How to make a standout Reel
Reels are undoubtedly the golden child of the social media world. With platforms like Instagram and TikTok pushing short-form video content to the forefront, mastering the art of creating effective reels can significantly boost your online presence. But what makes a reel truly stand out? Here’s a guide to help you create engaging and impactful reels that resonate with your audience.
START WITH A CLEAR OBJECTIVE
Before you hit the record button, have a clear idea of what you want your reel to achieve. Are you aiming to entertain, educate, or inspire? Your objective will guide the content and structure of your reel. For instance, if you’re showcasing a product, focus on its features and benefits. If your goal is to entertain, think about how you can incorporate humour by jumping on one of the latest Reels trends. A clear objective will make sure that your reel is focused and relevant.
HOOK YOUR AUDIENCE EARLY
The first few seconds of your reel are crucial for grabbing attention. Begin with a strong hook that immediately engages viewers: this could be an intriguing question, a visually striking shot, or an unexpected moment. Remember, users scroll quickly, so make sure your opening is compelling enough to make them stop and watch the rest of your reel.
KEEP IT SHORT & SWEET
Reels thrive on brevity so aim to deliver your message quickly. Current indications are that the 3 - 7 second Reels perform better than those that are longer and more drawn out. Focus on delivering your content efficiently without unnecessary filler. Brevity not only keeps viewers engaged but also increases the likelihood of your reel being rewatched and shared.
CONSIDER THE AUDIO YOU USE
The audio you attach to your Reel will make or break its effectiveness. Using trending audio is one way to do it, while jumping on an audio that’s just beginning to gain traction is a great way to be on the right side of the trend curve. Original audio is something you could capitalise on, especially if its something that has the potential to go viral.
INCORPORATE TRENDS & CHALLENGES
We’re not normally ones to push trend-watching, but when it comes to Reels and TikTok, the trends really are the lifeblood of a viral uptake. Staying current with trends and challenges can boost your Reel’s visibility. Participate in popular trends or use trending sounds and hashtags to increase your chances of reaching a broader audience. However, ensure that any trends you incorporate align with your brand and message. Authenticity is key; don’t just follow trends for the sake of it.
ADD ENGAGING TEXT
Text overlays can enhance your Reel by providing context, emphasizing key points, or adding a touch of humour. Tip: use copy that takes longer to read through than the length of the Reel itself - this way, viewers have to watch your Reel a couple of times to read the full text.
INCLUDE A CALL-TO-ACTION
A compelling Reel often ends with a clear call to action (CTA). Whether you want viewers to visit your website, follow your account, or check out a product, guide them on what to do next.
ITERATE
After posting your reel, analyse its performance using insights and analytics tools available on the platform. What type of Reel is getting you the most views / better engagement / enhanced reach? Use this data to understand what resonates with your audience and refine your approach for future Reels.
And of course - if Reels and TikTok creation is taking you away from the things you really enjoy or need to be doing in your business, we’re here to create them for you. We create a Reels strategy for your brand, plan them out and execute. We even publish for you and analyse their performance for future content creation. Book your FREE Discovery Call and let’s chat about your Reels requirements.
