How to Create Confident Video Content for Instagram

 
 

Instagram’s Latest Updates: How to Create Confident Video Content for IG

Instagram is changing.

Scrap that - Instagram is always changing.

The algorithm continuously adapts and evolves off of user behaviour, trend analytics and collated data. I have a question, what do come to Instagram for? What do you use the platform for and where do you spend the majority of your time?

For me, it’s watching stories, watching reels, getting inspo for content, and messaging friends (read messaging as spamming with memes – you know you love it). On top of this I also use it for learning from some of my fave coaches.

Instagram’s CEO Adam Mosseri recently shared a video saying changes were coming to IG. One of those changes, along side creators, shopping and messaging, was marked by a shift towards video content. No doubt to compete with the video sharing platform TikTok.

This caused a bit of a stir and some mixed reactions. Many people were super happy to hear of these changes, however some where not so pleased and worry’s been circulating that IG will no longer be a ‘photo-sharing app’. And it isn’t, but it hasn’t really been a solely photo-sharing app been for quite some time.

We have to remember that IG is a business and if businesses do not change, what happens?

Just think about Blockbuster and Netflix. While the yellow and blue logo verges on the cusp of nostalgia, Netflix’s annual gross profit for 2020 was almost up by 26% on 2019, coming in around $9.7 billion. And did you know Blockbuster could have bought Netflix and they said NO?! Bet they’re kicking themselves now for not getting with the time eh?!

Instagram needs to adapt and respond to the direction in which its consumers are heading. Evolution and adaptation are part of surviving and therefore thriving. So, don’t throw in the towel or get annoyed at the app for changing. Instagram is a business, doing what businesses do.

These changes DO NOT mean that you cannot post and share photos.

Mosseri said himself that they are not DEPRIORITISING photos, they are just changing how the prioritise video, adding that the ability to reach people with photos won’t be changing.

The algorithm is personalised to YOU as an individual user.

What this does mean though, I assume, is that video contact will be prioritised by the algorithm because people are engaging more with video content. THIS IS GOOD NEWS. Because we are being told what type of content people want.

But what counts as video content?

Reels, videos in feed and stories all count as video content. I would say that Reels are your best bet for growing you followers count and growing you community.

How to get started with creating video:

  1. Have a plan

  2. Do your market research

  3. Keep them short & simple: Lip-syncing and pointing videos are some of the easiest to make.

  4. Use hashtags 

The first few will probably be a bit shit. Just being honest. It’s weird being in front of the camera to begin with. Just like it is weird hearing a recording of your own voice. But remember, you will get better.

Give yourself 3 attempts and promise yourself you will use one. Just post it. Rip the band-aid off.

Imagine you’re messaging your bestie and you’re sending them a video. Or maybe get a video buddy and practice with each other. The most important thing if you DO want to go into video I’d to start. Don’t let judgment, or fear of judgement, hold you back babe!

 

 
Hannah CluleyComment