engage with your audience and start conversations through various features such as polls and reactions.
Regular posts: This is the traditional way to upload videos to your feed. You can share a video that lasts between 3-10 minutes. You can upload up to 60 minutes, depending on the account.
Reels: Instagram has added this video format recently. It allows users to record and edit 90-second videos set to music. You can share these videos via the Stories, Feed, and Reels tabs on the user’s profile.
Live: You can talk to your audience for up to 60 minutes. Go to the upload section, and choose the last option, “live.” This function allows your audience to interact with you.
Understanding Instagram Algorithm:
A quick side note: Understanding the Instagram algorithm can help increase your organic reach within the algorithmic feed world.
7 ways you can increase your Instagram reach:
We have broken down 7 critical elements of the Instagram algorithm:
Create a visually consistent feed:
Instagram is a photo-based network. It is essential to have great photos, and you must ensure that your image is of the right size (1080 pixels by 1080 pixels).
Furthermore, it’s essential to keep your feed cohesive. Make sure you have consistent color choices in your videos and pictures.
Use hashtags:
Hashtags can be a great way to get people to discover you and your content. However, you should limit your hashtag usage to 5-10 hashtags so that you don’t appear spammy.
You should also include at least one branded # hashtag. This will allow you to create a stronger brand community and make your content more searchable.
Captions are essential:
Captions are powerful tools for conveying messages. Make sure you:
Encourage conversation using powerful captions to tell stories and encourage your audience to respond to your content.
Make a call for action: At times, people need a push to get involved. Don’t be afraid to tell them what are the next steps.
Use the same voice and tone throughout your feed.
Be authentic.
Provide value:
It would help if you made the experience worthwhile to keep viewers’ attention. Your magnetic personality, engaging conversation, and comic relief can all help entertain your viewers.
You could also share tips, tricks, workshops, helpful information, or even thought-provoking advice.
Your value proposition should be evident in every Instagram video. You’ll get more views, engagement, and shares if you keep your word.
Your audience will lose interest if you don’t deliver on your promises. Keep them engaged.
Schedule your Videos ahead & Post regularly:
With the help of various tools you can schedule in feed videos, reels, and stories. You can schedule content ahead of time to ensure you post content when your audience is most active.
You can also improve the quality of your content if you have more time to plan.
Consistency is the best way to build your audience, especially for long-formats such as Instagram Video and Live.
Share a schedule with your audience to let them know when you will host your next Instagram Live.
Use scheduling tools for the timely publication of your posts.
Also, post when your followers are online most. To find the best times for posting Instagram videos, check your analytics and consult our research.
Collaborate with Instagram influencers:
Influencer marketing is still one the best ways to rapidly build a following and social proof.
It is not necessary to collaborate with celebrities who have millions of followers. Instead, focus on local influencers. Micro-influencers can be a better way to promote products in your local community.
Simply DM influencers within your community (people with 1-10k following) to get involved. You’ll be amazed at how many people will work with you if you target the right people.
How do you find them?
Find them with local hashtags that are relevant to your business.
Search for similar accounts by using the “suggested” feature on Instagram.
Look at your competitors to see who they are influencing.
Curate user-generated material:
Users can engage with and share user-generated content by curating it. Instagram prioritises such content, so it’s important to build relationships with your followers on Instagram.
It has been discovered that user-generated content is 35 per cent more memorable than traditional media and 50 per cent more trustworthy than non-user-generated content. This makes user-generated material a valuable strategy.
Conclusion:
Instagram is increasingly focusing on creators and reels, so it’s crucial to change your brand’s social marketing strategy for 2022. Utilize short-form video content and maximize collaborations to grow your Instagram visibility.
I hope these strategies will help you to maximize Instagram video strategy. If you have any doubt, feel free to ask in the comment section below.
AUTHOR’S BIO:
Sumi Shrivastava
She is an SEO enthusiast and works as a content writer at True Tech Journal. She is a Post Graduate in Construction Technology & Management. She enjoys traveling and trying new cuisines. She is a trained classical dancer. She enjoys spending her free time with family and friends.
