3.5 billion Reels are shared daily across Instagram and Facebook. With Instagram users spending half their time on the app watching Reels, the momentum of this innovative ad format is undeniable. Reel ads are the go-to format for brands that want high engagement and a strong connection with audiences, especially Gen Z. Want to learn how to easily build engaging Reels at scale? Read along for pro tips we’ve gathered from Meta experts.
The power of Reels ads: Unlocking next-level engagement
Reels aren’t just a fun trend—they’re game-changers for brands looking to captivate audiences and drive action. According to Reyna Baker, Partner Manager at Meta, “Reels are a crucial opportunity for brands to connect with audiences in meaningful ways”.
Massive reach, real results
Did you know 87% of Gen Z have followed a business after watching Reels, and 80% have made a purchase? Couple that with the fact that 60% of time on Meta platforms is spent watching videos, and it’s clear: Reels are the prime real estate for grabbing attention and driving conversions.
Once again, creativity drives performance
Meta’s studies reveal that campaigns with 9:16 vertical videos featuring audio and engaging touches (like human presence or text stickers) outperform the rest, earning 2x more Reels placements. Great creative isn’t optional—it’s essential.
How to create Reels ads that hook your audience
1. Structure your story
Like every good story, Reels ads need to have a beginning, a middle, and an end. In the first part, you need to capture your audience’s attention – and the first few seconds are crucial. If you manage to do that, you then need to maintain it with meaningful and high-quality content. And finally, reward it with a compelling payoff, a clear call-to-action, or an invitation to engage.
2. Speak the language
Want to speak Reels? Follow these three golden rules to build Reels ads with a lower CPA, higher average positive score, and higher CTR.
- Build for vertical video: Using 9:16 video to deliver an immersive experience can result in a 48% decrease in CPA.
- Build audio-on: Using music and voiceover results can help you achieve a 15% higher average positive response score.
- Build in safe zones: By ensuring your messages aren’t obscured by the Reels UI, you can achieve a 39% higher CTR.
In short, success with Reels lies in crafting content that’s vertical, entertaining, and relatable.
3. Use Reels story types that work
Not sure where to start? Here’s a list of the most popular story types that perform well with this ad format.
- The Photodump: A casual, rapid-fire compilation of photos or videos that feel raw and spontaneous, often set to upbeat music. Great for showcasing behind-the-scenes moments, lifestyle shots, or unfiltered glimpses of a brand or product.
- The Listicle: A fast-paced, numbered, or bullet-point list that presents key facts or tips in an engaging way. This ad format is perfect for highlighting product features, benefits, or quick how-tos.
- The “Types of”: This ad type focuses on presenting various categories or types within a subject, often using humor or relatable scenarios. It’s ideal for product collections, personality types, or different solutions a brand offers.
- The Transition Sequence: A visually dynamic ad where elements smoothly transition from one scene to the next, often with clever effects or movement. This works well for showcasing transformations, the evolution of a product, or lifestyle changes.
- The Q&A: A format where common customer questions are answered in an informative and personable manner. It builds trust and offers value while also allowing the brand to address FAQs and customer concerns.
- The Product Demo: A straightforward, clear showcase of how a product works or its features. This ad type helps build credibility by showing the practical use and value of a product in real-life situations.
- The Before & After: A side-by-side comparison of a product or service’s impact, showing the transformation it brings. It’s highly effective for beauty, home improvement, or fitness-related brands.
- The POV: Shot from the perspective of the user or customer, creating an immersive and personal feel. Ideal for experiences, services, or products that are meant to be used or experienced in a hands-on way.
- The Tutorial: A step-by-step guide on how to use a product or service, often with easy-to-follow visuals and instructions. It adds value to the viewer by helping them learn something new.
- The Comedy Skit: A humorous, entertaining approach where the brand uses comedy to convey a message, often exaggerating scenarios or using clever dialogue. Perfect for engaging audiences and creating memorable, shareable moments.
Okay, now you know what kind of Reels you should be creating. But production challenges often make scaling Reels campaigns daunting. That’s where Celtra’s Creative Automation comes in, designed to help you adapt quickly and efficiently.
Scale your Reels ads easily with Celtra
With Celtra, you can create better ads faster and with less effort—and this includes high-impact Reels ads that audiences love.
1. On-brand templates: Create impressive branded templates that speak the language of any ad format, including Reels, thanks to Celtra’s amazing video capabilities.
2. Effortless scaling and activation: With branded toolkits, even marketers without any design knowledge can customize, scale, and activate Reels with just a few clicks. This enables easy adaptation for multiple markets while maintaining brand consistency.
3. AI-powered creativity: Enhance your Reels with optimized content suggestions for headlines, CTAs, and other copy that resonates.
4. Seamless distribution: Waste no time and share your eye-catching Reels ads with your audience on Instagram directly from Celtra’s platform.
The time to start with Reels ads? Pretty much yesterday
The advertising landscape is more competitive than ever, but the potential for Reels ads is unmatched. Don’t miss the opportunity to tap into the power of short-form video and connect with billions of users daily.
Want more tips for taking your Reels to the next level? Watch our latest webinar with Meta to see how Celtra’s tools simplify Reels ad creation and drive success.