Instagram

In recent years, Instagram Reels continue to be a major player in reaching new audiences and boosting engagement. By creating short, creative, and eye-catching videos, you can easily capture attention and even become a viral sensation. Whether you’re a business, influencer, or simply want to entertain your followers, mastering Reels can give you a significant edge.

Want to know how to make your next Instagram Reels a hit? Today, System SocialZ will guide you through the key steps to crafting a Reel that stands out from the crowd. Let’s get started!

What are Instagram Reels?

Instagram Reels offer a great alternative to TikTok and other short-form video platforms. Initially limited to fifteen-second clips, Reels now allow videos up to ninety seconds, giving creators more flexibility. With advanced video editing tools available right in the app, users can produce high-quality content without needing an expensive computer.

You can either film directly within the Instagram app or import videos from other sources. Editing features like Speed let you adjust the pace of your video, while Align helps ensure smooth transitions between clips. The built-in timer also makes it easier to capture important moments with precision.

Instagram Reels include a vast library of licensed music, making it simple to add soundtracks to your videos. Since trending songs often gain popularity on video-sharing platforms, picking the right fifteen-second clip can make a big difference. Fortunately, Instagram Reels makes it effortless to incorporate popular music used in trending dance challenges and other viral content.

Instagram Reels are trending in recent years

How to use Instagram Reels?

Creating short, engaging videos is an art, and Instagram Reels offer multiple ways to succeed. Follow this System SocialZ guide to edit and post a Reel directly through the Instagram app.

Step 1: Open the Instagram Reels Editor

There are three simple ways to begin your Instagram Reel. Here’s how:

Source: Instagram

From the Instagram news feed, tap the plus button at the bottom of the screen.

In the Reels section, hit the camera icon in the top left corner to start recording.

From your profile, tap the plus button in the top right corner.

Note: The next two steps (2 and 3) can be done in any order. You can either add music first or video clips—your choice!

Step 2: Create Your Video or Select Clips

You can record a Reel directly within the app by pressing the record button, but most creators prefer to pre-record clips. To use clips from your camera roll, tap the square icon in the bottom left corner and select from your library.

Source: Instagram

Step 3: Add Audio

There are three ways to add music to your Instagram Reels:

Select audio while choosing your video clips by tapping the music note icon on the left.

After hitting “Next,” access the audio menu via the music note icon at the top.

In the clip editor, add audio through the same music note option.

Search for your preferred track or use trending songs, indicated by an upward arrow.

Source: Instagram

Step 4: Add Text

There are two ways to add text to Instagram Reels:

While previewing your Reel, tap the text icon at the top of the screen.

Or, in the clip editor, tap the “Text” option at the bottom to customize font, size, color, and style.

Source: Instagram

Step 5: Fine-Tune Your Reel

Using Instagram’s editing tools, you can trim clips, rearrange them, adjust speed, add transitions, split videos, and apply stickers. This is the step where you’ll likely replay the audio enough to get it stuck in your head!

Once you’re happy with the result, tap the blue arrow on the right.

Source: Instagram

Step 6: Choose a Cover Image

Selecting a cover image is important for your Instagram aesthetic. Tap “Edit cover” and either choose a frame from your video or add a still image from your camera roll.

Source: Instagram

Step 7: Write a Caption

Write a compelling caption and include a call-to-action to engage your audience.

Source: Instagram

Step 8: Tag Users

Tap “Tag people” and add any relevant collaborators, creators, or friends to your Instagram Reel.

Source: Instagram

Step 9: Add Optional Details

Before posting, you can also include additional information like product tags, location, topics, or reminders. These details help boost visibility in the algorithm.

Source: Instagram

Step 10: Hit “Share”

Once everything’s set, tap “Share,” and your Instagram Reel is live!

How does the Instagram Reels algorithm work?

The Instagram Reels you see—and the ones you don’t—are largely determined by the Instagram algorithm. While only Adam Mosseri and perhaps some dark forces know exactly how it works, a few key factors consistently influence what appears on your feed:

• Relationships: The algorithm considers who you interact with most frequently. If you engage with an account by liking, commenting, sharing, or DM’ing, Instagram Reels from that account are more likely to appear on your feed.
• Relevance: Instagram aims to show you content that aligns with your interests. The more you watch specific types of content (like cute animal videos or dance clips), the more similar Instagram Reels you’ll see.
• Timeliness: Fresh content is given priority in the Instagram Reels algorithm, meaning you’re more likely to see recently posted videos.
• Popularity: Accounts with larger, more active audiences tend to have their Instagram Reels favored by the algorithm, giving them better visibility. It’s a bit of a popularity contest after all!

How to Download Instagram Reels?

On Android

Source: Video Downloader for Instagram – Repost Instagram

If you’re using an Android device, here’s how to download Instagram Reels. It requires installing a third-party app from the Google Play Store.

First, go to Google Play and download the app Video Downloader for Instagram – Repost Instagram. Once installed, open the app and go through the setup process, which includes granting it access to your photos, media, and files. After setting it up, head back to Instagram and select the Reel you want to download. Tap the three-dot icon and choose “Copy Link.”

Return to the Video Downloader app, where the copied URL for the Instagram Reel will automatically paste itself. Finally, check your phone’s image gallery, and you’ll find the downloaded Reel ready for editing or sharing on other platforms.

On Iphone

Source: InSaver

To download Instagram Reels on your iPhone, start by visiting the App Store and downloading an app designed for this purpose, such as InSaver: Repost for Instagram. Once installed, open the app and grant it permission to access your photos and media.

Next, go back to Instagram and select the Instagram Reel you want to download. Tap the three-dot icon and choose “Copy Link.” Return to InSaver, where the copied link will automatically paste itself.

From there, tap “Watch It!” > “Options” > “Share” > “Save Video,” and the Instagram Reel will be saved directly to your Photos app.

The best time to post Reels on Instagram in 2024

Choosing the time to post Instagram Reels also helps you increase interaction significantly.

Getting a lot of likes, shares, and comments on a particular content format at a specific day and time doesn’t guarantee that every post will go viral. So, how do you determine the best times to post on Instagram Reels to optimize your reach and grow your audience? In this article, we’ll explore two key questions you can ask yourself to identify the ideal posting times for Instagram Reels, tailored to your audience.

Finding the perfect time to post on Instagram Reels can be challenging, but after analyzing over 100,000 short-form video posts, here are the time slots that yield the highest engagement rates (all times are in EST and apply broadly across sectors):

Best Times to Post on Instagram Reels:

• Monday: 6 AM, 10 AM, 10 PM
• Tuesday: 3 AM, 4 AM, 9 AM
• Wednesday: 7 AM, 9 AM, 11 PM
• Thursday: 9 AM, 12 PM, 7 PM
• Friday: 5 AM, 2 PM, 4 PM
• Saturday: 11 AM, 7 PM, 8 PM
• Sunday: 8 AM, 4 PM

How long can Instagram Reels be?

Using Instagram’s built-in Reel creator, you can make Reels between 15 and 90 seconds in length. However, if you’re looking to create shorter or much longer Reels, a third-party scheduling tool can help. For instance, with Hootsuite, you can upload Instagram Reels as short as three seconds or as long as 15 minutes.

Honestly, Instagram’s in-app video editor can be a bit tricky to navigate (unless you have unusually nimble fingers!), so it’s often better to use an external video editing app for more precision.

For maximum engagement, we’ve found that the optimal Instagram Reel length falls between 7 and 15 seconds.

Instagram Reel Sizes for 2024

The ideal size for Instagram Reels is 1080 pixels wide by 1920 pixels tall, with a 9:16 aspect ratio. This ensures your content fills the screen perfectly on mobile devices. Reels can run up to 60 seconds, and the caption limit is 2,200 characters.

Instagram Reels Dimensions in 2024

But keep in mind:

Social media dimensions can change frequently, and Instagram is no exception. For the latest updates, always check Instagram’s help center.

Instagram Reels Aspect Ratio

When viewed full-screen, Instagram Reels use a 9:16 aspect ratio. However, if someone watches a Reel from their feed, it’s cropped to a 4:5 ratio.

Instagram Reel Frame Size

The standard frame size for Instagram Reels is 1080 x 1920 pixels. Sticking to this size ensures your Reels take up the entire screen on most smartphones, creating an immersive experience. If you’re using an external camera app to record your Reel, make sure to follow this frame size to guarantee proper display on Instagram.

Instagram Reel Cover Size

For your Instagram Reel cover, the recommended size is 1080 x 1920 pixels, maintaining the 9:16 aspect ratio.

Instagram Reel Thumbnail Size

Thumbnails and cover photos serve different purposes. Thumbnails are square images (1080 x 1080 pixels, 1:1 aspect ratio) that appear in your profile grid, feed, or Explore page. The cover image, on the other hand, is a vertical image shown in the Reels section.

Instagram Reels Caption Length

Although captions are often overlooked by viewers, they provide valuable context to your video. Instagram Reels captions can be up to 2,200 characters long, including spaces, emojis, and hashtags.

Instagram Reel Length

The length of an Instagram Reel depends on how you upload it. If you’re using Instagram’s in-app camera, Reels can be up to 90 seconds. If you’re using an external app or tool like SocialPilot, your Reels can range from 3 seconds to 15 minutes.

Instagram Reels Compression Size

Instagram automatically resizes videos wider than 1080 pixels to a width of 1080 pixels. Videos with a width between 320 and 1080 pixels will retain their original resolution, provided the aspect ratio is between 1.91:1 and 4:5.

And that’s a wrap!

System SocialZ have covered all the Instagram Reel dimensions you need to know. Use these sizes to make your Reels stand out and boost your chances of going viral. For other Instagram video formats, such as Stories or Live videos, feel free to check out this Instagram video size guide.

How to share a Reel on Instagram?

Share because you care. There are plenty of ways to spread a great Instagram Reel, and they all start with tapping the little paper airplane icon in the bottom right corner of your screen.

After you tap the icon, you’ll see suggestions to send the Instagram Reel as a direct message to people you interact with frequently. You can also use the search bar to find a specific user.

In the same menu, you’ll find options to post the Instagram Reel to Threads, add it to your story, or share it via WhatsApp, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), or Snapchat. You can also hit Copy Link to share it with anyone online (even your grandma will appreciate the Reels you send her via email).

How to Find Instagram Reels Trends in 2024

Here are our top three tips for discovering trending songs and sounds on your Instagram Reels to boost engagement:

Scroll Through Your Instagram Reels Feed

 

Source: Instagram

If you enjoy watching Reels, spotting trending sounds will be easy. Open Instagram and explore the Reels feed until you find the small arrow we mentioned earlier.

When you tap on the trending sound, you can see its origin, the number of Reels that have used it, and all the Reels associated with it. Jackpot!

Ready to start filming? Just tap the “Use audio” button to begin creating with the trending sound.

TIP: If you love the sound but aren’t quite ready to film, save the audio to revisit it later.

Get Inspired on TikTok

Ironic, we know—but browsing your TikTok For You Page can be a fantastic source of inspiration for Instagram Reels.

If you’re looking to jump on a more niche trend, head to TikTok and search for “trending sounds” in the search bar.

Filter the videos to “this week,” and you’ll discover TikToks from creators sharing the latest trending sounds and how to use them.

NOTE: TikTok trends usually make their way to Instagram Reels a few weeks later, so bookmark your favorites to stay ahead of the game.

Top 20 Instagram Reel Ideas for All Types of Brands

Instagram has increasingly focused on its video strategy in recent years. According to The Sprout Social Index™, short-form videos are 2.5 times more engaging than long-form ones. As the most engaging type of in-feed social content, short-form videos are clearly a crowd favorite.

With the ability to publish longer videos and the growing popularity of short-form content, there’s plenty of opportunities for brands to get creative and enhance their engagement through Instagram Reels.

Here are 20 ideas, categorized by industry, to inspire you and elevate your video marketing strategy on Instagram.

Instagram Reels Ideas for Fashion and Retail Brands

Given the variety of content types available, retail and fashion brands naturally excel at showcasing products appealingly, making Instagram Reels a fitting marketing tool. Push the creative boundaries of your brand with these ideas and explore relevant Reel hashtags to increase your visibility:

Promote Hot In-Store Items

Capture clips of your best-selling products, similar to Lost Girls Vintage’s Reels. In addition to highlighting a popular item, include some insights about the product and its designer.

Source: Lost Girls Vintage’s

Show the Process and Customer Reactions

While beautiful photos are great for physical products, services can shine too. Take your audience through your service process, showcasing the end result alongside a satisfied customer.

Create Fun Scenarios to Showcase Your Inventory

Tap into your imagination and devise scenarios that highlight your products. Creating relatable settings helps customers envision themselves using your items, especially when they’re shopping intentionally.

For instance, in the Reel above, Solo Stove depicts a group of friends enjoying a girls’ night in while using the Solo Stove Mesa to make s’mores. Setting the scene allows customers to see your products in a fresh light.

Source: Solo Stove

Share a Fact to Showcase Your Values

Presenting facts about causes your brand supports is a straightforward, impactful way to communicate your values.

Collaborate with Influencers Creatively

Collaborating can yield significant benefits for your brand, but finding the right influencers to connect with your audience is crucial. Krystal’s witty video announcing their new Side Chik chicken slider exemplifies a successful partnership with influencer Brittany Renner, illustrating that they’re not trying to replace beloved Southern-style chicken sandwiches but rather offer an exciting new option.

Using Instagram Reels in these ways can help your brand connect with audiences and showcase your products effectively!

Source: Krystal

Instagram Reels Ideas for Higher Education Institutions

Rekindle alumni’s sentimental feelings by sharing content that reminds them of their college experiences.

Create content that evokes fond memories of college life for alumni. For example, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill takes viewers on a tour of the Tar Heels’ iconic murals, encouraging alumni to share their favorite pieces in the comments. Campus and town tours not only connect with alumni but also excite prospective students about visiting. A great example is this Reel from the University of Georgia, which showcases its stunning campus while a student tour guide explains why each location is significant to Dawg Nation.

Source: uncchapelhill

Get Cinematic and Showcase Students

The University of Georgia excels at storytelling through its Reels. One notable example highlights the unique journey of a third-year student, Hayden Swank. With beautiful visuals and a compelling voiceover, the Reel captures a documentary-like feel. This high production quality and authentic narrative not only make the Reel stand out but also provide prospective students a glimpse into the experiences of current students as they consider their educational options.

Source: universityofgeorgia

Engage Your Students

This idea incorporates a social media contest where followers get to vote for their favorite content. Indiana University, for instance, encouraged students to share their best photos and videos of campus during the fall. The caption explains that students will vote for their favorites on Instagram, with winners receiving IU merchandise—something every college student loves! This strategy fosters engagement among current students over time and allows prospective students to see stunning campus images, helping them envision their future there.

Source: indianauniversity

Offer Resources During Midterms and Finals Week

Midterms and finals week can be incredibly stressful for college students. Use Instagram Reels to provide valuable resources, such as free meditation sessions or study snacks, to help your student body relax and focus during these challenging times.

Instagram Reels Ideas for Business-to-Business Brands

Contrary to common misconceptions, Instagram can be a powerful platform for B2B brands. Here are some creative ways to use Instagram Reels for your B2B company:

Promote an Upcoming Event

Generate excitement for your upcoming events by creating engaging Reels. For instance, Chemistry, a creative agency based in Atlanta, promoted a workshop for professionals in digital advertising, public relations, and media production. Their Reel features chief creative officer Chris Breen discussing the agency’s clients and sharing insights about the industry. This approach not only builds interest but also previews the valuable thought leadership that professionals seek.

Source: Chirs Breen

Showcase Brand Values and Culture

Use Instagram Reels to illustrate your company’s values and culture in an entertaining way. Chemistry cleverly introduces Odie in a segment called “Dogsplaining with Chemistry,” where the adorable dog shares insights about the agency’s core values while interacting with colleagues in the dog-friendly office. This creative presentation highlights the agency’s culture and provides a fun twist on brand storytelling.

Use Animation

Incorporate animation to highlight new product updates and features. Since many Instagram Reels are video-based, adding animation can help diversify your brand’s feed. Your animations don’t have to be overly complex; simplified designs that convey your message clearly are often more effective. Just remember that while animation can enhance your content, it may require considerable time and resources, so aim for efficiency.

Post a Satisfying Time-Lapse

Capture attention quickly with time-lapse videos. These are simple to film and edit, making them a great option for your creative and social teams. Time-lapses are effective for a variety of applications, from cooking demonstrations to artistic projects, and can also cater to niche audiences.

Source: inventables

Use a Trending Sound

While visuals are key, sound is equally important in creating impactful Instagram Reels. B2B brands can leverage trending sounds effectively. For example, Inventables utilized the “Go Little Rockstar” trend to showcase how a small drill bit can create impressive signage. The sound enhances the video’s appeal, while the caption serves as a complementary narrative, featuring call-to-action prompts and addressing frequently asked questions. Consider how trending sounds can help you further engage your audience through captions.

Share Industry Tips with a Talking Head Series

Provide industry-related tips to position your brand as a knowledgeable leader. For instance, ClickUp’s #WorkBestie series shares productivity insights. In one of their Reels, the series discusses the dos and don’ts of organizing meetings. Talking head series are popular for showcasing your brand’s personality and voice effectively.

Source: Clickup

Participate in Seasonal Cheer

Holidays are a perfect opportunity for B2B brands to connect with audiences through festive Reels. LaunchDarkly, a feature management platform, created a Halloween-themed Reel featuring a jack-o’-lantern animation with their logo. Such Reels not only reflect your brand’s personality but also allow for engagement on topics that resonate with your audience.

Source: lauchdarkly

Instagram Reels Ideas for Government Agencies and Nonprofits

Government agencies and nonprofit organizations can also leverage Instagram Reelscreatively. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

Post a Recap of an Event

Keep your audience informed by sharing recaps of past events. Followers who attended will enjoy reliving the experience, while those who missed it will be excited for future events. 

For instance, Green City Market shared a recap of their annual Chef BBQ festival, showcasing delicious dishes, vendor tables, and more. Such Reel recaps not only engage viewers but can also drive more donations or funding by providing memorable visuals of your organization’s activities.

Instagram Reels Ideas for Travel and Tourism Brands

Share a #Relatable Travel Frustration

Some of the best social media content revolves around relatable experiences. Have you ever purchased in-flight Wi-Fi only to receive no replies from friends and family? Creating relatable content resonates with customers, as they seek authenticity from brands on social media.

Source: Hopper

Instagram Reels Ideas for Healthcare Companies

Even healthcare companies can effectively utilize Instagram Reels. Here are a couple of our favorite ideas:

Spotlight Frontline Professionals

Highlight the contributions of frontline responders who are making a difference in the community. For example, the Grady Health System shared an old music video featuring paramedics and other frontline workers. Light-hearted content like this not only uplifts healthcare professionals, acknowledging their daily challenges, but it also fosters a sense of community spirit through familiar tunes.

Use ASMR

ASMR videos are gaining popularity on Instagram, along with trending sounds. The pet insurance brand Figo incorporated ASMR in one of their Reels as a call to action. The Reel prompted viewers to comment with their favorite ASMR sounds, demonstrating how effective captions can drive engagement and direct social traffic to your brand’s website.

Other Instagram Reels tips for 2024

Now that you’ve grasped the basics, let’s dive into more advanced strategies that will make your Instagram Reels truly irresistible.

Adding Captions

Incorporating captions into your Reels enhances accessibility for all viewers. You can create your own captions using the text editor in Reels, or take advantage of Instagram’s caption-generating tool for a more straightforward approach. To automatically add captions to your Instagram Reel, tap the sticker button located in the top right corner.

Boosting Reels

“Boosting” an Instagram Reel is essentially transforming it into an ad. By paying Instagram to display your Reel more frequently, you take control away from the algorithm, ensuring that your content reaches a wider audience. However, keep in mind that you cannot boost any Reels that utilize copyrighted music; it’s best to use original audio or royalty-free music for any Reel you intend to promote. To boost a Reel, first publish it on Instagram, then tap the three dots in the bottom left corner of your screen. From there, you can select your goal, audience, budget, and duration for your boosted Reel.

Scheduling Reels

Scheduling your Reels for optimal posting times is a smart strategy for social media marketing and is also beneficial for maintaining the sanity of a social media manager.

Using Great Hashtags

Hashtags are an effective way to navigate Instagram’s algorithm and reach your target audience. 

Increase views on Instagram Reels by using the right hashtags

Replying to a Comment with a Reel

Engagement is crucial on Instagram, and one entertaining way to interact with your audience is by responding to comments with a Reel. To do this, select the comment you’d like to reply to; it will appear as a sticker in your Reel. Hit the Reply button as you normally would to type a comment.

Splitting Clips on Reels

To make your Reels as engaging as possible, it’s important to eliminate any dull sections. You can easily edit out the less interesting parts by splitting clips and deleting anything unnecessary. In the Instagram Reels editor, tap “Edit Video.” Find the point in the timeline where you want to split the clip (this is where the section you want to cut begins). Move the playhead (the vertical line indicating your position in the video) to that spot and select “Split.” Then, move the playhead to the end of the section you want to cut and split it again. By isolating the section you want to remove, you can select “Delete” to eliminate it.

Using Templates on Instagram Reels

One of the best hacks for creating Instagram Reels is utilizing templates instead of starting from scratch. Templates automatically adjust your selected clips to a specified length that matches the audio. To access this feature, open the Instagram Reels editor and tap “Templates” at the bottom right. This will bring up the Instagram Reels template library, where you can find trending templates and those recommended by Instagram. Choose a template that suits your needs. Then, select the clips you want to include by tapping “Add Media.” Instagram will automatically trim the clips to fit the template, and just like that, you’re finished!

Repurpose Your Instagram Reels Content

Now that you know how to download Instagram Reels, it’s time to maximize their value by repurposing them. Repurposing simply means taking the video content you’ve created for Instagram Reels and reusing it across different platforms.

This strategy comes with multiple benefits. First, repurposing saves time and energy, allowing you to focus on crafting high-quality content without needing to create a fresh video for every platform. It also provides an SEO advantage—when your content is shared across multiple platforms, you get more chances to target specific keywords and even earn valuable backlinks when published externally.

How to Repurpose Your Instagram Reels Content?

Additionally, repurposing your Instagram Reels content helps you tap into new audiences. Not everyone uses the same platforms, so spreading your content across different networks ensures that you reach people where they’re already spending time online. Even if there’s overlap between your audiences, repurposing reinforces your messaging and keeps your brand top-of-mind.

Moreover, repurposing your Instagram Reels establishes your authority in your niche. When your content consistently appears on various platforms, it enhances your reputation as a thought leader and strengthens your industry presence.

Here are three effective ways to repurpose your Instagram Reels:

• Instagram Highlights: You can save your Instagram Reels in Highlights on your profile. Highlights are a great way to showcase your best content permanently, and you can organize them into categories or a dedicated Reels highlight.
• Pinterest: Pinterest now supports video Pins up to two minutes in length, and since Instagram Reels can be up to 90 seconds, they’re perfect for repurposing on this platform. By sharing your Reels as video Pins, you can expand your brand’s reach on Pinterest.
• Other Social Media Platforms: You can also use your Instagram Reels across platforms like TikTok to boost your content’s reach. By recycling your Reels on platforms like TikTok, you can leverage their algorithms and increase your chances of going viral.

Repurposing your Instagram Reels is an effective way to extend the life of your content while maximizing its reach and impact.

Why use hashtags with your Instagram Reels?

Hashtags do more than just increase the visibility of your Instagram Reels. They are also powerful tools for targeting and analytics. Here are three key benefits of incorporating hashtags into your Instagram Reels strategy:

Make Your Content Easier to Find

Hashtags help make your Instagram Reels discoverable by a wider audience, even those who don’t already follow you. By adding relevant hashtags to your Reels, you can increase the chances of your videos being seen by users interested in the themes or topics you’re covering. This can lead to more engagement in the form of likes, comments, and shares, which are crucial for boosting your social media presence. Additionally, interacting with users who engage with your hashtags helps strengthen your brand’s connection with its audience.

Moreover, staying on top of trending hashtags and using them in your Instagram Reels allows you to capitalize on current events and popular trends. This not only amplifies your content’s reach but also keeps your brand relevant and timely in the fast-paced social media world.

Target Niche Demographics and Audiences

While viral Instagram Reels are great, not every viewer is a potential customer. Hashtags help you focus your content on specific communities or demographics that align with your target audience. By using niche-specific hashtags, you can attract more qualified leads—people who are genuinely interested in your products or services. This increased visibility among your target audience can lead to better business outcomes and a higher return on investment (ROI).

Use Hashtag Analytics to Improve Your Instagram Strategy

Tracking the performance of different hashtags on your Instagram Reels can offer valuable insights into what resonates best with your audience. By analyzing key metrics like reach and engagement, you can refine your content strategy to better align with your audience’s interests and preferences.

Hashtags on Instagram Reels are not just for visibility—they are vital tools for targeting, audience engagement, and optimizing your social media strategy.

Can you earn money from Instagram Reels?

Short answer: Yes!

Long answer: While earning money from Instagram Reels takes time and effort, it’s definitely possible. Though it may not be as straightforward as it once was, there are still plenty of ways to monetize your Instagram Reels.

Previously, Instagram had its Reels Play bonus program, which allowed users to earn directly from their Reels. However, this program ended in March 2023. But don’t worry—you can still make money with Instagram Reels if you’re creative about it.

How to Earn Money from Instagram Reels as a Business

Although creators tend to have more direct monetization options within Instagram, businesses can use Instagram Reels to boost their revenue too.

Promote Products and Services

One of the most effective ways to generate income from Instagram Reels is by showcasing your products or services. Highlighting what you offer through engaging Reels can encourage your audience to make a purchase or sign up.

For example, Typeform uses Instagram Reels to introduce an AI tool in their form maker, turning interested viewers into potential customers. Another example is Book of the Month using a funny audio clip to describe a book’s plot in a Reel, which entices viewers to subscribe to their service.

To maximize sales through Instagram Reels, follow these tips:

• Use high-quality visuals or animations
• Focus on how your product solves a problem
• Share compelling reasons to buy or sign up

Include a clear call-to-action so viewers know where to go next

Since Instagram allows only one link in your profile bio, businesses often direct viewers to that link. Tools like Hootsuite’s Hootbio let you turn that single link into a landing page hosting multiple links, making it easier for users to find what they’re looking for from your Reels.

Create Shoppable Instagram Reels

Source: Zara

For ecommerce businesses, shoppable Instagram Reels are another direct way to generate revenue. By using Meta’s Commerce Manager, you can set up an online shop through your Instagram profile and Facebook Page.

With an Instagram shop, you can create collections, offer discounts, and highlight new arrivals or promotions. You can even tag products directly in your Instagram Reels, so viewers can purchase without ever leaving the app.

For example, Stanley promotes its water bottles by tagging them in their Reels. This makes it simple for viewers to immediately buy a product they see in the Reel without having to leave Instagram.

By creatively using Instagram Reels, businesses can not only engage their audience but also drive revenue directly through the platform.

How to use Instagram Reels to make money as a creator?

Opting for a creator account unlocks several built-in monetization features that aren’t available to businesses. However, these aren’t the only ways to earn income from Instagram Reels. Let’s explore the top strategies for creators and influencers to make money with Instagram Reels.

Partner with Brands

Many creators use Instagram Reels for influencer marketing, collaborating with brands to promote their products or services. As a creator, you can set your own rates and charge brands for making sponsored Reels or even a series of Reels.

For example, Madeline Robson created a Reel promoting a skincare service, showcasing the process and results. She included a call-to-action in her bio, inviting other brands to collaborate with her. If you’re serious about brand partnerships, having a solid following helps. Working with an agent is a good option once you reach over 100,000 followers, but if you’re just starting, try connecting with brands on social media. Engage with their content, follow them, and reach out to their social media manager or partnership team.

You can also use influencer platforms like InfluenceHer Collective, Fohr, or Upfluence to find brand collaborations. Rates vary based on your following, but creators can earn anywhere from $10 to $10,000 per Instagram Reel.

Become an Affiliate

Affiliate marketing is another great way for creators to monetize their audience using Instagram Reels. As an affiliate, you promote products and earn a commission for every sale generated through your affiliate links.

For example, Visme, a graphic design tool, offers a 25% commission to affiliates. If you promote Visme in your Instagram Reels and a viewer signs up through your link, you earn a percentage of the sale. Similarly, Day Designer offers a 15% commission on purchases made through affiliate links. You can feature their products in your Reels and direct viewers to your affiliate link in your bio, as Instagram Reels captions don’t support clickable links.

Tools like Hootbio can help you manage multiple affiliate links in one place, making it easier for your audience to find and use them.

Promote a Subscription

Creators with Instagram creator accounts can also offer paid subscriptions to their followers, providing exclusive content like live streams, Stories, or subscriber-only Reels. Subscriptions range from $0.99 to $99.99 per month, depending on the type of content you offer.

To promote your subscription, create Instagram Reels that tease your exclusive content. When you post a Reel, a “Subscribe” button will appear alongside the Reel, offering a great call-to-action for your audience. The more Reels you create, the more opportunities you have to gain subscribers and build a steady income stream.

Accept Virtual Gifts

Instagram creators can also earn money from Instagram Reels through virtual gifts. These gifts are available in the comments section of your Reels, where viewers can click the gift icon to send you stars. Each star can be converted to real money, with 100 stars equaling $1.

Viewers can purchase stars in increments, and once your balance reaches $25, you can cash out. Just ensure you’ve added a payout account to avoid losing your stars after Instagram’s 5-month policy limit.

Whether you’re a creator looking to monetize your influence or a business promoting your services, Instagram Reels offers multiple monetization opportunities. By leveraging these features, you can turn your Reels into a source of income and grow your brand on the platform.

Instagram Reels – Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs for Instagram Reels

What’s the difference between Reels and Instagram Stories?

While both Reels and Stories allow users to share short videos, Reels are meant for more permanent content and can be shared publicly on the Explore page. Stories disappear after 24 hours, while Reels stay on your profile unless deleted.

Is the timing of your Instagram Reels posts important?

Yes, timing is crucial when it comes to posting on Instagram Reels. To maximize engagement and visibility, it’s important to share your content at the right time. The best time to post will depend largely on where your audience is located and when they are most active on Instagram. By understanding your audience’s behavior and posting when they’re online, you can increase the chances of your Reels getting more views and engagement.

How Often Should I Post on Instagram Reels?

Many short-form video creators, like those on TikTok, tend to post several times a day. However, since Instagram Reels is video-based, creating high-quality content will require more time and effort compared to text-based posts on other platforms. Quality is more important than quantity when it comes to Instagram Reels. While it’s ideal to post frequently, especially if you want to grow an engaged audience, aim to post at least once a day or most days to keep your audience interested and engaged.

How Can I Get More Views on Instagram Reels?

There’s no secret formula for getting more views on Instagram Reels, but there are several strategies you can use to improve your chances:

• Create high-quality, engaging content
• Use relevant and trending hashtags in your captions
• Add music to your videos
• Stay updated with trends and challenges
• Engage with your audience regularly

By focusing on these best practices, you’ll attract more views and foster better audience engagement, which will ultimately lead to more success with your Reels.

Do Hashtags Work on Instagram Reels?

Yes, hashtags play an important role in helping people discover your Instagram Reels. You’ll find hashtags for popular challenges, specific topics, video styles, and more. Many businesses also create custom hashtags to collect all posts about their brand in one place, making it easier for users to find content related to them.

How Do You Make Money from Instagram Reels?

Currently, Instagram Reels doesn’t offer built-in monetization through ads or revenue-sharing models. That’s one reason why some influencers and brands have been slow to fully embrace the platform. However, Instagram itself generates revenue through ads and sponsored posts, much like Facebook. Though there’s no direct way to earn from Instagram Reels, creators and brands can use them to promote products, increase brand awareness, and drive traffic to other revenue-generating channels.

Why are Reels important for business accounts?

Reels allow businesses to:

• Reach new audiences through the Explore page.
• Showcase products in creative ways.
• Engage with followers through entertaining and informative content.
• Build brand visibility and boost interaction rates.

Can I edit a Reel after posting it?

Once a Reel is posted, you cannot edit the video itself. However, you can edit the caption or change the cover image.

Conclusion

In conclusion, creating viral Instagram Reels in 2024 is all about leveraging the right trends, engaging with your audience authentically, and utilizing the platform’s latest tools and features. Whether you’re experimenting with creative visuals, boosting your Reels for higher reach, or replying to comments with a Reel, the opportunities for growth are endless. By following these step-by-step strategies, you can ensure your content resonates with viewers and stands out in the competitive digital landscape. Stay ahead of the curve with System SocialZ, your go-to partner for mastering the art of social media success.

Are you ready to transform your Instagram into a thriving online store? In 2024, Instagram Shopping has become an indispensable tool for businesses looking to reach and engage with their target audience directly on the platform. With billions of active users, Instagram offers a unique opportunity to showcase your products and drive sales.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the ins and outs of Instagram Shopping, covering everything from setting up your shop to creating visually appealing product listings. Whether you’re a seasoned e-commerce entrepreneur or just starting, this guide System SocialZ will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to maximize your sales potential on Instagram. Ready to unlock the power of social commerce? Keep reading to discover how Instagram Shopping can revolutionize your business.

What is Instagram shopping?

Instagram Shopping is a set of features that allows businesses to sell products directly on Instagram by creating a seamless shopping experience within the app. It provides brands with the ability to showcase products through posts, stories, reels, live videos, and a dedicated Shop tab, allowing users to browse, explore, and purchase products without ever leaving the platform.

With Instagram Shopping, businesses can tag products in their content, offering users detailed information about items, such as pricing and descriptions, and a direct path to purchase them. Instagram Shopping turns the platform from a social media site into an interactive marketplace, where users can shop as they scroll through their feed, making product discovery easy and integrated into the social experience.

What is Instagram Shopping?

Instagram Shopping Features in 2024

Instagram Shopping offers various features designed to help businesses showcase and sell their products directly on the platform. These features are optimized to create a seamless shopping experience for users while helping businesses reach potential customers. Below is a detailed explanation of the key Instagram Shopping features:

Product Tags

Product Tags are one of the core features of Instagram Shopping, enabling businesses to tag specific products in their photos, videos, stories, and reels. These tags help users directly access product details, pricing, and purchase links.

Where Product Tags Can Be Used:

• Posts: In-feed photos and videos can have up to 5 product tags in a single image or up to 20 product tags in carousel posts.
• Stories: Product tags can be added to Instagram Stories, allowing users to swipe up and view product details.
• Reels: Businesses can tag products in reels, giving users the ability to shop directly from short videos.
• Live Videos: Instagram Live allows businesses to feature products during live streams, where users can click on product tags to make purchases in real time.

Benefits:

• Makes shopping easy and accessible.
• Boosts product discoverability.
• Increases conversions by directing users straight to product pages.

Instagram Shop Tab

Source: Instagram

The Instagram Shop Tab is a dedicated space where users can explore and browse products from various brands. This feature offers a curated shopping experience directly within the Instagram app, similar to browsing an online store.

How the Shop Tab Works:

• Users can discover new products and businesses based on their activity and interests.
• Products are categorized, and users can filter items by categories such as beauty, fashion, or electronics.
• When users click on a product in the Shop Tab, they can view detailed product information, including pricing, descriptions, and purchase options.

For Businesses:

• Offers a storefront for businesses on Instagram.
• Helps businesses get discovered by users who are actively shopping.
• The Shop Tab allows businesses to display collections, featured products, and new arrivals.

Shoppable Stories and Reels

Instagram Stories and Reels offer interactive ways to promote and sell products with built-in shopping capabilities.

Shoppable Stories:

• Businesses can use Instagram Stories to highlight products using Product Stickers. These stickers function as product tags and can be placed within stories to allow users to directly click and purchase.
• Stories offer limited-time engagement, making them ideal for flash sales or time-sensitive promotions.

Shoppable Reels:

• Reels, Instagram’s short-form video feature, allows brands to create engaging, entertaining content while showcasing their products.
• Products can be tagged within reels, so users can shop directly from the video.
• Reels are ideal for product demonstrations, tutorials, or creative brand storytelling.

Product Collections

Source: inkmeetspaper

Product Collections allow businesses to group products into themed categories or curated selections. Collections help organize your Instagram Shop and offer a personalized shopping experience for your audience.

Types of Product Collections:

• Seasonal Collections: For example, a “Holiday Collection” during festive seasons.
• Themed Collections: Such as “Summer Essentials” or “Work From Home Gear.”
• Promotional Collections: Featuring discounted items or best-sellers.

Benefits:

• Helps users easily navigate products.
• Increases engagement by offering personalized and targeted product groupings.
• Encourages more browsing time within the Instagram Shop.

Instagram Checkout (Available in Select Markets)

Instagram Checkout is a game-changing feature that allows users to purchase products directly within the Instagram app, without having to leave the platform.

How Instagram Checkout Works:

• When a user clicks on a product tag, they are taken to a product detail page where they can make a purchase via Instagram’s secure checkout.
• Users can save their payment and shipping information, making future purchases faster and more convenient.

For Businesses:

• Reduces friction in the purchase process, leading to higher conversion rates.
• Simplifies the customer journey by keeping the entire shopping experience within Instagram.
• Currently available only in select countries (such as the U.S.), but Instagram is gradually expanding this feature.

Shopping From Creators

Instagram shopping made easier with creators

Instagram allows businesses to leverage influencer marketing by enabling Shopping from Creators. With this feature, influencers and creators can tag products from a brand’s catalog in their own posts, allowing followers to shop the products directly from the creator’s content.

How it Works:

• Influencers can create posts, stories, or reels that feature product tags from the brands they are collaborating with.
• Users can click on the product tag to view details and purchase directly from the brand, even though the content is shared by the influencer.

Benefits:

• Increases trust and authenticity, as users often rely on influencers they follow for product recommendations.
• Expands reach to new audiences through influencer collaborations.

Instagram Live Shopping

Instagram Live Shopping allows businesses to sell products in real time during a live stream. This feature creates a dynamic shopping experience and enables instant engagement with potential customers.

How Instagram Live Shopping Works:

• During a live session, businesses can showcase and demonstrate products, while viewers can see product tags pop up on the screen.
• Users can click on these tags to view product details or make purchases without leaving the live stream.

Benefits:

• Engages users in real time and answers their questions about products.
• Builds excitement around product launches, flash sales, or exclusive offers.
• A great tool for influencers or brands to promote new products with a sense of urgency.

Shopping Ads

Businesses can promote their products on Instagram using Shopping Ads, which link directly to product detail pages.

Types of Shopping Ads:

• Product Tag Ads: Ads that showcase a single product with clickable tags for more details.
• Carousel Ads: Multiple products displayed in a swipeable format, each with a product tag.
• Collection Ads: Feature a main image or video with additional products underneath, allowing for an immersive shopping experience.

Benefits:

• Increases product visibility beyond organic reach.
• Drives traffic to your Instagram Shop or directly to your website.
• Targeted ads based on user interests and behaviors.

Saved Collections

Source: Instagram

Instagram allows users to save products they’re interested in to their own personal collections. This feature enables users to bookmark products for future purchases.

For Businesses:

• Encourages users to revisit saved products later, increasing the chances of conversion.
• Helps businesses keep their products top-of-mind for users who may not make an immediate purchase.

Why are brands using it for social commerce?

Instagram Shopping is an innovative feature that enables businesses to sell products directly to their followers via their Instagram profiles. It allows companies to turn their Instagram accounts into virtual storefronts where customers can easily browse, explore product details, and make purchases without ever leaving the app.

By setting up an Instagram Shop, businesses can showcase their products in a visually appealing way, making it simple for customers to shop seamlessly. This feature provides numerous advantages, including greater brand visibility, enhanced customer engagement, and improved sales conversion rates. Below are four key benefits of using Instagram Shopping for social commerce:

Expand Your Reach to a Diverse Audience

With Instagram Shopping, businesses can effectively target a wide range of customers. Instagram’s extensive user base covers various demographics, giving brands the opportunity to reach their ideal audience and start thriving in the world of social commerce.

Be proactive in seeking out different potential clients.

Boost Product Discovery with Ease

Instagram Shopping makes it easier for businesses to display their products and showcase unique features. This smooth, integrated shopping experience drives higher sales and increases revenue by making products more discoverable to a broader audience.

Leverage Visual Content to Drive Sales

As a visually driven platform, Instagram allows businesses to create a rich shopping experience by using high-quality photos and videos. With Instagram Shopping, you can tag products in posts, stories, and reels, turning content into shoppable experiences that entice customers to purchase, effectively boosting engagement and conversions.

Craft an Engaging Shopping Journey

Instagram Shopping offers an immersive experience for shoppers who love to engage with brands through social media. By creating a captivating shopping environment on Instagram, businesses can foster brand loyalty and connect with passionate customers. Additionally, Instagram’s built-in analytics offer valuable insights into customer shopping behavior, helping businesses refine their strategies to meet customer needs.

Despite its growing popularity, many businesses still struggle to fully capitalize on Instagram Shopping. Some face eligibility challenges, while others find it difficult to develop a successful strategy that leads to sales. However, with the right approach and expert guidance, businesses can unlock the full potential of Instagram Shopping to grow and strengthen their relationship with their audience like never before.

How to get approved for Instagram shopping in 2024?

What does it take to get approved to post products on Instagram shop?

Before you can set up Instagram Shopping, you need to ensure your business checks a few boxes for eligibility.

Your business is located in a supported market where Instagram Shopping is available. Check the list to confirm.

You sell a physical, eligible product.

Your business complies with Instagram’s merchant agreement and commerce policies.

Your business owns your eCommerce website.

You have a business profile on Instagram. If your account is set up as a personal profile, don’t worry — it’s easy to change your settings to business.

6 Steps Set Up Instagram Shopping

Step 1: Switch to a Business or Creator Account

To access Instagram Shopping, you’ll need to convert your account to a Business or Creator profile if you haven’t already.

Not only does this make you eligible for Instagram Shopping features, but it also unlocks helpful analytics tools. 

Step 2: Set Up a Shop Using Commerce Manager

Use Commerce Manager or a supported eCommerce platform to create your Instagram Shop.

Choose your checkout method. Decide where you’d like customers to complete their purchases.

Pro Tip: If you’re based in the U.S., consider using Instagram’s in-app checkout feature, as it allows customers to buy directly on Instagram Shopping. Find out more about setting up your Checkout here.

Select your sales channels. Choose the Instagram business account you want linked to your shop.

If you have a Facebook Page, you can connect it here to sell on both Facebook and Instagram Shopping.

Step 3: Link to a Facebook Page

If you have a Facebook Page, linking it to your Instagram Shop will help streamline your processes. Although it’s no longer required to have a Facebook Page for Instagram Shopping, connecting them can be useful. Here’s how:

• Open Instagram and go to Edit Profile.
• Under Public Business Information, select Page.
• Choose your Facebook Business Page to link.

Step 4: Upload Your Product Catalog

Now it’s time to upload your products to your Instagram Shop. You have two options: manually input your product details into Commerce Manager or integrate a product catalog from a certified eCommerce platform (like Shopify or BigCommerce).

Here’s a breakdown of each catalog creation method:

Option A: Using Commerce Manager

Log in to Commerce Manager.

Select Catalog.

Click on Add Products and choose Add Manually.

Upload product details: image, name, description, price, availability, and product URL.

Add details like product category, condition, brand, and shipping options.

Click Add Product when you’re finished.

Option B: Integrating an eCommerce Platform

Go to Commerce Manager, open the Catalog tab, and select Data Sources.

Click Add Items and select Use a Partner Platform.

Choose your platform (Shopify, BigCommerce, etc.) and follow the steps to connect your store to Instagram Shopping.

Pro Tip: Regularly update your product catalog, keeping photos and stock levels current to maintain a smooth shopping experience.

Step 5: Submit Your Account for Review

Once your Instagram Shop is set up, submit your account for review. The process typically takes a few days, though it can take longer in some cases.

Open your Instagram settings.

Tap Sign Up for Instagram Shopping.

Complete the steps to submit your account for review.

Check the review status in your Shopping settings.

Step 6: Activate Instagram Shopping

After your account has been approved, it’s time to connect your product catalog to your Instagram Shop.

Go to your Instagram settings.

Tap Business, then Shopping.

Select the product catalog to link.

Hit Done, and your Instagram Shopping is ready to go!

How to Create Instagram Shopping Posts?

A step-by-step guide on how to create shopping posts on Instagram

Your Instagram Shop is polished and fully stocked, and your product catalog is ready to go. Now, it’s time to bring in customers and start driving sales! To do this, you’ll need to create engaging shopping posts by tagging your products in posts, Reels, and Stories directly on Instagram Shopping.

Check out this video for step-by-step instructions on how to tag your products and turn your regular content into shoppable experiences. This is your key to making your products more discoverable and easily accessible for potential buyers!

For images: Click on a spot in the image, then search for and select the item from your product catalog. You can add up to 5 product tags per image. Once done, click Done.

For videos: You’ll immediately see a catalog search. Simply search for and select all the products you wish to tag in the video.

Shoppable Instagram Shopping posts will display a shopping bag icon in the bottom left corner. All tagged products will be showcased under the Shopping tab on your profile.

How to Create Instagram Shopping Stories?

To tag a product in your Instagram Shopping Story, use the Stickers feature.

First, upload or create your story content as usual. Then, click on the Sticker icon in the top-right corner. Find the Product sticker, and choose the appropriate product from your catalog.

Pro Tip: You can customize the appearance of your product sticker to match your Story’s color theme.

How to Create Instagram Shopping Ads?

You can either boost an existing Instagram Shopping post or create a new ad from scratch in Ads Manager, using product tags from your catalog.

Ads with Instagram Shopping tags can direct viewers to your eCommerce site, or, if available, allow customers to purchase directly through Instagram Checkout.

For more detailed information, check out our guide to Instagram advertising with product tags.

How to Create an Instagram Live Shopping Stream?

(Note: As of February 2023, Instagram has discontinued Live Shopping. However, other Instagram Shopping features like Shops, tags, and collections remain available.)

In the U.S., Instagram Live Shopping allows businesses and creators to showcase products during live broadcasts and enable real-time purchases via Instagram Checkout. Live stream shopping helps brands connect with audiences, demonstrate products, and boost sales in real-time.

Want more details? Check out our blog post for an in-depth guide on Instagram Live Shopping.

How to Create Instagram Shopping Guides?

Instagram Guides, a newer feature on the app, function like mini blogs that live directly on the platform. For those with an Instagram Shop, Guides are a fantastic way to promote products in a more editorial format—think gift guides or trend reports.

Here’s how to create an Instagram Shopping Guide:

• From your profile, tap the plus symbol in the upper right corner.
• Select Guide.
• Tap Products.
• Search by account for the product listing you want to include. If you’ve saved the product, you can also find it in your wishlist.
• Choose the product you want to add and tap Next. You can include multiple posts in a single entry, which will appear as a carousel.
• Add a guide title and description. You can also change the cover photo by selecting Change Cover Photo.
• Review the pre-filled product details and edit as needed. Add additional descriptions if you wish.
• Tap Add Products and repeat steps 4–8 until your guide is complete.
• Click Next in the top right corner.
• Tap Share to publish your Instagram Shopping Guide.

Tracking Instagram Shopping Performance

To get the most out of Instagram Shopping, it’s essential to track and measure its performance regularly. Analyzing your Instagram Shopping data allows you to understand which products are performing well, how users engage with your shop, and where improvements can be made. 

Here’s a detailed guide on tracking Instagram Shopping performance and the key metrics you should focus on:

Instagram Insights and Analytics Tools

Instagram provides built-in analytics tools, known as Instagram Insights, to help businesses track the performance of their posts, stories, reels, and shopping features. These insights allow you to monitor engagement, reach, and the overall success of your Instagram Shopping efforts.

Always check your customer insights to have a better direction.

Where to Access Instagram Insights

You can access Instagram Insights directly through your business account by clicking on the “Insights” tab.

Insights are available for individual posts, stories, reels, and the overall account performance.

How to View Shopping Insights

Go to the “Shopping” section in Instagram Insights.

This section provides a breakdown of how well your product tags, collections, and shopping posts are performing.

Key Metrics to Track

To evaluate your Instagram Shopping performance effectively, focus on the following metrics:

Product Impressions

Impressions show how many times a product has been viewed on Instagram, whether through your posts, stories, reels, or the Shop Tab. High impressions indicate that your products are reaching a broad audience.

Why It’s Important

It gives you insight into the visibility of your products.

Helps you measure the effectiveness of your Instagram Shopping campaigns or organic reach.

Product Clicks

This metric tracks how many users clicked on your product tags to view more details. It’s a critical indicator of how many people are interested in a product enough to engage with it.

Why It’s Important

It helps gauge user interest and the effectiveness of your product images, descriptions, and tags.

Higher click-through rates (CTR) mean your posts are compelling enough to encourage deeper engagement.

Engagement Rates

Engagement measures the total interactions users have with your Instagram Shopping posts, including likes, comments, shares, and saves.

Why It’s Important

High engagement means users find your content interesting or valuable.

Helps determine which types of content resonate best with your audience (e.g., product demos, influencer collaborations, etc.).

Product Saves

When users save a product post or tag, they’re showing an intent to purchase in the future. Tracking the number of saves can help you identify popular products that users are considering but haven’t bought yet.

Source: Instagram

Why It’s Important

A higher save count can indicate interest in a product, but users might need more time to convert.

These products might benefit from targeted ads or follow-up content to drive conversions.

Add to Cart & Checkout Initiations

If you’re using Instagram Checkout (available in select markets), it’s crucial to track how many users added products to their cart or initiated the checkout process.

Why It’s Important

It provides insight into how close users are to making a purchase.

Helps identify if users are dropping off at any stage, so you can improve the purchasing experience.

Conversion Rate (Sales)

This metric tracks how many users ultimately purchase a product after interacting with your Instagram Shopping features. Conversion rate measures the effectiveness of your shopping strategy.

Why It’s Important

It directly ties Instagram Shopping to revenue.

If your conversion rates are low despite high engagement, it may indicate issues with product descriptions, pricing, or checkout experience.

Return on Investment (ROI)

ROI measures the profitability of your Instagram Shopping efforts, especially if you’re running paid campaigns. Calculate the amount of revenue generated from Instagram Shopping relative to your marketing spend.

Why It’s Important

Helps determine if your Instagram Shopping strategy is financially sustainable.

A positive ROI indicates that Instagram Shopping is a valuable sales channel for your business.

Analyzing Audience Demographics and Behavior

Instagram Insights provides valuable data about the demographics and behaviors of users engaging with your Instagram Shopping posts and products.

Demographic Data

This includes information like age, gender, location, and interests of your audience. Understanding who is interacting with your products allows you to tailor content and products to specific audience segments.

Behavior Data

Tracks the days and times your audience is most active on Instagram. Knowing when your audience is online can help you schedule shopping posts and promotions for maximum visibility and engagement.

Using Third-Party Analytics Tools

In addition to Instagram’s built-in tools, third-party analytics platforms can provide deeper insights and more advanced tracking capabilities. Tools like Later, Hootsuite, and Sprout Social offer more detailed analytics on Instagram Shopping performance, and some can integrate with e-commerce platforms to track sales across multiple channels.

Advantages of Third-Party Tools

Provide more detailed reporting and visualizations.

Allow you to compare performance across various social platforms.

Offer additional metrics like customer lifetime value (CLV) and multi-channel attribution.

Need to provide full necessary information

A/B Testing for Instagram Shopping Posts

A/B testing, or split testing, is the process of experimenting with different variations of content to see which performs better. By running A/B tests on your Instagram Shopping posts, you can determine the most effective strategies for driving engagement and sales.

What to Test:

• Product Images: Test different styles (lifestyle vs. product-only photos) to see which generates more clicks and engagement.
• Product Descriptions: Experiment with various descriptions and calls-to-action to optimize for clicks and conversions.
• Hashtags and Captions: Try different hashtags and captions to discover what resonates most with your audience.

Improving Based on Data Insights

Once you have a clear understanding of your Instagram Shopping performance through the metrics discussed, it’s time to optimize your strategy. Here’s how to use the data:

• Enhance Product Listings: Improve product images, descriptions, and keywords based on which products get the most clicks or saves.
• Refine Content Strategy: Focus on creating more of the content types that drive the highest engagement and conversion rates (e.g., user-generated content, influencer posts, shoppable reels).
• Target Key Audience Segments: Use demographic data to target your most engaged and highest-converting audience segments with promotions or personalized collections.
• Optimize Ad Spend: Analyze ROI from paid Instagram Shopping ads and allocate more budget to campaigns or products that yield the highest returns.

Regularly Reviewing Performance

To ensure ongoing success, businesses should regularly review their Instagram Shopping performance and adjust strategies accordingly. Monthly or quarterly performance reviews will help identify trends and areas for improvement. Consistently tracking your data will allow you to stay competitive and keep up with evolving customer preferences and Instagram algorithms.

Why is Instagram Shopping Broken and Not Working For Businesses? 

Instagram Shopping has been promoted as a game-changing feature for businesses to sell products directly online, but why are so many brands struggling to make it work? Let’s explore a few key reasons:

Lack of Direct Customer Relationship

When you sell through Instagram Shopping, you’re essentially selling through a third-party platform, similar to using marketplaces like Amazon. This means that Meta, not your business, maintains the customer relationship. In eCommerce, profitability often comes from repeat customers, but Instagram Shopping makes it challenging to establish direct communication. 

First-time sales typically have high Customer Acquisition Costs (CAC), which can outweigh the profit margins on that initial transaction. Building a customer database for follow-up sales, which is much cheaper than continuously paying for ads, becomes difficult when selling through Instagram Shopping.

Limited Product Information

Does Instagram Shopping limit potential customers?

Another common issue with Instagram Shopping is that potential customers often can’t access all the details they need to make informed purchasing decisions. To get complete product information, users have to leave the app and visit the brand’s website. This extra step creates friction and can result in lower conversion rates, as customers may lose interest or be deterred by the effort needed to find more information outside of the Instagram Shopping environment.

Not All Content Formats are Shoppable

Although Instagram Shopping supports tagging products in posts and stories, not all content types—such as Reels—are shoppable. Since Reels are one of the most popular forms of content on Instagram and significantly influence buying behavior, the inability to integrate Instagram Shopping into this format is a significant limitation for businesses looking to capitalize on this popular media type.

Attracts Impulse Buyers

Instagram Shopping makes it incredibly easy for users to purchase products immediately after discovering them. However, research has shown that while this drives impulse buying, it’s not always beneficial for businesses or customers. Around 52% of customers regret their impulse purchases, leading to higher return rates and customer dissatisfaction. This can negatively affect brand loyalty and harm long-term customer relationships.

Only a Small Percentage of Shoppers Convert

Does Instagram Shopping Attract Shoppers?

Typically, fewer than 1% of users who engage with Instagram Shopping content will make a purchase during their first session, and the percentage for new customers is even lower (around 0.25%). When users click on a product in your Instagram Shop, they either buy or leave, with little encouragement to explore additional products or categories. 

Remember, 99% of shoppers need multiple interactions with your brand before making a purchase, but Instagram Shopping offers limited ways to engage those who don’t immediately convert.

Loss of Context

One major drawback of Instagram Shopping is the loss of contextual relevance when users click to view a product. For example, while scrolling through Instagram, a user might come across a beautifully styled dining table set. However, when they click to purchase the tablecloth, they are taken to a product page with a plain product image that lacks the inspirational setting. This break in context can make it harder for shoppers to visualize the product in use, resulting in fewer sales. 

Additionally, customers might have been more interested in another item in the scene, like the table or glassware, but Instagram Shopping doesn’t always offer an easy way to explore related products, which could lead to missed opportunities

12 Tips For Selling More Products With Instagram Shopping

Now that your Instagram Shopping setup is complete, it’s time to attract potential buyers and turn views into sales. Here are some best practices to help you make the most of Instagram Shopping:

Use Striking Visuals

Instagram Shopping thrives on visuals, so make sure your product photos and videos are

high-quality and professional. Show your products in an exciting way—whether it’s in action or in a real-world setting. For instance, fashion brand Lisa Says Gah cleverly displays its tote bags hanging from an arm holding a bottle of wine, giving it a fun, editorial vibe. Always ensure your visuals meet Instagram’s latest image and video specs for maximum impact.

Add Hashtags

Using relevant hashtags is crucial for getting your Instagram Shopping posts in front of new audiences. Hashtags like #shoplocal can introduce your brand to potential customers looking for products in your category. The right hashtags can also land your posts on the Explore page, which includes a dedicated “Shop” tab visited by over half a billion Instagram users monthly.

Don’t forget to use Hashtag on Instagram

Share a Sale or Promotional Code

A great way to boost Instagram Shopping sales is by promoting discounts or special offers. Featuring a promo code directly in your shoppable posts makes it easier for customers to act. For example, leisurewear brand Paper Label promotes sales on essentials through shoppable Instagram posts, encouraging users to click through and take advantage of the offer.

Show Your Product in Action

Video content, especially tutorials or how-to videos, is a powerful way to engage customers on Instagram Shopping. Showcasing your product being used demonstrates its value and educates potential buyers. For example, Woodlot shows its essential oil-based soap lathered up, giving users a sensory experience of the product before purchasing.

Be Authentic

Just like any other social media content, Instagram Shopping posts should be authentic and reflect your brand’s personality. Use captions to tell the story behind your products. What inspired them? How were they made? Sharing these insights builds emotional connections and trust with your audience.

Always share authentic content

Play with Color

Bright, vibrant colors help Instagram Shopping posts stand out. Artist Jackie Lee uses neon backgrounds to make her graphic prints pop. If a particular color palette is trending, choose something contrasting to stop users from scrolling past your post and encourage them to explore your Instagram Shopping products.

Establish a Signature Style

Consistency is key to building brand recognition on Instagram Shopping. Having a cohesive aesthetic across your Instagram grid helps users quickly identify your posts. For example, Sebastian Sochan’s hand-tufted rugs are always photographed in a consistent color palette and lighting, making his brand instantly recognizable. Ensure this visual style matches your branding across other channels, like your website and product packaging.

Be Inclusive

In Instagram Shopping, it’s essential to represent a diverse range of customers in your imagery. Instagram users are a diverse group, and your brand should reflect that. Be mindful of including different body types, ethnicities, and abilities in your Instagram Shopping visuals to resonate with a broader audience.

Share User-Generated Content

User-generated content (UGC) is a great way to enhance your Instagram Shopping strategy. These are posts or Stories created by your customers that feature your products. Not only does this provide real, authentic images of your products in action, but it also builds credibility. 

When users see actual people enjoying your products, it fosters trust, as these posts are often viewed as more genuine than traditional marketing. Essentially, it’s like having visual testimonials directly in your Instagram Shopping feed.

Instagram Shopping Don’t Forget Share To UGC

Create a Captivating Carousel

Use Instagram’s carousel feature to highlight multiple products from your Instagram Shopping catalog in one post. This allows users to easily swipe through and see a variety of options without needing to navigate all the way to your Instagram Shopping tab. It’s an efficient way to showcase your collection and keep users engaged.

Collaborate with Tastemakers

Influencer collaborations can boost the reach of your Instagram Shopping posts. Partner with influencers or tastemakers to curate a special Collection of their favorite products from your catalog. You can tag them in your Instagram Shopping posts, and they can share the curated collection with their audience. This mutually beneficial partnership increases visibility and brings fresh style inspiration to your products.

Craft Compelling CTAs

Pairing beautiful images with a strong call to action (CTA) is key to driving conversions through Instagram Shopping. Whether it’s “Buy now!” or “Share with a friend,” a compelling CTA can prompt users to take immediate action. Sharpen your CTA skills to boost engagement on your Instagram Shopping posts, and use them wisely to motivate potential buyers.

The future of Instagram Shops

Instagram Shopping remains one of the top social platforms for driving eCommerce sales, even surpassing TikTok in terms of where consumers prefer to discover products. While Meta is focused on streamlining the shopping experience with features like Shop-in-ad and Instagram Shopping, these solutions may not suit every brand. They tend to attract impulse buyers, which might not align with the goals of businesses looking to build long-term customer relationships. For most brands, collecting first-party data and being able to market directly to their customers is crucial.

At PBNRocket, the consensus is that directing traffic from ads straight to your brand’s website is the best strategy for most (though not all) merchants. However, where customers land can often feel like a gamble. This is where AI, machine learning, and automation come into play. SimplicityDX makes it easy for brands to create campaign microsites for Instagram Shopping ads and posts. With just a few clicks, any brand can transform their posts into shoppable microsites in minutes. The results are clear: lower bounce rates and a higher return on ad spend—typically generating 28% to 300% more revenue for the same ad budget.

Instagram Shopping – Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs for Instagram Shopping

How do I know if my account was approved?

Once your account is approved, you’ll receive a notification within the Instagram app, letting you know that you can now access and use the Instagram Shopping feature.

How to measure when people buy from Instagram?

You can track purchases through Instagram Shopping by reviewing the insights available on your Instagram account. Check your ad campaign performance, engagement metrics, and click-through rates on posts with tagged products to measure how well your Instagram Shopping posts are converting.

How do I set up Instagram Shopping for my business?

To set up Instagram Shopping, you need to meet eligibility requirements, create a business account, and connect it to a product catalog through platforms like Facebook Shop.

Can I use Instagram Shopping if I don’t have a website?

No, you need a website that sells physical products to set up Instagram Shopping, as you’ll need to link it to a product catalog.

What are Product Tags on Instagram?

Product Tags allow you to tag products in your posts, which users can click on to view more details and make a purchase.

How can I drive more sales with Instagram Shopping?

You can increase sales by optimizing product listings, using influencer marketing, running Instagram ads, and engaging your audience with user-generated content.

What metrics should I track for Instagram Shopping success?

Key metrics to track include impressions, clicks, conversion rates, and ROI. You can use Instagram Insights to monitor performance.

How does Instagram Shopping benefit small businesses?

Instagram Shopping provides small businesses with direct access to a global audience, increases product visibility, and offers tools for engaging customers and driving sales.

What are the costs of using Instagram Shopping?

There are no direct fees to use Instagram Shopping, but businesses may need to invest in advertising and marketing efforts to drive traffic and sales.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Instagram Shopping continues to evolve as a powerful tool for businesses looking to connect with customers and boost sales in 2024. With new features and integrations, it’s essential for brands to stay updated and make the most of this platform’s capabilities. Whether you’re creating immersive shopping experiences through posts, stories, or ads, Instagram Shopping offers endless opportunities for growth. By understanding its advantages and challenges, businesses can strategically leverage these tools to increase their online presence and drive meaningful results. At System SocialZ, we believe that the future of eCommerce is dynamic and adaptable, and Instagram Shopping is a key piece in that puzzle for any forward-thinking brand.

Imagine stumbling upon a hidden gem, a secret world brimming with creativity and inspiration. That’s the magic of Instagram Explore. In 2024, this feature has evolved into an even more powerful tool for discovering the most captivating content from around the globe. From breathtaking photography to mind-boggling videos, Explore is a treasure trove of artistic expression.

But what exactly makes Explore such a captivating destination for content creators and consumers alike? In this article, System SocialZ will be with you dive deep into the world of Instagram Explore, exploring the latest trends, tips for getting discovered, and the impact it has on the creative community. So, whether you’re a seasoned creator looking to expand your reach or simply someone who enjoys discovering new and exciting content, join us as we uncover the secrets of Instagram Explore.

What is the Instagram Explore page?

The Instagram Explore page is a curated collection of content tailored to each user’s unique interests. The Instagram algorithm selects content based on interactions with similar accounts or posts, showcasing a mix of photos, videos, Reels, and Stories. Since Instagram Explore is personalized, no two users will see the exact same content on their Explore pages.

To access Instagram Explore, users tap the magnifying glass icon at the bottom of the app. From the top search bar, they can use keywords to discover popular content, accounts, and hashtags related to specific topics.

Results on Instagram Explore can be filtered into niche categories. For instance, a search for “DIY crafts” on the Explore page can be refined by material or medium, allowing for more specific results. As a business owner, this feature offers insight into the types of content your audience is searching for, helping you create targeted and relevant content.

Source: Instagram

The Benefits of Getting on Instagram Explore

Expand Your Reach to Targeted Audiences for Free

Being featured on Instagram Explore allows your content to reach users who are not just random viewers, but those who Instagram’s algorithms deem most interested in your posts. This boosts your visibility without any advertising costs.

Get to the Top of Instagram

Many refer to Instagram Explore as “Instagram’s Top” because it showcases high-quality content selected by the platform itself, not by advertisers. This makes your posts appear more organic and less intrusive, helping you gain attention naturally.

Connect with Users Who Haven’t Followed You Yet

Your content is more likely to appear on Instagram Explore for users who have interacted with your account previously but haven’t yet followed you. This offers a unique opportunity to engage with potential new followers who are already familiar with your brand.

Instagram Explore: Like a Storefront Window for Your Brand

Instagram Explore functions as a space to showcase and promote fresh content, helping users discover new brands and creators they might enjoy. When your content appears on Instagram Explore, it’s like being displayed in the prime window of a store, giving more people a chance to see your brand. This increased visibility can boost your reach and help you attract new followers.

To access Instagram Explore, users tap the search icon at the bottom of their screen. Once there, they’ll find a never-ending feed of photos, accounts, and products to engage with and explore.

However, the feed users see on Instagram Explore isn’t random. The Instagram algorithm determines which images, stories, videos, and products are featured. Importantly, each user’s Instagram Explore page is unique, designed to display content that aligns with their personal interests.

Source: Instagram

The algorithm takes into account several factors:

• The types of content a user likes
• The content liked by the user’s network
• The accounts a user follows
• The engagement rate of posts (highly engaging posts are more likely to appear on Instagram Explore)

In addition, Instagram Explore organizes content into various categories like architecture, decor, style, food, art, and DIY, making it easier for users to find what interests them.

Beyond these topic categories, Instagram Explore also includes separate sections for shoppable products and long-format videos, called “Shop” and “IGTV.” Instagram is prioritizing these features, and there are plans to introduce a dedicated “Stories” category. Although stories currently appear on Instagram Explore, users don’t yet have the ability to search for them directly.

Why does it matter to your brand?

Getting your brand on Instagram Explore is crucial because it exposes your content to a much larger audience. With Instagram expected to reach nearly 1.2 billion monthly active users by 2023, this increased visibility offers several key benefits:

More Followers: Over 200 million accounts visit Instagram Explore daily, which represents about 50% of the platform’s user base. Instagram strategically shows your content to users who are most likely to be interested in your account, increasing your chances of converting them into followers.

Higher Engagement: If users enjoy the content they discover through Instagram Explore, they’re more likely to engage with it by liking, commenting, or sharing. This means appearing on Explore can significantly boost your brand’s engagement metrics.

Instagram Explore helps you increase interaction significantly

Increased Sales: Being featured on Instagram Explore puts your products in front of the right audience. With shoppable posts now integrated into the Explore page, more people discovering your products can lead to a rise in sales, especially if they find something they’re ready to purchase.

How does the Instagram Explore page algorithm work?

Instagram uses a Feed Ranking System to personalize the content shown on each user’s feed and Instagram Explore page. The Explore algorithm relies on machine learning to gather ranking signals and determine what to display. It operates as an “unconnected recommendation system,” meaning it selects posts based on each user’s activity on Instagram, without requiring them to follow the accounts.

The Instagram Explore algorithm ranks posts based on several key factors, including engagement levels, freshness, content quality, and relevance.

What is the Instagram Explore algorithm?

In summary, Instagram Explore is personalized based on:

• Fresh posts that receive high engagement
• The types of content a user frequently interacts with
• Accounts the user is already following
• The content that gains interaction from people in the user’s network

For example, if you follow many food-related accounts and regularly engage with cooking Reels, Instagram will tailor your Instagram Explore page to showcase popular food-related content.

The current ranking system is centered on relevance and interaction. Instagram doesn’t favor any particular type of account, so as long as the content meets the algorithm’s criteria, all posts are treated equally. This is especially beneficial for business accounts, as it gives them just as much opportunity to appear on Instagram Explore as influencers or personal accounts.

Trends for Instagram Explore in 2024

Want to stay ahead in the Instagram? Uncover the top trends shaping Instagram Explore in 2024

Dominance of Short-Form Video Content (Reels)

Source: Instagram

Reels will continue to dominate Instagram Explore in 2024. Short-form video content is highly engaging, easy to consume, and favored by Instagram’s algorithm.

Instagram is prioritizing Reels because they drive high engagement and retention. Users should expect to see even more video content surfacing on the Explore page, making it essential for brands and creators to incorporate Reels into their strategy.

Actionable tip: Focus on creating engaging Reels that capture attention in the first few seconds to increase the likelihood of being featured on Explore.

Interactive and Augmented Reality (AR) Content

AR filters, interactive experiences, and effects are growing in popularity, especially in the Explore section. Instagram users are drawn to engaging, immersive content that allows them to interact with brands and creators in unique ways.

More businesses are adopting AR-powered experiences, such as virtual try-ons or interactive product showcases, which attract users to engage directly via Explore.

Actionable tip: Utilize AR tools to create interactive content that encourages users to participate, whether it’s through filters or other augmented reality experiences.

Personalized Content Curation

AI technology is trusted by many people today.

In 2024, Instagram Explore is expected to become even more personalized. The platform’s AI algorithms are constantly learning from user behavior, showing them content that closely matches their specific interests and engagement history.

Instagram will likely introduce more advanced machine learning models to fine-tune this personalization, which means brands need to closely monitor audience preferences and tailor their content accordingly.

Actionable tip: Focus on consistently delivering content that matches the interests of your target audience to stay relevant on their Explore pages.

Rise of Niche Communities

Instagram is gradually shifting toward serving niche communities. Explore is helping connect users with specific interests and subcultures, allowing for highly targeted engagement.

In 2024, expect to see Explore highlighting more community-driven content, whether it’s focused on fitness, sustainable fashion, mental health, or DIY crafts.

Actionable tip: Identify niche communities that align with your brand and tailor your content to speak directly to their interests, increasing the chances of being discovered via Explore.

AI-Generated Content and Enhanced Automation

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, expect to see a rise in AI-generated content and automation playing a significant role in content discovery on Explore.

Instagram may experiment with AI-curated highlights or suggestions for users, especially based on their behavioral data, which could include AI-generated captions or automated editing tools for enhanced visuals.

Actionable tip: Leverage AI tools to streamline content creation, from editing videos to generating captions, ensuring that your content is timely and high-quality for Explore.

Emphasis on Visual Storytelling

Visual storytelling is also a prominent trend today.

Visual storytelling through carousels, Reels, and Stories will be central in 2024, with Instagram focusing on content that tells a compelling narrative.

This type of content, which engages users by offering value in the form of tutorials, behind-the-scenes looks, or step-by-step guides, is likely to get more traction on Explore.

Actionable tip: Focus on delivering value through storytelling that resonates with your audience, whether it’s sharing personal experiences or explaining how your product solves a problem.

Continued Focus on Influencers and Micro-Influencers

Instagram will continue to prioritize influencer content in 2024, with a growing emphasis on micro-influencers who have smaller but highly engaged audiences.

Explore is likely to feature more influencer partnerships, giving smaller creators a chance to shine as they build trust within their niche communities.

Actionable tip: Partner with micro-influencers who align with your brand values and audience to expand your reach on Explore.

User-Generated Content (UGC)

UGC is becoming more prominent, especially on Explore, where Instagram highlights content from everyday users who engage with brands.

Brands are likely to encourage followers to create content on their behalf, which has the added benefit of authenticity and increased visibility on Explore.

Actionable tip: Create campaigns that inspire your audience to post about your brand, leveraging their content to gain more exposure on Explore.

Instagram Explore – Don’t Forget UGC

Focus on Ethical and Sustainable Brands

Instagram Explore is increasingly highlighting ethical brands and content that promotes sustainability, social justice, and mental health.

As consumers become more aware of global issues, Instagram’s algorithm is prioritizing content that reflects positive societal impact, featuring eco-friendly and purpose-driven businesses.

Actionable tip: Incorporate sustainability and ethical practices into your brand messaging, as these themes resonate with Instagram’s younger audience and help get featured on Explore.

E-Commerce and Shoppable Content

Shoppable posts are becoming even more integrated into Instagram Explore, allowing users to discover and purchase products directly from the platform.

Instagram is pushing for more e-commerce content, with product tags and links becoming more common on Explore as users are seamlessly directed to in-app purchases.

Actionable tip: Make your posts shoppable by tagging products, ensuring that your e-commerce strategy aligns with Instagram’s push for social shopping.

How to Get on the Instagram Explore Page

Follow These Tips to Start Showing Up on Instagram Explore Quickly!

Understand Your Target Market

Your current audience follows you, but to make it to Instagram Explore, you need to go beyond. Dive deep into your Instagram demographics and identify the target audiences you want to reach on Instagram Explore. Understand the type of content these users engage with most. A good starting point is your business account’s Explore feed. Analyze posts, categories, and niche feeds to note what strategies might work for you.

Always understand your target market to use Instagram Explore better

Ask yourself questions like:

• What tone resonates with the audience?
• Which visual styles perform best?
• What content format (Reels, carousels, static posts) earns the most engagement?
• What types of captions spark the most interaction?

Create Engaging Content

Once you understand what resonates with your target market, create content designed to drive Instagram engagement. Use your audience research to guide your content strategy. Videos often outperform static visuals because they autoplay in Instagram Explore and occupy more space on the feed. But don’t underestimate the power of high-quality visuals like carousel posts, product tags, or stunning imagery. Engaging captions can also make a big difference.

Always follow best practices for the format you choose. Share high-quality visuals, grab attention early, and offer value—whether through great storytelling or rewards. Remember, engagement isn’t limited to likes and comments, so focus on creating content that users will want to share or save.

Experiment with New Formats

Constantly changing to update trends

Instagram is heavily promoting Reels, and they appear both in Instagram Explore and their own dedicated tab. Instagram redesigned its home page to highlight Reels, which shows how important the feature is. Being discovered in the Reels tab could also mean a chance to appear in Instagram Explore. However, avoid reposting TikTok videos with watermarks, as Instagram’s algorithm deprioritizes them.

The lesson? When Instagram introduces a new feature, they reward early adopters with increased reach. Test out different formats, such as Reels or carousels, and track which formats drive the most reach for your content.

Build an Active Community

One of the primary goals of Instagram Explore is to connect users with relevant communities. Building a strong community should be a core element of your Instagram strategy. The more active and engaged your community is, the more likely Instagram will recommend your content to similar audiences on Instagram Explore.

Encourage engagement by starting conversations in comments, direct messages, and other channels. Motivate your followers to turn on post notifications so they can engage early with your content.

Post When Your Followers Are Online

Timeliness is key for Instagram’s algorithm, meaning new posts are more likely to appear to your followers. High engagement from your followers is the first step toward landing on Instagram Explore. Analyze your account’s performance to find the best times to post, or use tools like Hootsuite’s scheduler to automatically post when your audience is online—even when you’re not available.

Use Relevant Tags

Use hashtags to optimize Instagram Explore

Hashtags, geotags, and account tags help extend your content’s reach on Instagram Explore. Users often use Instagram Explore to search by hashtag or location. Choose strategic hashtags and geotags to make sure your content surfaces where users are actively looking. Account tags also help reach new audiences, so be sure to tag relevant accounts, such as your CEO, brand partners, or influencers.

Sharing posts from your community can further boost reach and engagement, building both visibility and connection.

Monitor Your Analytics

Check what content is already resonating with your audience. Do they prefer your Reels over carousels? Do they engage more with humorous posts than with inspirational ones? Consistently driving engagement helps improve your chances of getting onto Instagram Explore.

You can also monitor whether your posts have already made it to Instagram Explore. Click on the blue “View Insights” button beneath your posts and swipe up to see where your impressions originated.

Consider Paid Placement in Explore

If you’re open to adding ad spend to your organic efforts, consider advertising in the Instagram Explore feed. These ads don’t appear directly in the Explore grid but in the scrollable feed of content that shows up when someone clicks on a post in the grid. While it’s not an easy shortcut, a compelling ad can make a significant impact when positioned alongside popular posts.

Avoid Shortcuts

Tactics like joining Instagram pods or buying followers may seem like quick wins, but they rarely yield long-term success. Instagram’s machine-learning algorithm can detect inauthentic activity and penalize accounts accordingly. Focus on authentic engagement, building a genuine community, and creating valuable content to boost your chances of appearing on Instagram Explore.

Don’t buy fake interactions on Instagram.

Follow Instagram’s Guidelines

Instagram won’t promote your content to new audiences if you violate its community or recommendation guidelines. Even if your content meets community guidelines, it may not qualify for recommendations to appear on Instagram Explore.

Here are the five types of content that violate Instagram’s recommendation guidelines:

• Content that compromises Instagram’s safe community, like promoting violence or sexually suggestive material
• Sensitive or low-quality content related to health or finance (e.g., miracle cures, misleading financial promises)
• Content that users generally dislike, including clickbait or spammy giveaways
• Low-quality publishing, such as unoriginal content or misleading news
• False or misleading content, such as debunked claims or fake information

If your account violates these guidelines, it’s far less likely your content will appear on Instagram Explore.

Why you want to appear on the Instagram Explore page?

By 2025, Instagram is expected to reach 1.44 billion monthly active users. With each Instagram Explore page personalized for individual users, this presents a huge opportunity for your content to reach a vast audience.

The advantages of getting featured on Instagram Explore include:

• Increased engagement: Being featured on Instagram Explore exposes your content to a wider audience beyond your existing followers. This often leads to a significant increase in engagement, such as likes, comments, and shares.
• More followers: When your post captures the attention of new viewers on Instagram Explore, many will be intrigued to visit your profile and may choose to follow you. (Make sure your bio, highlights, and profile are appealing to convert them into followers!) These new followers can bring consistent engagement in the long run.
• More conversions: With all the new traffic from Instagram Explore, it’s important to have strong calls-to-action ready to drive results. You could see an uptick in sales if you’re using product tags and Instagram’s shopping tools effectively.

Instagram Explore Settings In 2024

Source: Instagram

Users can personalize their Instagram Explore page by interacting with specific content through hashtags, likes, and following topics on Instagram. Customizing the Instagram Explore section according to your preferences may take some time, but it allows you to tailor the feed to your interests.

When users enjoy a post, they can select the option “See a few top posts each week,” which signals to Instagram that this type of content is engaging. On the flip side, if a post is irrelevant, users can tap “Not interested in this post” from the menu, and the post will disappear, reducing the likelihood of similar content appearing on their Instagram Explore page.

Instagram Explore Page – Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs for Instagram Explore

How do you reset the Explore page on Instagram?

To reset your Instagram Explore page, navigate to Settings -> Security, and select “Clear All” (iPhone) or “Search history” (Android). More information is available on Instagram’s Help Center.

Why is my Instagram Explore page full of photos now?

This can happen occasionally. You can clear your search history and reset the Instagram Explore section by using hashtag-based searches to refine the content shown.

Does the Instagram Explore page glitch?

At times, Instagram’s algorithm may glitch, causing unrelated posts to appear in your Instagram Explore feed. In such cases, refreshing your search history and giving the algorithm time to recalibrate should help. Keep in mind that it might take a while for the feed to adjust to your preferences.

How do I increase my chances of being featured on Instagram Explore?

Focus on high-quality content, engagement, Reels, and consistent posting schedules.

Does using more hashtags help my content show up on Explore?

Using relevant hashtags can help, but overusing them may reduce engagement quality.

What type of content performs best on Instagram Explore?

Short-form video content like Reels, high-quality images, and posts with strong engagement tend to perform well.

Can small businesses or accounts with fewer followers get featured on Explore?

Yes, accounts with lower follower counts can still be featured if they produce engaging, relevant content.

How long does it take for a post to appear on Instagram Explore?

There’s no set timeline, but posts that gain quick engagement may appear on Explore within hours or days.

How often does Instagram update the Explore algorithm?

Instagram regularly updates its algorithm, but major changes typically happen once or twice a year.

Can I monetize my Instagram content through the Explore page?

Yes, increased visibility on Explore can lead to more opportunities for monetization through brand deals, partnerships, and sales.

Conclusion

Want to stay ahead of the curve and dominate Instagram Explore in 2024? System SocialZ can help. Our team of experts can provide tailored strategies to help you create viral content and boost your brand visibility. Let’s create something amazing together!

You’ve likely seen a shift in your Instagram feed lately—fewer photos and more videos. Instagram has become a video-centric platform, from Stories and Reels to Live broadcasts.

In this post, System SocialZ will explore the various ways to share videos on Instagram and provide tips for maximizing your video content’s reach. Let’s dive into the world of Instagram Videos.

What are Instagram videos?

Instagram videos are a dynamic feature of the social media platform that allow users to create and share moving visual content. Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects:

• Instagram Stories: Short videos (up to 15 seconds) that disappear after 24 hours. They can include various features like stickers, polls, and links.
• Instagram Reels: Short, engaging videos (up to 90 seconds) designed for entertainment and discovery. Users can add music, effects, and other creative tools.
• IGTV: A platform for longer videos (up to 60 minutes) aimed at more in-depth content. IGTV is suited for tutorials, interviews, and series.
• Instagram Live: Real-time video streaming that allows users to engage with their audience directly. Viewers can comment and interact during the broadcast.

What are Instagram videos?

Types of Instagram video in 2024

Ever wondered why your Instagram feed feels so different these days? It’s all about video! But with so many video formats to choose from, how do you decide which one to use? In this content below, System SocialZ will explore the various types of Instagram videos and help you find the perfect one for your content.

What types of videos are there on Instagram?

Instagram Feed Videos

Back in the old days (up until 2022), Instagram Videos in your feed were typically horizontal or square. Any Instagram Videos you posted before 2022 still remain in their original format, but you’ll now find them under the Reels tab. This is because, as of 2022, all new Instagram Video posts are shared as Reels.

The only exception is when Instagram Videos are included within a carousel post. An Instagram carousel can feature up to 10 photos or videos, all of which must follow the same orientation. So, if your carousel photos are horizontal or square, your Instagram Videos will be displayed similarly.

Aside from carousel posts, the traditional Instagram Feed Video has been phased out and joined IGTV as part of Instagram’s history. However, your feed is likely now filled with Reels, which leads us to the next type of Instagram Video…

Reels

Reels were initially introduced as Instagram’s response to TikTok, with early Instagram Videos capped at just 15 seconds. But as Instagram transitioned away from traditional feed videos and IGTV, Reels evolved, and the maximum video length extended first to 60 and now 90 seconds if created natively within the app.

However, when uploading Instagram Reels Videos via third-party scheduling tools, such as Hootsuite, your video can be anywhere between 3 seconds to 15 minutes long.

Instagram’s native Reels tools include various creative options such as filters, templates, green screen effects, a timer, speed controls, and access to an extensive audio library. These Instagram Videos are recorded in vertical (9:16) format and appear in users’ feeds, on the Explore page, and in a dedicated Reels tab. Reels allow captions, hashtags, and product tags, making them an essential form of Instagram Video content for engagement.

Viewers can interact with your Reels by liking, commenting, and sharing them via Instagram Stories or direct messages. They can even remix your Reels to create new Instagram Videos from your content.

Stories

Instagram Videos in Stories are short and disappear after 24 hours. Originally capped at 15 seconds per clip, each video in your Story can now last up to 60 seconds. If you upload a longer video, Instagram will split it into multiple clips automatically.

Unlike feed videos, Stories appear at the top of the app in a dedicated section. To create this type of Instagram Video, swipe right from the home screen or tap the plus icon and select Stories. You can either record within the app or upload a video from your camera roll.

These Instagram Videos vanish after 24 hours unless saved as highlights on your profile. Interactive features like filters, emojis, stickers, and polls make Stories a fun and engaging way to connect with your audience. You can also tag other users in your Stories, and they can reshare the Instagram Videos to their own Story.

Brands especially benefit from Stories since it’s one of the few places on Instagram where you can include direct links, providing a great way to drive conversions and leads organically through Instagram Videos.

Live

Instagram Live Videos allow users to broadcast in real-time directly to their followers’ feeds. Brands and creators frequently use Instagram Videos in Live broadcasts for hosting interviews, workshops, and other live events.

To start an Instagram Live Video, swipe right or tap the plus icon and toggle to Live. These streams can last up to four hours and feature up to three additional co-hosts via a Live Room. Once a live session ends, the Instagram Live Video is saved to the user’s archive for 30 days, after which you can share it as a replay. Even though it wasn’t originally created as a Reel, the replay will be available in your Reels tab.

During an Instagram Live Video, you can see the number of viewers and track engagement through live comments and emoji reactions. Supporters can even purchase badges as a form of follower funding, making Instagram Videos a revenue stream for creators. Nonprofits can also leverage Instagram Live Videos for live fundraisers through PayPal Giving Fund partnerships.

Specs: Instagram video lengths and sizes

To get you started, here’s a brief overview of the essential Instagram video dimensions. For a more comprehensive guide, refer to our in-depth post on Instagram video size and format specifications.

What is the lengths of Instagram videos in 2024?

Instagram Feed Video Specs (for Carousels)

When using Instagram Videos in carousels, the following specifications apply:

• Minimum width: 320 pixels
• Maximum width: 1080 pixels
• Aspect ratio: Between 1.91:1 and 4:5

Instagram Reels Video Specs

For Instagram Videos in the form of Reels:

Length: 3 seconds to 90 seconds if created and published within Instagram, but can extend up to 15 minutes if scheduled through a third-party tool like System SocialZ.

• Minimum resolution: 720 pixels
• Aspect ratio: 9:16
• Minimum frame rate: 30 fps
• Cover photo size: 420 by 654 pixels (1:1.55 ratio)

Instagram Stories Video Specs

Instagram Videos posted as Stories must follow these guidelines:

• Length: Up to 60 seconds (longer videos will be automatically divided into multiple clips)
• Aspect ratio: Between 9:16 and 1.91:1

Instagram Live Video Specs

Instagram Live Videos are recorded directly through the Instagram camera, so no specific dimensions are required. These live Instagram Videos can last up to four hours.

How to get your Instagram videos seen: 5 best practices

Increasing your Instagram video views has never been easier. This article will reveal 5 great tips to achieve it.

Hook Your Viewers

In the fast-paced world of Instagram Videos, you have roughly three seconds to capture attention and stop viewers from scrolling past your Reel or skipping your Story.

Provide immediate appeal by using elements like trending audio, striking visuals, or a teaser of what’s coming next. Offering instant intrigue is crucial for Instagram Videos. For example, Pair Eyewear quickly grabs attention by showing off their unique glasses design in an interesting way, making viewers curious to watch more.

Captions are equally important for Instagram Videos. If the video itself doesn’t immediately engage the viewer, a compelling caption can be your second chance to grab their attention.

Provide Value

Once you’ve hooked the viewer with your Instagram Video, the next step is to keep them engaged. Offer value by entertaining with humor, providing useful information, or showcasing your personality. You can also share tips, how-to guides, or thought-provoking content.

Every Instagram Video should have a clear value proposition. Before you create, ask yourself, “When someone watches this video, they will _______.” The answer could range from “laugh out loud” to “learn how to make paper luminaries,” depending on the content.

It’s also important to consider what value the Instagram Video provides to your business. It could be driving traffic to your website or strengthening brand loyalty. Ensuring your video delivers on this promise will help boost views, engagement, and shares. You can use tools like System SocialZ Analytics to measure how well your Instagram Videos are performing and compare your strategy to competitors.

Use Audio Wisely

Audio plays a significant role in Instagram Videos, especially for Stories and Reels, where sound is more likely to be turned on. However, keep in mind that many viewers may still watch with the sound off due to context or accessibility needs.

Use audio to enhance the impact of your Instagram Videos, but always include captions to make them more accessible. For Reels in particular, using trending audio can help improve your visibility within the Instagram algorithm. Finding unique ways to use popular tracks or offering a fresh take on a trend can help boost the reach of your Instagram Videos.

Be Active on the Platform

Getting your Instagram Videos seen isn’t just about the content itself. Instagram’s algorithms consider the connections between accounts when surfacing recommended content.

Engage actively with your followers by replying to comments and DMs, interacting with content in your niche, and sharing or liking Stories that mention your account. Being present and responsive can increase the visibility of your Instagram Videos. For example, Warby Parker quickly replies to comments on their videos, fostering engagement and building a stronger connection with their audience.

This tip may not be directly related to the video creation process, but it’s crucial for getting your Instagram Videos in front of a broader audience!

Schedule Your Videos in Advance

Planning and scheduling your Instagram Videos ahead of time allows you to post them when your audience is most active, increasing the chances of engagement. It also gives you the opportunity to refine your content for better quality, both of which are signals that the Instagram algorithm favors.

System SocialZ can recommend the best times to post your Instagram Videos based on your specific audience and engagement goals.

Tip: While you can’t pre-record an Instagram Live, you can use countdown stickers in Stories to build excitement and anticipation for your upcoming Live Instagram Video event.

Top 21 best Instagram Video Editing Apps

Here are the best free and paid video editing apps for Instagram in 2024

VideoShow

VideoShow is a versatile video editor designed for creating Instagram Videos, whether you’re a professional filmmaker or a beginner. It includes features such as music integration, animation stickers, cartoon filters, and sound effects, making it fun and easy to personalize your content. Capture special moments like weddings, birthdays, and holidays, then add scroll text, trendy transitions, and live dubbing to make your Instagram Videos stand out.

Videoshow is still a popular app in 2024

Pros:

• Easy-to-use with ready-made templates for quick video creation.
• 4K export and HD quality, maintaining the clarity of your Instagram Videos.
• Offers various editing tools, including audio extraction, video overlays, and voice changing.
• AI-powered tools for automatic editing, subtitles, and effects.
• No watermarks or ads in the VIP version.

Cons:

• Some advanced features require the VIP upgrade.
• The interface can feel overwhelming for new users due to the numerous features.
• Pricing: VideoShow is free to use, but the VIP version, which removes ads and watermarks, provides a more seamless experience for creating Instagram Videos.

Horizon

Horizon is a unique video app that ensures your Instagram Videos are always shot horizontally, regardless of how you hold your phone. This app is great for capturing high-resolution moments, with support for 2K recording and various real-time filters to enhance your videos. Its tilt-to-zoom feature provides an intuitive way to adjust while recording your Instagram Videos.

Pros:

• Guarantees horizontal recording for better Instagram Videos.
• Supports up to 2K resolution and offers slow-motion recording at 60 and 120 FPS.
• Real-time filters to improve the look of your videos.
• User-friendly media library for easy video management.

Cons:

• Some features require in-app purchases.
• Limited editing tools compared to other video apps.
• Pricing: Horizon is available for free download on the App Store and Google Play, with optional in-app purchases to unlock additional features for your Instagram Videos.

A Color Story

A Color Story is an advanced photo and video editor that brings your Instagram Videos to life with vibrant colors and dynamic effects. With over 500 filters and 120+ effects, it offers powerful tools to enhance your videos, including light leaks, flares, and color fogs. You can also fine-tune your edits, save custom filters, and even plan your Instagram grid with your videos before posting.

Source: A Color Story

Pros:

• Advanced editing tools for professional-quality Instagram Videos, including curves and HSL adjustments.
• Allows custom filter saving for consistent video editing.
• Grid preview for Instagram planning and batch editing of your videos.

Cons:

• Some advanced features may require in-app purchases.
• Steep learning curve for beginners due to the wide range of tools available.

Pricing: A Color Story is free to download, with some features requiring in-app purchases for full access to advanced tools for Instagram Videos.

Splice

Splice is a mobile editor that brings desktop-level editing power to your Instagram Videos. Whether you’re a professional creator or a beginner, Splice makes it easy to produce high-quality, shareable content with an intuitive interface. It offers powerful features that allow you to create professional-quality Instagram Videos that capture attention on social media.

Pros:

• Desktop-level video editing tools on a mobile device.
• High ratings on the App Store (4.7 stars), showing strong user satisfaction for editing Instagram Videos.
• Offers inspiration and support from a community of creators.

Cons:

• Some advanced features require in-app purchases.
• Limited availability of certain tools compared to desktop editors.

Pricing: Splice is free to download on both the App Store and Google Play, with optional in-app purchases for unlocking advanced features for Instagram Videos.

Adobe Premiere Rush

Adobe Premiere Rush is a cross-platform video editor that allows you to shoot, edit, and share Instagram Videos across mobile and desktop devices. Its intuitive interface offers tools for audio, motion graphics, and color correction, making it easy to create polished videos that can be shared seamlessly on Instagram and other social platforms.

Source: Adobe Premiere Rush

Pros:

• Works across multiple platforms, including macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android.
• Simple drag-and-drop transitions and built-in templates for Instagram Videos.
• Offers advanced color correction and speed adjustments to enhance your video content.
• Access to a vast library of in-app assets, such as music and transition graphics.

Cons:

• Some premium features require a subscription.
• Limited advanced editing capabilities compared to Adobe Premiere Pro.

Pricing: Adobe Premiere Rush offers a free plan with unlimited exports and basic tools. The full Adobe Express plan, at $9.99 per month, includes premium features and 100GB of cloud storage for creating high-quality Instagram Videos.

Animoto

Animoto is an easy-to-use video-making tool, perfect for creating professional-looking Instagram Videos without requiring editing experience. Its drag-and-drop interface, paired with various visual effects, makes it accessible to anyone. Whether you’re creating videos for marketing, education, or personal use, Animoto provides customizable templates to help you make engaging Instagram Videos quickly.

Pros:

• Intuitive drag-and-drop interface.
• Large library of video templates, ideal for quick Instagram Videos.
• Custom branding options for consistency in your videos.

Cons:

• Limited advanced editing features compared to professional tools.
• Some features require a subscription.

Pricing: Animoto offers free and paid subscription plans, with additional features available to enhance your Instagram Videos.

Foodie

Foodie is a camera app tailored for capturing food photos and Instagram Videos with fun, professional-quality filters. It offers over 30 live filters that can add just the right mood to your food videos. The app’s smart guide helps users capture perfect top-down shots, making it ideal for creating aesthetically pleasing food-related Instagram Videos.

Foodie is still the top app for video editing in 2024

Pros:

• Smart guide for top-down food videos.
• Timer and mute options for capturing videos in quiet settings.
• Easy sharing to multiple social media platforms, including Instagram.

Cons:

• Focused mainly on food photography and videos.
• Some filters may require in-app purchases.

Pricing: Foodie is free to download, though some filters and features may require in-app purchases for your Instagram Videos.

BeeCut

BeeCut is a straightforward video editing tool designed for creating impactful Instagram Videos. It allows users to trim, cut, and combine videos effortlessly with a simple drag-and-drop interface. Customize your Instagram Videos with features like intros, text overlays, and subtitles to make your content visually engaging.

Pros:

• Simple drag-and-drop interface for basic video editing.
• Multiple timeline layers for more detailed editing.
• Speech recognition for automatic subtitle generation in your Instagram Videos.

Cons:

• Some advanced features require a subscription.
• Limited to basic video editing compared to more professional tools.

Pricing: BeeCut offers a free trial, with additional features available through subscription plans for more advanced Instagram Video editing.

Vimeo

Vimeo’s online editor is a robust platform for creating polished Instagram Videos directly in your browser. It offers a drag-and-drop interface, allowing you to crop, trim, and add soundtracks to your videos. Vimeo also gives access to a vast library of royalty-free stock media to enhance your Instagram Videos without extra licensing fees.

Source: Vimeo

Pros:

• Extensive royalty-free media library for enhancing Instagram Videos.
• Cross-platform functionality on both Mac and Windows.
• Advanced features like text-based video editing and custom fonts for your videos.

Cons:

• Limited advanced editing features compared to desktop editors.
• Some features require a Vimeo subscription.

Pricing: Vimeo offers a free version with basic tools, and premium plans that unlock additional features and stock media access for your Instagram Videos.

GIPHY Cam

GIPHY Cam is an easy-to-use app for creating and sharing GIFs, stickers, and short Instagram Videos. It has the largest library of free GIFs and clips, allowing users to quickly find and share animated content. The app also includes tools to make custom GIFs and stickers with filters and animated text, making it ideal for short-form Instagram Video creation.

Pros:

• Extensive library of GIFs, stickers, and short videos.
• Seamless sharing to social media, including Instagram.
• Creation tools for custom GIFs and animated stickers.

Cons:

• Focused mainly on GIF and short-form video creation.
• Some advanced features require in-app purchases.

Pricing: GIPHY Cam is free to download and offers a wide variety of tools for creating Instagram Videos without additional costs, though some advanced features may require in-app purchases.

InShot

InShot is a versatile all-in-one video editor perfect for creating eye-catching Instagram Videos. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you can enhance your videos with features like slow-motion effects, AI-powered tools, and a vast music library. Its simple yet powerful interface allows you to cut, merge, and add custom effects effortlessly, making it ideal for social media.

Source: InShot

Pros:

• Extensive music library and customizable stickers/text.
• User-friendly interface suited for both novices and experts.
• Ideal for creating visually appealing Instagram content.

Cons:

• Advanced features may require in-app purchases.
• The broad toolset may overwhelm new users.

Pricing: InShot has a free version with essential features, while advanced effects are available via in-app purchases.

Apple Clips

Apple Clips is a fun, easy-to-use app that lets you create shareable Instagram Videos effortlessly. With AR Spaces and Selfie Scenes, you can immerse yourself in dynamic environments and create engaging content. Live Titles automatically add captions to your clips, perfect for Instagram posts.

Pros:

• Simple and intuitive interface.
• Automatic captioning with Live Titles.
• Easy social media sharing.

Cons:

• Limited advanced editing options.
• Only available for iOS users.

Pricing: Apple Clips is free and offers a range of creative tools for crafting fun Instagram Videos.

FlipaClip

FlipaClip is an excellent app for producing animated Instagram Videos. It features an intuitive frame-by-frame editing system, making animation accessible to everyone. With tools like onion skinning and various drawing features, you can bring your creative ideas to life in 2D animations.

Pros:

• Simple interface for frame-by-frame animations.
• Extensive drawing and animation tools.
• A strong community of animators with regular challenges for inspiration.

Cons:

• Some premium features require in-app purchases.
• Limited to 2D animation.

Pricing: FlipaClip has a free version with basic features, with more advanced options available via in-app purchases.

VSCO

VSCO is a powerful photo and video editing app known for its premium tools that help you craft stunning Instagram Videos. With over 200 photo filters and professional-grade presets, you can enhance your visuals with minimal effort, perfect for giving your content a professional touch.

Source: VSCO

Pros:

• Large community for creative networking.
• High-quality editing tools for Instagram content.
• Extensive filter library and advanced presets.

Cons:

• Some features require a membership.
• New users may find the toolset overwhelming.

Pricing: VSCO offers a free version with basic tools, while a membership unlocks access to advanced features and filters.

Kinemaster

Kinemaster is a professional video editor designed to create engaging Instagram Videos. It offers features like chroma key, multi-layer editing, and AI-powered enhancements, making it ideal for professional content creators who need advanced tools to produce polished videos.

Pros:

• Thousands of templates for quick content creation.
• AI-enhanced features like magic remover.
• 4K exporting and multiple audio/video layers.

Cons:

• Advanced features require in-app purchases.
• Only available on mobile platforms.

Pricing: Kinemaster is free to download, with premium features available via in-app purchases.

Filmora

Filmora simplifies the process of making high-quality Instagram Videos with its AI-driven tools. From auto-cutting videos to adding dynamic captions, Filmora enables users to create content that stands out. The app’s easy-to-use interface suits both beginners and professionals alike.

Pros:

• AI tools for automatic video editing.
• User-friendly interface for all skill levels.
• Multi-platform support for Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows.

Cons:

• Watermark included in the free version.
• Some features require a subscription.

Pricing: Filmora has a free version with basic features, with full access through a Pro subscription.

Lapse It

Lapse It is a powerful tool for creating time-lapse and stop-motion Instagram Videos. With features like manual camera control and a comprehensive video editor, users can produce stunning 4K+ content with ease. The app is perfect for adding unique visual elements to your Instagram feed.

Source: Lapse It

Pros:

• Advanced camera control options.
• Wide range of filters and audio tracks.
• 4K+ video exporting for high-quality results.

Cons:

• Some advanced features are restricted to the Professional version.
• May be complex for beginners.

Pricing: Lapse It offers a free version, with a Professional version available through in-app purchases.

Funimate

Funimate is a popular app for creating unique and engaging Instagram Videos. Its AI Studio allows users to generate AI-powered characters and animations, while its extensive element library lets you customize every aspect of your video. Perfect for Instagram content, Funimate inspires creativity with weekly challenges.

Pros:

• AI tools for generating characters and animations.
• Customizable keyframe animations and transitions.
• Active community with regular challenges.

Cons:

• Advanced features require a subscription.
• The comprehensive feature set may be overwhelming for new users.

Pricing: Funimate is free, with premium features available through in-app purchases.

Life Lapse

Life Lapse makes creating stop-motion Instagram Videos easy and fun. The app offers advanced camera controls like exposure and focus lock, as well as an intuitive editor to add filters, music, and more. Life Lapse also includes tutorials, making it perfect for beginners looking to create engaging stop-motion content for Instagram.

Pros:

• Simple interface with essential camera controls.
• Comprehensive editing tools for stop-motion videos.
• Tutorials for beginners.

Cons:

• Some features are iOS-exclusive.
• Advanced editing options require a subscription.

Pricing: Life Lapse is free, with additional features available through in-app purchases.

PowerDirector

PowerDirector is a professional-grade video editing app for creating high-quality Instagram Videos. With AI-enhanced tools, 4K exporting, and drag-and-drop effects, this app makes video creation quick and efficient for both beginners and experts alike.

Pros:

• Advanced AI tools for audio and video editing.
• Real-time effects and 4K exporting.
• Comprehensive features for all experience levels.

Cons:

• Some features require a subscription.
• Learning curve for new users due to advanced tools.

Pricing: PowerDirector is free, with premium features available through subscription plans starting at $4.58 per month.

Capcut

Capcut is a versatile, all-in-one video editor that offers features like splitting clips, adding overlays, effects, filters, text, and access to a music library. This Instagram app is ideal for social media managers looking to produce polished videos with minimal effort.

Source: Capcut

Pros:

• User-friendly interface
• Wide range of features and effects
• Suitable for creating short-form videos for social media
• Free to use

Cons:

• Potential performance issues with larger files
• Limited customization options for advanced users
• Occasional glitches or bugs

Pricing: Capcut is free, with pro features available through subscription plans starting at $8 per month.

Tips to Help You Choose the Best App for Instagram Videos

Selecting the right video editing app can significantly impact how your Instagram Videos are perceived. Here are five essential tips to help you find the best app for your content creation needs:

Identify Your Needs and Goals

First, determine the type of Instagram Videos you want to create. Are you aiming for quick, engaging clips for Stories and Reels, or do you require a more comprehensive editor for detailed projects? Knowing your goals will help you choose an app that aligns with your specific Instagram video needs.

For example, Funimate offers creative AI effects and keyframe animations, ideal for short, engaging clips. On the other hand, Filmora provides tools like AI auto-cut and dynamic captions, making it suitable for more in-depth video projects.

You need to define your goals to create videos that attract views.

Check the App’s Features

Look for essential features like transitions, filters, text overlays, and music integration to elevate your Instagram Videos. If you need advanced tools like AI enhancements, chroma key, or multi-layer editing, ensure the app includes these options. Templates and presets can also simplify the editing process.

InShot offers slow-motion effects and a rich music library, perfect for adding a cinematic touch to your Instagram Videos. PowerDirector provides AI-enhanced audio and visual tools with 4K exporting, which is crucial for high-quality Instagram content.

Consider The User Interface

A user-friendly interface is key to efficient editing, especially for creating Instagram Videos. Choose an app that’s intuitive and easy to navigate, particularly if you’re new to video editing. Drag-and-drop features and simple menus can significantly enhance your experience. Splice and Animoto are known for their intuitive interfaces, with Animoto offering easy drag-and-drop editing for both beginners and professionals.

Evaluate Export Quality and Formats

You need to evaluate the quality of each video to help your video become better.

Maintaining the visual quality of your Instagram Videos is essential. Look for apps that offer high-resolution export options, such as HD or 4K, and ensure they support Instagram-friendly aspect ratios for posts, Stories, and IGTV. This ensures your content looks sharp and professional across all formats.

Kinemaster supports 4K resolution and 60 FPS, with high-quality Instagram templates, while Lapse It offers UHD 4K+ video exports, perfect for making your time-lapse and stop-motion videos stand out on Instagram.

Review Pricing and Subscription Plans

Many apps provide free versions with basic features, but more advanced tools are often locked behind in-app purchases or subscriptions. Consider the cost relative to the features you need and evaluate if it fits within your budget. Free trials can help you test premium features before making a commitment.

Adobe Premiere Rush, for instance, offers a free starter plan with basic editing tools and unlimited exports for Instagram Videos, while its premium plan unlocks full features and additional cloud storage. VSCO offers a membership plan that grants access to advanced video editing tools along with exclusive content, which can help enhance your Instagram video creation process.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best video editing app to elevate your Instagram Videos and help you achieve your social media goals effectively.

Five simple ways to save Instagram videos in 2024

Discover the simplest methods to download Instagram videos. This guide System SocialZ will show you how to save your favorite clips in just a few steps.

How to download videos from Instagram?

Save Instagram Videos to Your Collections

This method allows you to save Instagram Videos privately to your profile. You can organize saved videos and posts using “Collections,” which help keep all the Instagram content you save well-arranged.

It’s simple: when you come across an Instagram Video you want to keep, click the save icon below it. After tapping the icon, the video will be available in the Saved section of your profile. To access it, go to your profile, click the hamburger icon on the top left, and select “Saved.” If you want to save the video to a specific Collection, tap and hold the save icon and choose the Collection where you want it to be stored. 

This method lets you return to any Instagram Video at any time to watch it again. However, you won’t be able to repost content from Collections to your own feed.

Save Your Own Instagram Videos

If you’ve created an Instagram Video for your feed or story, saving it is easy. After recording the video, click the download button at the top before posting it. This works for both feed posts and Instagram Stories.

If you’ve already posted the Instagram Video to your Story, you can still save it. Go to your Story, view the video, and click the three dots in the lower right corner for more options.
Pro tip: Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Story Controls, then toggle on “Save to Camera Roll” to automatically save all your Instagram Stories to your phone.

Manually Record Instagram Videos from Stories

Instagram doesn’t allow you to download Instagram Videos directly from other users’ feeds or stories, but with permission from the original poster, there are workarounds. One simple way to save Instagram Videos is by recording your screen while the video plays.

For iOS users, follow these steps:

• Swipe up from the bottom to access the Control Center.
• Press the circular Record button.
• Tap Start Recording, and after a three-second countdown, the recording begins.
• Play the Instagram Video.
• To stop, access the Control Center again and tap the red Record button. Your recorded Instagram Video will be saved in your photos app.

For Android users, while there isn’t a built-in screen recording feature, there are several apps you can use, such as:

• DU Recorder
• AZ Recorder
• YouTube Gaming
• ScreenCam
• RecMe

These apps provide a good experience for capturing Instagram Videos via screen recording, and they’re free to use.

Use an App to Save Instagram Videos

The easiest way to download and save Instagram Videos for reposting or viewing later is by using a third-party app. These apps let you save videos from another user’s feed or story (with permission). Here are a few great apps to help you download Instagram Videos:

• StorySaver (Android): This free app allows users to download Instagram Videos and images from stories. It’s intuitive and takes just a few taps to save a video. Once saved, you can repost the video to your own feed or story (with credit to the original creator, of course).
• Story Reposter (iOS): Similar to StorySaver, this app lets you download videos from Instagram Stories and repost them. Simply search for the profile, select the video you want to save, and download it.
• Quick Reposter (iOS): This app lets you download and repost Instagram Videos or photos. Copy the link of the video you want, and it will save it to your device.
• Quicksave (Android): Like Quick Reposter, this app lets you copy the link of an Instagram Video and download it. With over three million downloads, it’s a popular option for saving Instagram content.

Use a Web Downloader to Save Instagram Videos

There are several websites that allow you to download Instagram Videos to your computer. However, you’ll need to transfer the video to your phone if you want to repost it on Instagram. This method is useful if you want to save Instagram Videos for future reference.

Here are some websites that allow you to download Instagram Videos by entering the video link:

• Downloader4Insta.com
• Blastup.com
• SaveFromWeb.com
• W3Toys.com
• Downloadgram.com

Remember: always get permission from the original poster before downloading and reposting any Instagram Videos.

With these methods, you now have the tools to easily save Instagram Videos and use them as needed for your social media activities.

Instagram Videos – Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs for Instagram Videos

What types of videos can I post on Instagram?

Instagram supports Stories, Reels, IGTV, and Live videos, each with unique features and audience engagement opportunities.

What is the ideal length for Instagram videos?

Stories should be 15 seconds or less, Reels can be up to 90 seconds, IGTV videos can be up to 60 minutes, and Live videos can be as long as you want.

How can I improve the quality of my Instagram videos?

Use a good camera or smartphone, ensure proper lighting, and utilize editing apps for better visuals and audio.

What hashtags should I use for my Instagram videos?

Research popular and relevant hashtags in your niche, and consider using a mix of broad and specific hashtags to reach your target audience.

How do I know if my Instagram videos are effective?

Use Instagram Insights to track metrics like views, engagement, and reach to assess video performance.

Can you download Instagram Videos?

Yes, you can download your own Instagram Videos by tapping the three dots on any Reel and selecting “Download.”

However, if you’re looking to download Instagram Videos created by someone else, there’s no native option for that. You’ll need to use third-party tools to download videos posted by others on Instagram.

Can you share Instagram Videos to Facebook?

Absolutely! You can easily share your own Instagram Videos to your Facebook Page, provided your Instagram and Facebook accounts are linked. Once linked, you can set your Reels and Stories to automatically share to Facebook, or do it manually for each Instagram Video.
Additionally, you can share other people’s Instagram Reels or feed videos (in carousel posts) to Facebook by tapping the Share button and selecting Facebook as the destination.

How to post a YouTube video on Instagram?

There’s no direct way to upload a YouTube video to Instagram, but you can still share a portion of it. The simplest way is to create a short teaser of your YouTube video to share as an Instagram Video in your Stories, along with a link to the full video on YouTube:

• Open your YouTube video and record your screen for up to 60 seconds.
• Use your phone’s video editor to crop the recording if necessary.
• Open Instagram and create a Story, then upload your screen-recorded Instagram Video.
• Add a link sticker and a YouTube GIF to direct viewers to the full video on YouTube.

What app works best for editing Instagram Videos?

Here are some of the best apps for editing Instagram Videos:

• VideoShow
• Horizon
• A Color Story
• Splice
• Adobe Premiere Rush
• Animoto
• Foodie
• BeeCut
• Vimeo
• GIPHY Cam
• Capcut

Conclusion

And those are tips and tricks from System SocialZ to help you optimize your Instagram Videos in 2024. By applying these tips, you will not only increase your views but also build a strong community on this platform. Don’t forget to follow System SocialZ to update the latest trends in Instagram Videos!

Making your Instagram photos look their best is a crucial part of building a strong online presence. It’s not just about the quality of the image, but also about ensuring it fits perfectly within the platform’s guidelines. Think of Instagram photo sizes like selecting the ideal frame for your artwork. Whether you’re aiming for a square, portrait, or landscape orientation, understanding the correct Instagram dimensions is essential for creating a visually appealing profile.

This quick size guide will provide you with the exact measurements for everything from your eye-catching Instagram profile picture to captivating posts and stories. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your content stands out and aligns with SystemSocialZ’s best practices

What is an Instagram Photo?

An Instagram photo is an image shared on the social media platform Instagram, designed to visually capture moments, ideas, or products. Unlike typical photographs, Instagram photos are often enhanced with filters, editing tools, and creative captions to engage followers and reflect a specific aesthetic. Instagram supports various image formats, but the square (1:1 ratio) is the most iconic and widely recognized.

Over time, this has expanded to include portrait and landscape orientations, giving users more flexibility. The primary purpose of an Instagram photo is to tell a visual story that resonates with the audience, whether it’s a personal memory, a product promotion, or an artistic creation.

Are Instagram photos important for increasing engagement?

The evolution of Instagram photos

Since its launch in 2010, the concept of the Instagram photo has evolved significantly. Initially, users were limited to uploading simple, unfiltered images, usually cropped into a square. Instagram’s early filters, like “X-Pro II” and “Valencia,” allowed users to give their photos a unique, vintage look, which quickly became a hallmark of the platform.

As smartphones improved in camera quality, so did the expectations for Instagram photos. Users began focusing on higher resolution, better composition, and more professional editing techniques. By introducing features like Stories, Carousels (multi-photo posts), and Reels, Instagram expanded the ways users could present their photos. Today, businesses, influencers, and regular users curate their Instagram photos to reflect specific themes, colors, and aesthetics to attract engagement.

Why Instagram photos matter?

These images have become a powerful tool for self-expression and social connection. Let’s explore the content below.

For Personal Branding

An Instagram photo can serve as a powerful tool for personal branding. Influencers, entrepreneurs, and even everyday users often craft a consistent visual theme across their photos to represent their personality, lifestyle, or values. High-quality, well-edited Instagram photos help individuals stand out in a crowded digital space, fostering a deeper connection with their followers. Whether it’s travel photography, fitness journeys, or fashion snapshots, the visual impact of an Instagram photo can make a lasting impression, driving engagement and growth in followers.

For Businesses

For businesses, an Instagram photo is more than just an image; it’s a marketing asset. Companies use Instagram photos to showcase their products, tell their brand story, and engage with customers. Effective product photography on Instagram can significantly boost conversions, especially when combined with strategic hashtags, captions, and Instagram’s shopping features. 

For example, lifestyle shots of products in real-world settings tend to perform better than traditional product images, as they create a more relatable and aspirational feel. Moreover, businesses leverage Instagram photos to create a consistent brand aesthetic, build trust with their audience, and ultimately drive sales.

Size guide for different types of Instagram Images

You can post Instagram photos in various sizes. The aspect ratio and image dimensions are essential when sharing visual content on the platform. To understand this better, we first need to clarify what image size and aspect ratio mean.

You can post images in different sizes for different purposes when using Instagram.

Image Size: The size of your Instagram photo, measured in pixels, determines its clarity and detail. For optimal results, Instagram recommends a width of 1080 pixels, ensuring your photos remain sharp and of high quality. Whether you’re using Instagram on iPhone or Android, the platform ensures your Instagram photo are uploaded at the best resolution, up to 1080 pixels wide.

If you upload a photo between 320 and 1080 pixels wide, Instagram preserves the original resolution, as long as the aspect ratio is between 1.91:1 and 4:5. If the aspect ratio isn’t supported, the platform will crop your Instagram photo to fit. Lower resolution images are enlarged to 320 pixels wide, while those at higher resolutions are scaled down to 1080 pixels wide

Aspect Ratio: This refers to the proportional relationship between an image’s width and height and plays a key role in how your Instagram photo are displayed. Instagram supports several aspect ratios, including the traditional square (1:1) for standard posts, the vertical (4:5) for portrait shots, and the wide (1.91:1) ratio for landscape images.

Choosing the correct aspect ratio ensures that your Instagram photo appears as intended without unwanted cropping.

Now, let’s dive into the specific guidelines for each type of Instagram photo.

Profile Photo

Ideal image size: 320px by 320px

Profile photos are unique because they are the smallest Instagram photos on the platform. Instagram recommends uploading profile images at 320px by 320px with an aspect ratio of 1:1. However, your Instagram photo will be displayed at 110px by 110px, also maintaining the 1:1 ratio.

Image Posts

It’s essential that every social media image has the correct file size and resolution for posts. This matters because it affects the quality, appeal, and engagement of your Instagram photo. If you resize Instagram photos without following proper specs, it can reduce the visual impact of your post.

Originally, Instagram posts only supported square images with a 1:1 aspect ratio. Users had to crop larger photos to fit into this format, often resulting in quality loss. However, Instagram has evolved, and now you can upload both portrait and landscape images. 

You can choose between a 1:1 (square), 1.91:1 (landscape), or 4:5 (portrait) aspect ratio for your Instagram photo.

Here’s more information on these options:

1:1 – Square Images

Ideal image size: 1080px by 1080px

These are the traditional square Instagram photos the platform is known for. Instagram’s auto-cropping feature makes it easy to upload these images. While it was once tricky to take square photos due to most cameras only supporting portrait or landscape shots, today’s devices and apps allow you to take square images directly.

1.91:1 – Landscape

Ideal image size: 1080px by 608px

Landscape photos are the horizontal Instagram photos you see in some posts. Uploading these can be a bit tricky since most landscape photos are in a 16:9 ratio rather than the required 1.91:1. If the aspect ratio isn’t correct, black borders may appear around the Instagram photo, which can negatively impact the overall aesthetic of your profile.

Here’s an example of a horizontal Instagram photo post with black borders due to an incorrect aspect ratio. The next post from the same page demonstrates a properly formatted landscape Instagram photo.

4:5 – Portrait

Ideal image size: 1080px by 1350px

Posts with a 4:5 aspect ratio feature portrait-style Instagram photos. These are easy to upload, as most mobile cameras already take portrait images. Even if your portrait photo doesn’t have the exact aspect ratio, you can still crop it to fit Instagram’s format.

Stories

Ideal image size: 1080px by 1920px

The beauty of Instagram lies in its versatility, allowing you to create different types of content like posts, Stories, and IGTV videos. Each type has its own image size guidelines, including for your Instagram photo.

For Instagram Stories, the ideal size for an Instagram photo is 1080px by 1920px, with an aspect ratio of 9:16. This ensures your Instagram photo fits the Story format perfectly, without any black borders.

While Instagram Stories can accommodate images between aspect ratios of 1.91:1 to 9:16, the platform will either allow you to crop your Instagram photo or automatically add a black border to fit the remaining space if the dimensions aren’t ideal. Portrait-style Instagram photos work best for Stories, as Stories are meant to be viewed vertically. Although landscape images are an option, their visual appeal in Stories is not as strong. Therefore, it’s always recommended to use the 9:16 aspect ratio for your Instagram photos.

Additionally, vertical video content that features Instagram photos can increase engagement, as it enables viewers to take in the full experience at once. Instagram videos shorter than 10 minutes should not exceed 650 MB in size, while videos up to 60 minutes can be as large as 3.6 GB.

Instagram Reels

Ideal image size: 1080px by 1920px

Instagram Reels are similar to YouTube Shorts, where short, engaging video content is key. Reels can include both videos and Instagram photos, and typically last between 30 and 90 seconds, with the goal of capturing attention quickly.

Reels can be created using pre-recorded videos or freshly shot content directly within the app. Many users may not realize they can incorporate Instagram photos into their Reels, either as a slideshow or mixed with videos. The ideal size for an Instagram photo in Reels is 1080px by 1920px, with a 9:16 aspect ratio.

Once you’ve selected your cover Instagram photo, you can upload your video, add filters, and include a caption to enhance the overall experience.

Instagram carousel

Ideal image sizes:

• Portrait (4:5) – 1080px by 1350px
• Square (1:1) – 1080px by 1080px
• Landscape (1.91:1) – 1080px by 608px

You can post images in different sizes for different purposes when using Instagram Carousel.

An Instagram Carousel is a post that includes up to ten images or videos, allowing users to swipe through content. Each Instagram photo within the Carousel should adhere to the same size and aspect ratio guidelines as individual posts.

When creating an Instagram Carousel, you can add captions, alt texts, geotags, account tags, and product tags to enhance your Instagram photos. The interactive nature of Carousels engages viewers and provides an opportunity to present multiple Instagram photos in one post, making the correct size and formatting crucial for visual appeal.

Top 9 Instagram photo tips in 2024

Want to level up your Instagram? In 2024, a visually appealing feed is more important than ever. Discover our top 9 tips to capture stunning photos and boost your engagement.

Understand light

Light plays a critical role in capturing the perfect Instagram photo. Too much light can wash out your subject, while too little will make your photo appear dark and fail to grab your audience’s attention. Understanding how light interacts with the space you’re shooting in is essential, especially for brand photography.

For instance, if you’re taking Instagram photos in a restaurant, take note of where and when the sun shines in.

• Are certain windows more favorable for your shots?
• Does the afternoon sun make the space overly bright?
• Are there artificial lights that create harsh spotlights?

Early morning and sunset often provide the softest light for a beautiful glow, while afternoon sunlight can make white areas in your Instagram photo appear overexposed. Understanding how natural and artificial light behaves in your shooting space will help you better plan your photoshoots.

For example, sheer curtains can diffuse harsh sunlight, resulting in a well-balanced Instagram photo with no extreme highlights. If you’re using a smartphone, take time to tap on different areas of the screen to adjust the focus and light, using the brightness slider to fine-tune your shot.

Tip: Experiment by taking the same Instagram photo throughout the day, from different angles, so you can learn which lighting conditions work best for you. Simple photography hacks like using a white poster board to bounce light can also help fix shadows and highlight your subject more effectively.

Add layers to create interest

While minimalism can be trendy, adding layers to your Instagram photos creates depth and visual intrigue. This can be achieved by mixing textures or including a foreground and background in your shots. The subject remains the focus, but the layers draw the viewer’s eye across the Instagram photo, making it more engaging.

Make your Instagram photos stand out

For example, placing an object like an empty glass on one side of the frame can blur that portion, naturally guiding the viewer’s focus toward the main subject. Some smartphones also offer portrait mode, which allows you to blur the background and keep the subject in sharp focus, adding a professional touch to your Instagram photos.

Tip: Get creative by taking your Instagram photos from unconventional angles, such as shooting through a window to incorporate reflections. Play with your phone’s focus by tapping different points on the screen to see how it alters the overall image.

Use continuous burst for action shots

Posting moving images will help you attract more followers

When capturing action for an Instagram photo, don’t limit yourself to just one or two shots. Especially at events, taking a series of photos ensures you’ll capture the perfect moment without missing a beat. Using burst mode allows you to snap multiple images in quick succession, so you can sort through them later to find the best Instagram photo.

For example, during a latte pour, burst mode captures each stage of the pour, giving you several shots to choose from for your Instagram photo.

Tip: Don’t be discouraged if you need to take many action shots to get the right one. Even professional photographers may only end up using a small percentage of the total photos taken.

Utilize rule of thirds & white space

The rule of thirds is a common photography technique to make your Instagram photo visually appealing. By dividing the frame into nine equal parts with two vertical and two horizontal lines, you can place your subject where the lines intersect for a more dynamic composition.

For example, placing croissants on the lower right intersection of the grid draws attention to them naturally. Pairing the rule of thirds with white space can also isolate your subject and make your Instagram photo more powerful.

Tip: Many smartphone cameras offer gridlines that can be activated in settings. Using these gridlines while composing your shot will help you position your subject precisely within the frame.

Mix up your angles

Use image grid to help you take better photos

Gridlines are helpful for aligning elements in your Instagram photos, particularly for overhead or interior shots where you want everything to appear parallel. For example, when shooting a coffee cup, aligning the cup’s edges vertically with the gridlines ensures the photo is visually balanced.

However, don’t be afraid to try new angles. If you’re going for an unconventional perspective, ensure the angle is deliberately off from the gridlines for a more artistic feel. For example, a top-down shot of products like cosmetics can reveal more colors and details than a straight-on shot.

Tip: Some smartphone cameras have a middle crosshair feature for overhead shots. Use this feature to ensure your Instagram photos are perfectly aligned from above.

Frame your subject for Instagram photo

Leaving space around the focal point of your Instagram photo can enhance visual interest more than simply zooming in. By doing this, you may capture surprising details that can elevate your image, like a moon in the background. Unlike traditional cameras with adjustable lenses, a smartphone camera “zooms in” by narrowing your field of view, essentially pre-cropping your image. This limits your editing options later and might cause you to miss intriguing elements, so it’s best to avoid zooming.

Instead, tap on your subject or focal point to focus the camera properly. For even greater flexibility, consider investing in an external lens designed for your phone.

Draw the viewer’s eye

In photography, “leading lines” are elements that guide the viewer’s gaze through your Instagram photo, adding depth and motion. These lines can come from roads, buildings, or natural features like trees and waves. Look for leading lines in your environment and use them to create a sense of purpose in your images.

Add depth

To have a good photo – don’t forget the depth of the photo

While it’s easy to concentrate solely on the main subject of your Instagram photo, whether it’s a person or a delicious slice of pizza, incorporating layers in your composition makes for a more engaging image. By including patterns or objects in both the foreground and background, you create a sense of depth that invites viewers to explore your photo.

For instance, rather than tightly cropping around the flowers, including elements like a railing, a tree, and a sunset horizon adds layers of interest that draw the viewer in.

Don’t forget to get creative

Some Instagram photos become so popular that they turn into clichés, inspiring entire accounts dedicated to repetitive imagery. Don’t let the allure of Instagram trends stifle your creativity. Standing out among other brands on the platform requires you to find a fresh perspective on familiar subjects. This will help you build a unique and memorable brand identity.

10 Instagram picture ideas

Now that you’ve mastered the basics of photography, let’s turn our attention to subjects.

Certain subjects and themes resonate particularly well on Instagram due to their broad appeal and visual interest. Keep this in mind, as posting engaging content can significantly boost your visibility on the platform.

Here are some Instagram photo ideas to consider:

Symmetry

Symmetry is very important in photography.

Symmetry is visually appealing, whether found in nature (like Chris Hemsworth’s face) or human-made structures (such as the Royal Hawaiian Hotel). A symmetrical composition can enhance a subject that might not otherwise stand out. However, breaking symmetry can also create interest. For example, the bridge introduces vertical symmetry, while the surrounding trees and sunlight add dynamic elements to the Instagram photo.

Patterns

Our brains are drawn to patterns, which is why some Instagram photo accounts gain large followings by showcasing beautiful patterns, such as “I Have This Thing With Floors.” The viral success of Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama’s mirror rooms, featuring endlessly repeating shapes and colors, further illustrates our universal love for patterns. Look around for inspiration—architecture, design, and nature can all provide mesmerizing patterns for your photography.

Vibrant colors

Bright colors will make your photos more attractive.

While minimalism and neutral tones are trendy, there are times when a burst of color is refreshing. Bright, rich colors can evoke happiness and energy, making a strong impression in Instagram photos, especially on small screens. For instance, vibrant hues can transform an otherwise plain high-rise building into a stunning image.

Humor

If you’re seeking a dose of reality, Twitter might not be the best choice. Instagram, on the other hand, is a cheerful platform where humor thrives. Contrasting with the meticulously composed and edited Instagram photos that dominate the platform, funny images provide a welcome breath of fresh air, showcasing your lighthearted approach to photography.

Candid action

Capturing movement can be challenging, which is why a compelling action shot stands out. A dynamic photo can elevate an ordinary subject into something captivating. You don’t always need to aim for perfection; sometimes, a bit of blur can add an artistic, dreamy quality to your Instagram photo. To improve your chances of getting a great shot, take multiple images using burst mode.

Detail shots

Focusing sharply on unexpected or intriguing details can make your Instagram photo attention-grabbing, especially in a feed filled with vibrant, busy images. These detail shots act as a palate cleanser, offering a sense of calm amidst the chaos. 

Utilize Instagram’s editing tools, such as vignette (dimming the edges) or tilt-shift (creating a soft blur around the focus), to enhance these images. Remember to shoot from close range to maintain image quality; cropping from a distance can reduce resolution, leading to grainy photos that can harm your brand’s reputation.

Take detailed photos of multiple products to make your photos more attractive.

Captivating backgrounds

A simple yet effective technique is to use a stunning background for your Instagram photo. This is why people often seek out unique wallpaper or aesthetically pleasing settings for selfies. A creative background can beautifully complement a product post, enhancing its overall appeal.

Food

Some things are universally true, even if we can’t quite explain why. Yawning is contagious, light behaves as both a particle and a wave, and Instagram photos featuring cute animals are inherently better. This might be one of the easiest tricks in the book, but if you have access to an adorable pet (or even a miniature pony), it’s a missed opportunity not to incorporate them into your photography.

Food pictures are always trending on Instagram

People

Research indicates that people are drawn to faces in Instagram photos (hello again, Chris Hemsworth!). In fact, images featuring people can receive up to 38% more likes than those without. To capture a stunning portrait, apply the principles discussed earlier: use natural light, choose an attractive background, and explore different angles to create a more engaging shot. Many smartphones now offer a portrait mode that optimizes lighting and focus for you.

2024 new photo trends on Instagram

Ready to take your Instagram game to the next level? Explore the most popular photography trends of 2024 and learn how to use them to attract new followers and increase engagement.

Photo dumps

In the past, critics of Instagram have complained that the platform felt overly polished—filled with heavily filtered, expertly edited, and beautifully curated Instagram photos that didn’t reflect real life. The remedy for this artificiality? Enter the photo dump.

Photo dumps consist of a collection of “imperfect” images and tend to have a more random feel than traditional IG carousel posts. They celebrate a carefree, unedited, authentic vibe, offering a refreshing change for the perfectionist social media manager.

A photo dump can showcase images from a specific timeframe, as seen in this example from the hair salon Life and Colour. However, a photo dump doesn’t have to represent a particular period or theme; chaos thrives in the world of photo dumps.

Photo dumps are trending on Instagram in 2024

How to Achieve the Look:

Gather a collection of Instagram photos that resonate with you.

Aim for variety in angles, subjects, and moods across the photos.

Don’t overthink it; photo dumps are meant to be enjoyable!

Embrace the blur

Similar to the photo dump trend, out-of-focus or blurry Instagram photos celebrate imperfections. (Aren’t you glad you invested in that high-resolution phone camera?)

Blurry images can convey motion and possess a dreamy quality, much like this creator’s sunset shots.

How to Achieve the Look:

Keep blurry images instead of deleting them.

Think of ways to capture motion within your branding (for example, a clothing brand might photograph someone twirling in a flowing skirt).

Be selective with your blurry Instagram photos—the blur should appear intentional and artistic, not overwhelming your feed.

Monochrome madness

Matching colors can create a clean, cohesive, and intentional aesthetic for Instagram photos. Recently, the monochrome trend has gained traction on social media—thanks in part to the all-pink power of Barbie.

How to Achieve the Look:

Go for maximum matchiness! Choose a color and stick with it.

Incorporate your brand colors whenever possible to maintain a unified look across your social feeds.

Ensure the photos are well-lit and clear; a lack of contrast doesn’t mean the image should be hard to interpret.

Pleasing patterns

Humans are naturally inclined to seek out patterns, and there’s something incredibly satisfying about straight lines, repetitive forms, and predictable structures—especially when executed creatively.

You may find patterns in your daily work. For instance, a lineup of a milk maker’s products can create a beautiful linear pattern in an Instagram photo.

You can create a beautiful linear pattern in an Instagram photo.

How to Achieve the Look:

Stay alert for visual patterns while you work. Even everyday items can be stunning when arranged thoughtfully.

When arranging items for your photos, strive for precision in spacing and camera angle.

Don’t stress about branding; focus more on the shareability of a beautiful Instagram photo than overt marketing.Zoomed out photos

Zoomed out photos

To put it plainly, the 0.5 lens option has captured Gen Z’s attention. The wide-angled, slightly distorted images it produces have become a hallmark of modern social content. Scientists may never fully understand why, but Instagram photo taken in 0.5 are undeniably more enjoyable. When in doubt, zoom out.

Some 0.5 images can be more subtle. For example, a photo from a bodega may have a slightly wider frame than a standard image without looking warped.

How to Achieve the Look:

Use the 0.5 lens option occasionally for your Instagram photos.

This technique emphasizes the center of the frame, so ensure your subject is well-centered.

Embrace the distortion; a bit of warping can add character to your images.

Nostalgic design

Fashion is cyclical, and regardless of your generation, trends will resurface, often making you feel nostalgic (hopefully not for the regrettable 2000s mustache craze, but you never know).

Currently, ‘70s-inspired design is trending, with color palettes, fonts, and image compositions evoking groovier times.

How to Achieve the Look:

Seek out brands that successfully capture nostalgia and follow their lead.

Utilize online tools to discover color palettes suited to the era (for instance, search for ‘70s color palettes on Pinterest).

Limit your use of different fonts; when uncertain, opt for a template (we’ve compiled over 200 retro designs for you to choose from).

Warm vibes

From bright sunlight to moody golden hour images, Instagram photo in 2024 are warming up our feeds. Glowing, cozy pictures transport us from our screens into serene, natural spaces.

Warm vibes always makes your photos look better

How to Achieve the Look:

If you’re planning a “golden hour” photoshoot, set up well in advance of sunset, as the window of opportunity is brief.

When editing your Instagram photos, consider increasing the warmth.

Back in a flash

On the flip side, there’s the use of artificial light. Flash photography may have fallen out of favor in the 2010s, but the 2020s embrace the paparazzi effect. Relying solely on natural light can limit your photo opportunities once the sun sets.

Flash can highlight the delicious details in food photography, as demonstrated in this hamburger shot.

How to Achieve the Look:

Don’t hesitate to use flash in your Instagram photos.

Experiment with contrasts in your images.

Try candid flash photography alongside meticulously arranged brand images.

Carousel panoramas

Instagram allows photos to be posted with dimensions no wider than 1080 by 566 pixels—unless you get creative (which, of course, we do). Carousel panoramas are a series of images that align to create one long Instagram photo, making them irresistible to scroll through.

A carousel panorama can also be a genuine panorama, like a snowy seaside landscape.

How to Achieve the Look:

Split a long image into multiple smaller sections.

Share these segments as a carousel.

If possible, cut the images at intriguing points to entice viewers to swipe and discover what’s hidden.

Text posts

Do you see photos and text as separate entities? Think again! Text posts are thriving on Instagram in 2024, offering a more engaging way to share information compared to merely writing it in the caption, making it more shareable as well.

For instance, this post from Strategist explains what sulfates are and their impact on hair. The border, illustrations, and fonts lend a professional, modern look—far superior to a screenshot from a notes app, which celebrities should definitely avoid.

How to Achieve the Look:

Use short, concise text (you’re not writing an essay).

Enhance the information with graphics, images, and fonts.

Start with a template if you need inspiration.

Add yours

On Instagram Stories, the “Add Yours” feature fosters mini-trends that anyone can start and contribute to. It’s an opportunity to connect with your community and encourage spontaneous sharing—unlike a content calendar, the “Add Yours” sticker often leads to impromptu stories.

The stickers may prompt users to share photos of sunsets, pets, winter memories, and more.

Add yours is trending on instagram in 2024

How to Achieve the Look:

If you spot an “Add Yours” sticker you’d like to participate in, hit the “Add Yours” button to share your Instagram photo or video.

To create your own, tap the Stickers button in the Instagram story editor, then select “Add Yours.”

Consider adding your own “Add Yours” sticker to your story highlights to keep it visible beyond 24 hours.

Top 13 of the Best Apps to Create Collages for Instagram in 2024

Discover the best collage maker and photo editor apps available on iOS and Android to design eye-catching collages perfect for sharing on Instagram.

Collage Maker (iOS)

Platform: iOS

Rating: 4.8 from 115k+ reviews

Price: Free with in-app purchases

Collage Maker is a fantastic app for creating and editing your Instagram photos. It offers a vast selection of over 20,000 layouts, stickers, and effects to help you craft unique collages. You can apply artistic filters that transform your images to resemble the works of famous artists like Van Gogh and Picasso.

The app also allows for freestyle doodling on your collages to tell your story and connect with your audience. Plus, the cutout feature lets you trace shapes with your finger to cut pictures precisely. The selfie editor enhances your selfies, making it a perfect tool for refining your Instagram images.

Unfold (iOS)

Platform: iOS and Android

Rating: 4.9 from 150k+ reviews

Price: Free with in-app purchases

If you’re searching for sleek, minimalist designs for your Instagram collages, Unfold is the ideal choice. This app features elegant, film-inspired layouts that make your collages appear as if they are vintage photographic collections. Developed by Squarespace, it includes over 400 unique templates that stand out from the competition. 

You can enhance your Instagram photos with filters to make them more engaging. Unfold is free to download, with a seven-day free trial for premium features and additional in-app purchase options for specific templates and filters.

Soure: Unfold

PicCollage (iOS)

Platform: iOS and Android

Rating: 4.8 from 1.7M+ reviews

Price: Free with in-app purchases

PicCollage is a versatile app for crafting themed Instagram photo collages. If your Instagram page focuses on a specific type of content, this app could be perfect for you. It boasts a solid collection of stickers, background patterns, and photo grids, allowing you to create visually appealing collages for your Instagram. One standout feature is its array of card templates for creating personalized cards.

The app also includes a cutting tool that lets you freestyle cut photos, providing you with significant flexibility in creating and customizing your Instagram collages. Many features are available for free, but a paid plan unlocks VIP templates and features.

Pic Jointer (iOS)

Platform: iOS

Rating: 4.6 from 116k+ reviews

Price: Free with in-app purchases

Pic Jointer is another excellent option for editing and customizing your Instagram photos. You can edit images using various tools and then arrange them into collages using the hundreds of grids and layouts available in the app. To enhance your collages, you can add stickers and personalized text. The app is free to download and start using, but it does offer in-app purchases that may be necessary after a brief period of free access.

SCRL (iOS)

Platform: iOS and Android

Rating: 4.8 and 4.3 from 100k+ reviews across both platforms

Price: Free with in-app purchases

SCRL goes beyond just a collage maker; it enables you to create layouts, panoramas, mood boards, and more. It offers a rich collection of templates that you can use to design without starting from scratch. Popular template collections include Paper for a torn paper effect, Film for classic analog film frames, and SCRL Essentials for basic layouts. 

If you’re looking for stylish and unique templates for your Instagram photo collages, this app will not disappoint. While it’s free to download, some template collections require purchase.

Soure:SCRL

Photoblend (iOS)

Platform: iOS

Rating: 4.5

Price: $2.99

If you’re seeking something different from traditional collage makers, Photoblend might be for you. This app allows you to blend two images together to create a double-exposure effect. Such effects are typically achieved by professional designers using advanced software like Photoshop and Illustrator, but this app simplifies the process for everyone. 

Additionally, Photoblend offers a variety of frames to decorate your Instagram photos and the ability to add text to your images or collages, helping you to narrate your story creatively.

Photo Editor – Collage Maker

Platform: Android

Rating: 4.9 from 1m+ reviews

Price: Free with in-app purchases

This popular collage maker app is favored by Android users and serves as an excellent counterpart to the iOS Collage Maker. You can easily select multiple pictures and let the app automatically generate a collage in your desired layout. Combine up to 20 images in a single collage using one of the 300+ available grids and layouts. The app also includes a good selection of background images, fonts, stickers, and design tools to customize your images. 

Another standout feature is its ability to create Instagram-ready square photos with blurred backgrounds. The app is free to download, with in-app purchases starting at $0.99.

StoryArt (Android)

Platform: Android

Rating: 4.8 from over 2.08m+ reviews

Price: Free with in-app purchases

StoryArt is designed specifically for crafting collages and other types of images for your Instagram Stories. With over 2000 templates and layouts available, you can create stunning Instagram photo collages. The app offers all the basic photo editing tools, along with 60+ themes and 120+ icons and stickers to enhance your Instagram Highlight covers. 

Some of the most popular templates include those for Reels, Portraits, and Cutout Animations. The app is free to download, with in-app purchases starting at $0.99.

Source: StoryArt

StoryChic (iOS)

Platform: iOS

Rating: 4.6

Price: Free with in-app purchases

StoryChic is another great collage maker and photo editor that allows you to personalize your Instagram Stories. With over 500 templates at your disposal, you can create captivating collages for your Stories.

The app also offers basic effects and filters to make your Stories more engaging, along with around 50 themes covering topics like love and travel. The app is free to download but includes in-app purchases starting at $19.99.

Grids – Giant Square, Templates (iOS)

Platform: iOS

Rating: 4.6 from 27.5k+ reviews

Price: Free with in-app purchases

Grids provides everything you need to create appealing Instagram photo collages. You can create collages not only for in-feed posts but also for Instagram Stories. The app features a variety of templates for both posts and Stories that are user-friendly and easy to edit. Add your images, text, and stickers to achieve your desired look. Grids also offers advanced editing tools, allowing you to customize your collages with vectors and fonts. You can apply grid or panorama layouts to larger images and create complete highlight covers to elevate your Instagram profile.

Puzzle Template – PuzzleStar (Android)

Platform: Android

Rating: 4.5 from over 19.6k+ reviews

Price: Free with in-app purchases

PuzzleStar features numerous puzzle templates to give your Instagram profile a unique appearance. The app allows for a consistent look across your profile page with reusable templates. Variety is crucial, and PuzzleStar provides a range of fonts and styles to help you design captivating collages. It also ensures that collages render beautifully on all screen sizes, offering 1080 x 1080px Instagram grids for a professional look, regardless of your followers’ devices. Like Grids, PuzzleStar excels at demonstrating how to create engaging collages for Instagram.

The best app when using Instagram is Puzzle Template – PuzzleStar

Grid Post – Photo Grid Maker for Instagram Profile (Android)

Platform: Android

Rating: 4.4 from 8.37k+ reviews

Price: Free with in-app purchases

Grid Post is a user-friendly app designed specifically for creating Instagram photo collages. It allows you to transform larger images into perfectly sized collages for your profile using the split and crop feature. You can create swipeable posts from expansive images, such as stunning panoramic views. The app offers five grid size options: 3×5, 3×4, 3×3, 3×2, and 3×1.

Additionally, Grid Post provides over 120 customizable overlays in various colors for added personalization. For those new to collage creation on Instagram, the app offers easy-to-edit templates and allows for the individual addition of images, making the process straightforward. You can also enhance your collages with access to over 2000 artworks, fonts, and stickers, and add a watermark logo for branding.

FotoCollage – Pic Collage Maker, Photo Editor (Android)

Platform: Android

Rating: 4.8 from 1.01m+ reviews

Price: Free with in-app purchases

FotoCollage offers 100+ template layouts, the ability to combine up to 20 images, and the option to create an image collage, providing ample flexibility for your Instagram photo. The app allows you to adjust collage layouts and add rounded edges to your images. 

You can choose from various text sizes, colors, gradients, outlines, shadows, and backgrounds. Like other Instagram collage tools, FotoCollage includes over 500 emoji stickers. It also features 37 photo effects to enhance your collages, and you can easily rotate, flip, swap images, and pinch to zoom in and out.

Can you delete one photo from an Instagram carousel after posting?

Yes, you certainly can, although this wasn’t always an option. Instagram introduced this feature in November 2021, much to the relief of social media managers everywhere. The announcement came directly from IG chief Adam Mosseri via, you guessed it, Instagram.

There is one limitation: you cannot delete a photo from a carousel that consists of only two images. If you want to remove an Instagram photo from a carousel with three or more photos, it’s a straightforward process. However, you cannot convert a published carousel into a standard IG post, meaning at least two images must remain after the deletion.

How to delete a single photo from a published Instagram carousel?

For example, let’s say you want to remove a cute baby cow from your Instagram carousel (this is purely hypothetical; no adorable baby cows were harmed in the making of this guide).

• Step 1: Locate the carousel you wish to edit and tap the three dots icon in the top right corner of your screen.
• Step 2: A menu will pop up; select Edit from that menu.
• Step 3: In the top left corner of your carousel, a garbage bin icon will appear. Tap that icon to delete the photo.
• Step 4: Instagram will prompt you to confirm if you want to delete the image. Tap Delete to finalize your decision, keeping in mind that you can restore the image within 30 days after deletion.
• Step 5: Don’t forget to tap Done in the top right corner to save your changes. (This step is easy to overlook, so be extra mindful!)
• How to restore a deleted photo to an Instagram carousel?

If you’re so dedicated to your role as a Hootsuite blog author that you accidentally deleted a favorite baby cow photo from your carousel, here’s how to recover it.

• Step 1: Navigate to your profile and tap the three horizontal lines in the top right corner. From the menu that appears, select Your Activity.
• Step 2: Scroll down until you find the Recently Deleted option and tap on it.
• Step 3: Any media deleted in the last 30 days will be displayed. Locate the Instagram photo you wish to restore and select it.
• Step 4: Tap Restore on the pop-up menu.
• Step 5: Instagram will ask for confirmation to complete the action. Tap Restore once more to finalize.

How to download photos on Instagram?

Is it easy to download photos from Instagram?

To download an Instagram photo, you can use various methods or tools, as Instagram doesn’t provide a direct option to download photos. Here are a few ways to download Instagram photos:

Manual Method (for Desktop)

• You can download photos from Instagram using the source code of the page.
• Open the Instagram post in a browser.
• Right-click on the photo and select “Inspect” or “View Page Source” (depending on your browser).
• Look for the URL of the image in the code (it will be within a <meta> tag or a <div> element).
• Copy the image URL and paste it into a new tab.
• Right-click the image and select “Save Image As”.

Using Third-Party Tools

There are online websites and apps designed to help you download Instagram photos. Some popular ones include:

• DownloadGram: Paste the link of the Instagram post and click “Download.”
• InstaSave: Available for Android and iOS, this app allows you to download photos and videos from Instagram by copying and pasting the post link.
• InstaDownloader: Another option where you paste the URL and download the photo.

Browser Extensions

You can use browser extensions like:

Downloader for Instagram: Available for Chrome and Firefox, this extension adds a download button to Instagram posts.

Note: Always ensure you respect copyright and the Instagram Terms of Service when downloading or using any media from Instagram.

Let me know if you’d like further details on any of these methods!

Instagram photo – Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs for Instagram photos

What is the best time to post photos on Instagram?

The best time to post an Instagram photo depends on your audience and location. Studies suggest that the ideal times are generally between 9 AM to 11 AM, and 6 PM to 9 PM, as these are the periods when users are most active. However, this can vary based on your target demographic and time zone. It’s a good idea to check your Instagram Insights to see when your followers are online, which can help you determine the optimal time to share your Instagram photos for better engagement.

What are the ideal dimensions for Instagram photos?

The ideal dimensions for an Instagram photo depend on the format:

• Square photos: 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1 aspect ratio).
• Portrait photos: 1080 x 1350 pixels (4:5 aspect ratio).
• Landscape photos: 1080 x 566 pixels (1.91:1 aspect ratio).

To ensure your Instagram photos appear sharp and clear, it’s important to stick to these recommended dimensions. Instagram will compress images, so uploading high-quality images within these guidelines will help retain image quality.

How can I make my Instagram photos stand out?

To make your Instagram photo stand out, consider these tips:

• Use natural lighting: Good lighting makes a big difference in how professional your photos appear.
• Focus on composition: Apply photography techniques like the rule of thirds to create balanced and visually appealing photos.
• Edit smartly: While Instagram offers filters, using external apps like Lightroom or Snapseed can give your Instagram photo a polished, professional look.
• Maintain a consistent aesthetic: A cohesive style or theme across your Instagram photos will make your profile more attractive to visitors.

Be authentic: Genuine, creative photos often perform better than overly staged or heavily edited images.

Do I need professional equipment to take good Instagram photos?

No, you don’t need professional equipment to take great Instagram photos. Many users achieve stunning results using just their smartphones. Modern smartphones come with excellent cameras and built-in editing tools that can make your Instagram photos look professional. However, if you want to take your photography to the next level, investing in some basic equipment like a tripod or external lighting can help enhance the quality of your Instagram photos.

Can I edit my Instagram photos directly on the platform?

Yes, you can edit your Instagram photos directly on the platform. Instagram provides several editing tools, including filters, brightness, contrast, saturation, and sharpness adjustments. 

These features allow you to quickly enhance your Instagram photo before posting. However, if you need more advanced editing options, you may want to use external apps like Adobe Lightroom or VSCO for greater control over your photo’s look.

What are some of the best apps for creating collages on Instagram?

Some of the leading apps for making Instagram photos collages include Collage Maker, Unfold, PicCollage, Pic Jointer, SCRL, Photoblend, InCollage, StoryArt, StoryChic, Grids, PuzzleStar, Grid Post, and FotoCollage.

How many hashtags should I use for my Instagram photos?

Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, but the ideal number of hashtags for an Instagram photo is usually between 5 and 10. Using relevant and targeted hashtags can help your Instagram photos reach a wider audience and increase engagement.

However, it’s important not to overuse hashtags, as spamming too many can make your post look cluttered or less professional. Focus on a mix of popular and niche hashtags that are relevant to your content.

Conclusion

In conclusion, enhancing engagement on your Instagram photo in 2024 requires a blend of creativity, strategy, and consistency. By exploring innovative content ideas, utilizing engaging features, and actively interacting with your audience, you can significantly boost your visibility and connection with followers. As you implement these strategies, remember that the power of community lies at the heart of social media success. 

Let System SocialZ guide you on this journey, providing the tools and insights needed to elevate your Instagram presence and foster meaningful engagement with your audience.

The inner workings of the Instagram algorithm are a constant mystery for social media managers, content creators, and anyone hoping to build a following. But fear not! This breakdown dives deep into how Instagram prioritizes content in 2024, exploring the algorithms for feed posts, Reels, Stories, and even the Explore page.

System SocialZ also unveil some top strategies to outsmart (or at least work with) the algorithm, helping you boost engagement for your business or brand.

What is the Instagram algorithm?

The Instagram algorithm is often mentioned as if it’s a single system, but it actually consists of multiple algorithms, classifiers, and processes, each with a distinct role. According to Instagram, these systems are designed to personalize the user experience by delivering the most relevant content, ensuring people spend more time on the app. In essence, the Instagram algorithm’s goal is to keep users engaged by showing them content they find interesting.

For social media professionals, this offers a valuable opportunity. By optimizing your strategy around what the Instagram algorithm prioritizes, you can increase your reach and cultivate a community of highly engaged followers.

How is Instagram alorithm understood?

How does the Instagram algorithm work?

As previously mentioned, there are multiple Instagram algorithms at work, each tailored to different sections of the app, such as feed posts or Reels. The key point? Every Instagram algorithm ranks content based on various factors:

• Instagram Feed algorithm: Based on your in-feed activity (likes, comments, shares, saves) and details about the post and its creator.
• Instagram Stories algorithm: Prioritizes Stories you’ve previously viewed or interacted with.
• Instagram Explore algorithm: Considers your actions in the Explore section (likes, comments, shares) and details about the post and its creator.
• Instagram Reels algorithm: Evaluates your activity with Reels (likes, comments, shares, saves), along with info about the Reel and its creator.

Read on for a deeper dive into how each Instagram algorithm works based on the content type.

How is the Instagram algorithm different?

There’s a common belief that certain types of content, like “Instagram Reels,” are ranked higher than others, such as feed posts. While it might seem true at times, this idea creates the misconception that all content is evaluated by a single Instagram algorithm, with Reels having an advantage — which isn’t the case.

In reality, Instagram Reels, the feed, Stories, and the Explore page are each driven by their own algorithms. Why? Because users engage with different sections of the app in different ways. As Instagram’s head, Mosseri, notes, “People check Stories to catch up with close friends, use Explore to discover new content, and go to Reels for entertainment.”

Here’s how the Instagram algorithm works across these various parts of the app.

How the Instagram algorithm works for Feed Posts?

The Instagram algorithm for feed posts has undergone significant changes in recent years, now focusing more on user interest.

But how does the Instagram algorithm determine what content you’re most likely to engage with?

According to Instagram’s CEO, Adam Mosseri, it’s a sophisticated process: “We continuously adjust signals and predictions to improve how we surface content you’re interested in.”

These signals include:

• Post information: Is it a photo or video? When was it posted? How many likes does it have?
• Poster information: How relevant is the person to you? Are they your friend? How often do others engage with their content?
• Your activity: Do you usually watch videos? What kind of posts do you engage with?
• Interaction history: Do you frequently like or comment on posts from this user?

In short, the Instagram algorithm tracks every interaction you make, from the posts you like to the users you engage with, to tailor your feed content.

The right content will help your Instagram increase your followers significantly.

How the Instagram algorithm works for Instagram Reels?

Mastering the Instagram algorithm for Reels can be a powerful growth tool.

Just like feed posts, the Instagram algorithm for Reels ranks content based on what it thinks users will interact with, using specific signals.

Instagram recommends brands and creators focus on making Reels that are fun, inspiring, or innovative, while utilizing creative tools like text, filters, or camera effects.

Avoid posting Reels that are low-resolution, blurry, reposted from another app, or have borders — these types of content will be deprioritized by the Instagram algorithm, making them less visible.

For added visibility, use relevant hashtags, keywords, and include on-screen captions to make your Reels more accessible.

How the Instagram algorithm works for Instagram Stories?

The Instagram algorithm for Stories prioritizes content from accounts you interact with the most, rather than the specific story content itself.

Instagram looks at several key signals, such as:

• Viewing history: How frequently you watch stories from a particular account.
• Engagement history: How often you engage with an account’s stories.
• Closeness: The strength of your relationship with the account.

Since Stories are temporary, the timing of when they’re posted has a lesser impact, though it can affect ranking if a story has been live for more than 10 hours.

To make the most of the Instagram algorithm for Stories, regularly post interactive content like polls, questions, or quizzes to encourage engagement.

What is the Instagram Story algorithm?

How the Instagram algorithm works for the Explore Page?

The Instagram algorithm for the Explore page is designed to showcase content that it believes will interest you, based on your past interactions.

While the home feed shows content from accounts you follow, the Explore page features posts from new accounts.

Instagram highlights that the most important user actions on Explore include likes, shares, and saves, and the algorithm considers signals like:

• Post information: How quickly a post gains interactions, which matters more here than in Feed or Stories.
• Your Explore activity: How you’ve engaged with similar posts in the past.
• Poster information: How many interactions the user has received recently, possibly including from you.

With ongoing updates to topic categories and search functions, the Instagram algorithm for Explore now considers both visual content and the words in your captions. By posting engaging content with strong captions, relevant keywords, and niche hashtags, you increase your chances of being featured on the Explore page.

How does the Instagram algorithm help you increase your followers?

How the Instagram algorithm works for Business, Creator, and Personal Accounts

There has been speculation that the Instagram algorithm gives preference to certain account types, particularly Business profiles.

However, Instagram has clarified this in a series of Stories on the @creators account, stating that all account types—whether Personal, Creator, or Business—are treated equally by the Instagram algorithm.

This means that your account type has no impact on how the Instagram algorithm ranks your content, ensuring a level playing field for all users.

What Instagram avoids recommending in 2024?

While Instagram encourages self-expression, safety remains a top priority. For this reason, the Instagram algorithm sometimes reduces the visibility of certain content or removes posts that violate Community Guidelines. Specifically, the algorithm limits the reach of content that is:

Marked as misinformation by third-party fact-checkers, causing it to appear less in Feed and Stories.

Considered sensitive or potentially upsetting, such as content promoting vaping or tobacco, which won’t appear on the Explore page or in Reels.

Political in nature, especially posts focused on political issues or created by political parties, figures, or government officials.

Low-resolution or watermarked, as these are deprioritized by the Instagram algorithm.

Important: Respect the Instagram community guidelines

Following Instagram’s Community Guidelines is crucial, not only for ethical reasons but also because it directly affects the visibility and success of your posts. The Instagram algorithm ranks content based on how well it adheres to these rules.

For example, videos that violate these guidelines may not only see a drop in engagement but could also be penalized or removed entirely.

Business accounts, in particular, should pay close attention to these guidelines. Ensuring that your content aligns with Instagram’s standards is essential for maintaining a positive reputation, boosting engagement, and maximizing reach on the platform.

Understanding Community guidelines on Instagram

Can you reset the Instagram algorithm?

Short answer: No, you can’t “reset” the Instagram algorithm.

However, you can refresh the content shown in your feed by:

Clearing your search history

Selecting “Not Interested” on suggested posts

The good news is that while you can’t reset the Instagram algorithm, there are plenty of strategies to improve the visibility of your own content (keep reading for more tips).

Instagram algorithm tips for every format in 2024

If you want to boost your ranking with the Instagram algorithm, the most effective approach is to increase interactions—such as likes, comments, saves, and clicks. By engaging your current community and building momentum, your content will start reaching new audiences.

Here are strategies to improve your Instagram algorithm ranking and expand your reach:

Instagram algorithm tips for Feed Posts

With so many factors influencing how content is ranked, how can businesses and creators improve their visibility on Instagram? Here are a few key tips to help your feed posts perform better under the Instagram algorithm:

Encourage engagement

Engagement is king on Instagram, as it’s one of the top ranking factors in the Instagram algorithm. Likes, comments, shares, and saves all matter. Increase engagement by asking questions, hosting giveaways, or creating highly shareable content.

Post at optimal times

Posting at the right time can significantly impact your reach since audience interaction is a crucial signal to the Instagram algorithm. Use tools to determine the best times to post based on your audience’s behavior.

Optimizing your posting schedule helps you increase engagement significantly.

Use relevant hashtags

Hashtags help the Instagram algorithm understand what your post is about and show it to the right audience. Unlike paid ads, hashtags are a free way to increase your visibility and reach beyond your existing followers.

Tag your location

Location tags are another free way to help the Instagram algorithm. Posts with location tags are shared with users in that area, giving you additional exposure. Plus, anyone searching for content from a specific place will find your post.

Post consistently

Whether you want to improve reach, engagement, or grow followers, consistency is key. Aim to post 3-5 times per week. If that feels like too much, simply showing up consistently—such as posting every weekday—can keep your account active and visible to the Instagram algorithm.

By following these tips, you’ll give the Instagram algorithm the signals it needs to rank your feed posts higher and help grow your presence on the platform.

Instagram algorithm tips for Reels

Instagram’s algorithm for Reels prioritizes content that is engaging and likely to resonate with its users. Factors such as the number of views, likes, comments, and shares within the first few seconds play a crucial role in determining a Reel’s reach. 

Additionally, the algorithm considers factors like your account’s history, the specific audio used, and the trends that are popular at the time. By understanding these factors, creators can optimize their Reels to increase their visibility and reach a wider audience.

Create original content

According to Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri, the platform prioritizes original content over reposted material. To perform well with the Instagram algorithm, get creative with your Reels—use original audio, craft unique captions, and experiment with fresh ideas.

Post content should be carefully selected to help your Instagram account attract more attention.

Leverage trending sounds

Reels are a key feature on Instagram, and unlike the feed, most Reels come from creators users don’t follow. To help the Instagram algorithm surface your Reels to new audiences, use trending sounds. When a song is popular on Reels, the algorithm promotes videos featuring that sound, increasing your chances of being seen.

Post vertical videos

Instagram has confirmed that video format plays a role in how the algorithm ranks Reels. Videos in a vertical format (the natural way to hold your phone) have a better chance of being ranked higher, as Reels are designed to be viewed on mobile devices.

Avoid watermarks on Reels

Reels that have visible word marks, such as TikTok watermarks, are penalized by the Instagram algorithm. To avoid this, make sure you remove any watermarks or identifiers before cross-posting Reels from other platforms. Mosseri has confirmed that the algorithm favors clean, original content over reposts.

Instagram algorithm tips for Stories

Instagram is a visual platform, so eye-catching visuals are key for successful Stories. Use high-quality images and videos, experiment with different filters and effects, and incorporate trending sounds and music. Creativity is also essential. Think outside the box and tell a story with your Stories to capture your audience’s attention.

Boost engagement with Story features

Engagement is essential for increasing your reach on Stories, just like with regular posts.

Here are some effective ways to encourage your followers to interact:

Ask Questions: Utilize the question sticker or simply prompt followers to respond directly.

Polls: Polls make it easy for users to participate without needing to type out a reply.

Sharing Stickers: Implement location or mention stickers to motivate followers to share your Stories with their friends.

Hashtag Stickers: These help the Instagram algorithm categorize your story, increasing its reach to a wider audience.

Choosing trending Hashtags also helps your posts increase interaction significantly.

Maintain consistent posting

Consistency is crucial for Stories, similar to regular posts. Regularly updating your Stories keeps the Instagram algorithm satisfied and ensures your content remains visible to your followers. Moreover, consistent posting can label your profile as “active,” enhancing your visibility.

Tag users in your Stories

Tagging other users in your Stories can significantly enhance engagement and reach. When you tag someone, they are likely to share the Story with their own audience, which exposes your content to new viewers. Just be sure to tag relevant users and avoid spamming with tags.

Instagram algorithm tips for the Explore Page

Stand out from the crowd and increase your chances of reaching the Explore page by creating unique and visually appealing content. Experiment with different formats, use trending sounds, and collaborate with other creators. The more creative and original your content, the more likely it is to capture people’s attention.

Produce High-Quality content

The Explore page is designed to help users discover new content based on their past interactions and interests. To get featured on the Explore page, focus on creating high-quality content that resonates with your target audience. Use high-resolution images or videos, captivating captions, and relevant hashtags to improve your chances of being featured.

Engage with related content

One of the key ranking factors for the Explore page is your activity on similar content. Engage with posts from accounts or hashtags in your niche to signal to the Instagram algorithm that you are interested in that content type, thus increasing the likelihood of your own posts appearing on the Explore page.

Stay updated on trends

The Explore page often showcases trending content. Keep an eye on popular hashtags and challenges within the platform, and try to incorporate them into your posts to enhance the chances of your content being discovered by a broader audience.

Stay on trend to increase your Instagram followers

Instagram algorithm tips for Business, Creator, and Personal Accounts

Regardless of your account type, consistent posting and high engagement are key to Instagram algorithm success. Use relevant hashtags, encourage comments, and post when your audience is most active. Tailor your content to your specific audience and platform to maximize reach.

Switch to a Business or Creator Account

If you’re using Instagram for branding or business purposes, transitioning to a business or creator account is essential. This change grants you access to valuable insights and analytics about your posts and audience, enabling you to understand what content performs well and make informed decisions for future posts.

Engage with your audience

Engagement plays a vital role in the Instagram algorithm, so it’s crucial to respond to comments and messages from your followers. This active participation fosters a sense of community and can lead to higher visibility for your posts.

How to “Conquer” the Instagram algorithm and enhance your content visibility?

Many are eager to discover how to “conquer” the Instagram algorithm, but the reality is that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.

Successfully navigating the Instagram algorithm involves understanding its mechanics and leveraging that knowledge to your benefit. By focusing on producing high-quality, engaging content, maintaining a consistent posting schedule, and actively interacting with your audience and the broader community, you can significantly improve the likelihood of your posts reaching a larger audience.

Additionally, staying updated on trends and utilizing features like hashtags, tagging, and Reels can further enhance your visibility and reach.

For businesses, adopting a business or creator account and monitoring analytics can yield valuable insights into what resonates with your brand’s audience on the platform. Ultimately, the goal is to cultivate a robust presence on Instagram and forge authentic connections with your audience.

Instagram algorithm – Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs for Instagram algorithm.

How to leverage the Instagram algorithm to your advantage?

You can effectively leverage the Instagram algorithm by focusing on producing high-quality content and fostering interactions, as the platform prioritizes signals that indicate content popularity.

How is the Instagram algorithm determined?

The Instagram algorithm relies on a combination of algorithms, processes, and classifiers to identify the most relevant content for each user. It evaluates various signals, including user activity, post details, interaction history, and information about the content creator.

How to address issues with the Instagram algorithm?

If you believe the Instagram algorithm isn’t effectively showcasing your content, the first step is to check your account status. To do this, tap on your profile picture and navigate to Settings and Privacy > More Info and Support > Account Status.

Once there, ensure that your account complies with all community guidelines and policies. If everything appears to be in order, concentrate on producing high-quality content that resonates with your audience while actively engaging with the community. Additionally, leveraging features such as hashtags, tagging, Reels, and Stories can significantly enhance your visibility and reach on the platform.

Why is my Instagram reach low?

If you’re generating high-quality content, the timing of your posts and low interaction rates may be the primary reasons for your diminished Instagram reach.

Using the Instagram algorithm for story views

Since the Instagram algorithm prioritizes interactions for ranking Stories, you can enhance your Story views by promoting engagement through polls, emoji sliders, and question stickers.

What triggers the Instagram algorithm?

You can trigger the Instagram algorithm by creating high-quality, relevant content that resonates with your target audience, maintaining consistency in posting and engagement, and exploring new content formats and features as they become available.

How to improve your standing with the Instagram algorithm?

If you believe the Instagram algorithm isn’t recognizing your content, start by checking your account status. You can do this by tapping your profile picture, navigating to Settings and Privacy > More Info and Support > Account Status. Ensure that your account complies with community guidelines. If everything is in order, focus on crafting high-quality content that engages your audience and fosters community interaction. Additionally, utilize features like hashtags, tagging, Reels, and Stories to enhance your visibility on the platform.

What Are the three main dactors of the Instagram algorithm?

The three critical factors that influence the Instagram algorithm are your relationship with the user, the interests the user has expressed, and the relevance of the post.

How to optimize your posts for the Instagram algorithm?

To optimize your posts for the Instagram algorithm, consider the following strategies:

• Capture high-quality photos.
• Publish consistent Stories and Reels.
• Share engaging video content.
• Go live.
• Post during peak hours.
• Use relevant hashtags.

Does frequent posting affect ranking?

Instagram accounts are not penalized for posting frequently. However, Christina d’Avignon, a product designer for Instagram feed, mentioned to The Verge that “we do ensure your feed feels diverse, so we may break up posts.”

In Summary

Begin enhancing your Instagram presence with System SocialZ. With this tool, you can schedule and publish posts directly to Instagram, engage your audience effectively, track performance, and manage all your other social media profiles — all from one easy-to-use dashboard. This streamlined approach helps you better navigate the nuances of the Instagram algorithm for improved visibility and engagement.