22 Instagram Reel Ideas for B2B Brands

Instagram Reels are the most performing content formats in 2024.

That's why we’ve curated a collection of some of the best Reels examples that are sure to enhance your Instagram marketing game.

So if you’re looking to level up your social media strategy or are simply looking to capitalize on the latest creative trends, these 22 Reels ideas will help your brand stand out, captivate your followers, and boost your engagement.

Table of Contents
1.Authentic, non-promotional content
2. Engaging storytelling that resonates with the audience
3. Reels about how products are made
4. Educational content
5. Behind-the-scenes glimpses into the company culture
6. Share industry tips
7. Showcase your brand’s values, journey, and employees
8. Talk about the lessons you learned
9. Answer frequently asked questions
10. Highlight successful partnerships
11. Promote company events
12. Capitalize on trends
13. POV videos
14. Make checklists
15. Use before & after Reels
16. Provide value through do’s & don’t
17. Leverage reviews
18. Share tutorials
19. Debunk myths
20. Team up with industry experts
21. Create lists
22. Use AR

1. Authentic, non-promotional content

If you're asking yourself what kind of Reels get the most views, let us answer—the ones that are the most authentic.

Viewers appreciate seeing the real side of brands, which is why authentic, non-promotional content consistently performs well.

Unlike overtly promotional material, authentic content showcases real-life moments, personal stories, or behind-the-scenes glimpses that can create a deeper connection with the audience.

This approach fosters trust and relatability, making viewers more likely to engage and share the content. Authentic content also aligns with current social media trends where users prefer genuine interactions over polished advertisements.

This Instagram reel from Adobe is an excellent example because it focuses on the genuine experiences of young creative professionals participating in a prestigious competition at Cannes Lions.

By highlighting the excitement and achievements of the participants, the Reel offers a behind-the-scenes look that feels personal and relatable.

This approach not only engages the audience but also fosters a sense of community and inspiration without overtly promoting Adobe's products or services.

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2. Engaging storytelling that resonates with the audience

By sharing authentic stories, businesses can showcase their values, success stories, and the real impact of their products or services.

This approach helps humanize the brand, making it more relatable and memorable.

You may even create an Instagram Reels series to keep users hooked for longer, capturing their attention encouraging ongoing engagement and fostering long-term relationships.

This Instagram reel from IBM exemplifies effective storytelling by sharing the personal journey of Anna, a software engineer.

The reel takes viewers through her life, from growing up in Vietnam to her diverse career path, ultimately leading her back to IBM through their Tech-Re-entry Program.

By highlighting Anna's unique and non-traditional career journey, IBM connects with the audience on an emotional level, showcasing the company's supportive and inclusive culture.

3. Reels about how products are made

This type of content is a great idea because it fosters transparency and builds trust with the audience by showing the effort and quality control behind the products or services that you offer.

This type of content naturally engages viewers, as people are often curious about the processes and craftsmanship involved in creating products.

Additionally, these Reels provide educational value, offering insights and knowledge about the industry or specific product creation, which can captivate and retain viewers' interest.

By showcasing the making process, brands can highlight their expertise and attention to detail, differentiating themselves from competitors and encouraging brand loyalty.

Featuring a person working adds a human element, making the brand appear more approachable, while the clean setting, along with clear text overlays, makes the Reel visually appealing and easy to understand.

4. Educational content

What makes a good Reel is content that adds value to the viewer’s life, and these types of social media content do exactly that by offering insights, tips, and tutorials that can be immediately applied.

In the example above, we explain what an Instagram engagement rate calculator takes into consideration and how to determine the results in different situations.

For marketers, Socialinsider’s main target audience, this type of content is invaluable.

When you provide educational content, you position your brand as an authority in your field, fostering trust and credibility among your followers.

And when users find the content useful, they are more likely to interact with it, leading to higher engagement rates.

Thus, educational content that provides valuable learning experiences is one of the top ideas for Instagram Reels.

5. Behind-the-scenes glimpses into the company culture

Behind-the-scenes glimpses into the company culture make for excellent Instagram post ideas because they offer a unique and authentic view of what goes on beyond the public-facing aspects of a business.

People are naturally curious about what goes on behind the curtains.

By revealing the faces and personalities of your team, you humanize the brand and create a stronger emotional connection with your audience.

Showcasing behind-the-scenes moments builds trust with your audience by offering a transparent look at the company’s day-to-day operations and the people who make it all happen.

Afterall, people are the heart and soul of any company.

Moreover, behind-the-scenes content tends to be more informal and genuine, which can lead to higher engagement rates.

Sharing industry tips is a great idea for B2B Reels because it positions your business as a knowledgeable leader in your field, building trust and credibility with potential clients.

It also provides valuable information that can help other businesses improve their operations, fostering a sense of community and support.

Sharing industry tips is one of the easiest types of Reels to make as it uses your current knowledge and makes the creation process simple and quick.

You can simply share insights, best practices, or common pitfalls from your industry, all of which are topics you're already familiar with.

This makes it a straightforward and effective way to create engaging content without the need for extensive resources or production efforts.

In the Reel from Zendesk, a representative offers two practical AI tips for businesses, providing valuable insights that can help followers enhance their operations.

7. Showcase your brand’s values, journey, and employees

Highlighting your company's core values, sharing your journey, and featuring your employees are some of the top ideas for Reels because it humanizes your business and fosters a deeper connection with your audience.

This way, you create relatable and engaging content that resonates with viewers on a personal level.

TIP: Office reels are perfect for this type of content, as they can capture behind-the-scenes moments, day-to-day operations, and the real people who make your company what it is.

This makes your brand more approachable and trustworthy, encouraging potential clients and partners to engage with your business.

8. Talk about the lessons you learned

When considering business Reels ideas, sharing lessons learned is particularly effective.

It showcases your business's growth and adaptability, which are highly valued traits in the business world. It also connects with your audience by providing authentic, relatable content that can inspire and educate.

Sharing these experiences creates a sense of community for your followers, who may face similar challenges.

9. Answer frequently asked questions

Answering frequently asked questions is a great idea for Reels for small businesses.

And that’s because it directly addresses the needs and interests of their audience, making the content highly relevant and engaging.

This way, companies can educate their followers on key topics and establish themselves as knowledgeable and trustworthy.

This approach is particularly effective because it offers specific, valuable information in a concise and engaging format, helping to build brand recognition and connect with the audience.

For small businesses, using similar Reels ideas can help attract new customers and boost social media ROI.

This Instagram Reel from Klaviyo is an excellent example of brands answering FAQs.

By addressing a common question about their AI capabilities, Klaviyo provides valuable information directly to their audience.

This format helps demystify the technology, educates users, and positions Klaviyo as a transparent and knowledgeable resource.

10. Highlight successful partnerships

Highlighting successful partnerships through Instagram Reels is a powerful strategy for showcasing your brand’s credibility and network strength.

These Reels can demonstrate the value and success achieved through your collaborations, whether with other businesses, influencers, or organizations.

By featuring joint projects, testimonials, and the outcomes of these partnerships, you provide social proof of your brand’s reliability and influence.

This not only enhances your reputation but also attracts potential partners and clients who see the benefits of working with you.

Additionally, they create a narrative of trust and success, encouraging your audience to view your brand as a key player in your field.

This Instagram Reel from Salesforce highlights their sponsorship of the McLaren Formula 1 team, showcasing their successful partnership.

By featuring McLaren's rising stars, like Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, in their branded content, Salesforce demonstrates the synergy between their brand and the high-performance world of F1 racing.

This sponsorship not only boosts Salesforce's visibility among F1 fans but also aligns its brand with innovation, speed, and teamwork.

11. Promote company events

Promoting company events through Reels on Instagram is an excellent strategy for increasing engagement and visibility.

Reels are perfect for creating buzz and excitement around upcoming events, providing a dynamic and visually appealing way to share key details such as dates, locations, and highlights.

This approach not only helps to spread awareness about the event but also fosters a sense of community and involvement.

For example, in Canva's case, this Instagram Reel effectively promotes company events and creates urgency.

The clear message about closing registrations, engaging visuals like a ticking clock, and a strong call to action in the caption capture attention and drive interaction.

User engagement in the comments shows Reel's success in generating interest and prompting participation, making it a great example of promoting events on Instagram.

12. Capitalize on trends

Capitalizing on trends is one of the top Instagram Reels ideas for B2B because it allows businesses to stay relevant and engage with their audience in a dynamic and timely manner.

By tapping into trending topics, Influencer marketing trends, challenges for Reels, or popular content formats, B2B companies can showcase their adaptability and creativity, making their content more relatable and engaging.

Participating in trends helps increase visibility and reach, as trending content is often prioritized by Instagram's algorithm, leading to greater exposure.

Moreover, aligning with trends can position your brand as forward-thinking and in tune with industry movements, enhancing your reputation and appeal to potential clients.

This Instagram Reels idea from Dropbox, for example, captures the essence of capitalizing on trends by featuring a "This or That" game with McLaren F1 driver Lando Norris.

The format of the game is a popular social media trend known for its engaging and interactive nature.

This strategic use of current social media trends helps Dropbox stay relevant and appealing to a wider audience, demonstrating its ability to connect with followers in fun and contemporary ways.

13. POV videos

POV videos are one of the top Instagram Reels ideas for B2B because they offer a unique and immersive way to showcase your products, services, or processes from a first-person perspective.

It is an approach that allows your audience to experience your brand in a more personal and engaging manner, making them feel like they are part of the action.

POV videos can effectively highlight the benefits and features of your offerings, providing a clear and relatable demonstration of how they work in real-world scenarios.

This format also builds a sense of connection and trust, as viewers can see the practical application and impact of your solutions.

This example of an Instagram Reel from Coursera is an excellent idea for promoting online learning services.

Using the POV format, the video immerses viewers by making them feel like they're experiencing the content firsthand. This perspective is particularly engaging and relatable, helping the audience to envision themselves benefiting from Coursera Plus.

14. Make checklists

Creating checklists for Instagram Reels is an excellent idea because it provides your audience with clear, actionable content that is easy to follow and implement.

Walking your audience through a process with a checklist offers practical value, enhancing their perception of your brand as a helpful and knowledgeable resource.

These checklists can cover any relevant topic, breaking down complex tasks into manageable steps.

This format is versatile and applicable to any industry, whether you're showcasing a daily to-do list for a social media manager or outlining steps for a specific business process.

By presenting these checklists in a visually appealing and catchy manner, you can capture your audience's attention and encourage them to engage with your content.

15. Use before & after Reels

Before-and-after Reels are a great idea, as the curiosity to see the transformation keeps viewers hooked from start to finish.

They tell a compelling story in a concise format, allowing you to convey a complete narrative arc—from challenge to triumph—in just a few seconds, making your content memorable and impactful.

Seeing real results can motivate your audience to take action, leading to higher engagement.

16. Provide value through do’s & don’t

Providing value through do’s and don’ts is a highly effective strategy for brands.

These Reels offer clear, concise advice that can help your audience avoid common mistakes and achieve better results, whether in business practices, product use, or lifestyle choices.

By presenting practical tips and guidelines, you position your brand as a knowledgeable and helpful resource, which can enhance your credibility and trustworthiness.

Do’s and don’ts videos are engaging and easy Reels to digest, making them highly shareable and likely to generate interaction and discussion among viewers.

This format also caters to the audience's desire for quick, actionable insights that they can immediately apply.

17. Leverage reviews

Leveraging reviews is one of the most effective strategies for creating compelling Reels on Instagram and enhancing brand reputation.

This approach not only highlights the positive experiences of your satisfied clients but also demonstrates the value and reliability of your products or services.

Review-based Reels are highly engaging, as viewers are drawn to genuine feedback from real users. They also encourage potential customers to make informed purchasing decisions, boosting your conversion rates.

Some of the best Reels on Instagram often include sharing tutorials, making it an excellent idea for B2B content.

Tutorials provide valuable, actionable insights that help establish your brand as an industry expert and trusted resource.

By demonstrating how to solve a problem or implement a strategy, you can effectively showcase your expertise and offer real value to your audience.

19. Debunk myths

Debunking myths is one of the best ideas for brands looking to create impactful Instagram Reels.

This approach allows you to address common misconceptions within your industry, providing clarity and showcasing your expertise.

By tackling these myths head-on, you can educate your audience, correct misinformation, and position your brand as a trustworthy authority.

Myth-busting Instagram Reels are engaging and often provoke discussions, encouraging viewers to comment and share their thoughts, which can increase your reach and visibility.

Additionally, debunking myths helps build credibility, as audiences appreciate brands that provide honest and accurate information.

20. Team up with industry experts

By collaborating with industry experts, you can create high-quality content that resonates with your target audience.

These experts bring their followers and reputation to the partnership, providing your brand with a broader and more engaged audience.

21. Create lists

Among the types of Reels on Instagram that perform best, lists are particularly effective.

Lists provide bite-sized, easy-to-consume information that caters to the short attention span of social media users, making it more likely for viewers to watch the entire Reel and share it with others.

This Instagram Reel from Upwork effectively demonstrates the content idea by presenting a list of tips for achieving work-life balance.

The Reel clearly lists actionable advice, such as setting boundaries, making it easy for viewers to follow and implement these strategies in their own lives.

Moreover, lists can highlight key points effectively, making the content more memorable.

22. Use AR

Using AR is one of the top content ideas for Instagram Reels.

AR allows brands to demonstrate their creativity and innovation, setting them apart from competitors by highlighting their unique personalities and offerings.

Additionally, AR content stands out because of its novelty and entertainment value, making it more memorable and shareable. This interactivity and shareability can lead to a wider reach and greater impact.

The example from SEMrush illustrates effective AR use by combining visually striking elements with clever social media branding.

The image of a giant teapot being lowered into a teacup near Big Ben captures attention.

The clever marketing message ties the visual to SEMrush's services, sparking curiosity and inviting users to learn more about what the brand offers.

By integrating AR into Instagram Reels, brands can create compelling, interactive content that not only captivates their audience but also effectively conveys their marketing message.

Most popular Reel ideas for Instagram

And if you were wondering which types of videos are the most popular Reels, here are five categories that always work and should be integrated into your strategy:

Challenges

Participating in or challenges is a surefire way to attract attention.

Popular challenges often go viral, encouraging viewers to participate and share.

The key is to make it relatable and easy for your audience to join in.

Adding trending music and hashtags can further increase visibility.

Bloopers/memes

Bloopers and memes show the more human side of your brand.

Sharing funny, unplanned moments or creating memes that resonate with current trends can make your audience laugh and feel more connected to you.

This type of content is highly shareable and can quickly gain traction on social media.

Product comparisons

Product comparison Reels help your audience make informed decisions by highlighting the differences between similar products.

This could be comparing different models, brands, or versions of a product. By showcasing the pros and cons in a clear, concise manner, you build trust with your audience, positioning yourself as a knowledgeable source.

Recaps

Recap videos are a great way to summarize events, series, or content from your feed.

Whether it's a weekly roundup, event highlights, or a summary of your latest blog posts or videos, recaps help keep your audience updated and engaged.

Use quick cuts, highlights, and text overlays to keep the content dynamic and visually appealing.

ASMR Videos

ASMR videos are increasingly popular for their relaxing and satisfying effects.

These videos typically include soothing sounds and visuals that provide a calming experience.

ASMR content can range from whispering, tapping, and crinkling to more specific niche sounds related to your brand or products.

Hook ideas for Reels

Creating cool Reels is all about grabbing your audience's attention right from the start.

Here are 6 irresistible hook ideas to make your Reels stand out and keep viewers hooked till the end.

Surprise reveal hook

Start with a teaser that promises an unexpected or surprising element.

For example, You Won't Believe What Happens Next or Watch Till the End.

This creates curiosity and encourages viewers to watch the entire video.

Challenge or dare hook

Begin with a bold statement or challenge that intrigues viewers.

For instance, I Bet You Can't Do This, Can You Solve This in 5 Seconds?, or Only 5% of Marketers Know This.

Challenges are engaging and often prompt viewers to interact with the content.

Quick tips or hacks hook

Open with a promise of valuable information that can be quickly consumed.

Examples include, 3 Life-Changing Hacks or Quick Tips to Boost Your Productivity.

This immediately tells viewers they will gain useful insights quickly, increasing the likelihood of them watching the Reel.

These hooks are designed to capture attention quickly and maintain viewer interest, essential for the short and fast-paced format of Instagram Reels.

Transformation hook

Begin with a quick before-and-after shot or a teaser of a dramatic transformation.

Some good examples include, How We Reduced Operational Costs by 30% or How I Increased Productivity in 30 Days.

Transformation stories are inherently engaging as viewers are curious about the process and the results.

Problem-solution hook

Start by highlighting a common problem and promising a quick solution.

For example, Overwhelmed by Clutter? Learn This Easy Decluttering Hack or High Employee Turnover? Try This Strategy.

This hook is effective because it addresses pain points and provides immediate value.

Countdown or list hook

Kick off with a countdown or list that promises useful or interesting information.

For instance, 5 Must-Have Tools for Remote Work or 3 Simple Ways to Save Money.

Lists and countdowns are easy to follow and make the content feel structured and digestible, keeping viewers engaged.

BONUS: 7 top tips for creating engaging Instagram Reels

Creating popular Reels requires a blend of creativity and strategy.

By focusing on following the Instagram best practices below, you can craft authentic content on Reels that resonate with your audience and boost your brand awareness.

Here are some essential tips to help you stand out.

Discover what your audience wants on Instagram

Typically, social media best practices include, first of all, understanding your audience’s preferences.

Knowing what your audience wants allows you to tailor your content to meet their interests and needs, resulting in higher social media engagement rates and a stronger connection with your followers.

Socialinsider asked users what they want to see on social media, and the results show that users highly value authentic, non-promotional content and appreciate transparency about business practices and values.

According to our research, 57.85% of people prefer to see authentic, non-promotional content.

Information about how products are made or sourced and educational content that provides valuable learning experiences are also important to users.

Engaging storytelling that resonates with the audience and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the company culture are particularly appealing, as they humanize the brand.

User-generated content or customer testimonials enhance credibility, and entertaining or humorous content related to the brand’s products or services captures attention effectively.

Additionally, users appreciate content that is understandable and easy to follow, ensuring clear communication of the brand's message.

And while exclusive discounts and promotions, and interactive polls and surveys, are less preferred, they still hold value in driving engagement and gaining feedback.

Thus, aligning your Instagram Reels with these preferences can significantly enhance your brand's connection with its audience.

Analyze industry Reels themes

Analyzing industry Reels themes is another top tip for creating good Reels because it provides valuable competitive insights into what types of content resonate with your audience.

By examining the best Reels of your competitors, for example, you can identify trends, popular topics, and effective social media marketing strategies that you can adapt for your own content.

By using a tool like Socialinsider, you can gather these insights efficiently.

The app allows you to search for specific keywords related to your industry to filter and find the best performant Reels quickly.

By analyzing top posts, you can identify common themes.

Analyze content pillar's performance with Socialinsider!

These themes are crucial for establishing effective content pillars for social media—especially on Instagram.

By setting the best topics for your Instagram Reels and sticking to them, you can create content that not only aligns with current trending Reels but also resonates deeply with your audience.

To discover how other brands from the education industry are navigating social media and discover strategy tips and performance benchmarks, check out our article covering social media in education - from distraction to engagement.

Use music & transitions

Trending Reels ideas often involve using the latest music tracks and innovative transitions.

Firstly, by incorporating an Instagram trending audio, you can significantly boost the reach and visibility of your Reels.

That’s because when you use popular sounds, the Instagram Reels algorithm tends to favor your content, making it more likely to appear in the explore feed and attract a wider audience.

Secondly, creative and smooth transitions keep viewers hooked, increasing the chances they will watch your content from start to finish. This is crucial because the platform rewards videos with higher completion rates by pushing them to more users.

Staying on top of these trends not only increases your social media reach but also demonstrates your ability to stay relevant and engage your audience.

Add hashtags to be discovered

Adding hashtags to be discovered is one of the top tips for creating engaging Instagram Reels because it significantly enhances the visibility and reach of your content.

Hashtags act as a discovery tool on Instagram, allowing users who are interested in specific topics to find your Reels more easily.

When you use relevant and popular hashtags, your creative Reels are more likely to appear in searches and feeds of users who don't yet follow you but have an interest in the content you produce.

Moreover, strategically chosen hashtags can place your Reels in front of niche audiences who are genuinely interested in your content.

Use hooks to boost engagement, generate comments & saves

Any social media strategist knows that a hook is essential for capturing and retaining viewers' attention.

A compelling hook draws viewers in within the first few seconds, making them more likely to watch the entire Reel and engage with it.

One effective way to incorporate a hook is by using it in the cover for Reels. The cover image is the first thing users see when they enter your profile, so a captivating and intriguing cover can entice them to click and watch.

By hooking viewers early, you increase the likelihood of them commenting and saving your Reels.

Tag other brands & team up with influencers

Tagging other brands and teaming up with influencers are some of the top tips for creating viral Reels and expanding your reach.

Reels with influencers often attract more attention because followers trust and value the opinions of the creators they follow.

This increased exposure not only boosts your immediate engagement metrics but also significantly enhances your brand reputation.

When you partner with influencers or other brands that your audience respects, it creates a sense of community and trust. Your audience begins to associate your brand with the positive attributes of the influencers or brands you collaborate with, fostering a deeper connection.

Essentially, tagging other brands and teaming up with influencers are effective strategies for creating engaging Instagram Reels. They expand your reach, enhance credibility, and build brand loyalty, making your content more impactful and memorable.

Analyze your Reels’ performance

Analyzing your Reels’ performance is crucial for setting Instagram benchmarks and helping you refine your content strategy.

By using Instagram analytics tools to measure your performance, you can track key metrics such as views, likes, comments, and shares. This detailed analysis helps you understand your content's strengths and weaknesses, giving you a clear picture of what resonates with your audience.

Additionally, you may want to conduct an Instagram competitive analysis to compare your performance with that of your competitors.

By identifying how your Reels stack up against similar accounts, you gain insights into areas where you can improve and innovate.

And once you have a comprehensive understanding of your performance and your competitors', you can establish Instagram benchmarks.

These benchmarks serve as realistic and achievable targets based on industry standards and your unique performance data.

Setting these benchmarks helps you measure your success more accurately and ensures that your Instagram Reels continually meet and exceed audience expectations.

Get powerful Reels performance insights with Socialinsider!

Final thoughts

Instagram Reels offer brands an exciting opportunity to captivate their audience with engaging short-form videos.

And hopefully, these Reels ideas will set you on the right path to enhancing your brand presence and thriving in the competitive social media landscape.

FAQs on Instagram Reels ideas

What type of Reels perform best on Instagram?

Reels that perform best on Instagram typically feature engaging content such as trending challenges, behind-the-scenes glimpses, educational tips, user-generated content, and creative storytelling. High-quality visuals, catchy music, and concise, entertaining formats also contribute to their success.