Anton EliassonHave you ever had a creative drought when thinking about what kind of content you should be putting out? Read this post to get inspiration for highly engaging video content and Instagram ideas that work.
You might be churning out any combination of blog posts, tweets, Facebook statuses, Slidehares, Infographics, podcasts, webinars and Instagram photos.
Instagram has lately sailed up as the hottest marketing platform, and the opening of the Instagram ads is surely only going to accelerate the pace of marketers putting effort into Instagram, and video on Instagram is hot.
But now you’re thinking, jeez, now I’m supposed to do Instagram video content as well? Where do I start? What kind of video content should I put out on Instagram?
To build a following on Instagram, you need high quality content. And I don’t mean a big brand marketing budget, fancy video equipment or celebrity endorsements. I mean video content that people care about. Instagram is a platform where you get a real chance to engage with your followers, and video is the best way to do just that.
Get creative, and show the human side of your brand. Engage with followers, be human and have fun. Don’t focus too much on hard numbers just yet, but focus on building your community.
Here are 8 Instagram ideas with examples from brands who is killing it on Instagram with video.
Instagram Idea #1: Stop Motion Video
Stop motion videos on Instagram are a sure hit. They resonate with the audience and lets you show a fun and creative side of your brand.
Example: Oreo have mastered the stop-motion Instagram posts. They are simple, keep with their visual tone/strategy and are creative and light-hearted.
Instagram Idea #2: Follow What’s Trending
Keep an eye out for happenings that are trending, local/national/global events and make a video about this.
Example: Dunkin Donuts posted this, the day after the Oscars.
Instagram Idea #3: Exclusive Sales and Offers
One way to speed up the building of a great community of fans and followers on Instagram, consider offering them something exclusive. Not only content that’s exclusive for Instagram (each social network have their own style of content, don’t treat them all the same), but also exclusive sales and offers, or early access to sales or content. Run some promo videos and give your followers a real reason to keep following you
Example: questnutrition didn’t use video in this example, but occasionally using flash sales and offers on Instagram is a sure bet.
Instagram Idea #4: Behind The Scenes Videos
Instagram is a highly social platform, where you have the chance to really engage with your following. Give them a sneak peak behind the scenes. You don’t always have to be showing off your products and offers, and you should be careful not to be perceived as a used car salesman who just want to sell, sell, sell. Behind the scenes videos offer engagement and increased brand loyalty.
Example: Toms offered a glance into their HQ to connect with their followers.
Instagram Idea #5: User-Generated Content
Following from the latest point, where we talked about the importance of engaging with your followers, using user generated content is a great way to really connect with your followers. Keep track of your mentions and hashtags and occasionally repost some creative or cool post from one of your followers. Try apps like Regram for a speedy way to re-share a post and credit the creator. (Always credit the creator and even give a shout-out to their @IGname in the caption.)
Example: Dollar Shave Club re-posted this funny Instagram post by one of their followers. Another brand who often use UGC is GoPro who routinely post footage from their followers, not only their sponsored athletes and paid brand ambassadors.
Instagram Idea #6: Use Your Face
Does your brand have a recognised figurehead? It doesn’t have to be as recognisable as Richard Branson (few company leaders are) but showing that your company’s leader isn’t some sort of beady eyed corporate scrooge is always a good thing.
Instagram Idea #7: Competitions And Giveaways
Competitions and giveaways can be a great way to spread the word about your brand and Instagram account. Run a challenge for your target audience to do something and post it with your #hashtag.
Example: Kendama USA hosted a video contest for their fans and followers, and received over 130 shares/entries and mentions, all for the price of a few skateboards and other stuff.
Instagram Idea #8: Use External Tools To Create Cool Videos
If you can, try making a looping gif. It doesn’t have to be as complicated to do as this Coca-Cola seems to be, but try using something like Loopcam to create a looping Instagram video. Or use Instagram’s sister app, Hyperlapse like Expedia does frequently. And you can also always use Shakr to make awesome videos to share across your social platforms and website. Get creative and do something that catches the eye!
Conclusion
There you go, 8 Instagram ideas for your video content on your Instagram account. The importance of Instagram as a marketing channel is growing and getting your visual content on point is super important. Remember to make your Instagram account about your followers, not only about your brand. Try not to promote your products too much but try out Instagram’s new sponsored ads now when it has been opened up to the public. Right now Instagram has some of the cheapest CPM (cost per thousand impressions) of any ad platform, so start experimenting with paid ads.
Looking to create video content for Instagram? With Shakr you can make a great video in minutes by uploading your photos and video clips into ready-made video templates made by professional motion graphic artists. Making a video doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive, on Shakr you can make a video for free and you only need to pay to download your video if you’re 100% satisfied.
What do you think? Do you use any of these Instagram ideas for your account? What has been your experience? What other content tips do you have? Please leave your comments and questions below.
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