How To Create Marketing Videos For Instagram

Introduction.

Instagram is one of the most powerful platforms for reaching new customers, and it’s only getting more popular.

As of 2024, Instagram has over 2 billion active monthly users, making it a key tool for businesses looking to grow. One of the best ways to grab attention on Instagram is with marketing videos.

Videos can help you stand out, connect with your audience, and boost engagement, which is exactly what you need to grow your business.

But here’s the thing: making marketing videos isn’t always as easy as it seems. You want to create something that not only grabs attention but also looks professional and drives results. No worries though – I’m here to break it all down for you.

From the basics of making a video to tips on creating content that sticks, I’ll walk you through the entire process.

In this article, you’ll learn how to create Instagram marketing videos that are engaging, effective, and aligned with your brand.

I’ll give you all the tips and tricks that I’ve learned over time and help you avoid the common mistakes that can make your videos flop.

Why Videos Are a Game-Changer on Instagram

Videos are some of the most engaging content types on Instagram. According to recent studies, Instagram videos have a 49% higher engagement rate than photos, making them more likely to capture attention.

Think about it: when you’re scrolling through your feed, what makes you stop? More often than not, it’s something moving, right? That’s why adding video to your strategy can be such a game-changer.

Videos let you showcase your products, tell your brand’s story, or share customer testimonials in a way that a single image just can’t match. Plus, videos are more shareable, which increases your chances of reaching a wider audience.

So, what makes a great Instagram marketing video? Let’s dive in!

How Do I Create Marketing Videos For Instagram?

Step 1: Know Your Audience

Before you even think about hitting the record button, it’s super important to know who you’re making the video for.

Are you targeting young adults who love trendy fashion, or are you speaking to business professionals in need of productivity tips?

The more you understand your audience, the better you can tailor your video to speak directly to them.

Here’s what to think about:

What problem are you solving for your audience? Videos that offer solutions to real-world problems are always a hit.
What kind of tone works best? Depending on your brand, your tone might be casual, funny, or professional. Make sure your video matches the vibe your audience expects.
What’s the preferred video length? On Instagram, short and sweet usually works best. Most people scroll quickly, so aim for videos that are 15–30 seconds long.

Step 2: Plan Your Content

Now that you know your audience, it’s time to plan what your video will look like. This doesn’t have to be complicated, but you should have a clear idea of what you want to show and say.

Start with a hook: The first few seconds of your video are crucial. You want to grab attention right away. Whether it’s a bold statement or an eye-catching visual, make sure you have something that will make viewers stop scrolling.
Keep it simple: Don’t try to cram too much into your video. Focus on one main message or idea. If you’re promoting a product, show how it works and what makes it special.
Show your product in action: If you’re selling something, show how it’s used in real life. People want to see it in action, not just sitting on a shelf.

Step 3: Shoot the Video

Now comes the fun part—actually creating the video. But, you don’t need fancy equipment to get started. Your phone’s camera is enough to create professional-looking content, especially with a few tricks.

Here are some basic tips for shooting your video:

Lighting is key: Natural light works wonders. Try shooting near a window or outdoors for the best lighting. If you’re indoors, consider getting an inexpensive ring light to make sure your video looks bright and clear.
Stabilize your camera: Shaky footage can be distracting. If you don’t have a tripod, you can prop your phone up on a stack of books or use a cheap stabilizer.
Focus on framing: Make sure your subject (whether it’s a product, person, or scene) is in focus and framed well in the shot. Avoid cluttered backgrounds unless that’s part of your brand’s vibe.
Shoot in vertical mode: Since Instagram is a mobile-first platform, make sure your videos are shot vertically (9:16 aspect ratio). This makes your videos look great in Stories, Reels, and in the feed.

Step 4: Edit Like a Pro

Once you’ve got your footage, it’s time to make it shine with editing. Editing doesn’t have to be intimidating, and you don’t need expensive software.

Free apps like InShot, CapCut, or even Instagram’s built-in tools will help you polish your video without a steep learning curve.

Here are some editing tips:

Trim the fat: Get rid of any unnecessary parts of the video. Your audience’s attention span is short, so keep it tight and focused.
Add captions: A lot of people watch Instagram videos with the sound off, so adding captions will make your video more accessible and engaging.
Include a call to action (CTA): Whether you want viewers to visit your website, follow your account, or make a purchase, always end your video with a clear call to action.

Step 5: Optimize Your Video for Instagram

Once your video is edited and ready to go, it’s time to upload it to Instagram. But there are a few things you should do to make sure it reaches the right people.

Write a great caption: Your caption should complement your video and encourage engagement. Ask a question, offer a discount code, or tell a story related to the video.
Use relevant hashtags: Hashtags are one of the easiest ways to get discovered on Instagram. Use a mix of popular and niche hashtags to help your video appear in search results.
Post at the right time: Pay attention to when your audience is most active. You can check Instagram Insights for information about when your followers are online.

Step 6: Monitor Performance

Once your video is up and running, it’s time to track how well it’s doing. Instagram provides insights on your video’s performance, so you can see how many people viewed it, liked it, and commented on it.

Pay attention to:

Engagement rate: This shows how many people are interacting with your video compared to how many saw it. A higher engagement rate means your video is resonating with your audience.
View count: The number of views tells you how many people have watched your video. The more views, the better!
Comments and shares: These are great indicators of how well your video is connecting with people. If people are sharing it with their friends, that’s a win.

FAQs

1. How long should my Instagram marketing video be?

Most successful Instagram videos are between 15 to 30 seconds long. This keeps the content digestible while still providing enough time to share your message.

2. Do I need a professional camera for Instagram videos?

Not at all! Your smartphone’s camera is more than enough. Just make sure to pay attention to lighting and stability for a professional look.

3. How do I make my Instagram video stand out?

Start with an eye-catching hook, keep your message clear and simple, and use high-quality visuals and sound. The more engaging your video, the more likely it is to get shared.

4. How can I track the success of my Instagram video?

Instagram Insights lets you see data on your video’s performance, including views, likes, comments, and shares. Use this data to understand what works and what doesn’t.

Conclusion

Creating marketing videos for Instagram doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By knowing your audience, planning your content, and focusing on high-quality visuals and sound, you can create videos that stand out and help grow your brand.

With the right tools and a little creativity, you’ll be able to build a strong video marketing strategy that grabs attention and gets results.

So, are you ready to start creating videos that will help your business shine on Instagram? Let me know!