This list of tips is compiled from a webinar presented by Later.com called "Reel Talk: Real Advice from Top Reel Creators," which aired Oct. 13, 2022.

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The tips have been customized to apply to sellers. Scroll to the bottom for a list of ideas for Reels.

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Content creation tips

You don’t have to find the biggest trend. Pick up insight from what’s trending, but figure out how it applies to what you’re selling.

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Focus on staying true to yourself. Don’t focus on going viral.

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Be consistent with your personality, aesthetic and brand proposition. When people come across a piece of your content that they like, and they go to your page and see more of the same visuals, they’ll be more inclined to follow.

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Find a way to create content consistently that works for you. As sellers with an ongoing selection of products to showcase, this means you can post a Reel relatively quickly, once you get the hang of it.

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Have a stable of “low-lift” content, or content that takes little effort, for most of your day-to-day stuff, and post Reels that require more effort less often.

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Examples of “low-lift” content: using still images in your Reel with a thoughtful or engaging caption, or using a trending sound to turn basic videos into something more special.

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Do what works for you — try not to obsess over posts.

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Audio tips

Trending sounds can help videos reach more people. One best practice is to use trending sounds before they get to 20K plays, if you want to stand out.

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You don’t need to follow video trends (i.e., if everyone else is using the same template) when using a trending sound. Make it your own.

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Short videos perform best (i.e. under 10 seconds).

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If using music, fiddle with the audio on a <10-second video to make it sound like it’s looping, which can draw in viewers.
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Caption and hashtag tips

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Use Instagram’s closed-captions and text features on Reels and Stories rather than uploading finished videos containing text. The algorithm prefers in-app text.

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Using hashtags helps Instagram’s algorithm by telling the app what category a post falls under. Best practice is between 5-12 hashtags, and be specific. You may want to use a couple big umbrella ones, i.e. #shopvintage, and then drill down, i.e. #vintagepyrex.

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Think about keywords. What are people searching for? Add these keywords either in your caption or in your hashtags.
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Finding inspiration

Use the Explore tab or the Reels tab to see what’s happening lately with Reels/what's trending. You'll get a mix of seller content, as well as non-seller content that can inspire you.

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If possible, set a day (or an evening, if you’re side hustling) that you are not on social media to recharge. Get offline to get inspired.

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Continued from above

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Encouraging engagement

Show up as yourself. Be authentic in captions.

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Ask yourself: is this Reel going to make people comment, share or save? To get comments, try a declarative statement and ask yourself if it will resonate with your audience. For shares, try posting something beautiful, or a photo dump. For saves, try informational or tip-based Reels.

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Engagement often starts in your Stories — connect with your community. Give them something every day. Use polls, talk to people in the DMs, tag others. Show your personality.

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Respond to comments. Go to the person’s page who commented and engage with their content.

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Creator-recommended tools

Graphics: Canva

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Stock videos: Artgrid.io (annual rate) or Pexels (free)

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Phone settings: Turn on HD or 4K and change your video setting to 60 fps (frames per second) to help videos look more crisp.

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Video editing: InShot, Tezza or VSCO

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Backdrop: Marble slab, piece of wood, white paper or coloured canvas, etc.

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A steady hand: If you are filming freehand, take care to not shake the phone too much. You can also use a gimbal stabilizer or a tripod. You may want a tripod to hold your phone vertically as well as an attachment to hold it horizontally (e.g., for flat lays).

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Reels ideas for sellers

• Come thrifting with me
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• Booth restock
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• Try-ons
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• This or that using products from your shop or sourcing
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• Styling an outfit or a space
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• Gift guide of your products
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• Tweets/quotes on a video background
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• Process videos (e.g. washing, sewing, oiling, staining, sanding, cleaning, upcycling)
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• How-tos (how to launder silk, how to polish brass, how to upholster a chair, how to measure clothes lying flat, etc.)
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• Thrift hauls
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• Price guessing game
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• Behind the scenes (your inventory area, your work space, market prep)
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• Introduce yourself
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• Packing orders
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• Makeovers
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• Client love/featuring clients
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• Answer a question: post Question box in Stories, answer in Reels
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• Reality vs. expectation of a vintage seller
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• Customer testimonials or shop reviews
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• Reminders/tips
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• Facts about the industry
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• Favourite sourcing finds
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• Moments in your day
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• Trend inspiration vs. your take on it, using products from your shop (e.g. fashion/decor/furniture trends, popular TV shows/movies, pop culture moments, etc.)
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• Share a tool
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• Evolution of your shop
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• Myth busting
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• Before and after
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• Still photos of products from your shop, timed to music
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• Arranging a flatlay
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• Meet the team (you!)
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• Mistakes (e.g. 3 things you should watch out for when buying vintage depression glass)
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• Favourite pieces in your shop
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• Unexpected use for an item in your shop
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• Counting collections
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• Sneak peeks
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• A surprising fact about your day as a seller
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• Bestselling items
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• Show your inventory in use (i.e. a candle flickering in one of your candle holders on a set table, or you leaving the house in a coat)
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• Historical facts about a piece in your inventory (thanks Tamara!)
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• Event recap
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• OOTD (outfit of the day) with items from your shop
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• Copy a trending Reel and put your own spin on it
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• Fashion show
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• Stop motion
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• Get ready with me
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• Repurpose content you’re using for listings — you’ve done the research on these items, so share a fact as a Reel!
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• Outfits or vignettes for occasions/seasons
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• How to buy from your shop

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