5 Tips for Crushing Your Instagram Video Content in 2025: A do it yourself Guide

Instagram is changing, and so should our approach to video content. As a small business owner, navigating social media can get overwhelming. But no need to worry. I'm here to guide you through strategies that we use everyday to elevate our client's Instagram presence with Video. Grab your coffee, and let’s dig in to five actionable tips to make your videos stand out!

1. the Shift in Authentic vs. Polished instagram video content

To captivate your audience, you must understand what they want. In 2025, users crave authenticity and relatability. They want to connect with real people behind the brands they love.

For example, behind-the-scenes videos showcasing your daily operations can forge deeper connections. Share stories of challenges and triumphs that highlight your journey as a small business owner. According to a recent survey, brands that share authentic content see a 70% increase in audience engagement compared to those that only post promotional material.

2. keep things short

Short-form video content is thriving, especially on Instagram. With attention spans dwindling, concise videos are crucial for effective communication.

Aim for videos that are 30 seconds or less. Consider crafting quick tutorials on how to use your products or showcasing your finished work. In fact, statistics show that content under 30 seconds garners more than 60% of all viewer interactions, with likes and shares significantly higher than lengthy videos.

3. Use Instagram Reels + TRENDING SOUNDS

Instagram Reels are not new. But with Instagram becoming a more and more video-dominant app in 2025, their importance for your growth strategy should be higher than ever.

Use Reels not only to showcase your products but also to share valuable information relevant to your niche. For instance, if you own a craft supply store, create Reels demonstrating quick DIY projects with your products. Research indicates that Reels generate 22% more engagement than standard posts, especially when using trending sounds and effects to keep content fresh and exciting.

You don't have to sacrifice brand style for trending audio. There are plenty of trending audio options at any given time on Instagram. So don't worry if Kendrick Lamar or Taylor Swift don't really fir your vibe.

Note: There will be a ➚ symbol next to the track name if the audio is trending

4. Optimize Video + Captions with text

Instagram is becoming a "search engine" right before our eyes. What does this mean for us? It means Instagram is looking at everything from the content in the video, to the text used in videos, to the captions we write - and analyzing all of it to put the best possible content in front of viewers.

4a - One thing most people still don't do in their videos is closed captions. A significant portion of people, estimated at around 69% to 92%, watch videos with the sound off, especially on mobile devices and in public places, highlighting the importance of captions for accessibility and engagement. We use Adobe Premiere's in-app settings to transcribe each video and apply our own caption settings. But a very easy to use app that I personally use if I'm in a pinch and editing off my iPhone is the Captions.ai app

4b - Creating compelling video content is just the first step. To ensure your videos reach a wider audience, you need engaging captions. Hashtags are out (no longer important for indexing and finding posts). Keywords and in-depth explanations in the captions are in.

For a great video that breaks this exact topic down even further check out Enrico Incarnati on Instagram - he's one of my favorites!

5. Track Your Metrics and Adapt

The final step to success is monitoring your metrics and adjusting your strategy accordingly. Instagram offers insights that clarify how your videos perform and how your audience interacts with your content.

Are your Reels outshining traditional posts? Are viewers more engaged with informative content than promotional videos? Analyze these insights and tailor your approach. By adapting your strategy based on what's working, you will build a more engaged audience over time.

Don't Overcomplicate this step. Look at your insights on a regular basis (end of month is fine) and look at what did well vs. what didn't. Do more of what did well. It's that simple.

Final Thoughts

Looking ahead to 2025, staying attuned to Instagram's trends is essential for strengthening your social media presence as a small business owner. By understanding audience preferences, using short-form content wisely, leveraging Reels effectively, optimizing captions and hashtags, and keeping an eye on metrics, you'll build a foundation for success brick by brick.

Embrace these tips to enhance your video content and don't shy away from experimenting until you discover what works best for your audience. The strength of being a small business lies in your ability to adapt and innovate. Let’s crush your video content on Instagram! Here’s to your success!