No matter how many different types of content emerge, video still reigns supreme. In fact, 92% of internet users worldwide watch online videos. With a diverse selection of features, Instagram is a perfect platform for creating and sharing engaging video content.
With that being said, it’s crucial to know how to make videos on Instagram. Knowing how the tools work will give you a leg up and make your video content stand out. Let’s talk about how to make videos on Instagram and tips and tricks to make you the best.
Why Should I Make Videos on Instagram?
Before diving into how to make videos on Instagram, you may be wondering if it’s worth it. The short answer to this question is yes, you should be taking advantage of video features on Instagram for several reasons.
Higher Engagement
Typically, video content will have higher engagement ratings compared to static posts or a wall of text. They grab user attention way more easily and can be used to explain information in a compelling manner. On Instagram, users are more likely to like, comment on and share a video with their friends.
Better Storytelling
What better way to tell the story of your brand than with an Instagram video? Video content provides an immersive format for telling stories. You can share personal anecdotes, show off your products, behind the scenes footage and more. You can also convey emotion easily in videos compared to other types of content.
Increased Visibility
Instagram’s algorithm usually prioritizes video content, which means you’ll have better luck of showing up on the explore page or in user feeds. This may help increase your visibility and generate new followers.
How to Make Videos on Instagram
Now that we know how videos can benefit your Instagram account, here’s how to make them.
Step 1: Understand Your Audience
Before you begin creating videos, make sure you have a target audience in mind. This will help you with the direction of your content. As yourself if you want to do one of these things:
- Educate
- Inspire
- Promote
- Entertain
Knowing what your audience is looking for in video content will help you create an effective strategy.
Step 2: Pick Your Format
Next, you’ll need to choose a video format. This is crucial as it can make or break your content. On Instagram, you can choose from Instagram Reels, or Stories. It’s important to note here that Instagram doesn’t allow you to post a video on your regular feed anymore. When you choose the video option, it will be a Reel but can show up in your permanent feed.
Step 3: Plan Out Your Content
Make sure you have a solid plan for your content before you hit record. You should have a message you want to convey planned out, visual elements chosen, and the overall flow. You can create a simple storyboard if needed, or make simple notes so you don’t forget anything during filming.
Step 4: Ensure Quality
While you don’t need fancy video equipment to make Instagram videos, your content should still be quality. Most smart phones these days will come with a high resolution camera, so you may only need to invest in some simple lighting such as a ring light to improve the quality.
Step 5: Get to the Point
Once you start filming, make sure you get to the point quickly. You need to grab the viewer’s attention almost immediately, or they’ll likely keep scrolling. Don’t bury the lead.
Step 6: Tell a Visual Story
Engaging video content always tells a story. Make sure your video resonates with your audience and builds a connection. There should be consistency throughout the video and users should be able to know what the message is after one watch.
Step 7: Use Professional Editing Tools
The Instagram app has internal editing tools, but they are meant for beginners. If you’re trying to create quality content, use external software to keep your edits clean and concise. Mae sure audio and visuals are clear, as well.
Step 8: Optimize for Instagram
Before you publish your edited video, make sure that it’s optimized for Instagram. Here are Instagram’s video requirements:
- Aspect Ratio: 9:16
- Resolution: 1080 X 1080 or 1080 X 1350
- Max file size: 4GB
- Video length:
- Reels: 15-90 seconds
- Stories: 1 – 60 seconds
- Live videos: 1 second to 4 hours
Step 9: Post the Video
Next, you’ll need to post your edited video. Here is how to do this in the Instagram app:
- Open the Instagram App
- Click the ‘+’ button at the bottom center
- Select Story or Reel
- Click the square on the bottom left to upload your video
- Make any in app edits, add music, etc
- Select the Arrow at the bottom right to post
- You can now share your video with your audience
Step 10: Engage With Your Audience
After you’ve posted your video, make sure to respond to comments and engage with your audience. Ask questions in the comment section and encourage viewers to leave feedback. This will help you build a relationship with your audience, and they’ll look forward to when you post videos.
Step 11: Analyze Performance
Once your video is up, it’s important that you continue to analyze the metrics to gauge performance. That way, you can see what works, and what doesn’t. If you post something that does really well, try something similar again.
To do this, you can use the internal analytics tools in the Instagram app. Continuously gathering data will help you modify your strategy for video content.
Closing Thoughts
The bottom line is that Instagram videos are a fantastic choice for content. It’s important that you choose the right formats and have a strategy in place before you start posting videos. If you consistently post engaging content, you should see a spike in followers who keep coming back for more.
