Since its launch in 2010, Instagram has evolved from an online photo-sharing app into a platform that empowers its users to easily create, edit, and share their own videos in a variety of forms.
These videos, whether shared asInstagram Storiesorpostsand Reels in your feed, add a new dimension to Instagram that static photos can’t achieve. These Instagram videos don’t have to be expensive, complicated productions either.
In fact,videos shot on a budgetcan often appear more authentic (and be more effective) than high production videos. You can shoot compelling videos for your brand’s Instagram page on just a smartphone, with the option to use Instagram’svideo editor, a computer, or a variety of useful mobile apps.
If you’re not already using Instagram to reach your audience or need help with a strategy, head over to ourbeginner’s guide to creating a social media marketing strategyto get started. If you’re already on Instagram, check our guide onhow to get followers on Instagram.
Start selling your products on Instagram
Shopify comes with powerful tools that help you list, promote and sell products on Facebook and Instagram. Create product collections, showcase your brand and products, and make sales on Facebook and Instagram from one place.
Start selling on Instagram3 types of Instagram videos for promoting your store
Videos are the most engaging content type on the network.One studyfound videos on Instagram earn an average of more than 24 comments per post—compared to just under 15 comments per each image post. Videos also get an average of nearly 1,098 likes. Andaccording to Instagram, 91% of active users watch videos on the platform every week. For these reasons, posting videos to your brand’s Instagram page is a smart way to boost your overall engagement.
There are three main types of Instagram video formats: Live, Reels, and Stories.
1. Live videos on Instagram
If you have an impromptu video idea that doesn’t require editing, or you have an idea best executed in real time, you can use the Instagram Live video feature. You can film directly in the app and notify your followers of your livestream by going to your story in the top left corner of the app and clicking the Record button. This is a great way to capture live events likepop-up shopsand show your followers what you’re up to right this second. Consider also hosting workshops or live tutorials on how people can use your products in their own lives.
Many brands also use Instagram Live to collaborate with influencers, having them take over the brand’s live feed for a set period of time. When these takeovers are promoted by both parties, it’s a great way to gain new followers and build new relationships.
Learn more:Check our guide onhow to get verified on Instagram, as a verified account represents authenticity and builds trust.
Instagram Live is also an approachable, authentic way to build hype and share big news with your followers—like the launch of a new product. Want to thank your audience for reaching a milestone or react to something going on in the industry that requires speed? Live videos ensure you don’t miss out on current happenings by taking the time to shoot, edit, and upload a polished video. You can even make your live video more of a conversation with your followers by turning commenting on.
If you want the video you created to extend beyond the live broadcast, you canshare the video to Instagram Storiesafterward, so anyone who missed it can still enjoy it. You can also retrieve it from yourLive Archive.
2. Reels on your Instagram feed
The platform recently rolled out a change to Instagram feed videos, turning them all into Reels—similar in execution to TikTok videos. You can add sound effects, music, and stickers to your Instagram Reels, as well as tag any featured products. Reels are a great way to expand your reach and get in front of new audiences, as Instagram features these videos in the Reels tab, in users’ main feeds, and in the Explore tab. You can also turn Reels videos into ads to boost visibility even further.
The possibilities are quite literally endless when it comes to Reels. Organic and “clean” clothing brandMATE the Labelused Reels to show off its clothes in action, tagging the featured model and content creator in the example below.
的规范the video, here is everything you need to know about Instagram videos and Reels in your feed:
- File size: 4 GB max
- File type: MP4 or MOV recommended
- Max length: 90 seconds
- Orientation: square or landscape
- Aspectratio: 1:91:1
3. Videos on Instagram Stories
Instagram Stories are another powerful way to promote your brand.According to Instagram, 58% of users are more interested in a brand or product after they’ve seen it in a Stories post. Unlike a regular Instagram post,Instagram Storiesdon’t post to your brand’s feed. Stories disappear after 24 hours unless you save them to your page’s highlights under yourInstagram bio. Don’t worry though, because you can still access them in your archive if you want to use them later.
You can post a video you’ve previously shot to your Stories, or you can create a new Instagram video from the Stories tool in the app. Just like adding a photo from your camera roll to your Stories, you can addInstagram stickers, text, and filters before you share with your followers.
Instagram videos aren’t always shot with a camera, per se. Vegan condiment brandPazalsear例如,创建了一个视频for its Stories to promote its Shopify website. The video is a screen recording highlighting the website. It then saved the video to its highlights dedicated to promoting said website so people can always see the items are available for purchase online and not just at the in-person markets the brand frequents.
个人Instagram故事视频正在15秒econds in length—the app will automatically break up longer videos into 15-second segments when you share it. To prevent an awkward cut at an important part of your video, be sure to cut segments that are 15 seconds or less beforehand.
The specifications for story videos are as follows:
- Max length per segment: 15 seconds
- Aspect ratio: 9:16 at 1080 x 1920 pixels is the recommended resolution, however, you can resize your videos before posting them
How to create a video for Instagram
You can film your video directly in the Instagram app, a different camera app, or using an actual camera, but the final video—whether edited or raw—should be under a minute in length.
Once you’re happy with your video, you can upload it the same way you upload a photo to your feed:
- Click the + sign in the app.
- Select either STORY or REEL from the sliding menu at the bottom of the screen.
- Choose the video from the appropriate folder on your device.
- Review the video and test filters, turn the audio on or off, trim the length of the clip, add music, tag other users, and select a frame that will act as the cover image for the post.
Lastly, you’ll be able to add acaptionand do location tagging before you post. At this final step, you’re also able to share the video to your other linked social channels. If you’ve ever posted a photo to your Instagram feed, this final stage is the same as it is for photos.
Creating live videos for Instagram
Broadcasting live from Instagram is relatively straightforward. First, it’s important to ensure you have a strong and reliable network connection.
- Click the + sign in the app.
- Select LIVE from the sliding menu on the bottom.
- Add a title and tag any relevant brand partners.
- Do a test broadcast by limiting your audience.
- Hit the big circular button in the middle when you’re ready to go live.
Because Instagram Live is shot in real time, you won’t be able to edit it or add captions at this point. However, you can create a “room” by inviting others to join your Instagram Live and broadcast alongside you, check out who has tuned in, read and share viewer questions for an interactive experience, and as add filters and control camera and audio settings. Audience members can also request to join during your Live—it’s up to you whether you’d like to add them. You can also make creative adjustments later on before resharing it to your profile.
Best practices for promoting your store with Instagram video
Now let’s jump into some best practices for using Instagram videos to promote your brand and products.
Be authentic instead of overly produced and promotional
There are two main styles of videos that businesses often share on Instagram:
- Polished high-quality videos for advertising and brand awareness
- Amateur videos that give viewers a peek behind the curtain so they can get to know the people that use the products or make up the brand.
You’ll be happy to know most viewers have come to expect the second format—quick and easy videosyou make yourself. Whether the footage is shot at your office, on location at your latest pop-up shop, or at an event that your brand is attending, lightly edited videos filmed on your mobile device are the perfect way to let your audience know your brand is authentic and approachable.
You can see how plant-based supplement brandOra Organictakes this approach with the Instagram video below. No over-the-top production, just a “homemade” video with a simple text overlay.
Alex Lee 10:15 AM (2 minutes ago) to me
Post Instagram videos regularly
Consistency is key when it comes to Instagram videos. Regularly posting helps you not only refine your creative process, it also keeps your brand top-of-mind. Mix up the types of Instagram videos you share, as well as what you feature in each video. Some videos may be more product-focused while others may be more aimed at sharing yourbrand storyand building authentic audience connections.
If you’re light on content, try sourcing videos from your customers. See what kinds of posts and Stories they’ve tagged your brand in. Whether it’s customer reviews or their own video content where they’ve just tagged your product because it’s visible, your audience can be a huge source ofuser-generatedvideo content. Just be sure to give proper credit to the creator anytime you’re sharing user-generated content. It’s also a good move to ask for permission first.
Tell a compelling brand story
Instagram videos are an excellent medium for sharing your brand story. Highlighting your story is especially effective today, as consumers increasingly seek to build emotional connections with brands that share their values.
Fashion brand Kūla, for example, has humble but ethically motivated origins. Founder and designer Stephanie Fuentes-Aponte set out to create a sustainable handmade fashion brand with clothes that suit her personal style.
它分享旅程的Instagramginning, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, inspiration behind the brand, information about the fabrics, and milestones the budding entrepreneur has hit along the way. And when it participated in a local fashion show, Kūla had no shortage of videos to share to its feed and Stories to post to bring the experience to its followers.
Promote your brand and products
Instagram videos can help you make sales directly. Withhalf of Instagram’s usersseeking to discover new brands and products on the platform, tagging your products throughShopping on Instagramcan help you turn video views into sales.
With Instagram’s in-app shopping feature, users can complete a purchase without actually leaving Instagram, so it’s important you’re set up tomake sales. You can also drive viewers back to your website by guiding them to a “link in bio” on your business’s Instagram page.
And when you use theInstagram–Shopify integration, the whole process is seamless. You can easily tag products in your Instagram videos, match your website’s aesthetic, and offer one-tap checkout—all while inventory syncs across your various commerce channels.
If you’re already making sales through Instagram, consider buying video ads to amplify your results. You can buyInstagram adsas either Stories or posts that appear in users’ feeds. The easiest way to buy ads is to use content you’ve already shared organically and target a new audience by demographic, location, interest, or behavior.
Learn more:Best times to post on Instagram
Ready to incorporate video into your Instagram marketing?
It’s never too late to start experimenting with your Instagram video marketing strategy. You don’t need fancy camera equipment or a big budget to hire a production crew. Some of the best and most effective brand Instagram videos were shot with a smartphone by a person with no video background. And when you use the Shopify–Instagram integration, you can create a seamless checkout experience that builds customer relationships and drives sales.