Boost your Airbnb social media engagement with Instagram Reels

Instagram Reels can help elevate your Airbnb’s presence on Instagram

If you’re looking for ways to increase your Airbnb’s exposure on Instagram consider using Instagram Reels if you aren’t already using them. In this guide we’re going to go over the benefits of using Instagram Reels and how you can easily start creating Instagram Reels.

What are Instagram Reels and how can they help your Airbnb’s exposure

Instagram Reels are short form video content that you can create and share on Instagram. With the rise in popularity in viral video content like TikTok, Instagram created Reels as a way of catching up with this trend. Videos can be up to 90 seconds, but it’s typically recommended to create shorter videos that are 15-30 seconds long. You can create Reels on Instagram by uploading your videos or photos, and then adding music, text, and effects over them. So why are Instagram Reels the perfect tool to promote your Airbnb on Social Media?

Instagram Reels increase your engagement

Think about your experience using Instagram, as you’re scrolling through your feed, what type of content gets your attention more? It’s usually the video content that gets you to stop scrolling. It’s no surprise that Instagram Reels can help you to generate higher engagement over traditional Instagram posts. By making content easier for people to consume you are able to better compete for their attention. Reels provide people with a way to binge watch video content quickly–which is why they are great for promoting your Airbnb.

Instagram Reels allow you to tell a story

With a static post you’re limited to trying to get your Airbnb’s story or message across with a photo and your post caption. With Reels there is so much more opportunity to tell your story. For example, you can create a photo slideshow so that you’re able to create an animation with multiple photos. You also have the ability to add animated text and captions over your photos and video. This gives you the ability to add much more context to your content that traditional posts don’t allow for. You can also add music or voiceover. It is basically like having a mini commercial on Instagram without paying all the advertising fees.

How can you use Instagram Reels to promote your Airbnb

While there are many ways to use Instagram Reels to promote your Airbnb, we’re going to share three of the quickest and easiest ways to get started.

Airbnb property details Instagram Reel

One of the easiest ways to promote your property is to create an Instagram Reel showcasing your property. In this type of promotion, you will feature a photo slideshow or a video showing off the interior, exterior, and the surrounding landscape or neighborhood. Start by introducing the name and location of your property. You will then want to share the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and how many guests your property can accommodate. Next you will want to list out any amenities that will provide a better overall guest experience. You can close the video with booking information.

Airbnb guest reviews Instagram Reel

It’s nothing new to share an Instagram post featuring a five star review from a guest. But why stop at a static post where you only share one review or viewers have to swipe through multiple reviews on their own. In this type of post you will create 3-5 reviews and feature them in an animated slideshow. Add some music and now you’ve created a beautiful animated movie to share your wonderful reviews and help drive your Airbnb bookings.

Airbnb property tour or city tour

Another way to use Instagram Reels to promote your Airbnb is to create a series of property videos. Use these as a way to give people a virtual property tour or to share updates so that guests can really experience what it feels like to stay. Use this as an opportunity to show off a beautiful yard, a stunning pool, the magnificent location, or whatever will put your listing over the top. You can also do a series of videos showcasing your neighborhood or town–it’s like creating your own tourism video to promote your Airbnb. Share videos of the best restaurants, bars, and places to see.

How to create Instagram Reels

Reels can be created through the Instagram app. All you need to do is click on the + (plus) sign in the app and select “Reel” from the drop down menu. You can then upload photos or a video from your phone. You can also record a video live as you are creating your Reel. Once you’ve selected your photos or video, you can then select music. Instagram has a great library of music to choose from. You can also select from different templates, effects, and captions to add the finishing touches to your video. Once you’re done, just publish your Reel to Instagram.

Creating an Airbnb Instagram Reel using Canva

Another alternative for creating Instagram Reels is using pre-made Canva templates. These templates require no video experience and allow you to drag and drop your photos or videos into an animated template. When you’re done, you simply just export the file as a video and upload to Instagram through your phone app. You can then add music from Instagram.

If you’re looking for an Airbnb Instagram Reels template to help get you started, we offer pre-made Canva templates like the examples seen on this page. Visit our Etsy shop if you want to learn more.