Does editing videos directly in app improve Instagram reach?
Third-party or direct in Instagram – does it make a difference where you edit your video content?
Maximising your Instagram reach is crucial for independent artists trying to connect with fans and grow an audience. Instagram’s algorithm plays a big part in determining how widely your content is shared, so it’s essential to understand how certain factors might influence this.
The importance of video content
Recent trends show that music fans prefer to interact directly with the artists they listen to. This means enjoying the music that artists produce, but also video content and other extra insights into their life. Instead of simply consuming, fans now show their appreciation by responding in kind; creating response videos, remixes, lip syncs, all sorts. This is why it’s so vital for independent artists to get involved, and create engaging video content of their own.
Instagram is a powerful tool for increasing your online presence, and building stronger connections with fans, and growing your audience. Beyond making sure your video content is engaging and entertaining, they must be optimised for Instagram’s algorithm. Otherwise, you could be putting effort into creating content that doesn’t get seen by many people.
Editing for improved Instagram reach
Recently, Head of Instagram, Adam Mosseri, finally put a long-swirling rumour to bed. In a video, Mosseri explained that if you edit your video content using a third-party app, like CapCut or Canva, it will not negatively impact your Instagram reach. Therefore, editing your videos directly in Instagram doesn’t necessarily improve your reach either.
This is great news for those who wish to edit their videos using features, special effects, and filters beyond what Instagram’s editing suite has to offer.
Removing watermarks
There is one major caveat to this revelation. If you are uploading videos to Instagram that you’ve edited using a third-party app, you must remove any watermarks. Many editing tools add watermarks to any videos you download, largely when using free versions of their apps. This acts as free advertising, but also an encouragement to purchase premium tools that will not enforce watermarks.
This is not true of TikTok, where a watermark will always be added if videos are downloaded and reuploaded to Instagram. So, if you don’t want to hurt your reach on Instagram, be careful to remove or avoid any watermarks from third-party editing platforms.
Summing up
While it is absolutely fine to edit videos using third-party tools and upload them to Instagram, it’s crucial to avoid watermarks. By avoiding watermarks, you ensure that your carefully crafted video content reaches as many people as possible. This simple consideration can have a big impact on your Instagram reach, and could help your music reach so many more new ears!