Posted on 08/03/2021

The introduction of Reels has created a huge opportunity to reach new audiences and grow organically in 2021.

It’s something I’m planning to focus more on this year. Instagram Reels appear on the Explore page meaning you’re getting new sets of eyes on your content.

This is what you want to be able to grow on Instagram - getting fresh new audiences viewing your content is everything!

Here is a checklist that Instagram itself has provided on what to make sure you are doing when creating your own Reels. They should:

☑ Be entertaining and funny (i.e., please people, grab their attention, make them laugh, or have a funny surprise or twist)

☑ Be inspirational (i.e. a trend is starting that others can easily participate in)

☑ Use creative tools such as text, filter or camera effects

☑ Uses vertical video

☑ Use music from Instagram’s music library and / or original audio that you create or find on Reels

☑ Be experimental! Try something new, be yourself and see what works for you

Contrastingly, Reels should not:

╳ Be blurry due to the low resolution

╳ Be visibly recycled from other apps (i.e. contain logos or watermarks)

╳ Uploaded with a frame around them

╳ Let text cover most of the image

╳ Not meet IG Community Guidelines

By following these tips that Instagram has provided, you’re giving yourself a better chance of reaching new audiences. Assuming your profile is optimised, it’s definitely possible to increase your following with Reels too!