20 Content Ideas for Instagram Reels in 2021

With the popularity of TikTok growing exponentially during the first few months of the pandemic, it’s no surprise that Instagram chose to develop their own rival version.

Instagram took over Snapchat with the creation of Instagram Stories back in 2019, so it’s not shocking to see the app continue to implement new features based on what’s working in the digital space.

What are Instagram Reels?

The new Instagram feature to launch in the middle of 2020 is called Reels. Reels is Instagram’s rival to TikTok, offering users the ability to create short bite-sized video snippets and upload them directly to their feeds.

Of course, TikTok has its own unique qualities that make it difficult for Instagram to completely wipe it off the map like they did to Snapchat. TikTok trends are popular solely on that platform.

I am sure in time Instagram Reels will develop their own “trends” with music and video content, but for now, thats one major difference among the platforms that I’ve noticed.

Click below to see an example of one of my first Instagram Reels in action on my profile.

With the launch of Reels on Instagram I instantly rolled my eyes and sighed. As someone who creates content on so many dang platforms, I felt overwhelmed at the idea of creating more video content. Do these social media platforms understand that we only have so many hours in a single day?! Ugh!

How I (Honestly) Feel About Instagram Reels

Personally, I am warming up to the thought of posting more short video content using Reels in 2021. It’s taken me some time to figure out how the heck to operate the feature and make sure my Reels get the point across in 30 seconds.

Reels are not going away any time soon and now more than ever you should consider posting a couple a week to gain new followers and improve your reach as a business!

Today’s post will leave you understanding more about this new Instagram feature and why it matters for your business in 2021. I know you might feel overwhelmed at first and trust me so did I.

Take note of how you can create viral Instagram Reels by testing out these exciting content ideas below.

Instagram Reels Ideas for All Business Owners

1. Behind the Scenes
2. Day In My Life
3. Product Reviews
4. Share Your Story
5. Tips You’ve Learned From Growing a Business
6. Strategies for Growing in Your Niche
7. Favorites Apps for Social Media
8. What Apps You Use to Run Your Business
9. How to Conquer Social Media in Your Niche
10. How to Stay Organized as a Business Owner
11. Productivity Tips and Tricks as a Business Owner
12. Before and After Transformations
13. Product Demonstrations

Instagram Reels Ideas for Fashion/Beauty Content Creators

1. Outfit Ideas for a New Season
2. Try-On Haul From a Brand
3. New Makeup Favorites
4. New Skincare Favorites
5. Show Your Skincare Routine
6. “Get Ready With Me” Tutorial
7. Favorite Everyday Jewelry
8. “Come Shop With Me” Video
9. What’s In My Bag
10. Work From Home Tips
11. How to Save Money While Shopping
12. Amazon Favorites
13. Amazon Fashion Finds

Content Ideas for Instagram Reels: Social Media Managers

1. How to Pitch Brands
2. How to Work With Brands
3. How to Land Brand Partnerships
4. How to Increase Story Views
5. How to Run a Profitable Influencer Business
6. How to Grow Your Instagram Account
7. Tips for Growing on Pinterest
8. Why You Need to Hire a Social Media Manager
9. Day In The Life: Social Media Manager
10. Use E-40 Song “Choices (Yup)” To Answer 6 Yes/No Questions

More Tips for Creating Viral Instagram Reels

How to Go Viral Using Instagram Reels

1. Entertain and Educate Your Audience

Have fun with making these videos! What I think most people enjoy about TikTok and Reels is the entertainment factor. Yes, you should create engaging and educational videos for your ideal audience, but it’s also a chance to show your personality.

For example, I can’t dance for the life of me, but I still do a little movement when I record myself lip-syncing along to a popular song in the background of my educational videos. I am mixing the best of educational and entertaining purposes into one catchy video.

2. Content Ideas for Instagram Reels: Leverage Trending Content

Check out the Explore page on Instagram to find inspiration for the next up and coming trending content. Stay up to date on the hottest music trends by saving audio tracks for future videos.

For example, a recent TikTok and Reels trend included using the song “It’s Tricky” by RUN-D.M.C and two people in a “This or That” challenge. Jumping on a trend from the start of it’s launch can boost your views. Trends don’t last too long in the age of video, so be quick to create your own variation of a trend while it’s hot.

3. Provide Your Audience With Value

Create actionable tutorials in your niche to provide value to your audience.

Since I am in the fashion and beauty niche, I am creating videos centered around finding drugstore skin care products at Target and affordable outfit ideas to share with my audience.

If you are an EXPERT at SOMETHING in your niche, why not turn that information into a quick and digestible Instagram Reel?

4. Post Reels Consistently To Your Feed

When I have ideas for new creative reels to make, I keep a running list on my Notes app on my phone. Instead of sitting down at once to figure out what the heck to record a video about, my running list provides me with plenty of potential viral scenarios. Of course, I will also use this blog post as a way to think about new ideas for reels, too!

According to Instagram, a user should post anywhere between 3-7 reels per week. It’s highly unlikely that I will ever post more than 7 reels in a single week, ok INSTAGRAM?? On the flip side, it’s important to navigate the Instagram feature that boasts the best results and reels are just what content creators need these days to grow.

In 2021, content creators on Instagram should definitely switch up his or her current posting strategies to include more Instagram Reels. The days of static posts are far and few. Video content is not going away anytime soon which is why I wanted to create this blog post in the first place to brainstorm potential video ideas with you!

5. Team Up with Other Instagram Influencers for a Video

Back in October, I teamed up with a few fashion bloggers to create a video compilation of last minute Halloween costume ideas. It was a lot of fun to see us all dress up and collaborate on a reel!

Talk to a few influencers in your niche to team up on a similar concept to combine forces and introduce yourself on their platforms to a whole new audience.

Looking for more Blogging Tips and Tricks? Head to this section of the blog to read up!