There is no doubt that Instagram is one of the fastest-growing social media platforms worldwide. Currently, there are more than 1 billion active users on the network with varying interests and hobbies. This is precisely why you need to experiment with different types of videos and static posts in order to deliver value to your target audience.
If you aren’t already investing in video marketing, you’re behind. The Covid-19 pandemic only strengthened the power of videos, as more people stayed home and consumed more online content. Here are a few statistics on the importance of video in your marketing strategy:
- 85% of all internet users in the United States watched online video content monthly on any of their devices.
- 54% of consumers want to see more video content from a brand or business they support.
- In 2022, 82% of global internet traffic will come from video streaming and downloads.
Instagram video formats
Instagram currently offers the following five video formats:
- Reels
- Live
- IGTV
- Stories
- In-feed videos
These might seem like a lot to handle, but you don’t have to nail every format. You just need to find the ones that make the most sense to you and your audience. Additionally, you need to make sure that the video options you opt for align with your business objectives.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the types of Instagram videos:
Reels
Reels are Instagram’s response to TikTok’s popularity. These are short 15-30 second video clips that you can either record using the Instagram camera or upload directly from your phone’s gallery.
Reels are usually recorded in vertical portrait mode (9:16) and are stored in the user’s feed and the Reel tab.
Live
Instagram live videos were all the rage during the lockdown last year!
No matter what time you log in to your Instagram account, you will always find someone going live with their friends or hosting a session on their business accounts.
But there is still some staying power with lives. The host can save these videos in their feed so followers can watch them later.
IGTV
IGTV videos are usually more than a minute long and can stretch up to 60 minutes. You can pre-record videos and upload them later on the feed.
You can even create a multi-part series and add a cover photo for the playlist. This opens up so many possibilities for the brands. Using digital marketing tools can help plan and track the execution of your IGTV ideas properly.
Stories
In 2016, Instagram launched Stories, but it took some time for people to get used to it.
However, once the trend caught on, it was all the rage. Even today, we find ourselves swiping through multiple stories each day, from our friends and followers to celebrities and influencers.
In-feed videos
Instagram feed videos are the original video format of the platform, introduced when the network was initially launched. In-feed videos are limited to 60 seconds, landing them within the category of boomerang and GIF.
These videos are similar to a photo post in terms of features. You can write captions, comments, hashtags, likes, and share publicly.
What kind of videos are most popular on Instagram?
With such a diverse audience on Instagram, it is not easy to pinpoint the one video type that performs the best in terms of building a brand’s reputation.
All top-performing videos have some similarities:
- Instagram is primarily a mobile app, which is why it is essential to keep in mind that most viewers are using their phones to watch videos. Therefore, your videos should be easy to view and have the right orientation to deliver the best user experience.
- Videos that provide value get the most views and reach. A fantastic example of this is the 5-minute Craft videos that get thousands of views on Instagram and other social networks.
- Videos that start with a clear message or a hook are often viewed till the end, and the viewers often subscribe for more.
- Videos that have captions often have more views from a more diverse audience. On a related note, make sure that the audio quality is crystal clear as well.
6 types of Instagram videos to gain followers
Here is a rundown of the top 6 types of videos that you should aim to perfect in order to grow your followers on Instagram:
Short tutorials
We mentioned earlier that videos that provide value are among the top-performing content on Instagram. Therefore, short tutorials are your best bet if you want new followers.
You don’t essentially have to make 5-minute Crafts style videos; you can cash in any of your talents and make videos teaching the skill. You can post recipe videos if you are in the food industry or film small 60 to 90-second time-lapse videos of you drawing or making your products!
For example, check out Buzzfeed’s tasty videos:
Teaser videos
Teaser videos keep people hooked till the end. Release small Reel style or in-feed video teasers before releasing the long-form IGTV videos to drum up the hype. This entices viewers to follow you so they do not miss out on the entire video once it’s up!
Teasers are a great way to generate engagement and bring more followers to your page. Once they are on the page and your content engages their interest, they will start to follow you!
Wave.video makes amazing teaser videos for their webinars and seminars:
Time-lapse
Time-lapse videos are a significant engagement-worthy video format. Make a time-lapse of behind-the-scenes of an upcoming campaign or the next painting you create for a client.
These videos are super fun to watch and can get you followers very quickly. Taking your audience along for the ride, a time-lapse is an amazing way to build trust and showcase your creativity.
Live videos
Here’s an easy tip for getting more followers on Instagram: Go live with your employees!
These days almost all businesses have a community person on their team. If you are running a one-person show, YOU are that community person. Showcase your latest feature in a live video and have an interactive session with your followers where they can ask questions and engage with you!
The Sift Bake Shop saves all of their live sessions under the Ask Adam highlight.
Once you establish your live videos as an authentic source of information, you can expect followers to pour in all the time to check out new content and attend the sessions.
Collab videos
Collaborating with influencers is an incredible way to build your follower base. Create videos by showcasing your product or service and sharing it on both pages; yours and the influencers!
These influencers generate content for a curly hair product, which helps the brand tap into the market with great results:
You can follow this process with celebrities, but it is best to go with an influencer who, despite their smaller circle, is directly connected to your niche.
User-generated videos
Lastly, user-generated content, both videos and still pictures, are a foolproof method of increasing followers!
You are essentially using your following to attract more followers, which is honestly just brilliant. One thing to remember here is to build trust and then only run a campaign for user-generated content.
Final thoughts
If your audience is on Instagram, you should most definitely spend a significant chunk of your time planning content for the visual network. Posting interactive, fun, engaging, and creative videos will boost your presence, build a stronger following, and improve your online reputation.
You don’t necessarily have to work with each one of these types, and you can experiment with whichever one you want and see what works best for you.
Happy filming!
Instagram videos FAQs
What types of videos are most popular on Instagram?
Short tutorials, teaser videos, time-lapse, live videos, collabs, and user-generated videos are all popular on Instagram.
What qualities must an Instagram video have to perform well?
Your videos should be easy to view, have the right orientation, include captions, and have crystal clear audio quality to deliver the best user experience. Videos that provide value get the most views and reach. Videos that start with a clear message or a hook are often viewed till the end, and the viewers often subscribe for more.
Are videos necessary for Instagram growth?
Yes! Statistics show that creating quality videos for Instagram can improve your reach and following. Most people are watching videos on Instagram. In fact, 54 percent of consumers want to see more video content from a brand or business they support.
