How to Schedule Instagram Reels? Guide and Best Practices

When it comes to Instagram, there are a few different types of content you can post. There's photos, videos, Stories, IGTV... and now, Reels. Reels is Instagram's answer to TikTok, and while it might seem like just another social media platform to add to your list, it can actually be a great way to connect with your audience and show off your brand.

What Are Instagram Reels?

Instagram Reels are 15-second, multi-clip videos set to music or other audio. They can be funny, creative, informative... really, the sky's the limit. And just like TikToks, they're meant to be watched and shared.

The best part about Reels is that they live on Instagram, so you don't need to download a separate app to watch them (like you do with TikTok). Furthermore, since Reels is still a relatively new platform, there's not as much competition to get noticed. So if you can get in on the action early, you're more likely to be seen by potential customers.

Instagram Reels benefits for business

You might be wondering how Instagram Reels can benefit you as a business. Here are a few ways:

#1 Innovative way to reach your audience

Instagram Reels help you reach your target audience in a new and innovative way. If you're looking for a way to stand out from the competition, creating Reels is a great option.

#2 Showing your brand identity

Creating Reels is also a good way to show off your brand personality. Whether you're funny, creative, or informative, Reels gives you the opportunity to show your audience who you are and what you're all about.

This is especially important for small businesses, as it can be hard to compete with the big brands out there. But by showing off your unique personality, you can attract potential customers who align with your values.

#3 Chances for higher reach and engagement

As a new format, Reels offers businesses the chance to get in on the action early and reap the benefits of higher reach and engagement. Even a single Reel has the potential to reach a wider audience than a traditional photo or video post.

Furthermore, since Reels are so shareable, there's also a good chance that your Reel will be seen by people who don't even follow you yet. So if you're looking for a way to increase your reach and engagement, Reels is a great option.

How to Schedule Instagram Reels

Until now, you couldn't technically schedule Instagram Reels ahead of time, but with FeedHive, there is a way to get around that!

• Create an account on FeedHive.
• Add your Instagram account on the "Socials" page.
• Go to the "Compose" page and upload your video.
• Write your caption and optionally add a first-comment.
• Pick a thumbnail.
• Schedule - and see it go live!

No notifications. No annoying reminders. Just lean back and watch it publish.

Instagram Reels best practices

Just because there's less competition doesn't mean it'll be easy to get views and likes on your Reels. You still need to put in the work to create quality content that resonates with your audience.

Here are a few tips to help you get started:

#1 Make it shorter yet full of value

Reels are only 15 seconds, so make sure your content is concise and to the point. Your first seconds have to hook your viewers, so start strong! Additionally, try to keep your Reels under 30 seconds. While you technically have up to 45 seconds to work with, shorter Reels are more likely to be watched all the way through.

#2 Include captions

Not everyone will be able to watch your Reel with the sound on, so be sure to include captions. This way, even if someone is scrolling through their feed without sound, they'll still be able to understand what's going on.

If you're not sure what to say, try using lyrics from the song you're using as audio, or quote someone famous. Just make sure your captions are legible and easy to read!

#3 Be creative

Think outside the box and come up with creative ways to show off your brand. If you're a food blogger, for example, you could create a Reel showing off a new recipe. Or if you're a fashion brand, you could do a Reel featuring your latest collection.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to creating Reels, so get creative and have fun with it!

#4 Use music

With music, you can set the tone for your Reel and make it more interesting to watch. Plus, using music is a great way to make your Reel more shareable. Just be sure to use royalty-free or copyright-free music so you don't get in trouble!

If you're not sure where to find music, there are plenty of websites and apps that offer royalty-free tracks. Some of our favorites include Incompetech, Bensound, and HookSounds.

#5 Create mini-series

If you want to keep your audience engaged, try creating mini-series of Reels. This could be anything from a behind-the-scenes look at your business to a tutorial series on how to use your products.

By releasing multiple Reels, you can keep your audience coming back for more, and increase the chances that they'll share your content with their friends.

#6 Repurpose your content

If you're struggling to come up with ideas for Reels, try repurposing your existing content. For example, if you have a blog post about the top trends for spring, you could create a Reel featuring some of those trends.

Or if you have a video from an event you attended, you could create a highlights reel showcasing the best moments.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to repurposing your content, so get creative and see what you can come up with!

#7 Keep an eye on trends

If you want your Reels to be successful, it's important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends. This way, you can create content that's relevant and timely, and increase the chances that people will watch and share your Reels.

Some of the best places to find trends are Instagram itself, as well as other social media platforms like Twitter and YouTube. You can also check out trend reports from sites like Google Trends and Trend Hunter.

By following trends, you can ensure that your Reels are fresh and exciting, and that they'll resonate with your audience.

The Bottom Line

Instagram Reels is a new feature that offers businesses the chance to increase their reach and engagement. By creating quality content and using some of our tips, you can make sure your Reels are successful. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!