Instagram Reels has finally launched in the U.S. and handmade sellers have already come up with amazing ideas to engage their audience and showcase their products.
Now available in over 50 countries, Instagram’s TikTok rival could not have come at a better time. After weeks of hints and rumors that the Chinese-owned video app could be banned in the US, the president has issued an executive order directing its parent company to sell its US assets within 90 days. And while TikTok’s future is still unclear, Reels is starting to gain traction.
Similar to TikTok, Instagram Reels allows users to create fun and entertaining short video clips. You can speed up or slow down your videos, add filters and AR effects, and, of course, music. “A key element to [TikTok’s and Instagram Reels’] success is the love of music by all age groups,” explains Gregory Galant, co-founder of the Shorty Awards. From celebrities to influencers and everyday people, we’re all looking for new ways to connect with others and express ourselves. And what better way to do that than through a viral dance challenge?
But quirky dance videos aren’t the only thing worth sharing. Since its launch, Instagram Reels has seen various creative videos gain up to 5M views, e.g. this Louis Vuitton Reel. Whether you’re sharing a quick tutorial or film a short studio vlog, the possibilities to express your creativity and grow your brand on Instagram Reels are endless.
Read on to learn how you can create Reels on Instagram and see what other E-commerce sellers are sharing.
How to Create Reels on Instagram
1. Before you start, make sure you’ve downloaded the latest version of the Instagram app.
2. In your Home feed, swipe left or tap the camera symbol in the top left to open the Instagram camera.
3. At the bottom of your camera screen, tap Reels.
4. Tap the record button to film one or several short clips that will make up your Reel. Adjust your timing, speed, or use your favorite Instagram Story filter to make your Reel stand out.
5. Once you’ve filmed your clip(s), get creative with Instagram’s editing tools and add texts, gifs, or emojis, and your favorite song.
6. Write a short caption and post your Reel to your Instagram feed or Story. Don’t forget that if you post your Reel to your Instagram Story, it will only be available for 24 hours. If you’re not ready to share it quite yet, you can save the Reel to your drafts and keep working on it later on.
7 Creative Ways Sellers Are Using Instagram Reels
***Unfortunately, the below videos will only play on desktop computers and there is no way to link to Reels videos. If you’re on a mobile device, you can view the Reels by going to the individual Instagram accounts linked below. 🙂
1. DIY Tips & Tutorials
Filming a quick and easy tutorial like DIY giant @hometalk is a great place to start. Even better, create two different versions of your tutorial: a short version including all the basics for Instagram Reels and a longer version explaining the process in more detail that you can share on IGTV.
2. Show the process.
People love watching how artists create their pieces. Grab your phone and a tripod, place it above your workspace, and showcase your talent. And who says it always has to be Drake or Cardi B? We love that this artist used a more quiet song to enhance the calming and meditative vibe from her painting. The below video is by @rivkawilkinsart.
3. “I know this would look good in your living room, too.”
Granted, this video might take a little longer to produce, but what a fun idea! Showcase your product in the real world and show buyers how to style it in their living rooms, bathrooms, or kitchens. The below video is by @marylawlesslee.
4. “Yes, it really is handmade — every step of the way.”
Sometimes people forget how much work goes into creating, packing, and shipping a product. Show different parts of your work process from crafting your product to wrapping it, and carrying it to the post office. The more of your process the buyers get to see, the more they will appreciate all the work you do. The below video is by @rawbatchsoap.
5. “Here’s some special sales!”
There’s nothing wrong with a little self-promotion. This lovely handmade seller came up with a cute idea to promote her summer sale featuring this year’s No.1 summer hit by Harry Styles. The only thing that could’ve made this video even better is a big slice of watermelon. Yum! The below video is by @ajarofpickles.
6. “Welcome to my studio.”
If you own a store or studio, why not invite your followers to e-visit? Especially during times like these, it’s important to stay connected. And if your customers can’t come to your store in real life, let them explore it from a safe distance. The below video is by @belleandunionco.
7. “A day in my life.”
Remember the ‘Day in the Life’ vlogs on Youtube? A vlogger walks and talks the viewer through a typical day in their life, from their morning coffee to a sunset meditation. Unfortunately, most of us lack the attention span to watch a 15min video these days. But instead of ditching the format completely, why not create a 15-second highlight reel (see what I did there?). The below video is by @itslittleprints.
Now it’s your turn! Are you still hesitant, or did we get you all excited to try Instagram Reels? Let us know what you think in the comments below! 🙂
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