Ideas and advice for Instagram reels engagement

Influencer Insights Newsletter #68

Influencer Insights 64

Hey there! Struggling to get the engagement you want on your Reels? You're not alone.

In this newsletter, we'll share six tips to help you boost your Reels engagement and connect with your audience better.

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1. Get straight to the point

Key Idea:

Avoid lengthy intros; dive directly into the content.

  • Attention Span: Viewers' attention spans are short, and lengthy explanations can cause them to lose interest quickly.

  • Engagement: Start with engaging footage that immediately draws viewers in. This keeps their interest and encourages them to watch the entire video.

Advice:

  • Example: Instead of beginning with "Hi, I'm Kyle the photographer, and here's what my video is about," start with a captivating scene related to your content. For instance, show behind-the-scenes footage of a photo shoot, which immediately signals to the viewer what your video is about.

  • Implementation: Skip the introductory talk. Let your actions and visuals speak for themselves. Use dynamic clips and get straight into the main content to hook your audience from the start.

2. Stop posting 4K videos

Key Idea:

Post videos in 1080P instead of 4K for better quality after compression.

  • Compression: Social media platforms compress videos, and 4K videos lose more quality during this process.

  • Quality: Posting in 1080P results in less compression and a clearer, more visually appealing video.

Advice:

  • Personal experience: After switching from 4K to 1080P, people noticed a significant improvement in video quality.

  • Technical insight: While 4K videos can perform well, 1080P videos generally look better due to reduced compression. Always export your videos in 1080P for the best results on Instagram.

3. Use text overlays

Key idea:

Text overlays captivate viewers and convey the message quickly.

  • Engagement: Text overlays immediately grab attention and communicate key points without needing a verbal introduction.

  • Efficiency: They help skip intros and dive straight into the action, making your videos more dynamic.

Advice:

  • Example: Use text overlays like "POV: You started chasing your dreams" to set the scene instantly. This method engages viewers right away and keeps them interested in watching the rest of the video.

  • Practical tip: Incorporate clear, concise text overlays at the beginning of your videos to outline the main idea or action. This method effectively draws viewers into the narrative without lengthy explanations.

4. Be authentic

Authenticity resonates more with viewers than staged content.

Explanation:

  • Relatability: Real, raw moments filmed on a phone feel more relatable and engaging to viewers.

  • Connection: Authentic content builds a stronger connection with the audience, fostering trust and loyalty.

Advice:

  • Natural Filming: Use your phone to capture everyday moments and avoid overproduction. The familiarity of phone-filmed content makes it more appealing.

Key idea:

Leveraging trending sounds can boost video visibility.

  • Algorithm Boost: Using trending sounds can increase the chances of your video being featured and reaching a broader audience.

  • Relevance: Trending sounds keep your content current and in sync with popular trends.

Advice:

  • Minor benefits: While linking trending audio isn’t crucial, it can provide minor benefits by associating your video with popular sounds.

  • Practical use: Don’t stress about always linking trending sounds, but do incorporate them when relevant to enhance your video's discoverability.

6. Film vertically

Key idea:

Vertical filming is essential for short-form content.

  • Format: Vertical videos are optimized for platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts.

  • Authenticity: Filming vertically, especially on a phone, enhances the authenticity and relatability of your content.

Advice:

  • Double filming: If creating content for multiple platforms, consider filming both horizontally and vertically. However, prioritize vertical filming for short-form content.

  • Consistency: Always film vertically unless the content (e.g., podcasts) necessitates a different format. This ensures your videos fit seamlessly into the short-form content ecosystem.

 🔥 Influencer shoutout

Lauren, known on Instagram as @lawruhn_, is a content creator specializing in vibrant, eye-catching travel and lifestyle photography. Her feed features stunning landscapes, urban explorations, and creative portraits, often showcasing her adventures and unique perspectives. With a keen eye for color and composition, Lauren engages her audience through visually appealing posts and storytelling, making her a notable figure in the Instagram travel and lifestyle community.

🔥 New brand on Social Cat

Beakwings is an eco-friendly apparel brand that creates stylish clothing inspired by endangered bird species. Their collections, such as the Macaw series, feature vibrant designs made from organic materials. A portion of the proceeds supports wildlife conservation efforts, combining fashion with environmental responsibility to promote sustainability and awareness​

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