7 Ways To Leverage Longer Instagram Reels For Your Business
A Guide for Brick-and-Mortar Businesses
El 21 de enero de 2025, Instagram anunció en su blog oficial para creadores nuevas herramientas para ayudar a los creadores a contar historias más enriquecedoras, incluyendo funciones de edición mejoradas y una mayor duración de los Reels. Los Reels ahora pueden durar hasta tres minutos, una actualización que no solo se adapta a las preferencias cambiantes de los usuarios, sino que también responde a la competencia de TikTok, que recientemente aumentó la duración de los videos a 30 minutos.
Esta actualización brinda a las empresas tradicionales una valiosa oportunidad de fortalecer su alcance local al involucrar a sus audiencias de manera más profunda y creativa.
Analicemos por qué Instagram realizó estos cambios y cómo pueden ayudar a hacer crecer su negocio.
Why is Instagram Betting on Longer Reels?
Instagram made this decision based on three key factors:
- Meeting User Demands
Many creators find 90 seconds insufficient to tell complete stories, share detailed tutorials, or showcase behind-the-scenes processes. With longer video options, they can offer more valuable content without abrupt cuts.
- Competing with TikTok
Since 2021, TikTok has been increasing its video length, now testing clips up to 30 minutes. Instagram doesn’t want to fall behind and aims to attract creators who prefer an extended format.
- Expanding Content Possibilities
This update allows Instagram to offer a mix of short clips and more in-depth content without affecting discoverability. The platform continues to prioritize flexibility to adapt to market trends.
Pros and Cons with Reels Over 90 Seconds
Are Longer Reels Better For Your Business?
Instagram still recommends keeping videos 90 seconds or shorter for the best engagement — and the data backs that up. That’s not likely to change anytime soon. So why would you ever use longer reels?
Well, besides the benefits we just covered, it really comes down to your product, your service, and most importantly, your audience.
Understanding where your potential customers are in their buyer’s journey when they come across your business plays a huge role in figuring out what kind of content will actually capture their attention (and keep it).
This new video length is a powerful tool to grab attention and increase interaction. However, be careful! While long and short videos have the same reach, Instagram recommends prioritizing quality. In other words, the shorter and more engaging your video, the better its performance.
Here are some key strategies to make the most of it:
1. Tutorials and Problem-Solving
Identify the most common issues in your niche and create detailed tutorials. These videos will not only help your audience but also establish you as an authority in your field.
Example: “The 3 Most Common Squat Mistakes and How to Fix Them.”
2. Introducing Something New
Every new product, service, or upgrade is an opportunity to grab your audience’s attention. Use storytelling to build anticipation and make the new offering irresistible.
Example: “New Functional Training Zone! Discover how to boost your performance with these exercises.”
3. Behind-the-Scenes Content
Showing your work process humanizes your brand and builds trust. Share how you prepare a product, the team’s efforts, or the story behind every detail.
Example: “Here’s how we prepare each HIIT class to maximize your workout!”
4. Customer Testimonials or Success Stories
Nothing is more convincing than real experiences. A testimonial or a success story serves as social proof that your product or service works. Share genuine stories from satisfied clients.
Example: “From struggling to lift 5kg to deadlifting 100kg—Juan’s transformation will inspire you to train today!”
5. Comparisons or 'Before and After' Transformations
Visual changes create impact and credibility. Show concrete results of your product or service so your audience can see its true value.
Example: “Before and after six months of strength training—see the difference in endurance and muscle tone!”
6. Interactive and Entertaining Content
Engage your audience with polls, questions, or challenges. Games like “Guess,” “True or False?” or “What Would You Do in This Situation?” strengthen your community connection.
Example: “Guess: How long does it take to see visible workout results? a) 2 weeks b) 1 month c) 3 months”
7. Inspiring or Thought-Provoking Stories
Every brand has a story. Share the challenges and achievements that brought you to where you are today. Authentic stories evoke emotions and create strong connections with your audience.
Example: “Discover our journey and how we keep growing thanks to our community!”
Tip: Pick 3 or 4 ideas and try them out this week. Let us know in the comments which one you’ll use first!
Wrapping Up
The expansion of Instagram Reels presents a unique opportunity to transform your business’s content strategy. Whether you aim to educate your audience, boost engagement, or stand out in a saturated market, leveraging longer Instagram reels allow you to deliver more valuable and engaging content. Take advantage of this trend and elevate your digital presence to the next level!