Video content has quickly become one of the most popular types of posts on social media. Apps like Tik Tok, Youtube and Snapchat have helped popularized video media. So, on a platform mainly targeted at photos, like Instagram, how can you make videos work for you? This blog will be covering the reasons that videos are becoming more valuable on the app and the different ways you can use them!

Why is a video better than a photo?

When trying to understand how a social media platform works, one of the best ways is to remind yourself that it’s ultimately a business. Their main goal is to eventually make money, and usually as much as possible. Instagram makes money through ads. Meaning, the longer people stay on their app, the more money they make. 
So, any post that makes a person stay on the app longer is going to be a post that the platform favours. Whether it’s an intriguing photo, a great caption or a crazy comment thread, these are all “good” in the eyes of the app. Video is the KING of keeping people intrigued. A person can’t scroll through to the end of a video, so if a follower wants to see how your video ends, they must stick around for the entire minute. A whole minute on your post= Instagram being happy = Instagram promoting your content more. 

Different ways to use video content on Instagram

1) Make a classic post

This is the most obvious. The same way you can post a picture, you can post a video. 

Head into the ‘+’ button in the middle of the menu at the bottom of your screen. You’ll get the option to post from your library (and you can choose a pre-recorded vid), a normal photo or a video, which will let you record one directly to post. This post will show in your main feed. 

Tip: Make sure that the crop is fitting as much of the video as possible – click the button on the bottom left of the image  (two arrows that face out) which will automatically size it.

2) Make an IGTV

This was made specifically for videos! If you have more to show or more to say, IGTV is your best friend. Here a video can be between 1 minute and 10 minutes (more if you have a larger following). 

For your first IGTV, go to the search page, click IGTV, and you’ll see a ‘+’ button in the top right. Here you can pick a pre recorded video to post! Learn more about IGTV here!

Tip: You can decide to show this post on your main feed. If you do, make sure it has a cover that looks good in the square crop that is shown on your grid.

3) Make a story

The final way to use video on your page is much less official. Stories are only available for 24hrs (unless posted to a highlight) and they are expected to be less formal. Here you can post a funny clip of something that happened to you, go on a rant without editing or just tell people about your day. The world is your oyster! 

To post a story, click the camera button on the top left of your screen and you’ll be able to take a pic, record a video (press and hold the shutter button) and post from your gallery (button at the bottom left). Try playing around with filters too if you want to spice it up.

Tip: Clips are cute to 15 seconds and you can have up to a minute posted together. If you have a prerecorded video that is longer, check out an app like “Cut Story” to help you cut it into shorter clips!

For more ideas on using stories for your business, head here! 

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