What to know about the new Instagram Reels update

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You may have heard that there is a new update coming to Instagram Reels - and how you post videos on the entire platform itself, as a matter of fact.

In this article, we will walk you through everything you need to know about this recent Instagram Reels update so that you can optimize the video content on your account for the greatest reach.

Later in the article, we'll also discuss a few ways to upgrade your Reels to make them more engaging. If you want to grow your fan base on Instagram, Reels can help you make that happen!

What is in the new Instagram Reels update?

According to a July 2022 update from Instagram, "All new video posts on Instagram will be shared as Reels." What does this mean?

Previously on the platform, you had the option of posting video content as Reels or as video posts. These video posts weren't necessarily full screen and didn't have the same momentum capabilities as Reels.

Now, with the 2022 Instagram Reels update, all video content will be found in one place. That is, in the Reels section on your profile page.

You'll also have access to all the Reels editing features, including stickers and text. You can even enjoy split screen, dual camera recording and premade Reels templates. (Psst! Check out Mojo's 400+ premade video templates.) Some other notable features with the Instagram Reels update:

• Just Reels: Videos less than 15 minutes will be posted as Reels.
• Video content consolidation: All video content will be found in one place on your profile.
• Discovery opportunities: Videos under 90 seconds can be discovered by non-followers (public accounts only).
• Preservation of old video posts: Previous video content will remain as is.

If you're wondering why Instagram made this Reels update, it all has to do with improving the user experience and quality of videos posted on the platform. Some argue that Instagram is trying to mimic the full screen experience that you find on TikTok, but we'll leave it up to your judgement.

Since Reels is one of Instagram's trendiest features, they want to increase its usage. This new Reels update offers a more "immersive and entertaining way to watch and create videos," according to Instagram.

How does it affect what I post?

Don't worry! You don't have to post silly dancing videos or footage of your team doing the latest Instagram trend. You can still post high-value, professional content.

Here is how it works: As mentioned above, if you're posting anything under 15 minutes, your only option will be to post it as Reels. But that's a great thing!

You'll have access to all of the creative editing features that Reels currently has. Add fun stickers, filters, words, music... just about anything!

Luckily, Reels tend to perform better and get seen by more people compared to plain old video posts on the platform. Accounts can build their Instagram audience with tons of branded video content that users will love.

But again, your profile will have to be set to public if you want the benefit of widespread impressions.

And who knows? If your new Reels gets picked up by the Instagram algorithm, you may even go viral!

How do I optimize my Instagram videos for better reach?

Now that you know about what the new Reels update includes, we want you to take full advantage of it!

We actually have an entire article about how to boost your Instagram Reels, so check it out! However, let's share some highlights.

Here are some simple rules you can follow to upgrade your Reels game and gain traction online:

Reels upgrade #1 - Be short and sweet

With the new 2022 Reels update, videos that are 90 seconds or less have the ability to be discovered by people who currently do not follow your account. This ability to be discovered by new users is key to growing your audience.

Can you post longer videos? Sure, but to expand your following and boost user engagement, we suggest keeping your videos to less than 90 seconds in length. Share longer videos to retain current followers.

Reels upgrade #2 - Use auto captions

If your Reels are about to be blasted everywhere on the platform, you'll want to make sure as many users as possible can watch it. That means you'll need to have auto captions on your Reels.

Auto captions will make sure that those who are hard of hearing - and those who simply can't watch with audio (in a meeting, holding sleeping babies, etc.) - can still experience your Reels. Don't miss out on all the Reels views that you deserve!

Reels upgrade #3 - Make every second count

Pack your Reels content with as much action, excitement and value as possible. Think of Reels as high-action movie previews.

In other words, get to the point fast and minimize the fluff. If you're trying to keep your Reels video to less than 90 seconds, every second should be something that is worth watching.

Eliminate long transitions, lag time and extra information that will not immediately serve your audience, especially in the first 30 seconds!

Reels upgrade #4 - Boost Reels information retention

When you post informational or educational Reels (which is a fabulous idea) enhance the audience's information retention with text and other special effects.

This is great for accommodating a wide variety of learning styles. After all, you want them to remember and utilize the helpful information you provided, right?

Highlight key points with simple headlines and text. Walk through a list of hacks on the screen. Use bang-pow stickers to point out stuff in your video. Anything to enhance learning!

Reels video editing app

You're more than welcome to use the video editing features for Reels within the Instagram app. However, we invite you to try Mojo, a Reels video editing app chock full of premade templates, awesome special effects and more.

If you want Instagram-optimized Reels that are professional and engaging, check out what we have in the app.

Mojo makes it easy to create on-brand Reels in a few minutes with simple drag-and-drop features. Automatically input your audio, auto captions and brand colors to produce a high volume of Reels easily and quickly.

Play around in the app today!

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