It’s Social Media Day, and to mark this occasion BIG Partnership‘s Head of Social, Kevin Mitchell, is going to break down some of the current mysteries behind Instagram’s algorithm; sharing its real power and how you can approach the Grid, Stories, and Reels for your business.
In recent years, Instagram has become one of the most popular social media platforms, capturing the attention of users and businesses alike. With its user-friendly interface and visually appealing content, Instagram has a wide range of features that allow users to share their stories and experiences.
But these Instagram features are not equal, they all serve a very different purpose. Whilst some gravitate to newer features like Reels, convinced new equals value, others stick with the Grid, convinced Instagram’s original feature set is the only feature that matters.
I’m here to tell you, they’re all wrong. But I’m also here to tell all …
That’s why this Social Media Day, I’m going to tell you the real power of Instagram and how you can unleash your Instagram activity to power both your brand and demand.
How to approach Instagram’s Grid, Stories and Reels
Three of the most prominent features on Instagram are Grid posts, Reels, and Stories. Each feature has its own distinct purpose and style, offering different ways to share content and engage with your Instagram audience and followers. Let’s take a closer look at the platform differences between these features and how you should be using them to get real results.
Instagram Grid Posts
The Grid is the classic Instagram feed, where you can post photos and videos to share with followers. Grid posts are the backbone of Instagram, allowing users to curate their own visual galleries. Each post takes up a square in the grid, creating a visually pleasing and organised profile. Grid posts are great for sharing high-quality, carefully curated content that represents who you are or what you do.
The real power of the Instagram Grid: It’s all about sharing compelling content and stories with your followers. It’s about growing brand interest and sentiment, not reaching new audiences for rapid follower growth.
Instagram Stories
Instagram Stories are temporary, shareable posts that disappear after 24 hours. Stories bring a more spontaneous, behind-the-scenes, in-the-moment aspect to Instagram and your brand. You can share photos, videos, and live broadcasts, and add (custom) stickers, text, hashtags, and interactive elements such as polls, quizzes, and question boxes.
Additionally, Instagram Stories can be saved to Highlights, creating customisable sections on a user’s profile where they can categorise and feature their best and most important Stories for a longer period.
The real power of Instagram Stories: Stories are temporary, making them perfect for sharing casual, less polished content, adding a layer of authenticity to your Instagram activity, with your followers.
Instagram Reels
Introduced in 2020 as a direct response to the popularity of TikTok, Reels allows users to create and share short, looping videos. Reels is a platform within Instagram that offers various creative features, including video editing tools, audio tracks, effects, and AR filters.
Unlike Grid posts, Reels do not appear on users’ profiles. They are primarily discovered through the Explore page or the Reels tab, where users can browse through a curated selection of trending and popular content.
The real power of Instagram Reels: Reels offer the opportunity to reach a wider audience way beyond your existing following. This makes Instagram Reels a valuable tool for enhancing your visibility and reach on Instagram, especially when you use trending topics and sounds. Typically, businesses would use paid ads to achieve this type of reach (and paid should feature as part of your strategy, we can talk about that another time), but it’s sitting right here, waiting for you to use it for FREE!
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Instagram’s Grid posts, Reels, and Stories all belong to the same platform, each offers a unique way to reach and engage with your followers and new potential.
Grid posts allow for curated and permanent content, Stories bring an element of spontaneity and interactivity, and Reels provide a stage to reach a whole new audience across Instagram.
Utilising these different features can help you diversify your message and content, interact with your audience in multiple ways, and ultimately amplify your presence on Instagram like never before!
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