ChicExecs Co-Founder and Co-President, Nikki Carlson, shares her tips on how to add TikTok and Instagram reels to your digital marketing strategy on Forbes blog. Enjoy this excerpt from the featured piece.
TikTok is growing quickly, so you need to get on this platform pronto if you want to make an impression on your shoppers.
Sure, you can pay for TikTok Ads, but they’re expensive. The best thing you can do is consistently create good organic content. Follow these guidelines to make sure your branded TikToks hit the mark every time.
Keep It Short
TikTok allows videos up to ten minutes long, but just because you can upload long videos doesn’t mean you should. The world’s best-performing TikToks are just 16 seconds long on average. If you want to connect with more viewers on TikTok, shorter is always better.
Use Hashtags
Just like Instagram, TikTok also uses hashtags to organize content. If you’re posting TikToks without hashtags, you’re leaving views on the table. Unlike Instagram, TikTok doesn’t limit the number of hashtags you can use, but you do have a character limit. When in doubt, use three to five popular hashtags to get more eyeballs on your content.
Partner With Influencers
If you’re new to TikTok, partnering with the right spread of influencers can garner you hundreds of followers overnight. Influencers allow you to essentially “rent” their clout to promote your product in an organic, natural way to a new audience.
Film Content For TikTok Only
Some folks try to film content on Instagram Reels or YouTube and then port it over to TikTok. We’re all for repurposing content and saving time, but if you’ve got TikTok in the mix, you need to take the opposite approach: Start with TikTok first.
Getting More Mileage Out Of Instagram Reels
TikTok is where it’s at, but you can’t discount Instagram Reels. Instagram is popular with Millennials and Gen X, so if they’re your target audience, you should definitely be on Instagram Reels.
Know Your Audience Before You Film
Is your audience actually on Instagram? If so, what Reels are they engaging with? What content resonates with your audience? Check your Instagram analytics to get black-and-white data on what your audience is interested in.
Watch Your Formatting
If you choose to upload a TikTok to your Instagram Reels, you might need to reformat it. Reels display in a 9:16 aspect ratio, so watch your formatting here. Reels also can be no longer than 90 seconds, so make sure you keep it brief.
Make Content People Want To Watch
Branded content doesn’t have to be an unsolvable puzzle. As long as you follow the Golden Rule and create content you would love to watch on Reels, you’ll be golden.
Read Nikki’s entire blog here.
