Lights, camera, filter! Instagram has become more than just an online photo album. You can now double-tap GIFs, Flip-o-grams, and of course, videos. If you read last week’s blog post (or if you didn’t you can read it now really quickly) you already know that both Instagram and online video are two major trends in digital marketing right now. If you combine these two platforms together, you create the all-powerful and unstoppable, Instagram video. Videos on Instagram are on the rise and taking over your feed one auto-loop at a time. TBH, we’ve got you covered when it comes to getting up and running with Instagram video and how your brand can maximize its marketing potential.
The ABCs of Instagram Video
If it’s your first time dabbling in the role of director, you should know a thing or two about the workings of Instagram from behind the camera. You can record your video directly in the Instagram app or use your handy, dandy iPhone camera. Videos should be between 3 and 15 seconds long. If your video is longer, then you have to trim it down and truly decide on what your 15 seconds of Instagram fame will be. Think more Pixar short and less Pixar Cars 2 (running time 2 hours!).
Naturally nothing gets uploaded to Instagram without a filter (#NoFilter posts are lying) so choose wisely when it comes to your video’s filter. Choose whichever filter makes the shot look best but we recommend Rise to give your face that flawless finish. You can then preview your video as many times as you want just to confirm that your filtered film is fabulous, and then your gift to the Internet is ready to post!
Why It’s Important
A picture may be worth 1,000 words but the domination of video marketing is happening and it shows no sign of stopping. Let’s be real, there are over 400 million people using Instagram, and more than 8 million of them use it daily, just one 15-second video ad can be worth a lot of revenue.
Video gives you and your brand a platform to produce your message in so many different ways. There are so many different types of videos, such as product demos, behind the scenes and how-to videos, that you can be as creative and daring as you want. Just remember that because Instagram videos have a time limit and do not auto-play sound, your videos should be produced specifically for Instagram. Make them entertaining, enticing, and most importantly engaging.
Stats on Engagement
Instagram has a 4.21% per-follower engagement rate, which is casually 58 times higher than Facebook and 120 times higher than on Twitter. While Instagram itself does not currently offer analytics; it will tell you how many hearts your post has or how many times your video has been viewed. If you click on the video views, you’ll see how many likes your video has. In-depth analysis and reporting have to be outsourced to either agencies, apps, or other resources (like us at SocialToaster).
As a heads up, our platform also records percentage of users who connect via their Instagram and how those users react to other user generated content.
Paid Ad Support
Instagram is stepping up its advertising game, so that means Instagram marketing efforts need more filters support. Brands should be creating custom video ads for Instagram, and trust us, it is way cheaper than producing a commercial. The Facebook targeting robots will help ensure these ads get your message to your target audience. If you’re not sure how to dive on in the Instagram ad waters, worry not, we at Social Toaster are proficient in media buying and are here to help.
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Instagram is a fun and powerful way to boost brand and product awareness and guarantee more user engagement. For more tips on Instagram video and how your brand can make the most of it, send us an email or call us at 855.62.TOAST!
