Video

Reels for businesses: how to make short videos that work

Vertical video for your brand without dances or trends: formats, structure and posting frequency so your reels reach new clients.

Cover: Reels for businesses: how to make short videos that work

Vertical video has become the format with the greatest reach on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube Shorts and, increasingly, LinkedIn. For a business it's not about dancing or following fads: it's about showing what you do, who does it and why it matters, in under a minute.

⚡ In 30 seconds

  • Reels help you reach people even before you have many followers.
  • The ones that work teach, tell a story or show the human side.
  • The first three seconds decide whether people keep watching.
  • Consistency matters more than perfect production.

Why reels for your business?

Platforms show short videos to people who don't follow you. It's the fastest way to reach new customers without paying for advertising, and to show a friendly, modern side of your brand.

Illustration: Reels for businesses: how to make short videos that work

What kinds of reels work

Six formats for businesses

Quick tip

A useful tip from your industry in 30 seconds.

Behind the scenes

How your product or service is made.

The team

The people behind it, shown naturally.

Before and after

The results of your work, clear and visual.

Myth or fact

Debunk a common myth in your industry.

Podcast clip

The best moment from a longer conversation.

Anatomy of a good reel

From start to finish

  1. 01

    A 3-second hook

    A line or image that makes people keep watching.

  2. 02

    A single idea

    If you have three, make three reels.

  3. 03

    Always use subtitles

    Most people watch with the sound off.

  4. 04

    Snappy pace

    Cut every few seconds and avoid silences.

  5. 05

    End with a call to action

    Save, comment, visit the website or message us.

A good reel doesn't sell your business: it makes people want to know more about it.

How many and how often

LevelRealistic frequency
Getting started1 reel a week
Building momentum2 or 3 a week
Full strategyDaily, with one recording session a month

💡 Tip

Record one day a month and get between 8 and 15 reels from that session. It's the most efficient way to stay consistent without losing your mind.

⚠️ Common mistakes

  • Reels that look like TV ads.
  • Posting a cropped version of a horizontal video.
  • Opening with the logo or "Hi, we're...".
  • Giving up after three weeks because you haven't seen results.

If you already have a podcast, every episode can give you plenty of clips. We explain how in our guide on how to promote your podcast on social media.

🎙️ How we do it at Abbsolut

We plan the formats, record in one session and edit your reels with subtitles and pacing tailored to each platform. Find out more on our reels, TikToks and short documentaries page.

Infographic: Reels for businesses: how to make short videos that work. From start to finish
Infographic: From start to finish

In short

A quick hook, a single idea, subtitles and consistency. With one recording session a month, your business can post vertical video every week.

Shall we make reels for your business?

Tell us about your brand and your goals and we'll send you a proposal.

Get a quote