Do you know how to promote your ecommerce brand with Instagram videos?

Instagram has gone from being just a social network for sharing photos online, as it now allows its users to create, edit and share videos in many ways, but do you know how to promote your e-commerce brand with IG videos? Actually, they don’t need to be high quality clips, as very often, those that are shot on a low budget tend to look more authentic. So you can simply use your smartphone with instagram video editor to record engaging footage of your brand.

3 Types of videos to promote your store

We know that the most engaging way to get followers is through videos. However, on IG there are three main types of formats: Live, Reels and Stories. Now let’s see how effective each one is when it comes to advertising a brand.

• Lives or Live Videos

This option is very popular for those who have impromptu ideas that don’t require editing or who enjoy executing them in real time. Remember to notify your followers about your broadcast by going to your story in the left corner of the app and clicking on Record.

To tell the truth, it is a good strategy to capture live events such as pop-up stores or to show your followers the behind-the-scenes process of launching a product. As a recommendation, you can take advantage of this feature to organize live workshops or tutorials on how to use products.

Likewise, you can also take advantage of the Instagram Live option to make collaborations with influential people or creators who take over the transmission for a certain time. This is a great way to reach new target audiences and build new relationships.

• Reels in your Instagram feed

Recently the IG team rolled out this update so that videos in your feed become Reels, taking on a similar look and feel to Tik Tok where you can also add sound effects, music and stickers as well as tag brands or featured products. This is a very effective way to expand and have contact with new audiences as Instagram presents these footage publicly to users through the Explore tab.  If you are going to opt for this option, here are the video specifications you need to know about Reels in your feed:

• File size : 4 GB max.
• File type : MP4 or MOV recommended
• Maximum length : 90 seconds
• Orientation : square or landscape
• Aspect ratio : 1:91:1

• Videos in Stories

According to Instagram, 58% of users are more interested in a brand or product after seeing it in a Stories post, so we could consider it an exponential way to advertise your store. 

On the other hand, you have to keep in mind that Stories disappear after 24 hours, so unless you save them in Featured, you won’t be able to see it again (you can find them in your archive) so this is a definite guarantee that users will come back later to keep an eye on your products or services. 

You can publish previously filmed videos in your Stories or create new ones from the tool with the same name in the app as well as add photos, stickers and text. Now, the specifications for Stories videos are as follows:

• Maximum length per segment : 15 seconds
• Aspect ratio : 9:16 at 1080 x 1920 pixels is the recommended resolution, however, you can resize your videos before you publish them

So how do I create videos for instagram?

You can shoot a video with your phone camera, from a different camera or using the Instagram app, actually, any video is valid as long as it doesn’t exceed one minute in length. Now, to upload it you must follow the same steps as when you upload a photo to your feed:

– Click on the + sign in the app.

Select Story or Reel from the drop-down menu at the bottom of the screen.

-Choose the video on your device.

-Review it and test the filters, turn audio on or off, trim the clip length, add music, tag friends and select a cover for the post.

-Finally, add a caption before posting. If you’ve already posted photos, this step works the same for videos.

What about live videos for Instagram? 

It’s simple, the most important thing is to have a solid and reliable network connection.

-First, press the + sign in the app.

-Then, select Live or Live from the menu at the bottom of the screen.

-Add a title and tag any relevant brand partners.

-Make a test broadcast by limiting your audience.

-Finally, press the large circular button in the middle when you’re ready.

Note that since it’s a real-time video, you won’t be able to edit it or add captions at that time, but you can create a “room” by inviting others to join, see who has tuned in, read and share viewers’ questions for an interactive experience, and add filters and control the camera and audio settings. Moreover, the audience can also request to join in during the Live.

Best practices for promoting your store with Instagram videos.

• Be authentic 

Most users expect quick and easy videos that you create yourself. It doesn’t matter if the footage is shot in your office, at your newest pop-up store location or at an event your brand will be attending, it’s the perfect opportunity to let your audience know your brand is authentic and approachable.

• Post Instagram videos frequently.

Consistency is key because it helps improve your creative processes and also keeps your brand top-of-mind. Mix up the types of IG videos as well as your content to strengthen your connection with your audience.

• Tell a compelling brand story.

Making emotional connections with your target audience is also important and IG videos are a great medium to share your brand story. You can choose to share photos or behind-the-scenes footage of moments that inspire users.

These are the most common ways to promote your brand using the most influential social networks of the moment. Lastly, remember that there is no need to be an expert at recording or creating content, as the highest rated and most viewed videos were recorded with a smartphone by a person with no video background Good luck!