How to Use Instagram Video Content [UPDATED]

In 2024, Instagram continues to be a dominant force in social media, boasting over 2 billion monthly active users. As the platform evolves, video content has become a cornerstone of successful Instagram strategies. Videos offer a dynamic way to engage audiences, providing a depth and interactivity that photos alone can't match. According to recent data, video posts generate 21% more interactions than image posts, making them an essential tool for brands and influencers aiming to increase their reach and engagement. In this in-depth guide, we'll explore the best practices for leveraging Instagram videos in 2024, backed by the latest statistics and trends.

Instagram video posts are a powerful medium for storytelling and brand engagement. As of 2024, Instagram’s algorithm continues to prioritize content that sparks interactions, and video posts are at the forefront of this trend. A study by Hootsuite reveals that video posts on Instagram achieve an average engagement rate of 1.45%, significantly higher than the 0.75% for image posts. This increase in engagement is driven by the platform's emphasis on video content, particularly with features like autoplay, which grabs user attention as they scroll through their feeds.

To capitalize on this, your video posts should be crafted with care. Videos can be up to 60 seconds long, making them ideal for concise, impactful messages. Whether you’re capturing moments directly within the Instagram app, using advanced camera equipment, or editing through third-party apps, the goal is to create visually appealing and engaging content. Pair your video with a compelling caption that encourages interaction, and don’t forget to use relevant hashtags, geotags, and user tags to maximize discoverability. According to Sprout Social, posts with at least one hashtag average 12.6% more engagement than those without, underscoring the importance of strategic tagging.

Instagram Stories

Instagram Stories remain a crucial feature for real-time content sharing, with over 500 million people using Stories daily. In 2024, Stories continue to be an effective way to engage with your audience through fleeting, authentic content. Videos in Stories are particularly powerful, with 62% of users saying they have become more interested in a brand or product after seeing it featured in Stories.

Instagram automatically segments longer videos into 15-second increments, allowing you to create seamless narratives that keep viewers engaged. The introduction of interactive elements like polls, questions, and countdowns has further increased the effectiveness of Stories. According to a report by Instagram, 58% of people surveyed say they have become more interested in a brand after seeing it in Stories, highlighting the feature’s potential for driving brand awareness and loyalty.

For brands, using Stories to showcase behind-the-scenes content, product launches, or time-sensitive offers can create a sense of urgency and exclusivity. The ephemeral nature of Stories also encourages viewers to take immediate action, whether it’s swiping up to learn more or tapping through to make a purchase. In 2024, incorporating Stories into your Instagram strategy is not just an option—it’s a necessity.

Instagram Live

Instagram Live offers a unique opportunity for real-time interaction, making it a favorite for brands and influencers alike. Live streaming saw a surge in popularity during the pandemic, and its usage remains high in 2024, with Instagram reporting a 70% increase in live video consumption. This feature is perfect for hosting Q&A sessions, product launches, or live events, allowing you to connect with your audience in a more personal and immediate way

In 2024, Instagram has introduced several enhancements to the Live feature. These include improved moderation tools, which help manage comments and interactions during broadcasts, and the ability to schedule Lives in advance, creating anticipation among your followers. Additionally, you can now save your Live videos to your Stories or post them as Reels, extending their lifespan and reach. According to research from Social Media Examiner, 82% of people prefer live video from a brand over standard social posts, making Instagram Live a critical tool for engagement.

Instagram Reels

Since their introduction, Reels have rapidly become one of Instagram's most popular features, offering a space for short-form, highly shareable videos. As of 2024, Reels continue to be a driving force behind viral content on Instagram, with the platform’s algorithm giving significant weight to Reels in the Explore tab. Reels offer an average engagement rate of 1.95%, higher than both traditional video posts and Stories, making them an invaluable tool for brands looking to increase visibility and engagement.

Reels allow you to create 15 to 90-second videos set to music or audio, and they are designed to be discovered by a broader audience beyond your followers. In 2024, Instagram has further refined the Reels algorithm, prioritizing content that uses trending sounds, relevant hashtags, and engaging visuals. This has made Reels a hotbed for creative expression and brand storytelling. Additionally, Reels can be shared on your main feed or as part of your Stories, providing multiple touchpoints for audience engagement. A study by Later revealed that Reels can increase content discovery by up to 40%, making them a powerful tool for reaching new audiences.

Instagram Video (formerly IGTV) In 2024, Instagram Video consolidates IGTV and in-feed videos into a single, more streamlined format, allowing for longer, more in-depth content. Users can upload videos up to 60 minutes long, making it ideal for tutorials, interviews, and detailed brand narratives. Instagram’s decision to merge IGTV with standard video posts was driven by user feedback, and it has resulted in a more cohesive video experience on the platform.

Long-form video content is particularly effective for building a deeper connection with your audience. According to a study by Wyzowl, 88% of people say that they’ve been convinced to buy a product or service by watching a brand’s video, highlighting the power of video in the customer journey. In 2024, Instagram Video will offer enhanced analytics, allowing creators to track engagement metrics like watch time and drop-off rates, helping to refine content strategies further.

By sharing a preview of your longer videos on your main feed, you can entice followers to watch the full content, ensuring maximum exposure. This format is particularly well-suited for educational content, product demonstrations, or storytelling, where you need more time to convey your message effectively.

Conclusion

As Instagram continues to evolve, video content remains at the forefront of effective social media strategies. Whether through Video Posts, Stories, Live streams, Reels, or long-form Instagram Videos, each format offers unique opportunities to engage with your audience, drive brand awareness, and boost conversions. In 2024, staying ahead of the curve means embracing these video formats and leveraging them to their full potential.

Need expert guidance in optimizing your Instagram strategy? Contact us at info@jway.com for a free consultation with our experienced designers and marketing professionals. We’ll help you craft a video strategy that resonates with your audience and drives results.