With more than 2 billion monthly active users, Instagram is undoubtedly one of the biggest social media platforms worldwide.
As with other social media channels, Instagram is constantly evolving. In an Instagram post, the company’s chief executive, Adam Mosseri, says “more and more” of the photo-sharing app “is going to become video over time.”
Although users can still post photos, the company will introduce new features, such as full-screen displays, to support Instagram videos better. Mosseri also says they will continue to improve the app’s Recommendations feature as they believe it’s one of the most effective ways “to help creators reach more people.”
Social media is ever-changing, but keeping up with the trends and updates can significantly impact your bottom line. This article explores how posting videos on Instagram can help businesses drive traffic, earn massive revenue gains and stay competitive.
The Importance of Video for Social Media Marketing
Launched in 2010, Instagram has grown from a simple photo-sharing app into an incredible marketing tool for brands and content creators.
A Facebook survey revealed that Instagram is key to creating a positive brand impression. Respondents said they perceive businesses on Instagram as popular (78%), creative (77%), entertaining (76%) and relevant (74%).
Additionally, 87% of people said they took action after seeing product information on Instagram. These actions include making an online purchase, following a brand and visiting its website.
By sharing high-quality Instagram content, businesses can introduce new products and reach global audiences within seconds. According to a Hubspot report, 64% of marketers say that sharing videos on Instagram results in the highest engagement.
Fortunately, posting videos on Instagram has never been easier. Since 2015, the company has launched updates that emphasize video content. Various tools were introduced, from Boomerang to live streaming and IGTV, to help users create unique Instagram videos.
In 2020, the app introduced Reels, short-form videos up to 90 seconds long. Instagram reels for business owners are entertaining and snack-sized and have been used to bring brands to life.
Six Video Marketing Benefits To Propel Your Business Forward
Why should brands create video content for social media? For growing businesses, posting videos on Instagram and other social channels can wow prospects and influence buying decisions.
Here are other video marketing benefits you don’t want to miss out on:
1. Capture and Retain Attention
The human brain processes and responds to visual content 60,000 times faster than text. In an oversaturated market, investing in video content marketing makes it easier for your audience to absorb and remember your brand message.
2. Rack Up Conversion Rates
90% of consumers claim that video helps them make a purchasing decision. Video content marketing can pack vital information about your product or service in under a minute. It’s a unique and quick way to convince leads why they should choose you over your competitors.
3. Reach Every Stage of the Sales Funnel
Video content marketing can be tailored to meet users at every phase of the sales funnel. For instance, your video marketing strategy can include funny skits or animated reels to target users in the awareness stage. On the other hand, quick how-tos or 360° virtual tours are a great way to educate buyers in the consideration stage.
4. Encourage Social Shares
Studies show that social media posts with video have 48% more views and get shared 1,200% more than text and images combined. This makes video social media marketing one of the best ways to boost organic growth.
5. Humanize Your Brand
A compelling video makes viewers feel something and those emotions can help build trust and brand recall. In the age of endless scrolling, making your company more human and relatable will set you apart from the rest.
6. Build Credibility
Sharing original and high-quality videos helps establish your brand as creative, innovative and professional.
Working with a full service marketing agency can help you maximize video marketing benefits and put your content in front of the right audience.
Why Videos on Instagram Perform Better Than Images
Studies reveal that viewers retain 95% of information relayed by video and only 10% of knowledge shared through images and text ads.
Video for social media marketing performs better than static photos because they blend image, sound and motion. Stimulating more senses triggers stronger and longer-lasting emotional responses. As a result, users are more likely to remember your brand.
That said, images remain a vital part of Instagram. Businesses can use Instagram image carousels to showcase multiple products simultaneously and attract sales. Having a balance of high-quality photos and video for social media marketing is essential in creating a consistent and memorable brand.
What Are the Types of Videos for Social Media Marketing?
Instagram reels for business owners come in many forms and styles. Let’s take a look at a few.
• Live Action – Live-action video involves real people, locations and props. It’s a great way to showcase your company culture, client testimonials and behind-the-scenes action. Live-action footage makes companies more authentic, relatable and human.
• Explainer Videos – How-to videos break down complex ideas into snack-sized chunks that are easier to follow. You can condense much information in that short timeframe without losing your audience’s interest.
• Product Demo – Demos are great video social media marketing tools because they show your product in action and how it makes customers’ lives easier.
• Animation – Animated videos give brands creative freedom to bring any idea or story to life. They’re a great way to explain abstract topics that would be impossible to present using live-action clips.
• 360° Experience Videos – These are panoramic recordings that create immersive experiences. They capture footage from every direction and place viewers at the center. Businesses with brick-and-mortar locations can use 360° video social media marketing to provide virtual tours or real estate walkthroughs.
• User-Generated Content – These are unpaid videos created by customers or brand advocates. User-generated content (UGC) videos are influential because they show honest and unbiased feedback from an everyday user.
If you want to create more effective and engaging reels, it’s best to work with a company that offers Instagram marketing services.
A social media marketing expert will have the tools and knowledge to plan and produce strategic Instagram reels for business owners.
How To Make a Killer Instagram Reel
When done right, Instagram videos can help brands create meaningful connections and drive sales. With more than 25 million active Instagram business profiles worldwide, how can your reels cut through the noise?
Follow these tips to create video content for social media that will hook your audience right in.
• Make the First Three Seconds Count
State the most interesting and valuable elements right at the beginning and then explain them. Otherwise, viewers will likely lose interest and scroll over your video.
• Tell a Story but Keep It Short and Sweet
Stories touch the heart and stir emotions. They create trust in the viewer, which makes a more powerful and longer-lasting impact. Remember you have 90 seconds max to deliver your message. Convey your story clearly without dragging it out.
• Stick to a Signature Style
Use visual signatures like backgrounds, fonts, or editing styles to distinguish your brand.
• Use Subtitles
Many users scroll their feeds without the sound on. Captioning your videos makes them accessible to all Instagram users.
•Include a CTA
The best way to drive traffic from reels is by including a clear call-to-action (CTA) through on-screen text, verbal call-out, or both.
Crafting compelling reels can be challenging to some, but it is a necessary step in keeping up with consumer expectations. Professionals offering video marketing services can help you create reels that engage, entertain and provide excellent returns.
Let Thrive Take Your Video Marketing Strategy to the Next Level
As Instagram transitions into a more video-centric platform, businesses must rethink their video marketing strategy. Investing in video marketing production services can help differentiate your brand and turn followers into loyal customers.
Thrive’s Instagram and video marketing services can help businesses like yours produce reels that will boost likes, followers and conversions. As a full service marketing agency, we’ll oversee everything, from campaign planning to video marketing production and brand management. Using our in-depth knowledge and experience, we’ll help you create video content for social media that will deliver your desired results.
To learn how our Instagram marketing services can grow your company, contact us at 866-908-4748. Our social media marketing expert can discuss solutions to strengthen your brand recognition and maximize reach.
