As Instagram continues to push video content, it's crucial for users to know the ins and outs of posting videos. There are multiple types of video content on Instagram that serve different purposes, and the best way to grow your reach is by making the most of each video post. Keep reading for our guide on the difference between videos and reels on Instagram.
1) All Video Posts are Now Reels
With the explosive success of TikTok, an entirely video-based platform, Instagram has been struggling to keep up with their user base. To combat this, Instagram has recently undergone an overhaul of their video content structure. The site's previous system included both "IGTV" and "in-feed videos." However, to streamline their video platform, Instagram has recently converted all uploads to "Reels." Reels can be accessed through the menu bar along the bottom of your Instagram feed. The icon is just right of the Plus/Post Button and looks like a film clip. Similar to TikTok, the Instagram Reels page allows users to scroll through reels posted both by accounts you follow and by those you don't. The algorithm determines what to show you based on hashtags and content that you interact with.
2) Reels are Short-Form Vertical Videos
Reels have some specific requirements, and, now that all videos are reels, it’s important that any video you add to Instagram follows the preferred format. Your video should be 1080 pixels x 1920 pixels, which is HD Vertical. It's important to keep in mind that reels are cropped differently depending on where the user is viewing them. When watching in your feed, videos are cropped to 4:5. However, when watching the same video in the Reels tab (or when you click into the video), it shows up in the full 9:16 ratio. That means that anything important in your video (such as text) needs to be vertically centered so it doesn't get cropped out. Next, reels can be between 3 to 90 seconds long. You can upload longer videos with a scheduling tool, but those videos often get chopped up into multiple parts or get cut off. We recommend keeping your reels under 90 seconds. Be sure to add a description and hashtags to your reels so the algorithm knows what it’s about and can funnel it to the right audience.
3) Instagram Stories are Limited Time Viewing
While Instagram consolidated IGTV and in-feed videos, the platform kept video Stories the same. Stories are posts that are not saved to your grid and only last 24 hours. You can post a story by selecting the plus sign on your own profile photo. Whatever you post in your stories will not show up in your followers' feeds, and they're only accessible via the story feed and your profile photo. Unlike posts, stories are only shared with your followers. While posting stories is a great way to share topical updates or small teasers with your followers, it's not the best way to promote your brand to a new audience. Because of that, we recommend creating reels as your primary way to share content.
Do you have a specific video question? Schedule a free video analysis call at bit.ly/callawv