Reels can unlock huge growth potential for creators, including more opportunities for creativity, discoverability, audience development and monetisation.
The following twelve best practices can increase your likelihood of getting discovered by new audiences and help spark your next big idea.
1. Relate to your audience
Create content that clicks with people and in the genre that your audience is into. If they watch your reel and think, “That’s literally me”, you’re on the right track. Showcase situations that people can see themselves in. And look into the lens! Try using your selfie camera to create first-person, approachable content.
2. Share your unique POV
Showcase your personality, your contagious energy and attitude. Share your passions, teach people something new or share something that’s uniquely you.
3. Plot the plot
Great reels are built off of storytelling. Some of the most popular ones have either a clear beginning, middle and end, or they have a strong hook or payoff, like a big reveal, punchline or plot twist.
4. Be in the moment
Share your point of view on conversations of the moment. Whatever is happening at the moment, people want to hear your take on it. Make sure that you add your unique twist on the trending moment and that it’s relevant to your niche and audience.
To help extend your reach, use one or two hashtags that are trending and/or relevant to your content’s themes. (Pro tip: Hashtags like #Explorepage or #Reels will not help you get featured.)
5. Start a trend
Inspire and start a trend that others can easily participate in remix. Take cue from Cultural Moments Calendar and connect with your community. Remember: Reels are not only meant to entertain, but also invite participation and creative collaboration.
6. Let go of your fears
Remember that there’s no “right” way to create a Reel. Your way is the right way. If you’re having fun, chances are viewers will too.
7. Leverage the tools
Use creative tools like text, filters or effects. Even something as small as an interesting transition may get people watching more than once. And find that good lighting: natural light is ideal, avoid being in direct sunlight (you’ll squint and there will be shadows), avoid light directly above you or right behind you as “backlighting” can hide your face.
8. Music library FTW
Set the scene by using music & audio tools in Reels. In music library, use the browser to find music for your reel. Search by artist, album or song, or browse music categorised by genre, moods and themes. Alternatively, you can voiceover your video or use original audio from other creators.
9. Go vertical
Vertical content (9:16) helps ensure your reels are immersive. Horizontal video can be clunky and is typically not as easy to recreate.
10. Spaghetti on the wall
Eelebrate experimentation. Try new, interesting and different approaches to see what works for you and what your community responds to. Is it humour? Affirmations? Skits? How-to’s? Sky’s the limit!
11. Share!
Once you’ve posted your Reel, don’t forget to share to your Stories.
You’ll also want to share from Instagram to Facebook for maximum exposure. Use “recommend on Facebook“ to potentially reach new audiences on Facebook without a Facebook account. If you have a linked Facebook account, use “Share to Facebook“ to engage your existing Facebook audience – and reach more people – without having to create or upload content twice.
Pro tip: Consider adding a cover photo before you share on Instagram.
12. Avoid low quality content
Don’t post Reels that are visibly recycled from other apps (avoid third-party fonts and watermarks).
Some other common no-no’s include: blurry video (due to low-resolution) and content that violates our community guidelines. Similarly, avoid interruptive, exaggerated or misleading or baiting as people have told us that they dislike spammy posts on Facebook and Instagram.
Lastly don’t forget to engage with your fans and have fun!