How Your Brand Can Benefit From The Transformation Of Instagram Video
How you interact with Instagram videos will soon look very different.
The social media platform is shaking things up to keep up with competitors like Tik Tok and YouTube.
The photo-sharing app is about to change, with a bigger emphasis on video content and entertainment on its way.
So, what does this mean for users and brands alike?
What can you be doing now to ensure your business stands out when Instagram expands its video offering in the coming months?
One Billion Active Users Turn To Instagram To Be Entertained
Head of Instagram, Adam Mosseri, announced via Twitter last week that Instagram will no longer be a square photo-sharing app.
Mosseri added that the main reason people use Instagram is to be entertained so the platform will be leaning into this trend.
The biggest difference will be larger and bigger videos.
It will begin to look a lot more like its largest competitor, Tik Tok.
Users will receive recommended videos into their feed from accounts and brands they’re not currently following.
By expanding videos to be full-screen, the consumer can immerse with the video more.
What Does Instagram Video Currently Look Like?
There are currently four ways in which you can share video content on Instagram.
- Video post to feed
- Instagram Stories
- Instagram Live/ Live rooms
- Instagram Reels
1. Video post to feed
Regular Instagram video posts are the original and have come a long way since they were first introduced in 2013.
You can create videos that generate a whole lot of engagement without the need for expensive camera gear.
All you need is the in-built camera on your phone and some clever video editing apps if you wish to take that one step further.
You can either shoot videos into the app of you can upload a pre-recorded video from your camera roll.
Add filters and special effects (such as boomerangs) to your video through Instagram and once you’re happy, add a caption and hit publish. It’s that simple.
This video will remain on your profile grid alongside other photos and videos.
2. Instagram Stories
There’s no denying the popularity of Instagram Stories when 500 million Instagram accounts use stories every day.
Instagram Stories are prime real estate as they’re displayed at the top of your feed.
Social media is used to document your life, such as how you’re feeling, where you are or what you’re eating.
Instagram Stories is the perfect outlet to do this as you give others a glimpse into your life.
Uploads to Instagram Stories are only available on your feed for 24-hours.
You can make your Instagram Stories permanent by saving them to your profile.
Instagram Stories allows you to view who has watched or interacted with your story.
Knowing this information from a brand’s perspective is gold as it can help you drive engagement and value to your customers.
3. Instagram Live/ Live rooms
There are so many reasons why your brand should embrace the use of Instagram Live.
Instagram Live works within the Instagram Stories platform.
Your profile receives a shortcut to the front of the line.
Instagram Live videos work within the Instagram Stories platform and are bumped to first place on every user’s feed.
By creating an Instagram Live video, you’re able to broadcast to your consumers at a time when you know they’ll be watching.
You’ll have real-time interaction with your followers. Set up a Q&A, demonstrate how your product is used, or launch a new service.
Viewers can add comments whilst you’re live, providing an instant line of communication between consumer and brand.
The live service was expanded in 2021 with the introduction of Instagram Live Rooms. You can now create a live video with up to four people at the same time.
4. Instagram Reels
Instagram Reels is the most recent addition to video content for the platform.
Record and edit 15-second multi-clip videos with various effects and audio.
Share Instagram Reels via direct messenger, stories, or dedicated space on the explore page.
Through the explore page, people who don’t follow you will be able to view your Instagram Reel.
Regardless of the size of your audience, your results can be discovered by the wider community based on engagement.
Having your Instagram Reel on the explore page is an excellent opportunity to grow your audience and get more followers.
What Does This Change To Instagram Video Mean For Business?
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed online shopping behaviours forever.
A 2020 United Nations Survey examined how the pandemic changed the way consumers use e-commerce.
The findings showed that more than half of the respondents now shop online and rely on the internet for digital entertainment.
Every brand must have a social media presence.
Instagram reports that in 2021, one-third of most-viewed Instagram Stories are from brands.
At least 80% of users rely on Instagram to decide whether to buy a product or service. That is huge!
Where To Start. How Can I Start Creating Video Content For My Brand On Instagram?
Get started.
The easiest and best way to begin creating content for your business is by posting to your Instagram Stories. Become your own content creator. No one knows your product or service better than you do.
Through video content, your product or service can speak for itself. Gone are the days of needing an expensive salesperson to sell your product for you.
A well-crafted explainer video can make a big difference to sales conversions.
Buyers are coming to you to fix a problem they have, so show them how your brand can do that.
Be your authentic self and show how you use your product, what it looks like, feels like, how it works.
90% of customers say videos help them make buying decisions.
Still feeling nervous? Then engage a content partner who can create content for you at scale.
Find the perfect partner who will hold your hand through the process and ensure you’re getting your message out there.
Work with a content creator who understands your business and the various videos required. Find the right team to partner with you to execute a brilliant content plan that fits your budget.
Instagram Videos Will Be Larger And Bigger Than Ever Before
Massive changes are coming to the way Instagram users view video content.
Future videos will be larger and bigger and will be placed within a user’s feed whether they follow your brand or not.
There will be more eyes than ever on your brand, so you must have a solid video content plan for the platform.
How to get started:
- Start by providing an insight into your life by creating a quick 15-second Instagram Story. This is a simple way to engage with your customers.
- Ensure your good or service is prominent throughout your stories – show how your brand provides a solution to a problem the consumer may have
- Engage with a budget-friendly content partner
- Ensure they’re aligned with your vision and can create many videos for the various requirements needed across the platform
But most, have fun and be your authentic self. You’re more entertaining than you think.
She Digital is a video production agency working for various corporations, organisations, and non-profits across Australia.
We are expert storytellers specialising in video production and content creation and would love to help create a customised video content strategy for you and your brand.
Visit our Contact Us page and see firsthand the difference Instagram video can have on your business.
