Instagram Reels launched in August 2020, utilizing its large user base to compete with platforms like TikTok. Facebook followed a few years later, implementing reels in February 2022. Reels are short-form vertical videos that share fun, entertaining, or educational content with your target audience. They can be enhanced with stickers, text, or music. They also changed the way audiences consume content through Instagram. Everyone wants to get in on the ground floor of the next big video content trend & participating is a great way to take advantage of the algorithm.
Reeling People in with Visuals
Sometimes, a great way to use a reel is to expand upon an idea that can be accomplished with photos but needs that extra push. The reels above work well because they give a prospective buyer a more detailed look; it feels more like the buyer is experiencing the vehicle in person.
These reels are simple to accomplish and toe the line between education and entertainment. They have a visual appeal for car connoisseurs. Still, they have a balance of information on the product, giving a better overall understanding of the vehicle than a still photo may have.
Cuts and viewpoints create visual appeal that stops an interested viewer in their tracks. Each reel above works with the audio, creating satisfying clip transitions that retain attention. Bonus points if you also get a looping audio so viewers can’t tell where the video ends and begins. The great thing about content like this is that your ears aren’t technically required, meaning that anyone, including the 60.7 million Americans 12 and older affected by hearing loss, can join the conversation!
Reel Impressions, Reel Trends
These reels play upon well-known trends, and one example utilizes a sound with good engagement, so it lends itself to doing well. Engaging in trends increases the likelihood of your content being pushed by the Explore page. After looking at the numbers of our clients over the last year, First Team Automotive’s Instagram skyrocketed from 492,890 impressions in 2023 to 1,717,270 impressions in 2024 due to an addition of some of the trendy reels shown above.
We were also able to use these reels to establish an attitude for the friendly, silly, and approachable salespeople at First Team Automotive. When someone consumes content from their favorite influencer, these videos create a parasocial relationship between the audience and the brand. In turn, someone may come in looking for someone specific because they saw them online, feel like they know them, and are more comfortable.
There is a caveat to trends; you shouldn’t just pick up on one for the sake of it. Join a trend if it links to who you are as a brand or gives off more information about who you are. Reels aren’t helpful if posted without a plan or goal, and you don’t want a confused audience; make sure you maintain your brand identity throughout all facets of your content.
Moving (Reel)y Fast
This reel got a lot of eyes; 6,000+ of them! We jumped onto this trend while it was hot; it got extra interaction and showed that at The King Agency, we’re in the loop on what’s popular! You have to be able to put your feelers out and pick out what may be the next trend almost before it happens, so you can strike while the coals are hot and get the best turnout. Social media trends have a short cycle, and they get overdone. You must fine-tune your timing and reel to post it while the trend is alive and well.
A typical Instagram trend lasts about 48 hours, and some of those trends drop in from TikTok, with a 90-hour cycle. Basically, you have thirty minutes to pull together an idea and make it impactful.
Capitalizing on this trend and the audio, we made this trend fit nicely into our brand by bringing in the social team. This video gave off a fun feel, showed off our people, and was easy to create, which was a plus; it has the elements of a dance trend, which tends to pick up well on social media. It was also an easy movement; you can get anyone involved!
So, Are You Reeled In Yet?
Reels can be daunting, especially if it’s your first time and you want to create the right impact for your brand. At the King Agency, we can lift the load and help you boost your brand to new heights. We’re all about saying “Yes!” to your wildest ideas so you get the best experience & something you’re genuinely proud of.
We know how to make your ideas soar on platforms like Instagram & Facebook. The burden of content creation, editing, and posting will be out of your hands. At The King Agency, we keep up with the latest social media trends so you can keep working on what you know best.
The King Agency is an award-winning marketing agency offering a full suite of communications services including advertising, branding, digital, and strategic marketing, at any scale. Based in Richmond, Virginia, with offices in Atlanta and Virginia Beach, The King Agency has been helping turn businesses into award-winning brands for more than 25 years. To learn more visit thekingagency.com or email hello@thekingagency.com