Reels is like music to the ears of musicians who want to market their tunes and merchandise on Facebook. Now available in over 150 countries, Reels has been giving music artists an upper edge in marketing since it went live in 2021. Although at present, the marketing platform is only open to those who reside in America, it has already helped hundreds attract visitors to their page, engage viewers, and drive favorable end results. Whether you are just finding out about reels or have just procrastinated getting on it because it seems intimidating, you’ll want to read on to discover how simple it is to create a reel and improve your Facebook music marketing skills.
A Rundown of Reels
Facebook Reels are short videos that can also be viewed on Instagram if you are the creator and choose for them to be. They appear in users’ feeds and on Facebook Watch and are recommended based on what Facebook feels may be relevant.
Reels consist of audio, music, text overlays, AR effects, and more. They can be created on your Facebook app or a mobile device and shared directly to fans in News Feed. In addition, they can be reach new audiences in News Feed though a dedicated Reels section. Both avenues give you a chance to promote your music, attract new fans, and entertain and engage existing fans.
Reel Goals
Reels has so many benefits, it can help you reach your Facebook music marketing goals. When you learn how to take full advantage of what is offered, mastering Reels will help you:
• Establish your brand
• Reach new listeners
• Share with followers
• Engage viewers
• Establish more loyal fans
How it All Works
Through interesting and relevant content using Reels, you’ll be able to accomplish your goals by sharing your Reel with friends, followers, fans, and new listeners when you add a description by adding hashtags and tagging whoever you wish.
Reels automatically defaults to a public setting, but you also have the option of using the default audience or changing it to your preference. Another valuable feature on Reels is that you can allow Facebook to recommend your Instagram Reels to new audiences.
Getting Creative with Reels
There are currently several options you can use when creating Reels. One method that has proved to be very effective for musicians is to choose various clips out of your gallery collection. This allows you to pick the best of the best.
You can also record a real time clip to use for your Reels presentation. This way gives your audience the feeling of being live with you which viewers love.
The third method is to collectively combine real time and pre-recorded videos into one single reel then add music – the best of both worlds.
Editing Makes Perfect
You can easily edit your Reel to the desired length then add stickers, effects, and texts if you’d like to. There’s a built-in timer too so you can enjoy hands-free convenience. Within the program, you’ll have all the tools you need to produce an awesome presentation such as:
Speed. As all musicians know, the tempo and speed set the tone of your video. You’ll have the ability to speed a segment of your video up or slow it down while you are recording.
Audio. Here’s where Reel gets real for musicians – audio! You can add music from Facebook’s library or…use your original music. To make it even better, when you use your own tune, it is attributed to you. Plus, the Facebook community can then access and use it when creating their reels. Talk about some incredible publicity!
Special effects. When creating in Reels, you are able to select from Facebook’s many special effects and can even record multiple clips using different effects in each. This feature is simply amazing. The sky is the limit to what you can put together using the resources you have available.
Creating a Masterpiece for Reels
Although Reels is an excellent program that offers an outstanding opportunity for musicians to market their music and merchandise, it’s only as good as you make it. If your content stinks, Reels can actually work against you. You’ll want to ensure your piece is practically perfect. Here is how to create a winning Reels production:
Attention grabbing
You’ve got only seconds to make your creation stand out from the crowd. Begin with a catchy chorus. Add amazing graphics. Do whatever you can to set your content apart and as a musician, you’ll want that to include music. Don’t stop there though. Users are also attracted by visuals so use vivid colors, interesting motion and still imagery, and eye appealing tactics.
Be relatable
Tug at their heartstrings. You audience wants something they can relate to. Think of situations everyone encounters – being in love, breakups, funny scenarios, and anything else that crosses your mind. Be relevant too. If your song is about a breakup, the clip should be related to a breakup as well.
Engaging
Reels are short but the attention span of the average person is only eight seconds. Once you’ve captured your audience’s attention, you’ve got to keep it. By engaging them with unique content that appeals to them, you’ll be able to ensure they’ll watch your entire piece.
Storytime
One way to entertain your audience is to tell a story through your Reel. Start out like a good book does, with a hook. Build up within the Reel then end with a bang. Your story can be aa comedy, tragedy, informational, fiction, or fantasy. Be sure to incorporate such things as amazing visuals, interesting characters, text that pops, and incredible music.
Inspirational
One of the goals most musicians have is to inspire others with their music. If that is your goal, Reels is your stage. Whether it’s a cultural statement or a relatable encouragement like “never give up” or “keep smiling through the pain”, whatever the message from your heart is can be creatively applied to your Reel through video, photos, text, and of course…music.
Turn the Tables
Discovering innovative ideas for your Reels comes more natural when you become aware of content you are attracted to. What videos do you like…and why? What kind of Reels music grabs you? As you get used to creating Reels, you’ll find ideas everywhere you turn if you set your mind to do so.
Special Effects
Don’t forget to utilize the special effects that are accessible through Reels to improve your Facebook music marketing. After creating a video, add text, transitions between scenes, and green screen for taking out the backgrounds and adding imaginary ones.
Fine Tuning Reels
Reels is your chance to get your music out there to those who might not ever hear of you otherwise. It’s your opportunity to turn followers into fans and existing fans into die-hard fans. If you aren’t confident in the creative skills that will make your Reels content a masterpiece, hire an expert. Your investment will be well-worth it because Reels renders real results.
If you’re looking for a Facebook marketing professional that can jump-start your music career, be sure to check out Nela Records – musicians marketing musicians.