We’ve said it a million times and we’ll say it a million more—EVERY BUSINESS NEEDS TO BE ON INSTAGRAM. The proof is in the pudding. As one of the fastest growing platforms, Instagram has two billion active users.
While Facebook still holds the throne as the largest social media platform, every business, large and small, can benefit from having an Instagram—small businesses especially.
Instagram is essentially a free way to market. You just need to put in the time and effort. You don’t need a million-dollar marketing budget to be successful either. All you need is an iPhone camera, a strong brand message, and the motivation to create quality content. That’s right, you can’t just snap a video and upload it with a filter and expect it to go viral.
Keep reading for Instagram video tips for small businesses, find out how to create engaging content with Instagram Reels, and more!
Creating standout Instagram videos doesn’t have to be overwhelming, even for small businesses. By following Instagram video best practices, you can craft engaging content that connects with your audience, boosts visibility, and drives real results—no big budget required!
Instagram was created as a visual platform, so long captions explaining how a product works or the best attributes of a service are out the window. As heartbreaking as it is to hear, no one reads anymore. Attention spans are fleeting and unless you already have an engaged following that cares what you have to say, captivating photos and videos are necessary.
Video formats such as how-tos, product demos, and even behind-the-scenes perform well for this audience. There are millions of videos to be discovered on the Explore tab within the Instagram app for inspiration. Baking, “oddly satisfying,” DIY and, of course, puppy videos do keep the attention. And basically anything with a before-and-after element is popular and a formula you can rely on.
Instagram is known for having some of the most highly engaged users. On an average day, users share more than 95 million photos and videos. And these posts yield a total of about 4.2 billion likes in a single day.
And if they aren’t sharing content of their own, they’re engaging with others. If they love a brand, they are likely to follow them to keep up with new releases, announcements, and get to know the brand persona.
Encourage comments and questions in your video to spike conversation in the comments. This should be as direct as, “If you have any questions, let me know in the comments!”
Knowing the difference between square and vertical aspect ratios is key to optimizing your content. The square aspect ratio (1:1) is a classic format, ideal for creating visually balanced posts that look great on your feed grid. Vertical aspect ratio (4:5 or 9:16) takes up more screen real estate, making it a great choice for Stories, Reels, and feed posts designed to grab attention in the scroll.
Choosing between the two depends on your content goals. If you want to create beautiful posts with a cohesive grid, symmetrical square posts are a safe bet. If your goal is to maximize engagement, vertical formats often have the upper hand. Vertical occupies more screen space, reducing distractions and keeping viewers focused on your content.
A vibrant product showcase or an eye-catching Reel can shine in vertical, while a minimalistic design or text overlay might work best in square. Test both formats to see what resonates with your audience and consider where your post will appear on Instagram—because presentation matters as much as the message.
When creating content, put yourself in the audience’s shoes. What would resonate with you? Would you share this on your own feed or timeline? If the answer is no, then rethink your strategy.
For example, at Socialfly we have found that quotes do particularly well on Facebook across all industries. No matter the brand posting, if a quote resonates with someone they are likely to share it.
You can reach people you may have not normally attracted to your profile by getting shares. It’s a metric that should be valued when reviewing the data on the content you’re posting. This is why every brand wants to create the next viral video and get the traffic to their page.
Small businesses should be utilizing all the tools Instagram has available. When creating a video for Instagram Stories, cover it in polls, questions, GIFs, and stickers. It brings your brand personality to life and engages your audience.
Instagram isn’t just about perfectly curated grids and scenic shots anymore. Instagram Reels has taken center stage, giving you the perfect way to grab attention, tell a story, and show off your brand’s personality.
Whether you’re a small business looking to expand your reach or a seasoned social media pro, Reels offers an exciting, creative playground to connect with your audience.
Instagram Reels lets you create and share bite-sized, entertaining clips up to 90 seconds long. With editing tools, audio options, and effects galore, Reels is all about quick, engaging content that feels authentic and fun.
Curious about how to create Instagram Reels? Let’s dive into some Instagram video best practices to help you unlock the power of video on Insta.
Before hitting the record button, think about what you want to achieve with your Reel. Are you highlighting a new product? Sharing a tip or tutorial? Whatever it is, having a plan helps you stay focused.
Start by creating a quick outline. Write down the key points or actions you want to include. This will save time during filming and editing.
As you’re creating your Reels video, stay open to improvisation. Sometimes the best ideas come mid-shoot, so leave room for spontaneity. If a funny blooper or unplanned moment happens, embrace it if it adds authenticity.
The attention economy is real—most people decide whether to keep watching within seconds. That means you need a killer opening.
Start with a dramatic shot, colorful scene, or close-up that makes people pause. Ask a question: Something like “Did you know this trick?” or “What if I told you this could save you money?” to spark curiosity.
Incorporate a quick transition or movement that feels dynamic and grabs attention immediately. These are always to get people hooked early on—which makes them more likely to watch the whole video.
Audio is a game-changer for Instagram Reels. A trending song or soundbite can make your Reel feel relevant and relatable while boosting its chances of being discovered. Scroll through Reels and look for audio marked with an arrow icon—this means it’s gaining traction.
Choose sounds that complement the vibe of your content, whether it’s upbeat, sentimental, or playful. And don’t just mimic others—add your brand’s personality. For instance, if the sound is humorous, tie the joke back to your product or service.
Instagram’s built-in tools let you unleash your creativity and make your videos pop. Try AR effects, which can range from fun filters to cinematic-style overlays. Experiment to find effects that align with your brand.
Smooth transitions keep your Reel looking polished, so practice tricks like hand swipes, camera flips, or jump cuts to change scenes. Use on-screen captions to highlight key points, guide viewers through steps, or emphasize your call-to-action.
Finally, always ensure your text is readable—use contrasting colors and place it within Instagram’s “safe zone” to avoid being cut off.
Nobody’s got time for drawn-out videos on Reels! The key is to pack value or entertainment into a tight timeframe. Use fast-paced cuts to keep things moving—too much dead air or lingering shots can cause viewers to scroll away.
Focus on one main idea. Don’t try to cram too much into a single Reel. A simple, clear message will resonate more.
Also know your limits. While Reels can go up to 90 seconds, shorter videos (10-30 seconds) often perform better because they’re easier to consume.
You’ve captivated your audience—now what? A strong CTA encourages them to take the next step, whether it’s engaging with your post or exploring your products. Examples of CTAs include:
Make your CTA actionable by being specific and direct. People are more likely to engage if you tell them exactly what to do. Also use text and audio. Reinforce your CTA by saying it out loud and displaying it on screen.
By following this guide on how to create Instagram Reels and following Instagram video best practices, you’ll not only create Reels that look professional but also build deeper connections with your audience. It’s time to hit record and let your creativity shine!
Not sure what kind of Reels to create? Here are some fun and actionable ideas that align with Instagram video tips for small businesses:
Take your audience behind the curtain! Show how your products are made, what your office culture looks like, or how you prepare for a big event. It humanizes your brand and makes followers feel like insiders.
Pro tip: When creating behind-the-scenes videos, keep it authentic. Don’t worry about everything being perfect. It’s more important that your brand feels relatable and genuine.
Educational Reels that teach your audience something useful are always a hit. Whether it’s a quick how-to or a clever life hack, this type of content encourages people to save and share your Reel, amplifying its reach. Tutorials provide value and position you as an expert in your field, which can help you build authority and trust.
Pro tip: When creating tutorials and how-tos, keep the instructions simple and clear, and use text overlays or captions to reinforce key points.
Transformation Reels are inherently captivating because they tell a story. The contrast between “before” and “after” creates a sense of satisfaction for viewers. This format also highlights your brand’s ability to deliver tangible results, which can convert viewers into customers.
Whether it’s a physical transformation, a space makeover, or a project coming to life, these Reels hook people in and keep them watching until the big reveal.
Pro tip: Tease the transformation early and time the reveal strategically to keep viewers engaged.
Showcasing your products in action or highlighting their unique features through Reels can be an incredibly effective way to educate your audience and drive interest.
Instead of simply listing features, use storytelling to show how your product solves a problem or enhances someone’s life. Reels are highly visual, and this is your opportunity to demonstrate your product’s benefits in a memorable way.
Pro Tip: Highlight not just what the product does, but how it makes your customer feel. That emotional connection can be a game-changer.
Riding the wave of a viral trend can give your content a visibility boost, especially when it’s cleverly tied to your brand.
These Reels show you’re in tune with what’s popular while also offering your own unique perspective. Trends spread quickly, and being part of a challenge gives you a chance to reach a wider audience.
Pro Tip: Timing is everything. Get in on trends early, and don’t be afraid to add humor or unexpected elements that align with your brand’s personality.
Featuring customer stories in your Reels adds a level of authenticity and social proof that other types of content can’t replicate. This format shows real people benefiting from your products or services, which builds credibility and trust.
And social proof is one of the most powerful marketing tools. Seeing someone else’s positive experience can reduce hesitation and encourage viewers to take action. Plus, testimonials humanize your brand by shifting the focus to your customers.
Pro Tip: Include snippets of visuals or text that reinforce the customer’s story to make it even more compelling.
Seasonal and holiday-themed Reels keep your content fresh and relevant. They’re an opportunity to tap into what’s top of mind for your audience while aligning with cultural moments. From Valentine’s Day to back-to-school season, there’s always something to celebrate.
Seasonal content feels timely and relatable and lets you showcase your brand’s personality and creativity in a lighthearted way.
Pro Tip: Incorporate subtle branding into your visuals—like your logo, products, or colors—so your audience associates the festive vibes with your business.
We hope you’ve found these tips for creating Instagram Reels helpful. If you need help creating video content for your brand, Socialfly can help! We have a full-service production studio to tackle all your custom content needs.
Our team is well-versed in all levels of production, and we handle all aspects of pre-production, production, and post-production, serving as your one-stop shop for all things content creation.
Contact Socialfly to see how we can help or tweet us @Socialfly!
