Most social media marketers know that Instagram Reels are essential for driving growth and sales—but let’s be real: coming up with fresh, engaging ideas can feel like pulling teeth. 

If you’ve ever stared at your phone wondering what to post next, this article is for you. Packed with actionable Instagram Reels ideas and specific formats you can easily adapt, it’s designed to take the guesswork out of content creation. 

About the Popularity of Instagram Reels in Brief

It was August 2020. The whole world was locked inside, still fumbling through the awkwardness of Zoom calls and WFH setups, with daily “mental health walks” starting to feel more like a chore. Enter TikTok. Its endless stream of bite-sized videos, tailored to everything you didn’t know you needed, became an instant sensation. Those short clips were the perfect distraction when there was nothing else to do. The pandemic didn’t just change how we work—it rewired how we consume content, and TikTok quickly became the year’s biggest obsession.

Not one to be left behind, Instagram quickly rolled out its own version—Reels. Fast-forward to today, and Reels are dominating the platform.

How big are IG Reels exactly? Instagram claims that the platform counts 140 billion plays each day and a jaw-dropping 17.6 million hours of viewing time. 

But here’s the kicker: Reels aren’t just holding their own against TikTok—they’re outpacing it. A recent survey by Morgan Stanley showed 74% of Instagram users are hooked on Reels, compared to 49% on TikTok. So while TikTok is still in the game, more users are shifting their attention to Reels. And with a 46% increase in Reels volume year-over-year, the gap is only widening.

The takeaway? Reels aren’t just a trend—they’re here to stay. If you’re not using Reels for your business yet, you’re missing out on Instagram’s biggest growth driver.

Why Do Businesses Need Creative Instagram Reels Ideas?

Sure, Instagram Reels are popular—but what can they really do for your business? And why should you focus on creating creative, high-quality content? Here’s the deal:

• Boost engagement: Reels are an engagement machine. More than half of Instagram users interact with a Reel (whether it’s liking, commenting, or sharing) at least once a week. Reels have the highest engagement rates on the platform—small accounts see over 6%, medium-sized around 5.6%, and large accounts 5.5%. Plus, Reels are the most reshared content in messages, getting your brand into more conversations.

• Stay relevant: Instagram Reels are constantly buzzing with trends, giving businesses a perfect opportunity to join the fun. From viral challenges to trending audio, there’s always something new you can adapt to your brand and niche. By jumping on these trends, you show your audience that you’re not only in the loop but also fashion-forward and aware of what’s happening in the world. 
• Reach more people: Reels are a powerful way to grow beyond your current followers. Instagram’s algorithm promotes Reels to users interested in your niche, even if they haven’t interacted with you—much like TikTok’s For You Page. Creative Reels can keep your brand top of mind, with impression rates up to 75% for smaller accounts and over 30% for larger ones. With an average of 15,000 views, engaging Reels help you reach new potential customers—all for free.

Creators with video membership platforms can leverage Reels to showcase their content and engage their audience. By using Reels to highlight exclusive, gated content, they can drive interest and growth in their membership offerings.

With all this in mind, it’s clear that fresh, creative Reels can boost your sales. After all, 70% of Instagram users come to the platform to discover new products, and Reels make it easy to get your offers in front of those potential buyers.

So, you’re sold on the power of Reels. Now comes the fun part—actually creating them! But don’t worry, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel every time. 

The beauty of Reels lies in their versatility. 

Whether you’re in fashion, tech, or anything in between, these 13 evergreen Instagram Reels ideas can be tailored to fit just about any niche or industry—and they’re designed to build your brand on Instagram and give your page a serious boost while driving sales.

1. Introduce Your Business and Its Origins

Every brand has a story, and your audience wants to hear it. Whether you’re just launching or have been around for a while, sharing how your business started, what inspired you, and the values you stand for builds trust and personal connection. People love rooting for brands that solve real problems.

TIP: You can stretch this into a series of bite-sized Reels, each highlighting a different aspect of your story. That way, you have a steady stream of content to keep your followers engaged over time, giving them something to look forward to.

Here are some specific ways to bring this Instagram Reels idea to life on your brand’s IG page:

• Your mission & values. Film your team in action, doing tasks that reflect your brand’s core values—like using sustainable packaging or focusing on craftsmanship. Overlay text or voiceover to explain how these actions align with your mission.

TIP: Ask, “What values do you look for in a brand?” to start a conversation.

• The “Lightbulb moment”. Highlight the moment your business idea came to life—whether it was solving a personal challenge or spotting a market gap.

TIP: Ask viewers to comment on what challenges they face that your business could help solve, sparking a conversation around your brand.

• The early struggles. Share old photos or footage from your early days—packing orders in a tiny space or learning the ropes. Then, fast-forward to where you are now to show growth.

TIP: Ask the followers to recall what your business looked like when they first heard about it to get more comments.

• What keeps you going. Show what drives you—customer testimonials, team brainstorms, or your love for the craft. Wrap it up with a thank-you to your customers or team.

2. Take Viewers Behind the Scenes

People love a peek behind the curtain, and behind-the-scenes Reels give them just that. Whether it’s showing how your product is made, prepping for a big launch, or a day in the life of your team, this content makes your brand more relatable and human. 

Giving your audience insider access helps build trust and connection by showing the real effort, care, and passion behind your business. Authentic content like this shows them you’re not just another AliExpress dropshipping company (unless you are—then hey, there are still ways to make it appealing!).

There are different formats for behind-the-scenes Instagram Reels:

• Production process: If you produce your products yourself, show quick clips of how your product is made from start to finish. Focus on any surprising or unique parts of the process to hook viewers.

• Packing orders: Even if you don’t manufacture the products yourself, chances are you still package them. Film your team packing orders, adding personal touches like thank-you notes. Bonus: this shows there’s real demand for your product.

• A day in the life: Capture a typical day for your team or founder—show the hustle, meetings, and behind-the-scenes moments that drive the business.

• Event or launch prep: Build excitement by showing the prep for a big event or product launch. Involve followers by asking for their opinions or feedback along the way.

3. Show Your Employees

We’ve already touched on behind-the-scenes Reels where your employees make an appearance, but now it’s time to let them shine. 

Employee Generated Content (EGC) is on the rise, and for good reason: people buy from people, not faceless brands. Putting your team front and center humanizes your business and adds personality without straying from your brand’s identity. 

Give your employees the spotlight in Reels by creating vertical videos in these formats:

• Meet the team series: Introduce each team member with a short, fun Reel where they share a quick fact about themselves, what they do, or even something quirky. You could go for “Two Truths and a Lie” or “Rapid-Fire Questions” to keep it light and engaging.
• A day in the life of [employee name]: Pick a team member and show snippets of their day—from their morning routine to how they contribute to the business. It’s a perfect way to show different roles in action while keeping the Reel relatable and personal.
• Employee spotlight (their favorite product): Ask each team member to highlight their favorite product or service that your business offers. Have them explain why they love it and how it helps customers. This adds personality while also promoting your products in an authentic way.

4. Team Up with Influencers or Creators

Influencer marketing continues to be one of the most effective strategies to increase your brand’s reach, tap into wider audiences, and, of course, drive sales. In fact, 78% of consumers say that creators help them discover new brands, while 69% trust influencer recommendations for products or services. 

But for this strategy to work, it’s crucial to pick influencers who genuinely align with your brand. You want an overlap in target audience so that the collaboration feels natural and performs well.

For instance, Giuliana Prosecco, a sparkling wine brand, sought to boost brand awareness by partnering with chic, lifestyle creators to create collaborative Reels. After publishing a brief on the Popular Pays platform, they secured 13 influencer partnerships, 40 repurposable assets, and an 8.1% average engagement rate. The campaign reached over 4.2 million impressions through a mix of organic and paid amplification.

Some popular formats for influencer Reels collabs include:

• Unboxing
• Product demo
• Haul
• “A day in life” featuring your product
• Product styling or use
• Collaborative tutorial
• How-to Reels

To get the most out of this partnership, make full use of Instagram’s features:

• Collaborative posts so the Reel appears on both your page and the influencer’s, exposing it to their followers.
• Product tagging to make it easy for viewers to click and buy directly from the post.
• Instagram Story shares so the influencer can reshare the Reel on their stories, amplifying its reach even further.

5. Announce a Product Launch

Product launches are all about creating buzz, and Instagram Reels are perfect for that. Whether you’re showing off a new item or teasing a full collection, Reels grab attention fast. If you’ve got multiple products or variations, try the “This or That” format—Instagram’s own recommendation! Use the dual frame to show two options side by side and ask your followers to pick their favorite.

Here’s how it can look in action:

Some other effective formats for this Instagram Reels idea include:

• Unboxing: Show off the new product’s packaging and features in a fun, energetic unboxing.
• Sneak peek: Build suspense with a short teaser that hints at the product without revealing it all.
• Product in action: Show your product being used in real life to highlight its benefits.
• Countdown to launch: Share a countdown Reel, teasing a new feature or benefit each day.

6. Publish Before & After Videos

Before & After IG Reels are a great way to provide social proof and generate more leads on social media. They let your audience see the real results your product or service delivers. Whether it’s a beauty makeover, a home renovation, or a fitness transformation, this format is visual, impactful, and perfect for building trust. Show the “before” struggle and the “after” solution to clearly demonstrate the value you offer.

From time-lapse transformation and transition-powered reveals to side-by-side comparisons and more creative formats, this is one of the most impactful Instagram Reels ideas to drive purchases on the spot. 

7. Feature Customer Testimonials

This one’s simple but highly effective. Featuring customer testimonials in your Reels builds trust and adds a layer of authenticity to your brand, especially if you’re just starting your store online. 

The format is entirely up to you—you can keep it straight to the point with a slideshow of glowing comments, read the testimonials out loud, or go bigger by unraveling a full story behind the customer experience. No matter how you do it, showing real feedback works wonders for social proof.

8. Put Your Customers in the Spotlight

This is where your customers take center stage. Instead of a quick review, dedicate an entire Reel to their journey with your product—how they use it, the results they’ve achieved, and the real-life impact it’s had. It’s personal, relatable storytelling, packed with social proof. With a strong social media team who knows how to interact with customers and turn them into brand advocates, it’s not a problem. Moreover, when your audience sees real people benefiting from your product, it builds trust and connection. 

A classic approach to this Instagram Reel idea is mixing quick interviews, customer footage, and product shots to tell a feel-good story about how your product made a difference.

9. Repurpose UGC for Reels

Repurposing UGC is a great way to build a community around your brand. Showcasing real customers using your product encourages others to share their experiences, adding social proof and keeping your content fresh without extra effort. Whether it’s a shoutout, review, or creative use, turning UGC into Reels is a win.

A fun twist? Film your team reacting to UGC in real time—whether they’re surprised, excited, or laughing. It’s genuine, relatable, and super engaging.

But how can you actively encourage customers to share UGC for your Instagram Reels? That’s another idea…

10. Organize a Reel Contest

Ready to have some fun with your customers? Host a Reel contest where they show off your product in unexpected or quirky places—think “where can you use this product?” It’s lighthearted, creative, and a great way to showcase the versatility of what you offer, all while keeping things memorable.

Want to take it a step further? Start a trend featuring your product and invite customers to jump on board and recreate it. Whether it’s a fun challenge or a clever way to use your item, this approach gets people involved, attracts more Reels views, spreads your brand’s message, and builds a sense of community. 

11. Create How-to Reels

This one’s a classic. Think “how to use [your product],” but don’t stop there. Broaden your approach by creating how-tos that feature your product as part of a larger process. 

For example, if you sell shampoos for curly hair, create a step-by-step Reel explaining how to use the curly method, with your shampoo as a key tool.

Other examples?

• If you sell kitchen gadgets, show a recipe where your product speeds up prep.
• For fitness gear, create a workout routine featuring your equipment.
• Selling organizational tools? Show how to declutter a space using your product.

This format is great for generating saves and shares—just make sure the content is actionable and genuinely useful.

12. Ease Worried Minds with FAQs

FAQs are a great way to address common customer concerns and clear up any confusion about your product or service. Creating FAQ Instagram Reels not only answers those burning questions but also makes your brand feel approachable and transparent. Think of it as a customer service boost with a fun, visual twist.

TIP: To build a community around your brand and boost visibility, use the “Reply to the comment with a Reel” feature. It’s a great way to engage directly with your audience while keeping your content dynamic and interactive.

13. Debunk Common Myths and Misconceptions 

Every industry has its myths and misconceptions, and Reels are the perfect way to set the record straight. Whether it’s a common misunderstanding about your product or a widely held belief in your niche, use IG Reels to clear things up. Not only does this position you as an expert, but it also helps build trust with your audience by giving them the facts.

Are You Really Excited for Your Next Reel?

Now that you’ve got these evergreen Instagram Reels ideas in your pocket, it’s time to hit “record” and create content that doesn’t just captivate, but delivers real results.

But here’s the thing—making Reels is just the start. To really see what’s working, you’ve got to track how they perform. That’s where tools like Sotrender come in handy. It helps you keep an eye on both your content’s performance and how your audience reacts. With this info, you can tweak your strategy and double down on the Reels that really click with your followers. After all, it’s not just about posting content—it’s about posting content that matters.

And don’t forget: while evergreen Reels will keep bringing in views and engagement over time, hopping on trends gives your brand a quick, high-impact boost. So, balance your strategy. Mix in long-lasting evergreen content with those trendy, high-energy Reels that make your brand part of the bigger conversation.