Instagram Reels is the newest social media feature and is being used for everything from jokes to dancing moves to educating patients on health tips, conditions, and treatments. Is there room to use Instagram Reels as part of a professional marketing strategy, or is it just playful fun?  

We believe Instagram Reels is a great way to build engagement and trust with your followers and reach a broader audience while maintaining your professional brand. In this article, we’ll show you how to effectively use reels, and show you how to post your very first Reel!   

What Are Instagram Reels?

Reels is the newest feature launched by Instagram allowing users to create and edit 15-second videos to share on Stories, Explore Feed, and the new Reels tab added to users’ profiles. The Instagram Explore Feed is also now featuring Reels content from popular and trending accounts on Instagram. 

Reels allow you to upload videos directly from your camera roll and add text, drawings, and stickers or other tools, directly in the app. 

It is important to note that after you publicly post an Instagram Reel, anyone on the app can create their own reels using your original audio. Keep this in mind while you’re creating.

How Healthcare Professionals Can Use Reels

Even though reels can be a lot of fun, they can also be used as an effective marketing tool for people in the healthcare industry. 

You can start by sharing quick (15 seconds) healthcare tips or even fun videos from around the office. Showcase the people they’ll meet if they book an appointment and try to make the visit to your office seem less intimidating. 

Instagram Reels provide a great way for doctors and health professionals to connect with future patients before they even walk into your practice. You can make your patients feel at ease, and comfortable coming in for an appointment, simply by using their favorite social media app to make that first impression. 

Read more about how doctors can use apps like Tik Tok and Instagram Reels to educate patients here. 

For even broader exposure, be sure to use captions and popular hashtags when sharing Reels – using these will help Instagram to push the content to more people who are interested in the hashtags which can help you be seen by a larger audience than just your own followers. 

You can also hashtag your city name, so that people who follow the local hashtags and live near your location, will see your content in their feeds. This will help make sure your Reels end up in front of the right audience for you. 

How to Post an Instagram Reel

If you are already familiar with posting Instagram stories, this is going to feel very familiar. 

When you log into your Instagram app, open the stories section by clicking the camera button in the top left of the app. 

When the camera area loads, you’ll see a “Reels” option at the bottom of the screen. From here, you can swipe up to upload a video you’ve already recorded on your phone, or you can use the camera to record something fresh and in the moment. 

On the left side of the screen, you will see editing tools to help enhance your video as you record or upload it. These features include AR effects, self-timer, speed, and align tools. 

You can also choose from a vast selection to add music to your video (Quick tip: Always choose songs that are currently trending on the app to reach more people). When you are satisfied with your Reel, you can utilize the draw, text, and stickers tools to give your video some added flair. 

Now you’re ready to upload! Reels can be shared with your Stories and Instagram profile, and also be seen by a broader audience on the Instagram Explore page.

Whether you need help determining if you could benefit from Reels, or if you need a professional audit of your current social media presence, MOXY Company is here to help! Simply call us to set up an appointment at (985) 256-0720, or click here to fill out our online contact form.