Since the introduction of Instagram Reels in 2020, an “Instagram Reels vs. TikTok” debate has been present ever since. That debate continues to heat up with the addition of Instagram Reels’ new “Boost” feature, which allows users to create Instagram Reels ads with ease.

In this article, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about Instagram Reels and their new Boost tool, along with a step-by-step guide to creating your own boosted Reels.

What are Instagram Reels?

Reels are Instagram’s response to TikTok. Instagram Reels are vertical videos that reside on Instagram’s Reels tab, separate from users’ normal Instagram feed.

Like TikTok, Reels are formatted to provide endless scrolling for users so they can enjoy uninterrupted video content. As of right now, Reels can be up to 90 seconds long (as opposed to TikTok’s impressive 10-minute length).

Instagram Reels have plenty of customization options to help you create a Reel that’s unique, entertaining, and eye-catching, like:

• Effects, filters, and stickers to add to your video during and after filming
• A Collab tool that lets you create Reels with other Instagram users
• Music and sound libraries that include popular songs and trending audio
• Text-to-speech and voice effects
• Green screen effects

What are Instagram Reels ads?

Instagram Reels ads show up next to organic Reels content in users’ regular feeds, meaning your Reels ad will appear without interrupting their scrolling. You can find Reels ads in regular Instagram feeds, Stories, within the Reels tab, and on Instagram’s Explore page.

Boosted Reels

Instagram recently launched a “Boost” option for Reels. This new feature turns your Reels into ads that can help you better connect with your audiences and attract new customers.

Creating Boosted Reels is easy — you can Boost an existing Reel, or you can create a new Reel that you want to turn into an ad.

How to launch an Instagram Reels ad campaign

Take a look at how you can launch an Instagram Reels ad campaign in no time with ease.

1. Ensure you have access to Ads Manager and create your Reel

In order to launch an Instagram Reels ad campaign, you need to have access to Instagram’s Ad Manager. If your account is specified as a business account, no worries, you’re all set. If not, navigate to your settings and switch your account to a professional one.

Once that’s sorted, you can create your ad in the Reels creator tab. This means filming your Reel and writing your captions.

2. Establish your campaign goals and details

Like all advertising campaigns, you want to establish your goals for the endeavor. Choose the objectives of your Instagram Reels ad campaign and specify campaign details like your budget and target audience.

3. Place your ad and choose a CTA

Finally, place your newly created Instagram Reels ad by tapping “Manual Placements” and scrolling through the dropdown menu to “Instagram Reels.” This will ensure your Reel appears as an ad on users’ feeds.

You’ll also want to choose a CTA that pertains to your ad. Whether you’re advertising a product or service, Instagram has CTA options for you, like:

• Shop Now
• Read More
• Sign Up
• Click Here

Now, launch your Instagram Reels ad campaign!

How to boost Instagram Reels

We’ve launched an Instagram Reels ad campaign, but how do we boost a Reel in the first place?

Boosting an Instagram Reel is as easy as 1,2,3 — literally. In three simple steps, you can boost your Instagram Reel and start connecting with a larger audience. See how to boost your Instagram Reel below.

Before you start

When boosting a Reel, there are a few criteria your Reel needs to meet in order to be eligible for a boost:

• Reels must be less than 60 seconds
• Must be filmed vertically (or in a full-screen aspect ratio of 9:16)
• Must not feature copyrighted music or sounds, camera filters or interactive stickers from third parties, or GIFs
• Not already shared to Facebook

1. Choose the Reel you want to Boost

Navigate to your profile’s Reels grid and tap on the Reel you want to boost. At the bottom right corner of your Reel, hit the three dots to open your Reel’s settings and tap the blue “Boost Reel” button.

2. Specify the details of your Reel’s campaign

From there, you’ll be met with a page that asks you to fill in the details of your ad, like the results you want to get from running the ad, who you want to reach with it, how much you want to spend on it daily, and how long you want to run it.

3. Submit your Boosted Reel for review

Once you’re satisfied with the logistics of your Instagram Reels ad, hit “Next,” and then “Boost Reel” to submit your Reel for review.

Your boosted Reel has to be reviewed to make sure it meets Instagram’s ad policies. Don’t worry. You’ll be kept in the loop for the entire review process.

You’ll receive a notification in your Activity Feed after you’ve sent your ad for review, when it’s getting reviewed, whether or not it was approved, and when your campaign ends.

Pro Tip: You can monitor the performance of your boosted Reels by checking your Insights to see which of your Reels bring in the most engagement from audiences!

Instagram Reels ads best practices

Here are a few Instagram Reels ads best practices to keep in mind when developing your Reels campaign.

Make your ad feel organic

An Instagram Reels ad that comes off as “salesy” won’t perform as well as other ads. Create your Reels ad so that it still feels like organic content. This will make your Reels ads stand out by not standing out (if that makes sense).

A Reels ad that feels organic blends in with normal content on users’ feeds but will feel like an ad by the end of the video. This is less disruptive for users and can increase ad engagement.

Stay up to date with the latest trends

Give the people what they want! Keep an eye on what other users are posting so you can stay in touch with what content trends are popular.

Doing so keeps your content feeling timely and relevant, something consumers look for in a brand when making a purchase.

Keep it short and sweet

Like any video marketing content, you want to get your point across as quickly as possible, or else you’ll lose your audience’s attention.

Plan out your Reels ads so that they stay under 60 seconds in length. Anything longer won’t fly, and you’ll be frustrated when you put effort into a fantastic video that’s just over the time constraints for boost eligibility.

Use the speech-to-text tool

The speech-to-text tool is one that shouldn’t be overlooked when it comes to creating Reels. A lot of times, users are scrolling through social media in public, so they won’t be inclined to have their volume up on their mobile devices.

With speech-to-text, you can enable users not using sound to experience your Reel ad the same as those who have their volume up. Additionally, using the speech-to-text feature improves your Reel’s accessibility for users who may have hearing impairments.