Just when you think you’ve got your whole Instagram content strategy thing kind of figured out… They drop a new feature. Or someone tell you you should focus on different trending formats. And it got you like “C’monnnn, IG! I can’t handle another content format and any new trending feature RIGHT NOW. I’m still trying to get up to date on your longer Instagram stories feature. And my tired head is spinning with the plenty of strategies the ‘Gram guru’s tell me I need to implement to grow my account”.
Let’s be honest: 2021 was a bit crazy. Oh, it really WAS. The biggest news to come out of Adam Mosseri’s official announcement was definitely that Instagram no longer wants to be seen as a “regular photo-sharing” app. Well, at the same time, with the Tiktok’s phenomenon, this shouldn’t be so shocking. What about 2022? Are we expecting a year full of big surprises? What content formats and features should you focus on to make the algorithm like you?
I’ve decided to do something refreshing to keep you updated!
Let’s discuss all the critical trending formats you need to jump on (or at least: test them out!) to succeed in 2022
I want to show you exactly how to use them strategically, how to create unique content using these features, and how to grow an engaged following and not fall behind.
My goal? Make you pretty open to trying new things on the Gram and see what’s working FOR YOU.
In 2021 a few things have revealed themselves. First, jumping on trending formats is essential. Because look, are you having difficulty drawing attention to your IG profile? Be honest. It can be dramatically confusing to pour your whole heart and soul into content creation without reaching as many potential followers as you want. You probably already know about trending formats, but you may not know how to use them to gain the kind of traction you dream of. Trending features are significant for aspiring influencers and businesses to use because they can attract new attention for your profile, translate to thousands of sales, and create stronger relationships with your community (and potential followers from your target audience). So let’s go!
Here’s what you can expect to learn today:
- Does New Year mean new trending formats?
- What formats are trending right now, and why they can help you get back your points in growing your IG
- How to experiment with these formats with an openness that sounds like: “I haven’t tried ya, but I’m intrigued!”
- Why Reels are literally the most fantastic format ever
- Which trending formats will get you more followers/sales?
Video Content – The King of Trends
As you probably already know, in 2021 video format was slowly but surely becoming the king of the Gram. We have to keep in mind that TikTok was announced as the most intensively growing social media platform out there, and Instagram didn’t want to fall behind! To survive in this competitive world, the Gram had to adapt. That’s why all the video updates started to roll out, and our fav platform started prioritizing Reels. From my perspective, it was a smart move, as Instagram is so saturated with regular posts, described with irrelevant hashtags, slam-bang content, and plenty of ads that it was hard to break through this noise at times.
New formats give us new opportunities for being discovered more quickly – it’s proven that the algorithm rewards you for using new trending formats. So what kind of content should you be prioritizing?
Reels: yup, yup, you already know that! Reels are currently considered the ultimate number one tactic for organic growth on Instagram. Look at this:
They’re bringing us back to the old days of good organic growth from producing creative content. If you haven’t hopped on the short, entertaining videos bandwagon, but you want to reach your target audience and attract new people, it’s high time to start creating reels, because we don’t like statements like this, but if you aren’t making any short videos, your profile can easily fall behind. Take your chance! I’m taking mine as well!
Anyway, we know what can be stopping you from trying: creating videos can seem like a daunting, time-consuming challenge if you’re used to publishing only regular, static posts. We won’t lie: sometimes it gets tough, and it’s too easy to lose track of time, but never fear, there are some nice ways to create appealing content in less than an hour. The good news? Reels have a low-key nature. Hey, you’re not trying to produce high-quality, huge budget films for yourself or your business! You’re trying to create funny, relatable content that supports the topics you talk about on your profile, so NO PRESSURE!
Reels are fueled mainly by trends. Side benefit? You often don’t even have to come up with your own concepts, you can just adapt trending ideas from your niche.
How to make people enjoy your short videos, and how to get potential followers to watch your reels without skipping?
You basically need to do one of the following two tricks:
- make your videos entertaining, short, and sweet. Your goal is to make your potential followers laugh and make them think “well, that’s brilliant, haha HA (the last “ha” is really important), I can relate!”
- give them a smart teaser to make them intrigued (so they simply can’t skip watching it), ex. “The craziest tactic of mine which helped me attract 36 000 new potential followers!”
To give the algorithm a more straightforward message that your content is engaging, and worth spreading further, use CTAs like “double tap if you can relate!” or “Drop an emoji below if you’re feeling the same!”. It REALLY helps a lot.
Benefit #2: Every time you publish a new reel, it will pop up in your audience’s feed as they scroll through new content. Also, for every new reel you can decide if you want to include it on your profile’s regular feed, and believe us: it’s beneficial if you’re going to experiment with formats, and you know your reels won’t necessarily match your feed’s aesthetic. Your reels post also shows on the dedicated reels feed, which is the magic spot for all the miracles. The Reels gallery includes videos from all Instagram creators, not just content from people you follow. What does it mean in practice? Your reels can be easily found by new potential followers from all around the world. That’s more than awesome.
How Do You Make Your Posts Go Viral?
At this point, it’s pretty challenging and sometimes even impossible for a regular, static Instagram post to “go viral”. Why? Because in most cases, the people seeing your new content are people who already follow your profile (+ some random people browsing through hashtag galleries).
Reels are different. With reels, your chance of your post going “viral” increases almost tenfold.
Check out the stats of one of IQ Hashtags reels below. The regular, traditional Instagram post had a reach of 800 accounts. This reels hit 11 279 views – that’s way over 10 times more than the reach of regular Instagram post!
Next Trending Format? Live Videos
Alright, alright, so this format isn’t totally new, but it is well worth the reminder when it comes to trending formats. Live videos are a bit intimidating for many creators (for me and for all our team as well, so you’re not alone!), but at the same time, they’re one of the least time-consuming forms of video content to create. Really.
When your audience hops on to your live, they know they won’t see the perfect, polished video. They know you’re recording it right there and right now. You can try this format and go into a live video with a scenario, a list of topics you want to discuss, or you can choose more spontaneous options and just engage with followers who join you.
Do you need fancy equipment to go live? NOT AT ALL. Chances are, you already own the only camera you truly need. Your smartphone. Anyway, when arranging a live video, make sure you’re in a quiet room so your tribe won’t hear any distracting background noise. Lighting is crucial for appealing video content as well! Our tips? Sitting next to the window is the best, budget option, but if you live somewhere where the sun sets really early or you have a chance to record only late at night, we suggest investing in an affordable and truly helpful ring light, so you can go live anytime, and anywhere. Shaky and unclear video will quickly turn your community off, so a tripod is also a purchase you should consider (there are many affordable options).
Benefit #2: After you finish your live on Instagram, you can easily save it to your profile (like we did with the videos below), so new people can watch it later, and those live videos can become a permanent part of your profile.
Next Trending Format I Adore (and chances are you will too): Carousels
There was a brief moment back in 2021 when we thought this format would fade away, because many creators were complaining that it doesn’t bring them good insights. But like the phoenix rising from the ashes, good days of carousels are back, and it seems they’re here to stay! Personally, I LOVE LOOOVE THEM – they’re a huge opportunity to keep your followers viewing your posts for a longer amount of time.
That’s not magic, that’s simple math: swiping through many slides (up to 10!) takes a longer moment than looking at a single photo. If you aren’t a pro at Correl, Photoshop, Sketch or Illustrator, you can still achieve creative results with Canva (my fav tool, to be honest). Inspirations? Look at THIS:
Instagram Trending Formats – Q&A!
I get so many questions from all you guys asking alllll about Instagram trending formats. That’s why I gathered the repeating questions and I decided to start answering more of them via the Display Purposes Q&A column! Let’s go!
Should I experiment with Reels if I’m camera shy and I identify as an introvert?
That’s a great question, but hey, look, it doesn’t matter if you are an introvert or if you are a lil bit camera shy.
First of all: you don’t have to be a super confident extravert to make it on the ‘Gram. There are plenty of introverts on the platform and they’re having fun as well! So the answer is: go for it! Exercise your creative muscles.
You’re getting an official permission to be YOURSELF on your social media. If you have that goal to grow your profile, it’s important to do things that maybe make you feel a bit uncomfortable – many times, that’s exactly how you grow.
Do I need fancy equipment to start enjoying creating video formats?
To be honest: if you’ve got a mobile phone, and maybe a laptop… Energy and a lil ambition and you can make it work, cause you have ALL you need 🙂
Which trending formats will be the best choices for my profile?
I’m always trying to find the easiest ways for you to make friends with the current algorithms, and right now, the official research shows that the trio: reels, live videos and carousels posts are taking over Instagram. Which formats will be the best FOR YOU? Well, you need to experiment, test them out, analyze the insights and check for yourself.
But you know me. I firmly believe pursuing Instagram mastery is one of the most valuable investments you can make in growing your personal brand/your business. If you’d like ME to audit your profile and research which formats can work wonders for YOUR content creation, there’s still a chance.
Right now, I want to make this 1:1 game-changing work accessible to as many of you as possible. I have dropped the audit’s price from last year to prove my commitment. Book it now (for 29$) as this is the only way you can get this kind of 1:1 audit and my personalized insights ❤️
Do I have to dance and sing on my Reels?
Holy moly, no (if you don’t want to) ! Want tips for creating Reels for your personal brand/business without twerking? That’s what we will discuss here next week!
Honestly, the key to winning Reels strategy might be to find a balance between lowkey, spontaneous and highly entertaining content and a bit more educational to keep more demanding users engaged. Or knowing which your target audience prefers!
Will Reels increase my reach?
Engagement is key when it comes to growing your profile and you want your followers coming back for more. Reels can definitely do that. See what you can do with them, keep testing and learning. Follow along with Reels trends and trending sounds and try to hop on them as quick as you can. And most important: have fun with them!
You definitely should! I cover every aspect of this dilemma right here: Are hashtags for reels important? Does adding them hurt or help your content? Here’s what you should know
That’s all for today! As always, let us know if you need anything – what else would you like to know? 💙
