Most small businesses know they should post reels but run out of ideas by the third week. This list gives you ideas you can film on a phone in the shop, the kitchen or the office.
Show the work
- A day in the life of your shop or clinic, in 15 seconds.
- How a product is made, from start to finish.
- A before-and-after of a task you do (not for medical results, see the clinic rules).
- Packing an order for a customer.
Answer questions
- The three questions customers ask you most, one reel each.
- A myth in your industry, and the truth.
- How to choose between two of your products or services.
Show the people
- Introduce one team member each week.
- A festival celebration in your office or shop.
- A customer story, with their permission.
Make it easy to watch
Keep reels under 30 seconds, put the main point in the first three seconds, add captions because many people watch without sound, and end with one clear action such as "message us on WhatsApp".
Plan a month in one afternoon
Pick five ideas from the list, film them in one sitting, and spread them across the month. A simple calendar stops you from running out of ideas.
Questions, answered.
- How long should an Instagram reel be?
- Short reels of 15 to 30 seconds are a good starting point for most small businesses. Keep the main point in the first few seconds.
- Do I need a professional camera for reels?
- No. A recent phone, good light and clear sound are enough to start. Professional shoots help for brand films and larger campaigns.
- How often should I post reels?
- Choose a rhythm you can keep up, such as one or two reels a week. Posting steadily matters more than posting a lot for a few days.