What is Instagram?

Instagram is a platform that allows users to edit and upload photos and short videos through a mobile app. Users can add a caption to each of their posts and use hashtags. Each post by a user appears on their followers' Instagram feeds and can also be viewed by the public when tagged using hashtags. Users also have the option of making their profile private so that only their followers can view their posts.

Top Tips for using instagram:

•  5-10 hashtags per post. 

• Post when your followers are online, E.G 5pm.

• Use instagram stories daily.

• Have a good bio.

• Use live videos.

• Post content that relates to your club and members. 

• Produce more video content.

• Post engaging captions on your photos to get your followers commenting.

• Always like and reply to all comments and tagged posts.

• Posting volumes: 1x main page post per day, 2x per week live videos and at least 3x stories posted per day. 

What is Instagram Reels?

Instagram Reels is a (semi) new concept where you can share and discover engaging short videos on Instagram. Like TikTok, the new feature lets you edit 15-second multi-clip videos with various effects and audio to make the result as entertaining as possible. 

IG wants quality Reels to be seen. The more people you reach with your Reels, the higher your chances that follower count and engagement rate will grow. An IG Reel can go viral a lot quicker than say a photo posted with hashtags.

Top Tips and Tricks for using instagram Reels:

• Presentation Matters

• Get Your Timing Right

• Never Forget to Align Your Instagram Reels

• Add engaging music 

• Play with the effects

• Set timers for videos

• You can add stickers and texts

• You can use audio form other reels

• Stay in sync with trends

Creating Reels

Select Reels at the bottom of the Instagram camera. You’ll see a variety of creative editing tools on the left side of your screen to help create your reel, including:

• Audio: Search for a song from the Instagram music library. You can also use your own original audio by simply recording a reel with it. When you share a reel with original audio, your audio will be attributed to you, and if you have a public account, people can create reels with your audio by selecting “Use Audio” from your reel.

• AR Effects: Select one of the many effects in our effect gallery, created both by Instagram and creators all over the world, to record multiple clips with different effects.

• Timer and Countdown: Set the timer to record any of your clips hands-free. Once you press record, you’ll see a 3-2-1 countdown, before recording begins for the amount of time you selected.

• Align: Line up objects from your previous clip before recording your next to help create seamless transitions for moments like outfit changes or adding new friends into your reel.

• Speed: Choose to speed up or slow down part of the video or audio you selected. This can help you stay on a beat or make slow motion videos.

Reels can be recorded in a series of clips (one at a time), all at once, or using video uploads from your gallery. Record the first clip by pressing and holding the capture button. You’ll see a progress indicator at the top of the screen as you record. Stop recording to end each clip.

What is IGTV

IGTV allows Instagram users to create channels where they can upload videos between 15 seconds and 10 minutes long. Large accounts can upload videos that are up to 60 minutes long. IGTV exists so users can create more compelling content to engage their audience. Since engaging content is what social media is all about, IGTV is worth investigating your time.

You can actually go live on Instagram and save the live video as an IGTV. This will then stay linked to your account and easy for your audience to access.