Instagram Video

The addition of a video option to Instagram creates a whole new realm of possibilities. This popular app allows users to capture and share moments in their life. With a little practice and planning, businesses can utilize this new tool to promote their business and extend your brand reach on a more progressive level.

The Instagram video is limited to 15 seconds, just enough for some short and sweet visual entertainment. Deciding your subject and how to effectively get your point across in those 15 seconds is the first plan to make. Avoid things like background distractions (visual and audible) and pointing the camera directly at a light source. Think about videos or commercials you have seen that you liked or didn’t like. What aspects of those videos made you feel that way? Try to use similar strategies and methods of those you admire.

Instagram tools to the rescue!

Being able to edit as you film is a great tool, and very forgiving. Hold the video button to record a clip, if you don’t like it, deleting it is just a 2 click process. Cinema is a feature Instagram rolled out for video. It stabilizes your clips while you film, which minimizes the “shaky hand” effect. Filters have been the distinct feature of Instagram, allowing users to enhance and customize their photos to a whole different mood of their choice. Fortunately, 13 filters just for video clips are available for use.

Below are a few ideas to try as a free mini-commercial for your business.

• A tutorial of a service you offer
• A testimonial about a product you offer
• Highlight a new location or office
• Advertise your product in use - strike an emotion out of the viewer
• Highlight a new employee or employee of the month
• Show your process or behind the scenes action 

Don’t forget to hashtag your video just as you do photos. Include hashtags for your business, tagline, and content of your video.