Instagram Reels: What Are They and How Can Law Firms Use Them?

Are you familiar with TikTok? The controversial video sharing app made news when it boasted of over one million global downloads within 18 months of its launch. TikTok provides an endless feed of entertaining short video clips. Instagram, while traditionally focused on images and GIFs, has expanded their feature set to compete with TikTok functionality. The new set of audio and video features, called Instagram Reels, has mobile functionality quite similar to those found in TikTok – and, combined with the ongoing battles TikTok is facing, could make TikTok obsolete. Here’s an overview of Instagram Reels and some of the ways law firms can leverage Reels to engage their followers and reach new ones.

What are Instagram Reels?

Reels is an Instagram app feature that enables users to film and upload short-form video content that you can share with your Instagram followers or anyone on the platform. If your law firm’s Instagram account is public, Reels can be shared to the Explore feed to make it easier for people who don’t already follow you to find your content. Reels is similar to Instagram Stories, but there are a few key differences. For starters, Reels includes a wider range of video editing tools, AR effects, and speed controls. It also gives you the option to combine multiple videos, aligning and trimming to create seamless transitions. 

So how can your law firm leverage Instagram Reels to successfully engage followers on Instagram and build your brand? If you are already using Instagram to market your firm, you can easily add Reels to your marketing strategy. Here are a few tips to try this new feature.

5 Ways Law Firms Can Use Instagram Reels 

1. Repurpose current content

You don’t have to start from scratch. If you’re already using Instagram, try leveraging some of your law firm’s evergreen content that’s already up on your blog or website. Remember, this platform is supposed to be fun and entertaining, so be sure to add creative effects, add humor to your content, etc.

2. Share stories of your brand

Reels is a great way to share parts of your office culture – which is very important if you’re using your law firm’s Instagram account to recruit top talent. Try creating videos around the background of your firm, how your founders started out, or sharing more personal information about your attorneys. Make sure any content is dynamic, while also including information about who you are and how you can help potential clients. 

3. Go “Behind the scenes”

People love to get a sneak peek. Share videos that show a day in the life at your office, or what steps are involved with certain parts of a case. You could create a series that demonstrates the key phases of your work from start to finish. Or, just upload a few fun clips from an office party or event. No matter what you do on a day-to-day basis, sharing on Reels can help build excitement and let people feel like they know you. 

4. Showcase expertise

If you want to become a thought leader in your area of expertise, Reels is a fun new way to highlight challenges your clients face, and what information they need to solve them. You don’t need to take a deep dive into complicated subject matter, but just share a few tips and tricks, or point people toward key resources. The goal here is to show that your firm really knows it’s stuff and can be trusted to bring the right knowledge to the table. 

5. Share reviews

Social proof is a great form of digital word of mouth. People want to see that other individuals have had success with your firm. Use Reels to promote your latest positive review. Use music, effects, or other features to make quick clips of your reviews more entertaining and more likely to be viewed. 

Takeaway 

Instagram Reels presents an excellent opportunity for law firms on the platform that want to extend their reach beyond their current followers, get more followers on Instagram, and build a community. Hopefully, you now have the information you need to start using Instagram Reels to further engage and connect with your audience.

Contact us today to discover how we can help you achieve greater success through your social media marketing efforts. We have vast experience developing and executing revenue focused social media strategies that deliver real business results for law firms of all practice areas and sizes.