Instagram Reel Hacks

Instagram Reels are the new cool kid in town — they’re a great way to reach thousands of people on the platform. As we've talked about in our Facebook group before, Instagram loves to encourage usage of their new features and will actively promote any account seen to use these features. Here are some of our favorite Instagram Reels hacks:

CREATE ORIGINAL CONTENT

It can be super daunting to create original content and thinking of new ideas all the time can be difficult. We hear you. But you don't have to reinvent the wheel. You can put your own spin, experiences and options on content you've seen before to make it original and on brand for you. If you're a photographer for example, why don't you create some 'Tips & Tricks' style Reels set to a viral or trending song or show some Behind the Scenes content where you are guiding couples for the first time? Are you a Planner? Reels are perfect for advising couples on best practices whilst coming across as the voice of authority that you are.

INCLUDE CLOSED CAPTIONS

The majority of us watch Reels and videos online with low or no sound. So we need closed captions to keep us watching and interested. They are also extremely important for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. With closed captions, it's easy to follow and easier to digest. You can add them by either manually adding text whilst creating your Reel and adding the length of time that text is visible on the screen at the bottom. Another way to add captions is using external apps like Clip-o-matic.

USING TEXT

Whether you’re adding closed captions or additional text, where you put the on-screen text is important. When adding text to your Instagram Reels, make sure it’s within the 4:5 (Instagram portrait) screen space, especially when you’re sharing the video to your feed. This way, when a user clicks on your Reel in-feed, the text will still be visible. While this doesn’t sound like a big deal, it can really make a difference.

SHORT AND SWEET CAPTIONS

Have you watched Editor Sara's video on the FB group about short versus lengthy captions? There’s a time and place for long educational captions on Instagram, but when it comes to Reels, short and sweet is the way to go. When you share an Instagram Reel, the first line can be up to 55 characters long. When you go over that amount, your caption is truncated. Because Reels don’t pause, when a viewer clicks on the “…more” button, a semi-transparent caption tab opens over the video, disrupting the viewing experience.

Try to write a first line that’s both engaging and enticing. And, if possible, only include relevant tags and hashtags in the next line.

USING EFFECTS

Just like on TikTok, there are hundreds of effects to choose from to make your Reels more interesting and entertaining.

HASHTAGS

Yep, you can still use hashtags on your Reels and you should be. The same rules apply as they do for a feed post - up to 30 hashtags can be used and at least 5-10 for a strong post. Don't forget, using key industry based hashtags about what you're posting, also lets Instagram know what kind of account you are and therefore able to put you in front of more of the 'right' audience.

PROVIDE VALUE AND EDUCATIONAL CONTENT

You don't have to share trendy dance videos to go viral - hooray for all us of introverts! Setting yourself as an expert in your field isn't just for other industry peers. Your brides want to know your level of knowledge and expertise to feel more secure in booking you. Be a consistent resource too. Plan 6 months worth of Reels in advance and release them consistently so you're not always scrambling to think of a new idea. Even if your first Reel doesn't get a tonne of traction, don't give up! Trial and error is key!

MORE HACKS COMING SOON!