Instagram Reels continue to grow and so does it's potential as a marketing and advertising platform.

Instagram Reels took birth in 2020 as 15 to 30 second, multi-clip videos that could be seen on Reels tab of Instagram and Explore page. This turned out to be a format providing the most reach to creators and unimaginable results in terms of engagement and followers increase.

To no surprise, Instagram launched Reels Ads to maximize the usage of this format, allowing brands to leverage the high reaches and achieve business goals. In this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into:

  • What are Reels Ads
  • How to use Reels for Advertising
  • Reels Ads best practices

According to Instagram, “Reels is the best place on Instagram to reach people who don’t follow you and a growing global stage where brands and creators can be discovered by anyone. These ads will help businesses reach greater audiences, allowing people to discover inspiring new content from brands and creators.”

Instagram Reels ads look a lot like Instagram Stories ads. And like Instagram Stories ads, Instagram Reels ads show up between regular, non-sponsored Reels that users are viewing.

Also note that Instagram Reels ads:
– Will loop
– Allow users to comment, share, save and like

There are a few different ways Instagram users can be served your Reels ads, including:
1. In the Reels tab, accessible via the home screen
2. On the Explore page
3. In their feed

Reels Ads best practices

To get the most out of your Reels Ads, think of them as your regular reels creation. 

Tip #1: Time the Reel

Make sure your reel fits into the 15 to 30 second video. The most important part is to hook your audience in the first 3 seconds, deliver the most important message by 15 seconds and prolong it only if required. You don’t have to necessarily consume the whole 30 seconds but deliver the message within the 15 seconds, maximum 20 seconds time.

Tip #2: Understand what your audience wants to see

One of the initial steps to creating any ad is to analyze what you have posted organically in the past, review the insights and identify what products, video styles and overall strategies have worked. The ads should be built on what your ideal customer avatar has seen in the past and liked. 

Tip #3: Audio and Text

The right audio helps your ad blend in with the organic content, making it extremely important. On the other hand, a lot of people scroll past with audio off which makes text as another important element of the ad.

Tip #4: Right dimensions

The aspect ratio for Reels Ads is the same 9:16, ideally a 1080 pixels by 1920 pixels. Keep in mind that your ad will be served on post feed as well, so your text should be contained inside 1080 pixels by 1320 pixels area like your vertical Instagram posts.

Tip #5: Reels Spirit is all it takes

The objective of your Reel ad could be to generate traffic, views, clicks, sales, just make sure it is fun.

If the content is too pushy or salesy, your audience is likely to scroll ahead to the next reel. 

With some inspiration at hand and the knowledge on how to create effective reels, your business is ready to leverage Instagram Reels ads to reach your target audience, increase brand awareness and expand your reach on the platform.

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