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How to place ads in Instagram Reels

In our “Instagram Guides,” we'll look at Instagram, explain its features both new and old, and show you how to get the most out of the platform for your marketing strategy. Today: How to place ads in Instagram Reels.

In August 2018, TikTok started as the successor of the karaoke app Musical.ly. Since then, it has put the fear of God into long-established social media giants like Instagram and YouTube.

The short video app is especially popular with a very young target group. To prevent a great migration to the competitor, Instagram introduced its short video format reels.

What are Instagram Reels?

Instagram Reels is a tool to create multi-clip videos with a length of up to 30 seconds. Users can add text, audio, or AR filters. They are shown full-screen and in a loop like longer GIFs.

You won’t need an extra app for Reels because it is embedded in the main Instagram app. You can create your own Instagram Reels and post them to your feed. Now, there is a new tab in your profile where all your Reels are gathered.

You can also just browse through a selection of Reels by tapping on the Reels icon on the Instagram navigation bar at the bottom of the app. You can also share the short videos via messenger or within your stories.

How to start an Instagram Reel

  1. Open Instagram and navigate to your Stories section.
  2. Select Reels in the upper menu by swiping to the left.
  3. You can now either record a new video or select one from your camera roll.
  4. Choose a song from the Instagram music library or use the original audio of your video.

When you choose to record a new video within the Instagram app, you have the opportunity to set a timer and countdown. This feature allows you to film hands-free.

Like you are used to in Instagram Stories, you can now choose from a wide range of filters and effects.

With the speed up and slow down functions, you can synchronize your video with your chosen audio to stay on a certain beat or create a dramatic slow-motion effect.

Once you are happy with your creation, you can add a caption, hashtags, edit the thumbnail, tag your friends, and choose whether to share your Reel in Explore or also on your profile.

How to use Instagram Reels for your marketing strategy

In June, Instagram introduced Instagram Reels Ads. Like normal Reels, these ads are shown full-screen and vertically. Like ads in your Stories, they appear in-between organic content. They are also looped and can be up to 30 seconds long.

Instagram Reels Ads are the perfect opportunity to reach more potential followers on Instagram. The Reels Explore tab shows users Reels from accounts they follow as well as other accounts.

The content in the explore section is based on who an account follows and what content they like and interact with. It also includes Reels from popular and trending accounts. Therefore, your Reels Ads have a great chance of being seen by many potential followers.

Conclusion: Ads in Instagram Reels have a great impact on your marketing strategy

With Instagram Reels Ads , you can use the popular format to round out your marketing strategy. With the new tool, you can reach potential followers and expand your organic reach. Storrito helps with the creation of Instagram Stories. The platform can be used within a team to create and schedule stories.

Tobias ManrothAuthor image
Tobias Manroth
CMO at Storrito

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