Types of Instagram content explained
Arguably the most popular social media platform, Instagram has become a must-have for businesses big and small. But Instagram can be overwhelming. There are multiple types of content and trying to navigate what content to create can be difficult. We always advise putting a social media strategy in place to ensure your efforts are effective. Below we outline all the different types of content you can create on Instagram. The key to success is leveraging the right tools at the right time when creating ad-hoc content. If you need some advice, book a consultation with us.
Grid posts
This is the main part of your profile, where you can add “permanent” content which you can choose to archive at any time. You can add a single photo, a video of any length (although videos less than 90seconds appear as a reel as well), multiple photos and/or photos to create a carousel post. Reels and Videos also appear on the video tab of your Instagram profile.
Reels
· 15, 30, 60 or 90 second maximums, for anything longer, post as a video on the grid
· Choose trending audio or your add your own audio. If you create a video style and matching audio that goes viral, it’ll boost your brand awareness!
· You can choose if you want to add a reel to the grid – and you can add a bespoke cover for the reel so it doesn’t jar with your grid aesthetic
· Remix with an existing reel, you can record content alongside the original video or record content after the original video
Videos longer than 90 seconds
· If your video is longer than 90 seconds it needs to be posted as a video rather than a reel. The video will still appear in the reels tab, and you’ll be able to add audio.
Live
Going Live on Instagram is a great way to get attention from your fans. It send a notification to your followers that a live video has started, and it’s ideal for events, collabs/interviews and announcements. After the Live, you can share the video on your grid and feed. If you’re planning a live you can schedule it, which makes the time of your live visible in your bio, and also gives you the option to post that you're going to go live so your followers will know about it ahead of time. But Instagram won't remind you about the Live with a push notification, so you have to remember and get on there on time. You can also download the video to your camera roll. You can also invite others to join you on your live, but they have to be following you to do this. Here’s a handy guide about how to do this.
Story posts
Temporary content that last 24 hours, but fear not you can add stories to your Story Highlights for all to see forever.
Here are the features available when you post a story:
· Create (a text post)
· Boomerang – one of Instagram’s first innovations on the app and it really took off
· Layout for multiple photos on the same story
· Hands-free – great for recording movement, so that you can get the best shots without the frustration of holding the record button down
· Dual for use of both front and back cameras – ideal for reactions to what you are experiencing / seeing
· Once you have the content, you can use the Instagram tools on the top to:
· Add text
· Draw onto the image / video
· Add effects
· Plus a host of additional flourishes when you click the smiley face post-it note to:
o Add GIFs
o Add another photo
o Mention/tag people
o Ask questions
o Take a poll
o Add an avatar
o Add music
o Ask a multiple choice quiz
o Add a hashtag
o Tag products
o Tag a shop
o Add a donation link
o Add a link to any page – and customise the text that appears
o Add a countdown – with a reminder
o Add a sliding scale – with any emoji
o Tag a food order via a food delivery app
o Add seasonal stickers
o Add emojis