INSTAGRAM RESEARCH STUDY 2023: Do Reels Still Work On Instagram? Reels VS The Rest
We all know that Instagram continues to set the bar pretty high in how it’s shaping the world of social media. It’s a trendsetter that helps set the standard for businesses, creators, and influencers to reach their audience in the most effective way possible.
And, as we dig a bit deeper into the Social Media Report put out by Metricool for 2023, there are some insights you’re going to want to pay attention to when it comes to the type of content you are putting out there.
THE REIGN OF REELS
Instagram’s Reels feature has been a game-changer ever since it first became available. By allowing users to create short, captivating videos, they can more easily and quickly get their message across in a very effective way. One of the key questions explored in this study is whether reels are still really the frontrunner with the greatest reach and interactions in 2023. The short answer is yes, but there’s a catch.
Yes, reels still reign as the king of content for Instagram, making them a powerful tool you should still be using, but the study shows a noticeable decrease in reach as compared to the previous year. So while reels are still getting more reach than regular posts, the reach has decreased by a whopping 76%. Why the drop? It’s likely due to the amount of reels on the platform.
As more people jump on the trend of making reels, the app has become more flooded with content which reduces the individual reach of each reel out there. Basically, in the past, it was more straightforward to reach a broader audience using reels, but with all the new competition out there, it’s not as easy any longer.
So how do you make sure you aren’t falling victim to lack of reach with all of your efforts? First, don’t give up on reels. As I said, they are still getting the most attention and interactions. But don’t solely focus on reels either. Here’s what you can do according to this study that will keep you in the game….
Diversify your content strategy
Stick with Reels: These quick bursts of information are a great choice to reach people out there who may not yet know who you are or what you have to offer. Take advantage of the attention-grabbing appeal of reels so you can quickly introduce your content to a larger audience.
Build Carousels: If you’re looking for a way to increase interaction and engagement with your community, carousels are a great way to do it. The swipeable format allows you to tell a more in-depth story or showcase a sequence of products or services.
Utilize Stories: These are a great way to keep your current audience more engaged. This study also highlights that for accounts with a lower amount of followers, stories are even more valuable because they have a good reach directly to those followers.
Post Images: Imagery isn’t dead! Using a classic image post in your feed can still be an effective way to promote interactions with your community depending on what you choose to post. So make sure to choose wisely and post quality content when doing so.
As always, what type of content you choose to post should very much depend on the message you are trying to convey. But by diversifying your content and selecting the right format for your audience, you can make a big impact with less effort. So rather than relying on reels alone, use these insights above to create a mix of posting content and formats to reach different audiences.
So stick with those reels, but also make sure to pay attention to evolving trends so you can tailor your social media strategy as needed. Stay tuned for more on the Metricool 2023 Social Media Research Study. We are just scratching the surface! And if you could use some help mixing up your social media strategy, we'd love to hear from you!