Last month, Instagram rolled out a new feature of their picture sharing app – video. Available on all devices, users can now record a 15 second video, apply the filter of their choice, and upload it. It was met with great enthusiasm, with over 5 million videos uploaded on the day of the launch. But it’s not just individuals who are excited about this new feature. Numerous companies are taking full advantage of Instavideo for branding and engaging their audience. Want to know how they’re doing it? We’re going to give you some tips on using Instagram video for marketing your business.

Know Your Audience

As TV advertisers have long known, video is one of the best ways to connect with your target market. Make them laugh, cry, or think. Show them the real face of your company. There are all sorts of ways to draw on the emotions of your audience and get them more engaged with your brand. Consider what your audience would find useful or entertaining create content around that.

For example, a food blogger might record a video showing how to make a popular recipe or the proper way to cut a mango. This blogger demonstrates how to make banana soft serve ice cream in a food processor.

Take Advantage of Instagram’s Features

There are a number of ways to make your Instavideos unique using the updated features of the app.

First, you have the option of recording a video in one continuous stream, or taking your video one snap shot at a time. The method you chose depends on your content. If you decide to film your video in snap shots, you can delete sections of your video without having to re-film the whole thing. Take a look at this example by Lululemon of piecing together short snap shots to make a cohesive (and pretty cool) video.

For iPhone users, you can select the Cinema stabilization feature to reduce shake from unsteady hands. You should also be sure to add an appropriate filter to your video. Instagram users are creative and hip, and tend to like the vintage look many of the filters create. Lastly, be sure to pick a cover image that makes your video stand out. People are more likely to watch a video that has an interesting cover photo, over one that doesn’t.

Be Creative and Original

You don’t have to be a professional videographer to use Instavideo. Heck, that’s the point of the app! Your audience won’t want to see professionally filmed content. While impressive, leave that for other mediums. Instead, stick with an amateur, but original, film.

Don’t Look Like an Advertisement

While you do want to focus on branding and promotion, you don’t want your videos to look like advertisements. A video that seems like an ad looks cheesy to viewers, who view Instagram as a creative space for amateur art.

Facebook In-Line Viewing

If you also use Facebook for marketing, take into consideration that Instagram videos can be viewed in-line when uploaded to Facebook. This means your viewers won’t have to click outside the Facebook domain to view your video. When appropriate, be sure to sync your Instavideo upload with Facebook for maximum reach.

Get Inspired By Others

Wondering what other companies are doing with Instavideo? The best place for inspiration might be among other brands who are already using Instagram video for their own marketing. Take a look at a few of our favorite examples:

If you already use Instagram to market and brand your business, you should definitely take advantage of their new video feature. You don’t have to be a professional videographer to use it. All you need is a little creativity and basic knowledge of the platform’s features to make great Instagram videos that promote your brand.