Keeping up with the latest Instagram and TikTok trends takes a ton of time and effort — especially when you’re a team of one.
That said, you don’t need to be a professional video editor (or dancer) to get on board with either.
The most successful videos are often the most straightforward ones and will often get you the best results.
Below are 10 short video ideas that can help you get ahead of your social media planning in 2024.
10 Easy TikTok/Reel Ideas for Businesses in 2024
Here are 10 simple and easy-to-execute ideas for businesses to get started or grow their presence on TikTok and Instagram Reels. Whether you are a social media manager in a team or a creator flying solo you can:
- Bring Tweets to Life
- Create Quote Graphics
- Time Static Photos to a Beat
- Make Memes
- Partner with Creators
- Add Motion to Your Text
- Share User-generated Content (UGC)
- Turn Instagram Stories Highlights Into Reels
- Create a Timelapse
- Answer FAQs
1. Bring Tweets to Life
Tweets are big performers on Instagram, making them the perfect inspiration for short video content that can be used on TikTok, Instagram Reels and even YouTube Shorts. You can easily overlay your Twitter (or X as we “must now call it”) posts on top of video B-roll. This can be easily done in editing apps such as CapCut.
Original B-roll will always be best, but if you are struggling, sites such as Pexels and Storyblocks can help you find royalty-free stock videos that are relevant to your business or niche.
2. Create Quote Graphics
The easiest easy to “hack” your video growth?
Take the static quote graphics that you would usually use as a photo and turn them into video clicks.
Using an app such as InShot, you can easily and quickly turn a static image into a video clip which you can then add trending audio or a voiceover to narrate the quote before posting.
3. Time Static Photos to Trending Audio
If you’ve scrolled down your Instagram Reels tab lately, chances are you’ve seen static photo montages that are timed to a beat.
Creators can use this format to recap vacations or weekend hangs with friends. But the format works for businesses too. It is an ideal way of showing the process behind a project where you have before, during and after photos.
4. Make Memes
Everyone’s favourite content type — memes — can also make great Reels for your page.
This can be as simple as overlaying a video, GIF, or image meme onto a 9:16 background.
For even better results, pair this with trending audio or use the text-to-speech feature to add some commentary and give your meme extra depth.
5. Partner With Creators
One easy way to create content is by… having creators do it for you.
This does require a budget and some project management skills, but partnering with creators for your short video content can deliver results in multiple ways.
One of the most effective tactics is to use Instagram’s Collabs feature, which allows a creator to simultaneously post a Reel to their feed and yours.
It’s a great way to cross-promote your videos while giving your account an extra engagement boost.
Alternatively, you can work with creators to create content exclusively for your account.
Both routes can be extremely effective — it all depends on your goals for the partnership.
6. Add Motion to Your Text
Another simple way to create video content is by using text as your focal point.
It can stop scrollers in their tracks and is a break from the standard videos popping up on their feed.
Taking inspiration from your brand identity, use your brand colours and fonts to tie the Reel together.
Mobile apps like Adobe Express, Canva, and Mojo have features that allow you to animate text from your phone, with no complex design software required.
Social media managers, rejoice!
7. Share User-generated Content (UGC)
This tip is a really quick win: sharing user-generated content (UGC).
Original content is always best, but if you’re short on time and resources, UGC is better than nothing at all.
Sharing content from your community can build rapport and act as social-proof for your product or service — but remember to always:
- Ask for permission to repurpose content before sharing it on your page
- Clearly credit the original creator in the caption
- Tag the original creator in your Reel
8. Turn Instagram Stories Highlights Into Reels
With Instagram’s “Convert to Reel” feature, you can easily repurpose your Stories Highlights into Reels.
It’s simple: click on the Stories Highlight you’d like to turn into a Reel, tap “More” in the bottom left corner, and select “Convert to Reel.”
From there, you can edit clip durations, rearrange them, add additional content from your camera roll, include on-screen text, and even choose a trending audio track.
And just like that, your video is born. Two pieces of content for the price of one!
9. Create a Timelapse
Everyone loves behind-the-scenes content — whether it’s a day in the life, a morning routine, or a glimpse into how a product is made.
Film yourself working, brainstorming, or simply going about your day, and then use a free timelapse tool to speed it all up.
Coupled with some on-screen text, and a caption with a clear CTA, and you’ll be good to go.
10. Answer FAQs
FAQs that pop up in your Instagram comments, DMs or even conversations with your customers are a great source of inspiration for your videos.
How do you use a particular product? Where do you source your ingredients? What advice do you have for budding marketers or entrepreneurs?
Turn your answers into a quick video:
When you know there’s already a group of people who want this info, you’re bound to get tons of views.
There are so many ways to create Instagram Reels for businesses and brands — even if you have limited video skills.
And in some cases, you can create high-performing videos without filming a single piece of footage. So you can work smarter, not harder.
If you are struggling to give your content the edge that stands out above the crowd, then find out more about how social media packages from EPR Marketing can help you, or get in touch.
