We’ve now had Instagram Reels for over a year, and if you haven’t started using them for your brand, it’s time to start! Here’s how to get confident with Instagram Reels and some video ideas to help you get started!
How to Get Confident Creating and Posting Instagram Reels
Plan Out Your Transitions and Content
Planning out your brand’s social media content can help so much with the overwhelming feeling of wondering what to post. Content planning is one of the first steps you should always take before creating your brand’s social media content. (If you need help with content planning – check out our post “How to Plan Your Social Media Content in Google Sheets“).
One of the most challenging parts (and intimidating) of short video content is making sure you nail your Reels transitions. Our suggestion is to do your research (watch Reels on Instagram) and plan out what kind of transitions you feel comfortable with. Choose a song (look for the diagonal arrow to signify it’s trending), then plan your transitions! Trimming and editing video for transitions is really simple to do in Instagram. Planning the transitions ahead of time will help you feel more comfortable in front of the camera and boost your confidence!
Choose a Day To Batch Film Reels
One thing we’ve found helps brands to get consistent and gain confidence with Reels is choosing one day per week to batch film reels. Once you’ve come up with your social media content plan, batch creating is really simple to do. Batch creating is more efficient (and the videos are so short) that you can even create videos for Reels up to two weeks out. You’ll have more time to prep and edit content, and you’ll be set for several days! The practice helps increase confidence with video creation (and choreography, etc.). Filming several Reels videos on the same day mean’s you’ll start to get into a rhythm, and you’ll feel more confident with all of the settings and editing options too!
Share Content that Aligns with Your Brand and Expertise
When you’re sharing content that you’re an expert on, you’ll be able to share it with more confidence. This one seems a little obvious, but we find that a lot of brands try to film the funny or dancing reels that don’t fit their brand identity, and they’ll end up flopping. This is usually because the content doesn’t connect with the brand’s audience. Always make sure to adapt the sounds and content to your niche and brand so you’re bringing value (or entertainment) that is relevant. Don’t feel obligated to film a funny Reel just because it’s a current trend. Make it your own! You’ll feel more confident sharing something you’re already an expert in, and the Reel will be more likely to resonate with your audience.
Create Your Instagram Reels in a Comfortable Place
Want to feel more confident on camera? Film your Reels in a comfortable place. Your home office, your living room, or somewhere you’ll be able to feel confident (and not shy or embarrassed) is the perfect place to film video content. Make sure the area is well-lit and you can get a good quality video. Use a tripod with a ring light if necessary! Don’t want people around while you’re filming? Make sure you get some alone time so you’re not rushed or pressured. Feeling composed (not anxious) while you are filming is going to translate to confidence in your Instagram Reel!
Practice your Editing Skills
The more you create Reels, the more comfortable you’ll get with editing. Practicing your editing skills can make you feel more comfortable. You’ll start to feel more confident that you’re creating and sharing quality content. Some things that can help make editing a breeze: planning the transitions, filming in good lighting, and nailing down your plan ahead of filming! We love to use the InShot App for easy video editing.
Stop Overthinking and POST!
One thing that holds brands back the most is thinking too much about how content will be received. If you’re bringing value, you’ve got a good quality video, and the content aligns with your brand, just POST it! Not every Reel is going to go viral or be a hit, and that’s okay. What’s important is that you’re working on building your Instagram portfolio of valuable content and putting your brand’s best foot forward. And the more you post, the more comfortable and confident you will be with posting Instagram reels!
Still Not Sure How to Make Instagram Reels Work for Your Brand?
If you’re still not sure how to make video content like reels work for you brand, click here and let’s set up a coaching call. We can help you plan your creative content, provide you with reels prompts, help with editing, and teach you how to optimize your brand’s video content. We’d love to hear from you!