Released at the beginning of August, Instagram is introducing Instagram Reels to bring new ways for users and businesses to interact with their clients and followers. Emulating TikTok, Instagram Reels is a simple, easily-reproducible 15-second video tool that has already proven to be a great way to reach millennial and Gen-Z audiences.
So what are Instagram Reels, and how can you use them in your marketing strategy?
What are Instagram Reels?
Located in the Instagram Stories camera menu, the Reels function allows businesses and other users to upload or record short videos, apply music and filters, cut, and speed up recordings. You can stop your video at any point, then continue, with up to 15 seconds per upload. Users can then apply stickers, select a thumbnail, add hashtags, and send it to their profiles.
Why Should You Use Instagram Reels?
Even though Reels just popped up, they’re already making huge waves in the marketing world! Reels have proven to be a great tool for businesses, and enable them to better showcase their services and engage their audience. There are lots of great reasons why you should consider incorporating Instagram Reels into your healthcare marketing, but these are some of the biggest:
Reason #1: Short Videos Make Great Ads
There’s a reason television and online video advertising is classically 30-60 seconds per block – short time spans keep people’s interest while also whetting their appetite for more information about a product or service.
It’s for this reason that Instagram Reels are such a great way to showcase business content. By keeping your recordings informal and full of energy, you can share your healthcare brand’s personality and reach new audiences.
Reason #2: Instagram Reels Are Featured on the Explore Page
One of the greatest things about Instagram is that users who don’t follow you are still able to see your content. Depending on what hashtags you use, you can get engagement from a host of different demographics. If you know your hashtags and can use them well, the sky's the limit! Leverage each Reel to do your work for you, and boost your visibility to potential healthcare customers.
Reason #3: Reels Help Give Your Brand A Personality
If the competition has shown us anything, it’s that people love watching original, captivating content. Instagram Reels are the perfect tool to showcase new products, highlight your patients’ success stories, or simply introduce new members of your healthcare team. Build a profile that is personable and relatable, and your customers will keep coming back for more. People love a brand with depth and relatability, and this is the time to let yours shine; take some time to think about your target clientele and develop your content accordingly.
How Do You Use Instagram Reels?
This new Instagram feature is much like the popular stories tool. Your content will be best leveraged if you maintain energy throughout the duration of your video, ending with a sort of call to action. You could also lead into another reel or link to a full-length video for more information. According to The Social Bullpen, some effective strategies might be:
Repurposing content from your website or other social media accounts
Sharing your brand’s story – what makes you unique?
Sharing a behind the scenes look at your business or office.
Educating your audience; show them your products being used.
Sharing some reviews or conducting short Q&A sessions.
For help with the visual layout of the Instagram Reels tool, you can check out Later’s Ultimate Guide to Instagram Reels.
Don’t Know Where To Start With Instagram Reels? A Healthcare Marketing Agency San Help!
As new platforms and tools emerge and evolve, it’s incredibly important that we, as healthcare businesses, continue to spread our marketing strategies in the most efficient way possible. We know it’s difficult to keep up – after all, you are in the healthcare business not the marketing business. Luckily for you, we’re here to help! A reputable healthcare marketing agency can help you fit in all the pieces of your marketing pie. We can help you get your creative vibe going or produce everything for you. Send us a message today!