Video Content Ideas for Instagram (Now that it’s no longer a “photo” sharing app)

You’ve probably heard by now. IG is leaning towards making their app more conducive for video creations. When you think about it, this makes sense, what with their creation of stories, introduction of IGTV, LIVE videos, and finally Reels. They’ve been slowing inching their way into the video platform space in order to compete with apps like YouTube, SnapChat, and TikTok.

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<60 seconds Reel Ideas!

Reminder for any of these: ALWAYS close with a CTA (call-to-action). Allow about 5 seconds towards the end of your reel for this important content! Ex. Follow me for more! Comment below! Like my page!

1. 15 second intro reel. What is your name? When did you start your page? What do you talk about on your page?
2. 15 second product/service intro reel. Talk about a product you offer. Talk about a service you offer. Where can people buy it? How can they get started when working with you?
3. Using a trendy track to list the products/services you offer. This is great as a teaser for people to click the link in your bio to learn more in detail about your products/services.
4. Comedic voiceover to a feeling you’ve had. Relate this feeling to your work. Why does this feeling matter to you? How did you handle it? What would you say to someone in similar shoes? For example, there is a Kevin Hart audio where he says that he wants to go home repeatedly, getting more hysterical the more he repeats it. Are you introverted? What are the advantages of being an introvert? I find that I can get more things done with some down time and reflect on my day which puts me in a better position for productivity. #infj
5. Showcase the tools you use for your business. Take us behind the scenes. Show us:
   1. Brands you love using to create the products you sell.
      1. Digital creators: apps you love using, software programs you can’t live without, editing platforms.
      2. Etsy sticker sellers: cricut machine, how you store your supplies, a shop walkthrough, how you process an order, a trip to the post office, a recent review you received.
      3. Influencers: your photoshoot setup, how you land brand deals, successes you’ve experienced.
      4. Photographers/videographers:
         • Camera
         • Lenses
         • Tripod
         • Monopods
         • Lighting kits
   2. Brands you have collaborated with in the past and why you like them.
   3. Bonus points! Take us behind the scenes, literally!
      • Camera equipment you use to film, even if it’s just your phone.
      • Ring light, lighting equipment.
      • Phone tripod or other gear.
6. A day in the life. Create a fast paced photo slideshow synced to music to show us a day in your life.
7. An awkward situation and what it made you realize.
8. Struggles of being a _____. Business owner, entrepreneur, tall girl, introvert, INFJ, enneagram 4, virgo. (PS. We’re stronger than our struggles and I don’t want you to turn your instagram into a pity-party but sometimes, occasionally, these can be pretty humorous and a great way to relate to others).
9. Lip syncing to a song that makes you feel great. In the caption, briefly explain what this song means to you. Chances are, you’re not the only one! Authenticity is amazing. Note: please know the song. Google the lyrics. Don’t look like you are mumbling if Whitney Houston is belting her lungs out. Make it look believable or people will judge. And I might be one of them. 😉 (Unless you are going for a humorous effect, obvs.)
10. 4 Tips for fellow _____. Business owner, entrepreneur, tall girl, introvert, INFJ, enneagram 4, virgo. This is a great way to seem like you know what you are talking about, regardless of what your niche is!
11. Recent purchases from ____ that have helped/inspired/changed you! Pick a store, any store.

IGTV Ideas

These are longer form videos and you have a chance to dive in deeper and be more long-winded.

Warning: If you are going to use this feature, I recommend learning a little bit more about aspect ratios and how to use them so folks don’t have to squint to see your videos or rotate their phones.

Furthermore, IGTV Videos take a little more finesse and editing skills than Reels or shorter form videos. In fact, you may need to invest in either hiring a video editor or brushing up on your editing skills and consider a subscription to a video editing platform like Adobe PremierePro, Final Cut X, or Adobe Rush, as well as a computer or laptop capable of the task. I use a 2018 MacBook Pro though those newer M1 models are lookin’ pretty good.

Anywho, think about it: you have a longer window of time to fill so you have to hold peoples’ attention for longer.

Pacing, storytelling, animations, transitions, sound effects, music, voiceover, talking heads, and connectivity all come into play here so trend carefully.

With that said, the more you edit videos, the more experience you will gain. Everyone has to start somewhere. The first video you post this week will look vastly different that the video you will post a year from now, so you might as well get started! Here are some ideas for IGTV video content:

1. Detailed day-in-the-life vlog. Dive deep! What does your typical day look like from the moment you wake up until the moment you go to sleep? While everyday single day may not be identical (thank God), we all have some kind of rhythm. If it varies for you so much, you could even turn this idea into a IG Series.
2. Interacting with a brand. Show us the entire journey.
3. Interviews with someone in your industry. Again, this elevates your status and since you are the person interviewing (and if its done correctly), you look like a subject matter expert.
4. Weekly updates. Create a weekly episode where you provide your followers with the latest and greatest of what is going on in your business. New products, new ways to shop, teasers for the coming weeks/months.
5. Top 5 _____. List your top 5 ____ and WHY they made this list. Look at you being a subject matter expert YET AGAIN.
6. Saved IG Lives. Probably the one piece of content you don’t have to edit on a computer. But that’s it. That’s the exception.

IGTV Lives

However, what you gain in ease at the front-end may not be as appealing to watch for your followers on the back end.

Think about it: Which is more interesting to watch?

Your answer may differ from mine (I lean towards an edited video) but it also may differ from your followers. You can always ask your followers WHAT THEY WANT! Your followers are different from mine and they probably aren’t going to want the same things. Feedback is valuable and it’s important to remember that and to keep checking in to see what they are looking for. Here are some ways to do that:

1. Create polls in IG Stories.
2. Include an answer box on stories and ask for ideas regarding ____.
3. Read and track comments. Those who take the time to comment on your content are the MVPs (9/10 times. Others can be trolls. Don’t listen to trolls).

I hope this was helpful for you as you work to incorporate more video content onto your Instagram page. It can seem very overwhelming at first but the biggest advice I can give is to get started, be consistent, and be clear on staying true to you, your page, and your brand (whatever that looks like for you!).

If you’re ever looking for MORE ideas for Instagram, I recommend following @thelucasokeefe on Instagram. He is a knowledgable Instagram presence who I’ve learned a lot from!

COMMENT below if you use any of these video ideas!