Reel talk: Organic social media growth with Instagram Reels

Thousands of Instagram users have experienced rapid growth by incorporating Reels into their content calendar. Reels are short videos that are filmed on a mobile device and uploaded to Instagram, similar in nature to TikTok videos! Reels can be filmed as one long clip, or multiple smaller clips edited together — and creating one is easier than it sounds once you get the hang of it!

In general, Instagram analyzes its users’ interests based on the types of posts they engage with, the accounts they interact with, and the topics or niches they search for. This helps Instagram surface optimal content to each user.

When you create a Reel, Instagram will naturally push it to people who have shown an interest in the video’s topic — in this case, real estate — helping you create meaningful connections with new accounts and (hopefully) with future clients! It’s important to note that Instagram’s goal is to become a video-first platform, and will typically reward users whose content aligns with that.

If you want to reach users who do not already follow you, then you’re generally better off using Reels over photos.

Here are three ideas to help you plan your first Reel!

1. Educational Reels

Creating a short educational video defining a real estate term or process can often generate questions on the viewer’s end and spark interesting conversations! Demonstrating your expertise consistently over time will also build trust and rapport.

Check out this example, where an agent breaks down a seller’s key decision-making process into three concise points.

2. Comedic Reels

People remember content that makes them laugh, so in order to be memorable, try to create a funny Reel that people can relate to! You might want to create a skit about the realities of buying a home or from your personal experiences as a real estate agent.

The agent in this example creates a parody of the 2021 housing market.

3. Business-focused Reels

For this category, you might opt to preview a day in the life of a real estate agent, film a quick walkthrough of a new listing, or show off a kitchen you love. Your transparency will attract new followers, aspiring real estate agents, and people who are interested in what you’re doing and want to get to know you!

An agent shows off a listing in this Reel example.

How do you make a Reel?

Step 1: Open the Instagram app and click the “play” button at the bottom-center of your screen:

Step 2: Click the camera icon in the top right:

Step 3: Choose music and begin filming in the app. (Alternatively, you can upload existing video clips by clicking the plus button in the bottom left!)

Step 4: Once you’ve recorded your clips, you can add text to the screen by clicking the “Aa” button on the top right.

Step 5: Add your caption and hit Share! There’s also an option to “Save draft” so you can come back to it later.

If you’d like a step-by-step walkthrough, here’s a helpful video that breaks down the process further: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zt0bCRATO8s&t=80s

We can’t wait to see what you create with these tips! Be sure to tag us @listreports_inc on Instagram so we can see what you come up with.