“Reels have at least a 1% chance of going viral, but static posts never go viral in 2024.” – says Aditya Bharadwaj (founder of MaximiseMedia).
So, what made him say something like this?
As a performance marketing agency in Delhi, we have worked with hundreds of client. We often get questions about why we aren’t focusing on static graphics and why 80% of our efforts go to Instagram reels.
This blog talks about reels vs. static post – which is better to post on Instagram to get maximum quality reach?
Let’s get started –
Reels vs. Static Posts on Instagram:
Until the launch of reels on Instaram in August 2020, static images and posts, especially caressuals, had the potential to reach and go viral to a certain extent.
But after the ban of the Chinese short video app – TikTok in India, Instagram introduced a short form content feature called ‘Reels’ to fill the gap left by TikTok.
Which Better in Terms of Reach and Going Viral?
Since the reels feature was recently released, Instagram started promoting, favoring such content on it’s platform, which pushed creators to shift to that side.
In 2024, when comparing Reels to static posts on Instagram, Reels have a higher potential to reach a wider audience and gain viral popularity due to their engaging and dynamic nature.
Static posts, on the other hand, are less likely to go viral because they lack the interactive and attention-grabbing elements that Reels offer.
However, it’s not mandatory that going viral is the best way to generate business and leads for your business.
So, let’s compare these two on several different matrices to understand which suits your business better.
| Factors | Reels | Static Posts |
| Engagement and Reach | Higher potential for engagement and reach | Lower engagement rates, less potential for virality |
| Content Creation | Easy to create using built-in editing tools | Limited editing options and settings |
| Audience Interaction | Encourages audience interaction and go viral | Generates engagement, but to a lesser extent |
| Brand Visibility | Increases brand visibility | May be less effective in grabbing attention |
| Marketing Potential | Can be used as a marketing tool | Used to showcase products or services |
Who Should Post Instagram Reels and When?
Instagram Reels are perfect for anyone looking to showcase their creativity and personality.
They are particularly great for businesses, influencers, and content creators who want to engage with their audience in a fun and authentic way.
Unlike static posts, Reels are ideal for attracting non-followers and can help you reach a wider audience.
When it comes to timing, setting aside a specific day for creating Instagram Reels can be incredibly effective.
This approach, known as “Instagram Reels Day,” allows you to batch your content for the entire month in just one day.
Not only does this save you time, but it also allows you to get more creative and have fun with your content.
By batching your Reels, you can experiment with different ideas and formats, helping you find what resonates best with your audience.
Additionally, regularly checking your Instagram analytics can give you valuable insights into what content is performing well, allowing you to create more of what your audience craves.
So, does this mean that in-feed posts (static posts) are nearly dead in terms of reach? Clearly not.
Although, in recent years, short form video content has taken over the internet among Gen Z, static graphical posts are still relevant to businesses.
Who Should Post Images (Static Posts) and When?
A study by Sprout Social shows that image posts are a second type of content that reach more people after short form videos. In the study, short-form video posts got 66% more engagement, while static images still got almost 60% engagement.
Static posts, or images, on Instagram are ideal for businesses, influencers, and content creators who want to share polished and pre-planned content with their current audience.
Static posts are perfect for showcasing products, sharing educational content, driving industry discussions, promoting upcoming offers and sales, and repurposing blog posts, podcasts, and other content.
Timing is key when it comes to posting static images. It’s important to post when your audience is most active, which can vary depending on your industry and target audience.
Generally, posting during peak times, such as in the morning or evening, when people are most likely to be on Instagram, can help increase engagement.
How Maximise Media Plans Content for Social Media Marketing?
At Maximise Media, we’re not just any social media marketing agency in Delhi – we’re the top choice, backed by a history of stellar performance and impressive results.
When it comes to planning social media content calendars, we abide by the 80:20 rule, ensuring a perfect balance between reels and static posts.
Our social media marketing team brainstorms ideas, identifying potential reels or static images that can reach a larger audience and potentially go viral.
If you’re looking to revamp your startup, clinic, hospital, or business’s social media presence, let us review or build a fresh content calendar for you. Get in touch with us at +91 9205093242.
Let’s take your social media game to the next level!