Creating high-quality content for Instagram is essential for capturing your audience’s attention and engaging them effectively. With the platform’s emphasis on visuals, producing professional and compelling videos can set your brand apart. In this article, Pyyrah shares essential filming guideline to help you create stunning Instagram content that stands out.
Preparing for Your Shoot
Plan Your Content
Before you start filming, have a clear plan for your content. Outline your goals, target audience, and the key message you want to convey. Storyboarding your ideas can help visualize the shots you need and ensure a smooth filming process.
Posting on Instagram almost every day has significantly boosted my reach and engagement, and I want to show you how you can achieve the same. We’ll cover how to come up with content ideas, batch your content, and schedule your posts efficiently. Let’s dive right in!
Filming Guideline
Step 1: Getting Content Inspiration
1. Documenting Your Journey
- Experience-Based Ideas: Note down problems and lessons from your business. For example, if you solve a specific issue for a client, jot it down as a potential content idea.
- Learning Resources: Draw inspiration from books, podcasts, and even music. If something sparks an idea, immediately note it down.
2. Revisiting Past Content
- Repurpose Old Content: Look at your previous posts, especially those that performed well. Update them or re-share them with slight modifications.
- Content Longevity: Good content is timeless. Even if it’s old, your new followers haven’t seen it yet.
3. TikTok as a Source
- Trending Sounds and Ideas: Use TikTok to find trends and sounds that can be adapted to your niche.
- Save for Later: Like the videos and save their links with notes on potential content ideas.
Step 2: Batching Your Content
1. Quarterly vs. Monthly Batching
- YouTube and Podcasts: Batch 90 days in advance due to their labor-intensive nature.
- Instagram: Batch 30 days in advance to stay relevant with trends.
2. Creating Different Types of Posts
- Quote Posts: Use Twitter to post your quotes, take screenshots, and then design them in Canva.
- Carousel Posts: Break down long captions into carousel slides for better engagement. Use tools like VSCO Cam to adjust dimensions and Canva for design.
- Instagram Reels: Film all your reels in one or two days. Change outfits for variety, and save them as drafts for later editing and posting.
- IGTV: Repurpose your YouTube and podcast content. I use Repurpose House for this, but you can also do it manually or hire a video editor.
Step 3: Scheduling Your Content
1. Using Creator Studio
- IGTV Scheduling: Upload your IGTV, add the title and description, and schedule it using Creator Studio.
- Carousel Posts: Schedule carousel posts directly in Creator Studio, eliminating the need for manual uploads.
2. Scheduling Reels and TikToks
- Manual Posting: Since there’s no scheduling option for Reels yet, manually post them following your upload schedule.
- Removing Watermarks: Use SnapTik to download TikToks without the watermark and re-upload them to Instagram Reels.
Posting on Instagram almost every day has significantly boosted my reach and engagement, and I want to show you how you can achieve the same. We’ll cover how to come up with content ideas, batch your content, and schedule your posts efficiently. Let’s dive right in!
Step 1: Getting Content Inspiration
1. Documenting Your Journey
One of the richest sources of content inspiration is your own journey. Here’s how you can tap into it:
- Experience-Based Ideas: Every problem you solve in your business or for a client can become a valuable content idea. Keep a notebook or a digital note-taking app handy to jot down these ideas as they come to you.
- Learning Resources: Draw inspiration from books, podcasts, and even music. These resources can spark fresh ideas for posts. If something strikes a chord, write it down immediately.
2. Revisiting Past Content
If you’ve been creating content for a while, your past posts are a goldmine:
- Repurpose Old Content: Revisit your previous posts, especially those that performed well. Update them or re-share them with slight modifications to keep your content fresh and engaging.
- Content Longevity: Good content remains relevant. New followers haven’t seen your old posts, so re-sharing valuable content can still make a significant impact.
3. TikTok as a Source
TikTok is not just for entertainment; it’s a great place for inspiration:
- Trending Sounds and Ideas: Use TikTok to find trends and sounds that can be adapted to your niche. This can help keep your content current and engaging.
- Save for Later: Like the videos and save their links with notes on potential content ideas. This way, you have a repository of ideas to refer to when planning your content.
Step 2: Batching Your Content
1. Quarterly vs. Monthly Batching
Different platforms require different batching strategies:
- YouTube and Podcasts: Due to the labor-intensive nature of these platforms, batch content 90 days in advance. This approach helps manage the workload and ensures consistent posting.
- Instagram: Batch content 30 days in advance to stay relevant with trends and maintain flexibility.
2. Creating Different Types of Posts
Here are some types of posts I frequently create and how I batch them:
- Quote Posts: These are quick and easy to create. I use Twitter to draft my quotes, take screenshots, and design them in Canva. This method keeps my feed visually appealing and engaging.
- Carousel Posts: Carousels are perfect for detailed content. I draft the captions, take screenshots, edit them in VSCO Cam for the correct dimensions, and then finalize the design in Canva. Carousels increase engagement as they encourage users to swipe through multiple slides.
- Instagram Reels: My strategy involves filming Reels on TikTok first. I batch film all the videos in one or two days, changing outfits for variety. These drafts are then edited and published over time. For a detailed guide on this, check out my video on IG Reels strategy.
- IGTV: I repurpose my YouTube and podcast content for IGTV. Using a service like Repurpose House, I transform long-form content into digestible IGTV videos. This directs my Instagram followers to my other platforms.
Step 3: Scheduling Your Content
1. Using Creator Studio
Creator Studio is my go-to tool for scheduling Instagram posts:
- IGTV Scheduling: Upload your IGTV, add the title and description, and schedule it. This automation saves a lot of time.
- Carousel Posts: Schedule carousel posts directly in Creator Studio, eliminating the need for manual uploads. This feature was a game-changer for me.
2. Scheduling Reels and TikToks
Currently, there’s no scheduling option for Reels, so I manually post them following my upload schedule:
- Manual Posting: After filming and editing, save your videos in drafts. Post them according to your planned schedule.
- Removing Watermarks: Use tools like SnapTik to download TikToks without the watermark and re-upload them to Instagram Reels.
Additional Tips for Effective Posting
1. Keep Track of Analytics
Regularly monitor your reach and engagement to understand what content performs best and when your audience is most active. This insight will help you refine your strategy.
2. Engage with Your Audience
Respond to comments and messages to build a community and increase engagement. Genuine interactions foster loyalty and can turn followers into advocates.
3. Stay Consistent
Consistency is key to staying visible. Stick to your posting schedule and adjust based on your analytics to maintain a steady growth trajectory.
Additional Tips for Effective Posting
1. Keep Track of Analytics
- Monitor your reach and engagement regularly to understand what content performs best and when your audience is most active.
2. Engage with Your Audience
- Respond to comments and messages to build a community and increase engagement.
3. Stay Consistent
- Consistency is key to staying visible. Stick to your posting schedule and adjust based on your analytics.
Choose the Right Equipment
While smartphones can capture excellent videos, investing in additional equipment can enhance the quality of your content. Consider using:
- Tripod: For stable shots
- External Microphone: For clear audio
- Lighting Kits: To ensure proper lighting
- Gimbal: For smooth, dynamic shots
Set Up Your Filming Environment
Choose a location with good natural light or set up artificial lighting to avoid shadows and ensure your subject is well-lit. A clean and uncluttered background keeps the focus on your subject and maintains a professional look.
Filming Techniques for High-Quality Instagram Content
Use Proper Framing
Framing is crucial for creating visually appealing videos. Use the rule of thirds to place your subject off-center, creating a balanced and interesting composition. For Instagram Stories and Reels, remember to shoot in vertical format.
Maintain Steady Shots
Shaky footage can be distracting. Use a tripod or gimbal to keep your camera steady. If you’re shooting handheld, brace your arms and keep movements slow and smooth.
Pay Attention to Lighting
Good lighting can make or break your video. Ensure your subject is well-lit, avoiding harsh shadows. Soft, even lighting is generally the most flattering. Experiment with different lighting setups to see what works best for your content.
Capture Clear Audio
Clear audio is essential for professional-looking videos. Use an external microphone to reduce background noise and capture crisp, clear sound. Ensure your recording environment is quiet and free from distractions.
Incorporate B-Roll Footage
B-roll footage, or supplementary shots, adds depth and context to your videos. Use B-roll to showcase different angles, close-ups, and the environment, enhancing the storytelling aspect of your content.
Editing for Impact
Use High-Quality Editing Software
Editing is where you can refine your footage and add professional touches. Use high-quality editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or user-friendly options like iMovie. Editing apps like InShot and Splice are great for mobile editing.
Keep It Short and Engaging
Attention spans on social media are short. Keep your videos concise and to the point. Aim to capture your audience’s attention within the first few seconds and maintain engagement throughout.
Add Text and Graphics
Adding text overlays, captions, and graphics can enhance your videos and make them more engaging. Use these elements to emphasize key points, provide additional information, or add a creative touch.
Include Background Music
Background music can set the tone and mood of your video. Choose music that complements your content and isn’t too overpowering. Ensure you have the rights to use the music to avoid copyright issues.
Optimizing for Instagram
Choose the Right Format
Different types of content work best in different formats on Instagram. Use vertical format for Stories and Reels, and square or landscape format for regular posts and IGTV.
Write Compelling Captions
A great caption can enhance your video content. Write captions that are engaging, informative, and include a call-to-action (CTA). Encourage viewers to like, comment, and share your video.
Use Relevant Hashtags
Hashtags can increase the discoverability of your content. Use a mix of popular and niche hashtags relevant to your video to reach a broader audience.
Tag Relevant Accounts
Tagging relevant accounts can increase the reach of your videos. Tag brands, influencers, or individuals featured in your video to encourage sharing and engagement.
Final Tips from Pyyrah
Test Different Strategies
Experiment with different filming and editing techniques to see what resonates best with your audience. Monitor engagement and adjust your strategy based on what works.
Stay Updated with Trends
Instagram trends change rapidly. Stay updated with the latest trends and incorporate them into your content strategy to keep your videos fresh and relevant.
Engage with Your Audience
Engage with your audience by responding to comments and messages. Building a connection with your followers can increase loyalty and encourage them to share your content.
Conclusion
Creating high-quality Instagram content is essential for standing out in a crowded social media landscape. By following these filming guideline from Pyyrah, you can produce professional, engaging videos that captivate your audience. Invest time in planning, filming, and editing your content, and leverage the power of Instagram to grow your brand. Contact Pyyrah today to learn more about our customized solutions for creating stunning Instagram content.
