With Meta‘s various platforms still being some of the most used, Instagram holds a very particular place. It is immensely lucrative for the millennial and Gen-Z demographics. One of the most used tools in this arsenal has to be Instagram Reels which allow for unique advertising possibilities.

Let’s examine how you can make the most of your Instagram account.

Instagram Reels Basics 

Instagram reel sizes should be about 1080 pixels by 1920 pixels. Similarly, an Instagram reel’s aspect ratio should be in a 9:16 aspect ratio which optimises the reel for mobile phone. For Instagram posts, the aspect ration that’s most suitable is 5:4 for comparison, so Instagram Reel dimensions are slightly different.

So, how long are reels on instagram? Reels can run for up to 60 seconds and captions can be a maximum of 2,200 characters. You can align multiple clips together, speed things up, add additional audio, and a ton of other features can help generate unique videos.

To download an instagram Reel, locate the desired Reel and tap to view it in full-screen mode, Look for the three-dot menu icon in the lower right corner of the screen. Tap the icon to reveal additional options and select “Save to Camera Roll” from the menu. You can save Instagram Reels for research or future use or to add them to your clips in a creative way.

To repost a reel on Instagram Reel you can either upload one or record it live. You can access these options by clicking on the “+” sign on the top right of the app interface. Select “Reel” and then you can select a video or record a new one by clicking the centre button on the reel upload screen.

To add subtitles to Instagram Reels, you have to go to the edit menu, select stickers, and choose the captions option. Then you can finalise your captions and be on your way.

Instagram Story vs Reels

There are a many key differences between Instagram Stories and Reels. Reels are usually up to 90 seconds long, while Stories are limited to 15-seconds per clip. Reels offer a lot of video editing tools, including clip stitching, speed adjustment, and original audio import. Stories are generally simpler in their presentation and editing but do offer interactive stickers.

From a marketing perspective, Reels are more discoverable since they pop up in the Explore page, Reels tab, and home feeds. On the other hand, Stories are primarily seen by followers and will go away after 24 hours. They can be saved as highlights but are otherwise ephemeral content. Reels can be saved by any Instagram user and remain accessible until deleted. Stories can only be saved by the account owner and disappear after 24 hours unless added to Highlights.

In terms of format, Stories are also more informal and casual. These are generally for users to express themselves. Reels are more public, being open to comments and likes while fostering community interaction. Most engagement with Stories happens through DMs. Stories can one-up Reels in one way: they have better linking options, offering interactive posts with website links.

Instagram Advertising Specs for Feed Ads

Instagram video ads are promotional videos that show up in users’ feeds. These ads can last from 15 to 60 seconds and are crafted to showcase products, services, or events in a visually appealing and engaging manner, often including a call-to-action link to a relevant webpage.

Instagram photo ads consist of static images that appear in users’ feeds. These can be photographs, graphics, or a mix of both, featuring creative messaging and the brand’s logo overlaid on the image. Each photo ad includes a specific call to action to motivate users to take action.

Instagram carousel ads allow users to swipe through multiple images or videos. Each carousel can contain between two and ten scrollable cards, each featuring its own image or video, caption, and call-to-action button. Carousel ads are effective for displaying several products or emphasizing different aspects of a single product.

Instagram Story ads are full-screen vertical photos or videos that target audiences while they browse through Instagram Stories. These ads are brief and designed to capture attention, typically lasting between five and 15 seconds. They can incorporate interactive elements like polls, questions, and swipe-up links that direct users to a website.

Understanding your audience is key to building an effective ad campaign. Identify common factors or interests to select your target audience precisely. For example, a cooking supplies webshop would target cooking enthusiasts of a specific age range. Ensure your message and presentation align with your audience. For younger audiences, use GIFs, emojis, and reels to connect with their interests and communication style. A targeted approach is crucial for effective branding.

Instagram users tend to seek inspiration, entertainment, or information. These 3 categories can be helpful in maintaining the right focus for your ads. As research has previously shown, younger audiences do not respond well to overtly sales-focused content. Consider light-hearted content, useful tips, or free offerings like e-books.

In terms of text, communicate effectively within the 20% text rule. Either use concise text in the photo with more extensive text below it or rely on a powerful image with text only under the ad. This rule isn’t set in stone, however. While extensive text isn’t always effective, addressing objections and highlighting benefits in your ad copy is crucial. Use text to encourage clicks and conversions. Always include a call-to-action, but remember that space is limited in stories.

Since Instagram prioritizes mobile viewing, you should opt for square or portrait images for consistency across Stories and newsfeeds. This approach enhances visibility and effectiveness. To increase engagement, you can incorporate polls or questions which are great for increasing visibility and fostering a sense of community.

Leverage influencers to promote your product to their engaged followers. This can be an effective, subtle form of advertising that doesn’t always require a direct call-to-action. We have a whole primer on Influencer Marketing that you can view for extensive info on that strategy.

You should also include a Compelling Call-To-Action (CTA). You can streamline this process by choosing from various CTA options provided by Instagram. You can ensure they align with your ad and lead to a relevant, mobile-optimized landing page.

Here’s how you can develop the right content for business success:

Overall, Instagram can be a powerful source that provides an engaged audience as long as you match the formats they can best respond to. With engaging visuals and audio along with the right ad format, you can produce great advertising that pushes your company to new heights.