Do you need creative Instagram Reel ideas but find video content overwhelming?
People dismissed Instagram Reels at first as a TikTok ripoff. However, since its introduction, the powerful tool has demonstrated significant brand power. That’s because, unlike Instagram Stories, Reels don’t disappear. The content you create will be stored in your account’s Reels tab for…well, however long you want.
Reels can be a game changer in terms of increasing engagement and awareness. However, coming up with video ideas and then creating content requires some effort and forethought. Have trouble coming up with Instagram Reels ideas for your company? Check out our list of Instagram Reels ideas, or skip to the end for hooks to get you started.
In no time, you’ll be making vertical videos and converting new business partners!
Bonus: If you want to learn more about the Instagram algorithm, check out our article here!
15 Creative Instagram Reel Ideas That Will Boost Engagement (1/2)
1. Display your work
The most obvious Reels concept is also one of the most effective — display your work.
Lucy and Yak, a British clothing manufacturer, does this well with their ongoing #InMyYaks campaign. This hashtag serves as a hook for Instagram Reels, which feature new items. Fans of Lucy and Yak have also used the hashtag to show off their outfits.
Create a hashtag that highlights your products and then use it. Your fans will most likely do the same.
2. Showcase your skills
Reels that highlight the skill required to create your product or service are always a good idea.
Cleopatra’s Bling uses Instagram Reels to show the craftsmanship behind their beautiful pieces. They even include a required coffee break.
3. Invite participation
The more engagement you receive, the better your Reels will perform. But you don’t have to wait for comments to come in on their own. Instead, make Reels that encourage interaction.
Letterfolk, a type-focused home goods company, nailed it with their St. Patrick’s Day Reel. An eye-catching animation highlights their product. It also encourages viewers to participate in the Reel by tagging someone they’re fortunate to know.
4. Take a look behind the scenes
Show off your behind-the-scenes prowess. If you’re going to set up a shoot anyway, take a few minutes to make some shaky B-roll footage.
In this Reel, the activewear brand Bliss Club does just that. They introduce their models as BlissFaces, taking a laid-back approach that draws the viewer in. It makes their entire advertising campaign feel more approachable.
5. Share your values
Share your brand’s practices if it is passionate about them! Maybe you’re all about ethically sourced materials or environmentally friendly packaging. Why not use a Reel to tell the world?
Here’s an excellent example of how Kay Carter Homeware accomplished just that. Their Reel provides an overview of the company’s sustainable studio practices. They’re inspiring potential customers and fellow small business owners with content like this.
Take it a step further if you’re already going behind the curtain. Allow yourself to be vulnerable about your life as a business owner. People appreciate original content that demonstrates the human side of your brand.
Take, for example, this You’re the Bomb Reel, in which founder Luana discusses the ups and downs of running a brand.
7. Tell the truth
Brands that aren’t afraid to express themselves authentically always find an audience. The Reels format is an ideal setting for this.
Namrata Vaid, a brand consultant, uses a trending audio clip to share an unfiltered take in this post.
You can use audio, text, and facial reactions in your own Reels to debunk myths, share hot takes, and express yourself. It may appear too specific, but these posts do well.
Customers and clients will value your candor. You may receive additional engagement from peers in your industry.
8. Make use of filters
Being raw and honest is one way to get the message across. Even so, it may not feel like the right fit for your brand. If so, you can delve into the world of Instagram augmented reality (AR) filters.
Integrate AR filters into your Reels toolkit to create some truly futuristic posts.
9. Countdown the minutes
You have a full minute to fill on Reels, which is plenty of time to count down your top picks.
Greg of Greg’s Vegan Gourmet provides three delectable recipes, but that’s not all. He also includes a lot of jokes and natural calls to action for viewers to visit his page. All that content, and he doesn’t even make it to one minute!