Why should you be using Instagram Reels in 2024?

First came TikTok, then Instagram Reels. For some, the rise of short-form video content is a Gen Z trend that won’t go away. But for others, it’s the perfect business model. 

Since Instagram introduced Reels in 2020, there has been a huge buzz around the feature. In fact, most conversations centred around the idea that it is Instagram’s not-so-original response to TikTok. But here at OggaDoon, we don’t quite agree. 

We believe that Instagram’s beloved feature is more than just a copy of a trending video platform. In a few years it has become an integral part of Instagram’s business model, as it offers users and businesses an amazing opportunity to widely reach new audiences and turn them into loyal followers. 

Instagram Reels took the creativity and entertainment of TikTok’s popularised video sharing medium and combined it with a better business model that can improve ROI for businesses. 

If you’re still not convinced that Reels are for you, here are seven reasons to change your mind.

1. The spotlight is on Instagram Reels

Reels was rolled out back in August 2020 as Instagram’s newest addition to its already extensive line-up of features. And while it may have felt jarring on your feed at first, just remember… so did stories, and so did IGTV. As it always is in the world of social media, everything that’s new is trending – but looking back almost 4 years later, it’s clear that Reels is here to stay.

Basically, Reels on Instagram allow users, creators, and business accounts to share short videos. This is in addition to posts, longer videos, stories, and IGTV – not instead of. Videos posted through Reels can be made easily and quickly and will feature on the feed and in the explore section. As Insta users will know, the platform’s algorithm always favours users that adapt to new features. So as of now, Reels are the first thing you see when you open the Instagram app or use the search button to look for anything on Instagram.

2. The Instagram Reels editing tools are next level

So, what makes Reels different from a standard video?

With Reels on Instagram, you can create short, impressive, and addictive videos of 15 – 90 seconds in length. There’s also a timer and countdown option to make filming easier. The videos can be overlaid with text that appears, disappears, moves, and more. Music is available from an existing library, and sounds can be integrated at any given moment within the video. Together, this makes the videos created in Reels extremely impactful. 

Another useful feature is the options for transitions. This allows users to align objects from one clip with the start of another, making the transition smooth, shocking, or however you want. Playing with the speed of the video and using filters also adds to the dramatic and high quality feel of Reels.

3. Instagram is a hot place for businesses

Why are Reels valuable for organisations on Instagram? Across the digital industry, there’s a lot of chatter that Instagram Reels is merely a copy of TikTok. The main argument underpinning this is that Reels’ user experience is less creative and community-focused than on TikTok. Granted, the editing interfaces differ between the two platforms, but while there is some validity to this argument, let’s not forget two important points:

3.1 In social media, features are transferable and not platform-exclusive.

We’ve seen it before. Facebook launched the “like” button which is now a stable feature everywhere. Snapchat launched the “Story” feature, which is available on all platforms, from Facebook to YouTube. But of course, it’s most popular on Instagram. An example of the platform successfully replicating a feature even better than the original.

3.2. Instagram operates on a different model than TikTok.

TikTok was launched as an entertainment platform for Gen Z and was originally mostly ignored by businesses. It’s still mostly supported by paid-for adverts rather than integrated influencer marketing and organic business posts. 

Meanwhile, Instagram remains a business hotbed that neither marketers or consumers can afford to miss out on – and Reels have both the best reach and engagement rates compared to other content on the platform. This means that business marketing and collaborations are far more organic and visible on Instagram, and your chances of going viral are statistically higher if you use the Reels feature. So in turn, businesses will get more conversions from their efforts on Instagram than TikTok. The consequence of this? Longevity for Instagram.

This is not, however, a comparison between Instagram Reels and TikTok. We want to show you why Reels are valuable for businesses in their own right. Not instead of TikTok. Businesses already using Instagram know that this is a place where they can reach their audience. Which is why using Reels on Instagram is the best strategy for engaging with existing audiences today. It’s also effective in improving the relationship between brand and customer.

All you have to do is take a quick look at the first businesses jumping on Reels, and you will see that it’s here to stay. After all, the likes of The NBA, Louis Vuitton, Sephora France, and Red Bull France can’t be wrong. Can they?

4. Instagram prioritises Reels content

Why should businesses use Instagram Reels?

Firstly, while it’s no longer the ’newest’ thing on the platform, it’s still relatively fresh and Instagram wants to encourage users to upload content through Reels. So, it’s still a good way to be seen organically on Instagram. 

Second, Reels have proven to be an excellent way to engage with your audience. For example, in 2022 Instagram Reels had an average engagement rate that was more than twice as high as other post types. Reels quickly became Instagram’s fastest-growing feature world-wide, and this trend does not seem to be changing.

5. Instagram Reels can be monetised

Want to know how to use Reels on Instagram for your business?

86% of consumers on Instagram say they’d purchase, recommend or try a product when it’s ’shareable’ – and Reels are a sharing favourite among Instagram users. At the moment you can gain reach, impressions, and engagement from Reels. These insights will translate into increased brand awareness and conversions, following the sales funnel strategy. But it won’t be long until the Reels feature is integrated into the Facebook ads placement strategy too. As things evolve at Facebook, businesses will be able to monetise Reels content and will be able to clearly track conversions from Reels to sales. Don’t underestimate what this could do for your brand.

6. Two billion users are active on Instagram each month

There are 2 billion monthly active users on Instagram and this figure continues to grow. These 2 billion can all see Reels content on the explore page, and in their own Feed. It’s just sitting there waiting for them. So why not create engaging Reels for your audience to see?

7. TikTok’s future is uncertain

In 2023 TikTok’s future is up in the air. TikTok was banned from India in 2020, which up until then had been one of its main markets. Governments and private companies around the world are telling their employees not to use the app for security reasons. These developing stories have thrown into question the future of the Chinese app. 

With these insecurities remaining front and centre, Instagram Reels might be just the thing to replace TikTok altogether – it just needs to pick the right moment and target the right countries. If access to the platform is continually restricted, TikTok’s young audience will still want and need a place to hang out online and share their content. And we reckon Reels is primed to be that spot.

Knowing all this, the only question remaining is: why aren’t you using it for your business?

If you need help with Instagram Reels, get in touch today.