There are a lot of social media platforms out there for your business to choose from, but having the right platform and the right format for your content should be your first consideration. Yet even then, that social platform can have many tools to choose from - how do you know which IS the right one?
Questions like these are ones we get often asked at Tustle. We'll even take it one step further and say that the #1 question we get is about Meta (Instagram and Facebook - as they are the largest social platforms to date) and the question is: "What's the difference between a video, reel and story!?"
Always an excellent question - and we're here and happy to answer it!
First, let's start by defining what each of these features are and how they differ.
Videos: Instagram and Facebook video posts are simply regular videos that are uploaded to a business's profile page and appear in the feed of their followers. For Facebook, a video can be as long as 240 mins and Instagram can be up to 10 mins. However, we have a disclaimer here: just because they can be that long, doesn't mean that it should! Did you know the average watch time for a video on these platforms is less than 5 seconds!
Reels: Instagram first rolled out reels, but Facebook quickly jumped on the bandwagon in the last year. Reels are short, 15, 30, or 60 -second videos that can be edited with music, filters, and other creative tools. They can be found on explore pages and are meant to be entertaining and engaging for users. Instagram video posts are simply regular videos that are uploaded to a business's profile page and appear in the feed of their followers.
Stories: Instagram and Facebook also have a similar feature called stories, which are short videos or photos that disappear after 24 hours. They can be found at the top of a user's feed on both platforms and are meant to give a more personal, behind-the-scenes look at a business.
So, which of these features is the best for a business owner to use?
It really depends on the goals of your social media strategy. If you want to create more engaging and shareable content, Instagram and Facebook reels might be the way to go, as currently loved by their algorithm (and if you don't know what that is - that's okay...we'll explore this lengthy topic in a future post!) . They have the added bonus of being featured on explore pages, which can expose your business to a wider audience. On the other hand, if you want to share more in-depth or informational content, a regular video post or story might be more suitable.
How do I make a video, reel or story?
Facebook: Using your Business Suite app for Facebook, choose the blue plus sign button at the middle bottom of the app. Next, choose the format of how you want to post your video - be it post, reel or story. Depending on the type of format you select, you will be given various editing tools to add music, text, and other creative elements. You can also choose the option to upload an already recorded video or do one on the fly (or live!).
Instagram: To upload an Instagram video, reel or story, simply open the Instagram app and tap on the camera/plus icon in the top right corner. From there, you can select the what type of content you want to post at the bottom. You can also choose the option to upload an already recorded video or do one on the fly (or live!). Depending on the type of format you select, you will be given various editing tools to add music, text, and other creative elements.
What are some best practices when making videos, reels or stories?
When using these features for your business, it's important to keep in mind best practices. For Instagram reels, stories and video posts, try to make your content visually appealing and engaging. Use catchy music, interesting graphics, and compelling captions to grab the attention of your audience. And while this seems like a no-brainer, we always remind business owners to make sure their camera is vertical when recording for a reel or story (as this is a best practice!). When it comes to Facebook, try to give your followers a behind-the-scenes look at your business and show them the human side of your brand.
We hope this guide has been helpful in understanding the difference between reels, videos, and stories on Instagram and Facebook, and in learning how to use them for your business. While we want nothing more for you to go out there and begin your happy posting journey - know that we're also here to help! If you are ready to take your social media strategy to the next level, be sure to book your 30-min complimentary consultation with our marketing team! Let us help you make the most of Instagram and Facebook videos, reels, and stories for your business. Our team of marketing gurus will work with you to create a customized plan to drive traffic, increase brand awareness, and boost engagement. Don't wait, schedule your consultation now and start seeing results!
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