If you read our blog from last year about how to grow your small business on Instagram, then you know what a fantastic marketing tool the social media app can be. But if you’ve been scrolling through Instagram over the course of the past week or so, you’ve probably noticed some changes to the platform’s format and content. Maybe you, like my mom, hate the update (she texted me right away to ask what the heck had happened to the app). But worry not… by shifting gears just a little, all of these changes can be used to your advantage as a small business owner!
The biggest change is that Instagram has shifted a lot of its focus to video content, a move that it has been making over the course of the past year. It makes sense; after seeing the huge success of TikTok, Instagram would want to compete as a platform that embraces content creation. I don’t know about you, but my Instagram feed this week has very clearly been prioritizing videos over photos. But Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri said in a Reel posted yesterday that while they have indeed been trying to do better with video content, they are still focused on “doing right by photos long term.” So don’t worry, Instagram is still the photo sharing app you know and love!
He went on to discuss a few of the updates to Instagram Reels, which we’re going to break down for you below:
Reels Video Merge
Previously, you could choose whether to post a video or a Reel, but now all video posts will be posted as Reels by default. The consolidation move makes sense as a way to make video content creation more user friendly. If you’ve never posted a Reel, now is a great time to get into it! They’re a fun, fast, and interactive way to promote what you do in your business. But don’t worry – just because all videos are now Reels, it doesn’t mean every video you post has to have graphics or a crazy dance routine.
Reels Templates
If you do decide you want to make a short-form video that jumps on a viral trend but you have no idea where to begin, then the new Reels templates will be a great jumping off place. If you click on the Reels tab and open the camera, you’ll find an option at the bottom of your screen called “Templates.” This will make it much easier for you to find inspiration and utilize a pre-made Reel structure to share your own video. So, explore the Templates tab and have some fun!
Remix Improvements
Instagram Remix was a tool that allows users to post reaction videos to content they find on the app. It was Instagram’s answer to TikTok duets. Now, they’ve expanded that feature to include Remixes for public photos, as they said in the rollout that photos are still “core to the Instagram experience.” They’ve also added a bunch of new Remix layouts – even a green screen!
Dual Camera
Dual Camera allows you to use your phone’s front and rear facing cameras at once. This will come in handy if you want to record something that is happening while also recording your reaction to it in real time. To access Dual Camera, tap the Plus icon at the top of the app, select Reel, tap the option labeled Dual, and hit record!
Have you had a chance to make original video content yet for Instagram? What did you think of the new update? Let us know! And if you want to start creating Reels but don’t know where to begin, reach out to us – we’re social media experts, and we’d love to help you get started!
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Written by Jessie Cannizzaro