What I've noticed about Reels

Plus your monthly reels ideas

Hi all!

Whether you’re working this week or taking some time off, I wanted to send the regular Reels Tips for you to use whenever you’re ready. But first, check out this adorable reel full of doggos from Beth Hemptom!

Beth told me that she was inspired to create it after last month’s reels tips, and she got nearly 2,000 views! It makes me so happy that artists are using these ideas and that they’re working for you. I love hearing from you, so let’s keep growing together 🌱

A few tips I’ve learned about Reels

1. Look back at your reels. Is there one that was really successful? (in terms of views, follows, comments, etc…) Create another one using the same format. For example this reel did great for me:

   

   So I made this one with the SAME format, which was a time-lapse sketch and text that shares an art tip:

   

   I’m going to continue using this format until it doesn’t perform well. This is great because

   1. My audience likes it, and

   2. It’s easier for me to plan than coming up with new ideas.

   So go back and check out your past reels! Don’t be afraid to reuse formats that did well. If you haven’t made any reels yet, browse my past newsletters with Easy Reels Ideas.

2. Play with the built-in features in Instagram. In this Wednesday Addams reel, I used a filter and transitions that are built into the app. I’ve heard that Instagram promotes content made within Instagram more than content made with another app. Who knows if it’s true, but playing with the transitions is fun so it’s worth trying. (Btw… this card is available here in my shop!)

   

   Try this format with a piece of art you like. Just make 3 cropped versions of your art: one where you can see the whole piece, one slightly zoomed in, and one zoomed in further (just as I did with the Wednesday card). Put them in succession with a couple transitions and you’re done. You don’t even need an actual video!

3. Share your work from the past year! Here is an instagram template that I just tried today. Click “Use template” and Instagram will automatically clip all the videos to the correct length. All you need to do is fill in the clips with your art. Tip - Gather all your pics one folder first so it’s quicker to fill the template.

   

And that’s it for this month’s reels tips— I hope they were helpful!

Also remember to mark your calendars for January 12 at 10AM EST/ 3PM London for a Zoom meet-up to sketch & chat! More information will be shared closer to the date.

See you on January 1 for the Monthly Newsletter,

Katie