Yes, professional accounts on Instagram can create and post reels. Reels are short, entertaining videos up to 90 seconds long that users can create and share on Instagram. They offer engagement and reach building opportunities for all types of accounts, including professional brands and businesses.
What are Instagram reels?
Instagram reels are a TikTok-like vertical video feature that was introduced in 2020. Reels allow users to record and edit 15-90 second multi-clip videos with audio, effects, filters, and more. The videos loop and can be shared to the user’s followers in the Instagram feed or to a wider audience through the dedicated Reels tab. Reels also allow users to remix and react to other reels.
Reels aim to provide an entertaining, engaging video experience for users. They also help creators and brands reach new audiences and go viral on Instagram through mechanisms like the Top Reels section.
Why should professional accounts use reels?
Here are some of the key benefits for professional accounts using reels on Instagram:
- Increased engagement – Reels can grab user attention and prompt likes, comments, shares, etc. Instagram also boosts distribution for reels.
- Reach new audiences – Reels get visibility in the Reels tab and Top Reels section, allowing accounts to get discovered by users who don’t follow them.
- Viral potential – Popular reels can go viral fast on Instagram through shares and with Instagram’s algorithms recommending them.
- Brand building – Reels allow showcasing products, behind-the-scenes, events, etc. in an engaging video format.
- Ad creative support – Reels can be repurposed as ad creative for Instagram ads.
In short, reels help professional accounts expand their reach, engagement, and brand awareness on Instagram in new ways compared to static posts.
Types of reels professional accounts can create
Professional accounts have many options when creating Instagram reels. Some ideas include:
- Product reels – Showcasing products, unboxings, reviews, tutorials, etc.
- Behind-the-scenes reels – Fun BTS peeks into company culture, employees, office, etc.
- Event coverage reels – Highlights from conferences, launches, workshops, etc.
- Announcement reels – Product launches, sales, promotions, etc.
- Employee spotlight reels – Interviews, days in the life, employee takeovers.
- UGC reels – User generated content like customers showcasing products.
- Tutorial or how-to reels – Useful tips and hacks related to products/services.
- Branded effects reels – Reels using company’s branded AR effects.
Nearly any engaging content can be adapted into reels. It’s about experimenting with creative concepts and formats that align with brand style and audience interests.
Best practices for professional accounts using reels
Here are some top tips for professional accounts to succeed with Instagram reels:
- Use popular music, effects, filters and trends – This increases chances of going viral.
- Remix popular reels – Tap into trending content and put your own spin.
- Post consistently – Daily or multiple times a week builds momentum.
- Reuse video content – Repurpose existing assets like ads into reels.
- Share behind the scenes – These authentic peeks build brand affinity.
- Encourage user generated reels – Run contests for UGC reels featuring products.
- Cross-promote on other channels – Share reels across other social media accounts.
- Give sneak peeks – Build excitement with teasers for upcoming products/events.
- Optimize hashtags and captions – Use relevant hashtags and engaging captions.
- Check performance and refine – Analyze metrics and iterate on content performing well.
The Instagram algorithm favors accounts consistently posting viral, engaging reels that delight users. Tailoring content, trends and promotion to each brand’s goals and audience is key.
Steps for creating a reel on an Instagram professional account
Here is an overview of the reels creation process for professional accounts on Instagram:
- Access the reels camera – Tap the camera icon in the top left of the Instagram app and swipe to switch to “Reels”.
- Record clips – Tap and hold the capture button to record video clips up to 90 seconds. Use creative camera effects.
- Upload existing content – Upload previously recorded videos from your camera roll.
- Edit the reel – Adjust clip length, order, timing etc. Add audio, effects, filters, captions etc.
- Publish reel – Add a caption, hashtags, decide on sharing settings and post the reel.
- Share reel – Tap the “Share” button to cross-post the published reel to your Instagram Stories or profile.
- Analyze metrics – Check reels insights under account settings to refine strategy.
Instagram provides lots of editing tools and creative controls when assembling reels. Brands can develop their own style and voice with the format over time.
Measuring reels performance for professional accounts
Instagram provides metrics in the app and via third party analytics platforms to assess reels performance. Key metrics include:
- Reach – Total number of unique accounts that viewed the reel.
- Impressions – Total number of times the reel was seen.
- Engagement rate – Likes, comments, saves, shares as a percentage of reach.
- Audience retention – Average time viewers spent watching the reel.
- Traffic sources – Where views are coming from – Hashtags, Explore, Profile etc.
- Demographics – Audience age, gender and location data.
Analyzing metrics helps identify best performing reel content types, formats, captions etc. Results can inform an optimal posting strategy.
Do’s and don’ts for professional account reels
Some final do’s and don’ts for professional accounts creating Instagram reels:
Do:
- Showcase brand personality and behind-the-scenes
- Make use of music, effects, filters and stickers
- Time captions to match audio for engagement
- Post consistently and analyze metrics
- Re-share user generated reels
Don’t:
- Just repurpose feed video content
- Ignore trends and popular audio
- Post overly promotional or sales-focused reels
- Have unclear messaging
- Post sporadically
With the right strategy, Instagram reels offer immense potential for professional accounts in terms of reach, engagement and brand building. Testing different content angles and analyzing performance data will inform the best path forward.