How Instagram Reels Get Views

Brands today are constantly battling to stand out in a sea of posts, stories, and ads. Instagram Reels are the storyteller that elevates a brand above the noise, turning fleeting attention into engagement.

With its favourable algorithm and format that encourages creativity, Reels are your key to not only boosting engagement but capturing the hearts and eyes of an audience that extends beyond your current followers.

They can be the bright spark, the unforgettable story that makes people stop, smile & think, “I need to know more.”

What Makes Instagram Reels Tick?

Instagram Reels was Instagram’s direct answer to the TikTok phenomenon in August 2020. It’s a feature with editing tools, audio & effects designed to make short videos to grab a viewer’s attention.

Think of Reels as bite-sized experiences.

They’re entertaining, informative and sometimes beautifully raw. For brands it’s a perfect chance to let your personality show.

The magic of Reels lies in their ability to amplify your message, helping to position your brand in front of a sea of new eyes. Reels are prominently featured in the Explore tab, meaning visibility can surge with the right piece of content.

Key Features of Reels You Should Exploit

• Video Length Flexibility: 15, 30, or 60 seconds to tell your story – choose what works for your message.
• Music and Audio: Tap into Instagram’s library or make your own sounds. The right choice of music can be the key to an engaging reel.
• Editing Tools: You can use AR effects, speed tweaks & seamless editing to polish your content into something captivating.
• Discoverability: With Reels on the Explore tab your content can leap from niche to mainstream, tapping into potential virality.

Why Reels Are a Game-Changer for Brands

Increased Visibility

Visibility matters. Reels carve out a place for you in the spotlight beyond your followers. Their dedicated space on the Explore page means you can reach audiences who never knew your brand existed, driving new engagement.

Enhanced Engagement

The short format of Reels demands creativity. Content that invites sharing, commentary, or even playful banter can enhance engagement. Show behind-the-scenes, pose challenges, or offer tutorials. It’s a gateway to conversation with your audience.

Showing Brand Personality

More than showcasing products, Reels are about revealing what’s beneath the logo. Authenticity is currency here. Humour, emotion, realness – these elements make Reels not just watchable but relatable. The ultimate goal is to connect, to make your audience feel seen.

Driving Traffic and Conversions

Reels aren’t just fluff. Add a strategic call-to-action, invite your audience to visit your website, check out a new product or join a webinar. When the audience feels entertained they’ll be more open to looking into your product or service.

Strategies to Leverage Instagram Reels

1. Understand What Makes Your Audience Tick

Imagine preparing a speech without knowing your audience. Reels are no different. You need to understand what resonates with your crowd—what’s funny, inspiring, or helpful to them. This isn’t guesswork. Dig into your data, review content performance, and monitor competitor activity. The better you know them, the better you’ll hold their attention.

2. Bring Value (and Make It Entertaining)

Reels thrive on value, education, laughter, or emotion. Think tutorials, tips, or DIY content that your audience can’t help but watch to the end. Add that behind-the-scenes glimpse that feels personal. Join in with trending challenges but make it on-brand. The goal is clear: if your audience thinks it’s worth their time, you win.

3. Use Music and Effects That Match Your Brand’s Tone

Music is emotional shorthand. Choose tracks that fit your narrative – are you playful, intense, or mellow? Effects can accentuate the message or add a playful twist, but be careful not to overdo it. The magic is in enhancing the story without distracting from it.

4. Collaborate with Influencers for Impact

Influencers are the storytellers with ready audiences. Partnering with an influencer who fits your brand allows your message to be shared through a voice that’s already trusted. Authenticity is the cornerstone here – find partners who genuinely resonate with your ethos and you’ll not just reach an audience, but connect with it.

5. Review, Analyse, Optimise—Repeat

No campaign is perfect out of the gate. Use Instagram insights to learn from every Reel you post. There are a myriad of tools available to see which are getting the most shares, the most likes? What themes are common in your successful posts? Adjust your strategies accordingly and lean into formats that perform well. Success is about watching, developing and testing new iterations of content.

Start Storytelling with Reels

Instagram Reels can be the tool that brings your brand to life. They hold the potential to amplify your voice, engage, entertain & most importantly to connect with your target audience.

There’s no reason not to experiment and find your brand’s tone, understand your audience, and start telling your story one clip at a time. You might just find that Reels are the secret ingredient you’ve been looking for to elevate your brand presence.

Get in touch with Fettle & we’ll help develop a plan to make your brand stand out on Instagram.