It’s no secret that Instagram has been gearing more towards video content. In fact, video content drives more user engagement than still photos do. This includes IG Lives, IGTV videos and their latest addition– IG Reels.
As you may have noticed, Reels is Instagram’s answer to the growing popularity of competitor app, Tik Tok. Many of the features of IG Reels are also similar, including the portrait video format (which is ideal for mobile viewing). Thus, you can easily use your Reels and/or Tik Toks on both apps, and broaden your organic reach per video. Not to mention, IG Reels are typically pushed for 2 weeks by IG’s Algorithm, which is much longer than still photos.
If you’re an artist, you may be wondering how to utilize IG Reels to promote your music. Here are 3 tips to help you do just that!
Make Clips of Your Music & Lyric Videos
Have a new music video or lyric video coming out soon? IG Reels is a great way to market it! Before your new video goes live on YouTube or IGTV, you can create teaser clips using the full video as your source footage. This can help generate some buzz before your full video is released. After it’s released, you can post some clips to keep driving organic traffic to the full video. A good rule of thumb is to post 1-2 teaser clips in the week or two leading up to the video’s release, as well as 2-3 clips spread out over a given period of time after it’s released.
Create Micro Vlogs & “Get to Know Me” Videos
If you want to build a loyal fanbase, you need to build an authentic brand that resonates with your target audience. One way you can do so as an artist is by sharing content that your potential and current fans can relate to. One way you could do so is by sharing stories about yourself! This could include sharing the story behind why you became an artist and the inspiration behind your latest single/album release. If you’re comfortable with it, you can also share some more personal stories that relate to your brand and the unique message you want to share with the world. For example, a hardship/personal struggle you overcame and/or cause that is important to you. Moreover, being vulnerable and sharing your truth can help you connect with your audience on a deeper level. Reels are also a great way to invite fans into the music-making process by sharing “behind the scenes” vlog content such as a studio recording session and/or a co-write session.
Create Opportunities For Fans to Engage With Your New Music
Another wonderful way to promote your music is to create fun opportunities for fans to engage with your music. If you recently released a new single, you can create an IG Reels series demonstrating how to play the song on guitar (These can also be promotional clips from a full YouTube guitar tutorial). This will drive up your IG Reels views as fans spend time rewatching the videos while they learn how to play the song. Another option would be to create a fun challenge that encourages fans to make their own videos using your song. This could be a dance challenge, a cute pet video challenge, a POV acting scene, a lipsyncing challenge and more! As a bonus tip, if you create a giveaway around the challenge, you will create more incentive for fans to participate. As a result, your song will reach more people!
Need more ideas or would like some help planning & creating your IG Reels for the month? Get in touch with me to book a call and/or a personalized social media management package!
Works Cited:
Anton. “PC: ©Anton — stock.adobe.com”. Photo courtesy of stock.adobe.com. Accessed Feb. 12 2022.
