When we mention Instagram, the first thing that comes to mind is the Explore Page, Instagram Stories, or the number of followers we have. However, Instagram reels aren’t commonly mentioned. Many may think Instagram reels aren’t necessary, but in fact, Instagram reels receive 22% more engagement than regular videos you post on Instagram.
In the past, Instagram reels were only 15 to 30 seconds long; however, now, Instagram has seen an increase in usage and bumped that number up to 60 seconds. So, considering statistics, Instagram reels have come a long way and are continuously changing each day.
Let’s not wait any further because, in this article, we will give you a list full of pros and cons regarding Instagram reels.
Let’s dive right in!
Pros of Instagram reels when using it for marketing
Reels aren’t difficult to create
When we think about creating videos, the first thing that comes to our mind is investing lots of money in the shooting and a large production team. However, reels are a whole different story because they were initially created to be short and straightforward so that they don’t require you to invest money and much time into them.
In short, Instagram reels can be created quite fast and allows users not to waste much time viewing them either. Moreover, unlike TikTok, Instagram reels don’t require you to set up a new account or have to build a new audience while doing so. Comparatively, you are benefiting from your existing Instagram followers.
Note: UNUM has some great tips regarding Instagram reels that can help you understand even more about it!
Gives you powerful insights
Instagram isn’t only popular for its reels and the number of valuable insights it gives you. For example, while creating reels on Instagram, you can monitor metrics such as the number of plays your video got, accounts reached, likes, comments, shares, and saves. Thus, creators and brands can track their video performance rates and continuously get new ideas on how they can improve their videos.
Shopping integration
One of the best things we could mention about Instagram reels is the shopping integration button. As of December 2020, Instagram introduced the new ability to shop through Instagram reels. In addition, with your reels, you can include product tags shown on the reels tab. Once this is done, it’ll be exposed to millions of people using Instagram.
Furthermore, brands are allowed to tag their products and provide in-depth details about the items in your videos. Thus, you’re giving customers a fast and easy way of making purchases. Instagram was once known as a social platform for teens, but it has changed what it stands for, making it accessible for everyone.
Your content is permanent
Instagram gives you stories, but they are only active for 24 hours and disappear after that period. However, Instagram reels are permanent and always there, even after 24 hours. Stories are only visible when you save them to your highlights and only visible when you save them to your archive.
Since you can create reels reasonably quickly, we recommend you sit down and set up a range of ideas for the reels you are thinking of building for the future. Since content is permanent, you should nail it when you decide to post your reels.
Young age group
According to Statista, more than 30% of users on Instagram are between 25 and 34 years old, and right after that, the second largest age group is between 18 and 24 years old.
You may be asking what kind of benefits do younger age groups offer?
Well, it’s the fact that younger generations understand how to use Instagram better than older generations. Thus, that will result in young generations spending more time watching videos and searching for more.
Reels are simple and easy to share
Comparatively, stories and IGTV have limitations when you share them or even when you are sharing someone else’s story on your own. So there is a sort of limitation that doesn’t allow you to spread your content as much as needed.
However, reels are a whole different story. They offer superb sharing functionalities, and as a creator, you can share your reels directly onto your story. Additionally, your audience can easily share your reels on their stories, allowing you to reach a new audience much faster than any other method.
Offer more visibility options through hashtags
The maximum amount of Instagram hashtags you can use is 30. Additionally, you have a 2,000 character limit, so you need to think of some good copy to use and include the hashtags alongside. Comparatively, with stories, you are only allowed to add a maximum of 10 hashtags, limiting your ability to reach a larger audience.
What is the best part about including more hashtags? Well, it’s the fact that your reel may appear in one of those hashtags, and when they do, you’ll instantly get much more views. In addition, since reels are permanent, they will remain in hashtag feeds that don’t have too many posts, so the chances of someone seeing it are much higher than in stories. After all, stories disappear the next day, but reels don’t!
Cons of Instagram reels
Features
Many people like to compare Instagram reels features with TikTok. However, with a pro account on TikTok, you don’t get many features but do have many effects and filters. Comparatively, Instagram reels have their own filer library from Instagram stories, but there is a downside with this. Even though Instagram can expand its filters, TikTok allows users to interact with others more creatively than Instagram reels features do. After all, Instagram reels can’t be scheduled, which is a massive downside!
Not an excellent choice for some businesses
Depending on which industry you are in, video content might not be the right fit for your marketing strategy. Reels work well for those who are focused on sectors such as fitness, hospitality, food, fashion & beauty, and more. But, in general, it isn’t fit for businesses that don’t have a good visual presence.
In other words, even if you are into video marketing, you should know that if your audience isn’t into videos, you might quickly fail when using Instagram reels. This is the downside because you may be the one who is promoting to the wrong audience.
Unknown algorithm
The algorithm concerning Instagram reels hasn’t ever been known well enough. All we know is that using hashtags and the right features makes viewers watch your videos more, but there is no specific algorithm that is correct in this case.
For instance, TikTok recommends content to users based on what they watch the most. Their interactions with other videos, account settings, and more. Moreover, TikTok considers these factors and uses them based on the level of importance to the user. Despite the downsides, going live is beneficial on Instagram reels and TikTok at the same time.
Video length
Compared to its rival, Tiktok, Instagram reels can only be recorded for up to one minute. However, TikTok has changed the game entirely now. Only recently, they bumped up the maximum video length to ten minutes!
For businesses looking to make longer videos and are fully committed to video marketing, it might be an issue to use Instagram reels and would prefer using TikTok instead. Even though there have been improvements in the video lengths on Instagram reels, it will deeply come down to the personal preferences of a business.
Moreover, you can sit down and ask yourself and your team what they would instead prefer, setting up shorter videos that are simple? Or making longer promotional videos regarding your product? It’ll depend on what you choose in the end.
Wrapping it up
Well, that’s all on the pros and cons of Instagram reels. We listed the advantages and disadvantages of Instagram reels. However, it’ll all come down to your preferences and what you think is best for your business.
Instagram reels have a lot of uniqueness in their short videos and can be excellent for promoting a product or service in just a short period of time. Let’s not forget the power of hashtags and the number of people you can reach. Many tend to compare it with TikTok, but the truth is, everyone will choose to use that which is best for their business. However, don’t forget that many people don’t like to watch lengthy videos and don’t have the time to do so, and this is where Instagram reels benefit you by a large margin.
In conclusion, see what you promote and how it fits with Instagram reels. If it goes well, there will be more pros than cons for you; if not, the situation will be vice-versa!