However, while using images on Instagram can be an effective way to reach your goals, it’s also possible that video could help you achieve those goals even faster. Here are the benefits of using videos instead of images in Instagram marketing.
Why Videos Are Better Than Images on Instagram
An image is worth a thousand words, but a video is worth millions: A good video engages viewers much better than a good image. Engagement is key to building your community on social media. Videos also have more potential to go viral, and a viral video can do wonders for your business. Show off your products and services in action: A picture may be worth 1,000 words, but it can’t show your product or service in action.
How to Use Instagram Video the Right Way
When it comes to video, good quality is extremely important. If you can’t be sure your smartphone will get a steady shot, use a tripod instead of trying to hold up your phone. Smartphone lenses can also distort images; avoid tilting your phone at an angle when shooting video so that viewers won’t experience anything but crisp footage. If you want to use filters and effects on your videos, choose them as you start recording. It’s better to edit in-camera than have clips that are too dark/light or blurry because you didn’t quite nail it while filming.
Tips for Shooting Good Video on Instagram
Even though you only have seconds to grab your audience’s attention, taking a few moments to make sure your video looks its best can go a long way. Here are some few tips for shooting good video on Instagram:
Use a Moving Subject
Move around and show some action in your videos. This will add interest to them and set them apart from static photos you might share on other platforms. A dog barking or scampering around is always going to be more exciting than a bunch of dead roses on your IG feed!
Keep It Short
Don’t drag out one idea for too long—keep each video brief but compelling, like visuals you see as screen savers on someone else’s phone. If you want to tell a longer story, save it for another post.
Show Off Your Personality
Everyone has their own unique style and flair—don’t be afraid to put yours front and center in your videos.
Use Filters Judiciously
Filters are great fun but don’t overdo them. They can take away from what makes your content special instead of adding to it.
What Kind of Video Should I Shoot for Instagram?
The first step in determining which video you should use is figuring out your goals. Let’s say you’re a clothing store and want to increase sales of a specific pair of jeans. In that case, it would make sense to feature just those jeans in your video and talk about their design features, quality, etc. If you’re trying to grow your following without any particular goal in mind, then it might be better to just shoot a fun behind-the-scenes video that would garner more views on its own.
Tools to Help Me Create Great Videos
I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to spend all day making videos. For me, it’s much easier to create short videos that get my point across than long-winded ones where I have to use a script and talk about something for 15 minutes. There are lots of tools out there like Invideo and Powtoon that let you create videos quickly and easily (with minimal video editing). Other options like Animoto let you combine both video and photos together, so people can see what your product is, how it works, etc. But if you really aren’t interested in investing time into creating great videos, here are some free stock photo sites:
Unsplash Pexels Pixabay
These sites offer free images/videos that you can add text to and share on social media. It’s quick and easy—and cheap!
Are You Ready to Utilize Video?
Are you using videos or images in your Instagram marketing strategy? If you are using photos, is that because it’s what people want to see on their feed, or is it because you’re just not ready to implement video yet. Are you even utilizing Instagram reels as a marketing opportunity for your business? We would love to hear from you! Let us know if video marketing is right for your brand by commenting below. This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional. © 2022 Patrick M
