Instagram Reels and TikTok are powerful tools for business growth. They offer high visibility, quick engagement, and access to millions of active users. Both platforms support short-form video content, which is easy to create and easy to consume. Businesses can use these videos to show products, explain services, or connect with audiences.

This article explains how to use Instagram Reels and TikTok to grow your business. It provides simple steps, clear examples, and useful tips.

Understand the Purpose of Reels and TikTok

Instagram Reels and TikTok are short-video platforms. Users scroll through videos quickly. You need to catch attention fast. Good videos are direct, fun, or informative. The goal is to create content that gets likes, comments, shares, or saves.

For businesses, these videos can:

● Introduce new products

● Share how-to tutorials

● Post customer reviews

● Show behind-the-scenes content

● Promote limited-time offers

Set Clear Business Goals

Start by defining your goal. Goals help you plan content. You can focus on one or more of these:

● Increase followers on TikTok

● Drive website traffic

● Generate leads

● Boost sales

● Improve brand awareness

● Increase Instagram reel views

Once your goal is clear, choose topics and formats that support it.

Example:
If your goal is to increase sales, you can post Reels or TikToks showing product benefits, quick demos, or special offers.

Know Your Audience

Understand who your target customers are. Know their age, interests, and habits. Use the data from Instagram and TikTok insights to analyze your audience. This helps you create content that connects with them.

Example:
If your audience is 18–25 years old and likes skincare, you can make short videos showing quick skincare tips or product reviews.

Create a Business Account

Both TikTok and Instagram offer business profiles. Business accounts provide access to analytics, ad tools, and extra features. Always use a business account to track your performance.

To switch:

● On Instagram: Go to Settings > Account > Switch to Professional Account

● On TikTok: Go to Settings > Manage Account > Switch to Business Account

Focus on Content Quality

Good videos keep people watching. Focus on clear visuals and good sound. Use good lighting. Keep your message short and direct.

Tips:

● Shoot in vertical format

● Use the platform’s editing tools

● Add background music or voice-over

● Keep videos under 30 seconds for best results

Use Trends to Your Advantage

Trends move fast on TikTok and Reels. Use trending music, hashtags, or challenges when possible. This helps your videos appear on more feeds.

You don’t need to follow every trend. Choose trends that match your brand.

Example:
If you’re a fitness coach, use trending workout challenges to show your training programs.

Post Regularly

Consistency helps growth. Post often to stay visible. Aim for 3–5 posts per week. Use insights to find peak times.

Example schedule:

● Monday: Product demo

● Wednesday: Customer testimonial

● Friday: Behind-the-scenes or tip

Include Clear CTAs (Call to Actions)

Tell your viewers what to do next. Use simple, direct CTAs.

Examples:

● “Visit our website for more.”

● “Comment below if you agree.”

● “Tap the link in bio to shop now.”

● “Follow us for more tips.”

CTAs help turn views into action.

Use Hashtags Wisely

Hashtags help your videos reach more people. Use a mix of popular and niche hashtags.

Example for a skincare brand:

● #skincaretips

● #glowingskin

● #clearskinjourney

● #reelsskincare

● #tiktokbeauty

Avoid spammy tags like #foryou or #viral. They are too broad and offer little value.

Collaborate with Influencers

Influencers already have an audience. Partner with influencers who fit your brand. This brings instant reach and credibility.

Start with micro-influencers. They are more affordable and often have strong engagement. Ask them to create honest content using your product.

Example:
A food brand can send free samples to local food bloggers and ask for a review video.

Run Paid Ads

Both platforms allow businesses to promote videos. Paid ads increase reach fast. You can target by age, interest, location, or behavior.

Start small. Test your ads. Check which videos perform well and boost those.

Steps to run ads:

1. Create a business account

2. Go to Ads Manager (for Instagram via Meta, for TikTok via TikTok Ads Manager)

3. Choose your target audience

4. Set your budget

5. Upload your video

6. Track performance

Track Performance

Always measure your results. Use built-in tools:

Instagram Reels Insights:

● Plays

● Likes

● Comments

● Shares

● Saves

● Reach

TikTok Analytics:

● Views

● Watch time

● Shares

● Profile visits

● Follower growth

Check what works and improve your next videos.

Examples of Content That Works

Product Demo

● Show how your product works

● Keep it simple

● Add music or voice-over

Before and After

● Great for beauty, cleaning, or fitness products

● Use a split screen or cut from before to after

Quick Tips

● Share 3 short tips in 15 seconds

● Add text on screen to guide viewers

Customer Reactions

● Post video reviews

● Show real people using your product

Behind the Scenes

● Show how your product is made

● Show team members or daily routines

Pros and Cons

Pros

● Free to start

● Huge organic reach

● Short videos are easy to make

● High engagement rates

● Great for brand discovery

Cons

● Trends change quickly

● Content needs to be consistent

● Organic reach may drop over time

● Time needed to shoot and edit

Final Tips for Success

1. Hook viewers in the first 3 seconds

2. Use subtitles for clarity

3. Reply to comments to boost engagement

4. Repost top-performing videos

5. Stay updated with platform changes

Conclusion

Instagram Reels and TikTok are simple and powerful tools for business growth. They offer high exposure and easy engagement. To succeed, focus on quality content, post regularly, follow trends, and always include a call to action. With a smart plan and clear goals, any business can grow fast on these platforms. Keep testing, learning, and improving. Results will come.