Instagram video marketing is becoming increasingly important with the rise of video content format on the platform, and every brand should leverage it.

The problem is that most people do it incorrectly and they struggle to get results. And that’s why in this article, I’m going to reveal to you how to do Instagram video marketing correctly to get the best results.

So, are you ready to begin? If so let’s dive in…

1. Keep The Videos Shorter

When it comes to Instagram video marketing, shorter videos tend to perform better…

First off, let’s consider the nature of the Instagram platform itself. Instagram is primarily a visual platform, where people scroll through their feeds quickly, looking for engaging content that catches their attention.

Now, imagine you’re scrolling through your feed and come across a video. If that video is too long, it may not grab your attention, and you might just keep scrolling without giving it a chance.

Shorter videos have an advantage in this scenario because they can quickly capture the viewer’s attention within the limited time frame they have.

They are more likely to convey their message effectively and create an impact in a shorter span of time. In our fast-paced digital world, where attention spans are shrinking, shorter videos are more likely to hold the viewer’s interest.

Moreover, Instagram imposes certain limitations on video length. In the main feed, videos can be up to 60 seconds long, while in Instagram Stories, they can be up to 15 seconds long.

By adhering to these limitations, you ensure that your videos fit seamlessly into the platform and don’t disrupt the browsing experience for your audience.

Another aspect to consider is the rise of mobile usage. Many people access Instagram through their smartphones, where they might be on the move or have limited time. Shorter videos are easier to consume on mobile devices, as they require less commitment and can be viewed quickly, even during short breaks or while waiting in line.

In terms of communication effectiveness, shorter videos also tend to have a clearer and more focused message.

When you have limited time, you need to be concise and get straight to the point. This forces you to trim away any unnecessary fluff and present your message in a compelling and condensed format.

It ensures that your content is impactful, memorable, and leaves a lasting impression on your viewers.

Lastly, shorter videos are more shareable. People are more likely to share concise, engaging videos with their friends and followers, especially if they can easily fit within the time constraints of other platforms like Twitter or Snapchat. This can significantly increase the reach and exposure of your video, leading to higher engagement and potential growth for your brand or business.

To sum it up, shorter videos perform better for Instagram video marketing because they capture attention quickly, fit seamlessly into the platform’s limitations, cater to mobile users, convey focused messages effectively, and are more shareable.

So, when it comes to Instagram, remember that sometimes, less really is more!

2. Use Subtitles In Your Videos

Using subtitles in videos on Instagram is crucial if you want them to perform well. Let me break it down for you.

First and foremost, Instagram is a visually-driven platform, but it’s important to remember that not all users consume content with sound.

Many people scroll through their feeds in public places, during work breaks, or in situations where they can’t have the sound on.

By incorporating subtitles into your videos, you make your content accessible to a broader audience, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Subtitles allow viewers to understand the message of your video even when they can’t listen to the audio.

Additionally, subtitles enhance the overall user experience.

They provide clarity and ensure that the message is effectively conveyed. Sometimes, audio quality may be poor or there might be background noise that interferes with the audio. In such cases, subtitles can help viewers understand the content accurately without relying solely on audio cues.

By providing subtitles, you create a seamless and inclusive viewing experience for your audience.

Another important aspect to consider is the international audience on Instagram. As a global platform, Instagram attracts users from all over the world who speak different languages.

By adding subtitles, you remove language barriers and allow people who may not understand the audio language to engage with your content. This opens up your video to a wider audience, increasing the potential for engagement, shares, and ultimately, growth for your brand or business.

Furthermore, subtitles can be a powerful storytelling tool. They give you the opportunity to emphasize key points, highlight important quotes, or display additional information that complements the visuals.

This multi-layered approach enhances the impact of your video and ensures that your message resonates with viewers on a deeper level.

Lastly, subtitles can significantly improve the watch time and engagement metrics of your videos. When users see subtitles, they are more likely to stop scrolling and invest their time in watching your content.

Subtitles make it easier for viewers to follow along, understand the narrative, and stay engaged throughout the video. This can lead to longer watch times, higher completion rates, and increased interactions such as likes, comments, and shares.

To sum it up, using subtitles in videos on Instagram is necessary for effective communication. They make your content accessible to a wider audience, enhance the user experience, break language barriers, serve as a storytelling tool, and improve engagement metrics.

So, if you want your videos to perform well on Instagram and resonate with your audience, don’t forget to add those valuable subtitles!

3. Use The Right Cover Image

Using the right cover image for your videos on Instagram is essential if you want them to perform well. Here’s why:

First impressions matter, and the cover image is the first thing viewers see when they come across your video on Instagram.

It serves as a visual preview, enticing them to click and watch. By selecting a compelling cover image that accurately represents the content and captures attention, you increase the likelihood of viewers engaging with your video.

A well-chosen cover image can communicate the essence of your video in an instant. It should give viewers a clear idea of what they can expect, piquing their curiosity and motivating them to explore further.

Whether it’s an intriguing visual, an expressive facial expression, or an action-packed moment, the cover image should convey the central theme or highlight of your video, enticing viewers to dive in.

Moreover, the cover image should align with your branding and the overall aesthetic of your Instagram account.

Consistency in visual style creates a cohesive experience for your audience, helping them recognize your content and associate it with your brand.

When viewers see a visually appealing and cohesive cover image, they are more likely to perceive your video as high-quality and professional, which enhances the credibility and trustworthiness of your brand or business.

In addition to grabbing attention, the right cover image can also convey emotions or tell a story. Humans are emotional beings, and we are often drawn to visuals that evoke certain feelings. If your video aims to communicate a particular emotion or story, the cover image should reflect that.

By selecting a cover image that resonates with viewers on an emotional level, you create an immediate connection and encourage them to engage further with your video.

It’s worth mentioning that the cover image should be visually appealing even in a small thumbnail size. Instagram users often browse their feeds in a grid view, where videos appear as small squares.

Your cover image should be visually striking and easily recognizable even at this reduced size.

This ensures that it stands out amidst the sea of other content and compels users to click on it.

Lastly, keep in mind that videos with engaging cover images tend to generate higher engagement rates. When users see an attractive cover image, they are more likely to pause their scrolling, click on the video, and watch it.

This increased engagement can lead to more likes, comments, shares, and ultimately, a broader reach and greater visibility for your content.

To sum it up, using the right cover image for your videos on Instagram is crucial for effective communication. It captures attention, conveys the essence of your video, aligns with your branding, evokes emotions, stands out in a thumbnail view, and increases engagement rates.

4. Follow the 3-30-3 Rule

This is a simple rule to follow if you want to make your videos get more attention, and engagement, and convert that attention into followers, leads, and sales on Instagram.

Basically what this rule means is:

• First 3 Seconds Of A Video = Hook
• Next <30 Seconds Of The Video = Content
• Last 3 Seconds Of The Video = A Call To Action

The first 3 seconds of the video should be a hoo that is going to get the attention of your dream customers. This could be as simple as saying some catchy headline or you can make it super powerful by creating something I call a “shock hook”.

That means in the first 3 seconds you’re going to do something so unexpected that the eyes of your dream customers will be glued to the screen.

E.g. Jumping down from the ceiling, off a cliff to the sea, drifting around in a car yelling out the headline, etc.

Usually the crazier it is, the better…

Then you’ll transition to the content where you are going to deliver the main message of the video. This should be under 30 seconds long but if necessary, it can be longer…

And last you will ask them to take action in the last 3 seconds of the video…

That means you will ask them to follow you, tap the link in your bio, or take any other form of action.

When you structure your Instagram videos this way, you are going to get much better results.

5. Cut Out All The Fluff

First and foremost, Instagram is a fast-paced platform where users scroll through their feeds quickly.

To capture and retain their attention, your videos need to be concise and to the point. Viewers are less likely to engage with lengthy videos that contain unnecessary or repetitive content.

By cutting out the fluff, you ensure that your message is clear, impactful, and effectively communicated within the limited time frame you have.

Additionally, removing fluff from your videos helps maintain the viewer’s interest and engagement throughout the entire duration.

People have shorter attention spans in today’s digital age, and they’re more likely to abandon videos that drag on or don’t provide immediate value.

By eliminating fluff, you create a streamlined viewing experience that keeps viewers engaged, increasing the chances of them watching your video until the end and taking the desired action, such as liking, commenting, or sharing.

Cutting out unnecessary content also improves the overall quality of your videos. It allows you to focus on the most important and relevant information, ensuring that your message is concise and impactful.

When you remove the fluff, your video becomes more focused, coherent, and easier to follow. This enhances the clarity of your message and prevents viewers from getting confused or overwhelmed by excessive information.

Moreover, trimming down your videos to the essential content allows you to optimize for different platforms and their limitations. For instance, in the Instagram feed, videos can be up to 60 seconds long, while in Instagram Stories, they can be up to 15 seconds long. By cutting out the fluff and adapting your video length accordingly, you ensure that your content fits seamlessly into these platforms, providing a better user experience and maximizing your reach.

In terms of storytelling, removing fluff helps you create a more compelling narrative. By focusing on the key elements and eliminating unnecessary detours, you can build a more concise and engaging storyline.

This ensures that your video delivers a strong and memorable message, leaving a lasting impact on your viewers.

Lastly, cutting out the fluff saves time for both you and your viewers. As a content creator, it allows you to produce videos more efficiently and effectively.

You can dedicate your efforts to crafting a clear and concise message, instead of wasting time on irrelevant or redundant content.

And for your viewers, shorter and fluff-free videos respect their time and attention, making them more likely to engage with your content and come back for more.

To sum it up, cutting out all the fluff from your videos on Instagram is necessary for effective communication. It captures and maintains attention, improves video quality, enhances clarity, optimizes for platform limitations, strengthens storytelling, and respects the time of both you and your viewers.

So, trim away the fluff and deliver content that is concise, impactful, and engaging!