Remember when Instagram started introducing video features?
The Stories addition seemed like a blatant copy of Snapchat and IGTV felt like something none of us wanted.
But with 500 million active Stories users daily and IGTV views increasing by 300% in the last few months, there’s no denying that Instagram has got the video aspect of their platform in tiptop shape.
But how can you make sure your videos get the most views possible?
There’s definitely a knack to getting it right. Here are our tips:
Be strategic with the type of videos you make
Having a plan in place is key, especially when it comes to video content.
There’s no point in creating an advert for your product if that’s not what viewers want to watch.
Instead, why not make a tutorial video?
How-to videos are the most popular form of video content on Instagram.
The reason? Well, we think it’s simple.
People will always watch something that offers value.
Whether it’s a 30-second cleaning hack, a fashion styling video or tips on how to set up a specific printer – people just love to learn.
If tutorials aren’t your thing, the other most popular types of videos on Instagram are:
- Behind the scenes
- Interviews
- News coverage
- Creative inspiration
FREE GUIDE: 5 Types of Video to Improve Your Business
Post at the right time of day
As well as carefully considering the types of videos you publish, you should do some research into what time your audience is watching.
Statistics show that the majority of people watch videos on Instagram between 8-11 pm.
That said, you should compare with your own analytics and use some common sense.
For example, if you’re posting a video for Eastenders fans you better not post it when they’re watching the show.
Similarly, teenagers finish school at around 4pm their peak viewing time might be around then as opposed to later at night.
Include a call-to-action
Although no one really knows how the mystical algorithm works (definitely something to do with unicorns or elves, or both) most social platforms tend to push ‘popular’ content.
So the more engagement your video gets – whether that’s in the form of likes, comments, shares or saves – the more likely it is to be seen by a wider audience.
To do this, create a call to action in your video.
For example, you could ask people to like, share or save your video or answer a question in the comments section.
TIP: Statistically, people are more likely to click away after 60 seconds so think about slotting your call-to-action in at the beginning of the video.
Post a preview on your grid
There’s no doubt that stories are still mega-popular, but 91% of videos on Instagram are watched on our main feeds.
For this reason, it’s definitely worth posting videos on your main grid.
If you only want to post it on IGTV, no worries, just post a preview of it on your grid and viewers can click through.
The secret here is to make the first 60 seconds as enticing as possible.
Say something hilarious, go over the main points of the video or explain what knowledge the viewer will learn to encourage them to stay til the end.
TIP: Try to upload square videos (1080x1080px) as this ensures they will appear the same on your feed as they do on your grid.
Get onto the explore page
This is a customised feed where users get to see a selection of curated content based on accounts they already follow.
It’s good to get on there because it puts your video in front of new followers who will hopefully choose to view your content.
The explore page shows images and videos but videos will actually autoplay which is great for standing out in the crowd.
There is no guaranteed way to get on the explore page (sorry!) but you can maximise your chances by using hashtags and by posting at a time when your audience is online.
Share the link
Once you’ve followed all the advice above, don’t forget to share the link everywhere you can.
This means talking about the video in your Stories and adding a swipe up link.
Alternatively, you can click the share button underneath the video and show a preview on your Stories or send it directly to people you follow.
Want to work on a video project with us?
Give us a buzz on 0141 363 2432 or email us contact@productionattic.com
