Creating and sharing video clips has only grown in popularity as video sharing app TikTok exploded across the US earlier this year. The app was so popular in fact that it was downloaded 315 million times in the first three months of this year, more quarterly downloads than any other app in history according to analytics company Sensor Tower.
If it appears as though TikTok has taken over the social media realm, this may be true as video sharing continues to take off in popularity among both users and brands. However, just as one may believe in the power of the newest fad TikTok, we believe in the power of video. And if one thing’s for sure, it’s that video is still as popular and powerful as ever.
And let’s just say Facebook is no dummy to the fast paced, video sharing trend. In fact, Facebook launched its own video sharing app, Lasso as an answer to TikTok’s ever-growing popularity back in 2018. However, after recently shutting down the app for good in July 2020, it’s no surprise that Facebook took to Instagram for a second attempt at launching a video-sharing feature – Instagram Reels.
So, what is Instagram Reels and how can you benefit from incorporating them into your public relations strategy?
Similar to TikTok, Instagram users can record, upload and edit together 15-second video clips set to music and share them to their Stories, Explore Feed and the new Reels tab on a user’s profile.
Probably the most unique feature to Reels is the ability to share your Reel to a dedicated space in Explore, where it has the chance to be seen and discovered by an even wider audience. This is because unlike your normal Feed consisting of posts from accounts you follow as you scroll, Reels are generated by popular and trending accounts on Instagram and showcase the best of trending culture.
Reels that are “Featured” in Explore are referred to and labeled as “Featured Reels” and consist of a selection of public Reels chosen by Instagram to help you discover and be discovered by individuals potentially interested in your brand and services you provide on a global level.
So, is Reels another social media must for your brand? Like we said in the beginning, video is still as popular and powerful as ever.