Instagram reels: what are they and how can they help my salon?

On August 5, social media platform Instagram announced Reels, a brand new feature designed for users to “create and discover short, entertaining videos on Instagram.” Below, we break down everything you need to know about the new addition, as well as how this feature can help your salon connect with new and existing clients.

What are Instagram Reels?

Instagram Reels is a brand new method of uploading videos to the app, allowing users to record and edit 15-second multi-clip videos with a range of creative tools, such as video effects and audio. Reels can be shared on your followers’ Feeds and can be shared to anyone through the Explore page if you have a public account. The surge of popularity of short video content is often attributed to TikTok, an app which has gained a large following with younger demographics. Since its launch, platforms such as YouTube and now Instagram have rolled out platforms to create and share short videos.  

How do I use Instagram Reels?

The Reels feature can be seen when you open the Instagram camera along the options at the bottom of the page. From here, a number of editing options will appear on the left hand side of your screen. Videos can also be uploaded onto Reels from your Camera Roll. These editing features include a timer, countdown, aligner and speed editor, all of which make your Reels more customisable and easy to use. Another editing option is audio, which allows you to browse the Instragram music library to use for your Reel, and also allows you to use or share original audio from your own or others’ Reels.  Reels can be posted and found on both Explore, a shared space dedicated to expanding your audience, or your Feed, which is shared with your followers and those who check your page. If your Reel is “Featured” on Explore, where it will become promoted to a large audience, you will receive a notification.  

How can Instagram Reels help my salon?

Despite the platform being in its early stages, Reels has already shown that it’s a more immediate and creative way of connecting with the hair industry.  With these new editing tools, this platform offers you a chance to think outside of the box when showing off your best work. For instance, Reels can reinvigorate the standard ‘Before and After’ shot with inventive transitions, all while reaching new audiences through the use of popular and relevant music or hashtags.  Much like TikTok, Reels also offers the opportunity to connect more closely with your younger demographics, as well as giving them the opportunity to show off your work to their friends.  

Advice for using Instagram Reels

We spoke with two names in the industry using the feature for their experience and top tips:

Tracey Devine Smith - global ambassador, French & Ivi and Affinage Salon Professional 

“Reels is a great way to showcase your hair transformations in a snapshot. I particularly love the fact you can add current music to the reel to make it super upbeat and fun. If you have a good phone, I would say give it a go.”  “Take tiny snap videos of the full transform from start to finish and use the camera at a wide and narrow angle.”

Tim Carpenter - brand support specialist, Rebel Beauty Brands

“First time back on the fashion circuit, we utilised the brand new Reels feature to quickly show the buzz of backstage (or rooftop in this case), but it was also an incredible opportunity to illustrate how much of the product to use and how to apply it.” “Some product features created interest and commentary from R+Co fans recognising their go-tos and how they were being used. The segments you can film allow you to create an easy editable story that the user can follow - along with all the added extras of filters and music, creating overall appeal. We’ve planned to utilise this for a number of new initiatives for the brand.”