How to Create Instagram Reels that Connect with Your Audience
"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." – Maya Angelou.
This quote is so relevant not only in the world of Instagram Reels, but in marketing in general! If you want your content to stand out, you need to stop chasing trends and start creating videos that connect on a deeper level. Emotion. Storytelling. Teaching. These are the pillars that drive engagement and build loyal followers. Here is how I create Instagram Reels that connect with my audience.
Why Most Instagram Reels Fail to Connect
Most Instagram Reels miss the mark because they focus too much on trends and aesthetics, rather than building a genuine connection. Without emotional depth or valuable storytelling, your audience will scroll right past. Also, focusing on trends and aesthetics will leave you burnt out and without a loyal following, which will lead you to burnout.
Common Mistakes That Cause Reels to Flop
Lack of a clear message: If your audience doesn’t understand your point within the first few seconds, they’ll move on. A hook is EVERYTHING. Spend most of your scripting, filming, and editing time here.
Overly promotional content: People come to social media for entertainment and value, not ads. Give give give then ask! (thanks Alex Hormozi)
Ignoring your audience’s interests: If you try to speak to everyone, you end up speaking to no one. If your content doesn’t resonate with your target audience, it won’t perform well.
Poor visuals or audio quality: Clear visuals and good sound are essential for grabbing attention. In my experience, the audio matters a lot more than the visual.
How to Avoid These Mistakes
Start with a strong hook that captures attention in the first 3 seconds.
Focus on storytelling, not selling.
Research your audience’s pain points and interests.
Invest in basic lighting and sound equipment to improve quality.
The Key to Reels That Resonate: Emotion, Storytelling, and Teaching
To create videos that people actually care about, you need to tap into three things:
Emotion: Making people feel something is what makes content memorable.
Storytelling: Humans are wired to love stories. It’s how we connect and understand the world.
Teaching: People want to learn and grow. Providing value keeps them coming back for more.
Why Connecting with Your Audience Matters
The Psychology Behind Audience Engagement
When people feel emotionally connected to your content, they are more likely to engage, share, and become loyal followers. According to HubSpot, emotional content gets shared twice as much as factual content.
How Connection Builds Trust and Loyalty
Building trust with your audience is essential for long-term success. When your audience feels understood and valued, they are more likely to support your brand and recommend you to others. This trust leads to higher customer retention and more organic growth.
Examples of Brands Winning with Meaningful Content
Glossier: They create relatable, behind-the-scenes content that makes followers feel part of the brand.
Gymshark: Their motivational and community-driven content resonates with fitness enthusiasts.
Duolingo: Their humorous and quirky approach to education makes learning fun and engaging. Their notifications are obnoxious though.
Why Instagram Reels Are Essential for Growth
The Rise of Short-Form Video (and Why It Works)
Short-form video is dominating social media right now because it’s quick, engaging, and easy to consume. According to Sprout Social, short-form videos have the highest engagement rate on Instagram.
How Instagram’s Algorithm Prioritizes Reels
Instagram's algorithm prioritizes Reels that generate engagement through likes, comments, and shares. By creating content that resonates emotionally and provides value, you increase your chances of being featured on the Explore page and reaching a wider audience.
The Power of Video Over Static Content
Video content marketing allows you to show personality, tell stories, and build emotional connections in ways that static posts simply can’t. With movement, sound, and visual effects, you can grab attention and keep viewers watching longer.
The 3-Part Formula for Reels That Connect
1. Evoke an Emotion
Why Emotion Drives Engagement and Shares
People are more likely to share content that makes them feel something — whether it's laughter, inspiration, or nostalgia. Emotional content triggers a deeper connection and encourages viewers to engage.
Choosing the Right Emotion for Your Brand
Inspiration: Motivational content works well for fitness or personal development brands.
Humor: Funny, relatable content is perfect for lifestyle or entertainment brands.
Empathy: Sharing stories of struggle and success helps brands in coaching or mental health niches.
Examples of Emotionally Impactful Reels
A behind-the-scenes clip showing your brand’s journey
A heartfelt customer testimonial
A funny, relatable skit about your industry
2. Tell a Story
Why Storytelling Makes Content More Memorable
Stories stick with people. They create an emotional connection that makes your content unforgettable.
Simple Storytelling Frameworks for Reels
The Problem-Solution Framework: Show a problem your audience faces and how you solve it.
The Hero’s Journey: Take your audience on your brand’s journey from struggle to success. (Storybrand is a great resource for this)
Before and After: Show transformation and results.
How to Deliver a Powerful Story in Under 60 Seconds
Hook your audience in the first 3 seconds.
Show the struggle or challenge.
Reveal the solution or transformation.
End with a strong call-to-action.
3. Teach a Lesson
The Value of Educational Content in Reels
Educational content positions you as an expert and builds trust with your audience. It also keeps people coming back for more value.
How to Make Lessons Engaging and Easy to Digest
Use visuals and text overlays to emphasize key points.
Break complex topics into bite-sized tips.
Keep your energy high and your message clear.
Balancing Teaching and Entertainment for Maximum Impact
The best educational content is fun and engaging. Add humor, personal stories, or unique editing to keep your audience hooked. Remember, what makes you unique is YOU! Add in your personality to every bit of content that you can.
Bonus Tip: Leverage User-Generated Content
Encourage your audience to create content related to your brand. This not only builds community but also gives you authentic material to reshare.
The Formula for Reels That Truly Connect
If you want to create Reels that not only grab attention but actually build a loyal community, this is your blueprint. By tapping into emotion, telling great stories, and teaching valuable lessons, you'll create content that resonates and drives real growth.
How to Implement This Strategy Today
Plan your content with emotion, storytelling, and teaching in mind.
Start creating Reels that show your brand’s personality.
Analyze what works and double down on it.
Engage with your audience in the comments and DMs to build deeper connections.
Instagram Reel FAQs
How long should my Instagram Reel be to keep people engaged?
The shorter the video is, the more engaged people will be. But, don’t let this stop you from creating longer videos that actually provide value. Remember, don’t chase trends, chase value.
How often should I post Reels to grow my audience?
Posting 3-5 Reels per week is recommended for consistent growth. But in reality, post as much as you can.
Do I need professional equipment to create engaging Reels?
Nope! Your smartphone and good lighting are enough to get started. Authenticity matters more than production quality.
How do I know if my Reels are resonating with my audience?
Track your engagement metrics like likes, comments, shares, and saves. Pay attention to the feedback you get in DMs and comments as well.
