Reel Making Tips | Whitney Beth Photography
 

If you’ve been on Instagram lately, you’ll know they’ve rolled out Reels this past year. Basically it’s Instagram’s version of Tik Tok. What’s a newer development is that Instagram is going to favor videos over photos. Understandably, Instagram users all have opinions on this - especially artists and business owners that rely on Instagram to get their products in front of viewers. To them it feels like another thing that small business owners have to add to their plate. I may be in the minority here, but I don’t mind. And let me tell you why. First off, it’s a free form of marketing. It’s not my business, it’s Instagrams. I shouldn’t be putting all my marketing eggs in one basket (side note; that’s why my blog exists!) And if Instagram wants to feature fun, little 30 second videos more, then I guess I better start working on my videos! 

Now, I’m no expert, but these three things have helped me get the ball rolling to find a groove. The best part about Reels and Tik Toks is that it doesn’t have  to look professional. I’m not saying it doesn’t hurt to pull out the big camera every now and then, but the refreshing thing is it can be all done on your phone! With that being said, here’s what I found helpful to start gaining traction. 

1. Just start. 

- I know that doesn’t seem like very mind blowing advice, but you can’t become an expert at piano if you don’t start. All those olympians had to start with one practice. Don’t overthink it. You don’t need to go viral with your first Reel. Heck, you don’t even need to break 1K views. But starting and making one is your first step in that direction. 

2. Saving Audio. 

- Now that we’ve gotten past the mental block you might’ve put on yourself, let’s talk figuring out what you want to make. It’s hard coming up with content, so when I’m “stuck” and can’t thing of what I want to do, I’ll surf the Reels in my explore page and see what stands out to me. If I find a Reel that I like, I’ll save the audio. Then I can come back to it later and make my Reel using it. (Plus it also shows you all the other Reels that used the same audio)

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3. Create Reels that are relatable to you.

- If you’re making a Reel because it’s “trending” but doesn’t relate to you or your Instagram page, your audience will be able to tell. (Not to mention it won’t be fun for you!) It’ll become work and take the fun out of making Reels. Because as silly and short as they seem, they actually take a lot of work and if it’s something you don’t like, it’ll turn into a chore and you’ll suck the fun out it - Freaky Friday style. Lol 

All of this to say, Reels can be great tools to reach a new audience without having to put up a million hashtags that hardly get used anymore. And for all those fretting about your your nine pictures will look on your profile if you start posting Reels - don’t fret, you can add cover photos of whatever you want to make your profile as cohesive and on brand as you’d like!

If this was helpful, be sure to follow along on Instagram for more photos and fun Reels!