Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms. The number of Instagram users is expected to grow to 1.35 billion in 2023. The amount of people using the platform has continued to grow each year, despite the rise in popularity of competing apps like TikTok.

Instagram offers brands and businesses various ways to connect with their audience. From photos to stories to live streams to reels, you can engage with your followers while providing them with meaningful content. One of the best ways to grow your audience is with reels.

Learning how to make Instagram reels stand out from your competition is essential. This guide will discuss our top six reel hacks to ensure they improve your engagement and grow your brand.

1. Be Creative

Creating unique content is one of our top Instagram reel tips. It might go without saying that you need to post an original reel. With thousands of creators sharing reels daily, it can be challenging to think of something someone else hasn't done yet.

Don't think you have to completely reinvent the wheel when creating a reel. The point of a reel is it should be:

• Entertaining
• Educational

You can take an existing reel idea and create something fresh by adding your perspective or spin. Instagram prioritizes videos that aren't visibly recycled from another third-party app. Creating a video using their Reels editor could increase your visibility.

2. Don't Include the TikTok Watermark

As we mentioned, Instagram deprioritizes reels that were created on other apps. This includes reels that have the TikTok watermark on them.

They state that it's because users aren't as satisfied when they see content that's from other apps because it's low-resolution or blurry. As a result, reels that were created on other apps won't be as discoverable on Instagram. The reels aren't as likely to appear in the reels tab or on the Instagram Explore Page.

We recommend creating content directly on the app you want to post the video on. You can use duplicate raw footage from your camera roll in videos on TikTok and Instagram.

Some creators use a third-party app to remove the watermark before posting a reel to Instagram. However, you should keep in mind that the quality of your video might still be compromised.

3. Include Closed Captions and On-Screen Text

Around 85% of Facebook users watch videos with no sound. That stat is consistent with how many people choose to mute reels before watching them. Including subtitles and on-screen text in your reels is a no-brainer.

This is one of our top Instagram reels tips because you're reaching people that watch videos with no sound and users who have hearing difficulties. Your Instagram engagement will improve as you make your content accessible to all users.

It's really easy to add subtitles to your reels. All you have to do is used the platform's closed caption sticker. Follow these steps as you're posting your reel:

• Tap on the sticker icon
• Pick "captions"
• That's it!

It can take a few seconds for the reel's audio to transcribe. Once the text has populated, you can review it and make edits to ensure it's correct.

We recommend positioning the closed captions in the middle of the video. You want the subtitles to be visible in every part of the app.

4. Drive Traffic to Your Website

The ultimate goal of reels is to improve your brand's engagement. The top way to drive traffic from your reels is to include a call-to-action. The best one to include is to encourage viewers to click on the link in your bio.

There are a few ways you can do this. They include:

• A verbal call-out
• On-screen text
• In the reel caption
• All of the above

You're not limited to linking only to your website in your bio. You can create a mini landing page that includes multiple clickable images and link buttons. Create more value from the link you include in your bio in just a few minutes.

5. Share Valuable Content

Instagram isn't only for sharing cute animal videos. You can go viral by sharing informative content. While your personal page can be a mixture of various topics, your brand page should be geared toward what your followers are interested in.

You position yourself as an expert in your field when you create educational reels. You're also providing a valuable service for your followers.

Some ways you can use reels to entertain and educate your audience include:

• Give tips
• Share customer success stories or testimonials
• Make a blooper reel
• Showcase your employees
• Post before and afters
• Promote other businesses
• Share encouraging messages
• Highlight your products and how to use them

If you notice something is trending, you'll want to hop on it fast. Trends become old news very quickly.

Spend the first few minutes of your workday scrolling through the reels tab. See what other creators are sharing.

If you notice a dance trend, audio clip, or song that keeps showing up, click on it. See how many other people are doing the same type of video. Get on the bandwagon before it becomes irrelevant.

6. Post Reels to Your Feed

Sharing reels to your feed is one of the easiest ways to boost your views. It also helps your chances of going viral.

You can go into your settings and select that you always want to share reels to your feed when you post a new one. You can also upload a reel cover image so it fits in with the aesthetic you've curated for your page.

Learn How to Make Instagram Reels Work for Your Brand

Instagram reels for business are one of the easiest ways to connect with your audience and show your value. Our tips will show you how to make Instagram reels work for your brand. Learn the ins and outs of the platform so you can stay relevant and connected to your followers.

The experts at Viva Media have experience creating amazing reels and other video content for our clients. Contact us to learn more about our services.