The retail industry looks set for more exciting growth in ecommerce, with Europe once again becoming a key battleground for brands and influencers in search of new ways to supercharge their online marketing strategies. Videos play a crucial role in these efforts, making Instagram, with its emphasis on visual content, an essential platform. The idea of buying Fake Views is one method that has stirred up much controversy in recent years and yet remains popular among Instagram consumers. In this article, we will explain why fake views will enrich your Instagram video strategy, what these benefits are and what the potential comeback means for marketing via social networks.
The Evolution of Instagram from Photo to Video Platform
When Instagram launched in 2010 it was nothing more than a simple photo sharing app, today that is no longer the case. Instagram is now more of a video-sharing platform after the arrival of video content in 2013 and subsequently features like Stories, IGTV, Reels, etc. Videos have become the centerpieces of brand and influencer content marketing arenas that not only give you a voice but also make sure you are able to interact with your audience in real time.
Back when people quantified engagement on Instagram simply by counting the number of likes and comments a photo would get. Yet over time, as the platform grew its video features, engagement took on another layer. As video content tends to outperform static images, this offer additional appeal for brands wanting to catch the attention of an audience.
Therefore Video Content in Marketing is Key
As video becomes recognized as a more and more critical part of the marketing mix, this throws up bigger challenges. Recent research shows that video content is shared and liked more than all other types of social media content combined. Video is engaging, enabling brands to convey their messages more effectively, creating stronger emotional connections with viewers.
Aditionally, videos allow for storytelling possibilities providing a platform to show people using your products and services. The demand for real and engaging video content has increased as consumers evolve in their tastes. By using video content in marketing strategies, brands can boost their online visibility and attract new followers.
Misconception: Fake Views
Purchased or artificially inflated viewer counts, i.e., fake views. Bracket polls have been a popular, click-baity tactic the last year for brands and IG influencers trying to quickly increase awarness their themselves on Instagram. While buying counterfeit views begs certain ethical concerns, it is good to investigate into how this strategy can influence a brand bottom line regarding video execution.
Historically, fake views have a pretty bad rap and as such many brands focused on organic growth strategies. However, with the increasing competition fake views offer up instant visibility. Now advertisers are catching on to this, realizing if a post has more views it acts as a social proof that will encourage people who land on their posts to engage.
Social Proof in Engagement
Social proof is key when it comes to influencing consumer behavior through social media. Taken in by the age-old principle of social proof we are generally more willing to watch things that everyone else is watching. If new followers find a video and it already has thousands or millions of views, they are more likely to believe the content is valuable or engaging and share with their followers.
Fake views can be deployed to promote a video as a popular option. It refers to an issue I alluded to earlier on platforms such as Instagram, where metrics dictate discoverability. The more people viewing content can result in further reach, higher engagement levels and start a cycle of renewed consumer interest all over again which is obviously great for the brand.
Increasing Visibility and Reach
The most important advantage of buying fake views is that it helps to increase your exposure on the internet immediately. Because the algorithm of Instagram wants to magnify content viewers engage with, including clicks on video. When a video gets views, which shows to more people, then so it will be pushed into circulation greater.
Previously, brands used the good ol’ fashioned way to get exposure — by posting regularly and engaging with their audience. Both of these tactics are still important, but they will only help you stand out if you can reinforce them further (which isn’t as easy without a solid Instagram strategy). Buying fake views can help get a video viewed more resulting in more visibility, especially if the account is new or being remodeled again to have an online presence.
Enhancing Brand Awareness
A key part of any marketing plan is to increase brand awareness, and video can be an effective means for that. The high numbers of viewers purchased by fake views can greatly increase a brand´s presence; making it easily recognizable to potential customers.
Why brands invest in video make to offer an unforgettable experience which people can remember. More views means more credibility and authority in your industry. Such perception is likely to promote brand awareness and loyalty from their followers, in the long run, will escalate sales/performance.
Creating Opportunities for Engagement and Interaction
Purchasing fake views may encourage your audience to engage more with the content. The more views you get on a video, the more likes and comments and shares you will receive. Increased engagement created by their direct involvement in the content inspires a community around YOUR brand that people are more likely to engage with and discuss about.
Brands used to find it difficult to get engagement on their videos, especially when they were up against larger accounts. The thing is though, when companies buy fake views instead of acquiring them organically they are artificially creating a better engagement environment. When you have more exposure at first, the engagement reels in real interactions and creates a strong and loyal fan base.
Points for Marketing Strategies
While the benefits of buying fake views are clear, brands must evaluate where this strategy fits into their greater marketing plan. You have to weigh this against the long term implications of relying on fake engagement, versus the merits of authenticity and transparency.
Balance of Authenticity and Visibility:
While it is important for brands to receive visibility, using faking views may leave the audience feeling disconnected from that particular brand. Though a short-term increase in visibility is helpful, brands need to work on genuine engagement for lasting brand loyalty.
Integrating Organic Growth Strategies:
Along with buying fake views, brands should also keep investing in organic growth strategies. That means making good video content, interacting with a following and using appropriate hashtags to be seen.
Check in with Your Engagement Metrics:
Brand needs to check in on their engagement metrics often to make sure the video strategy they are implementing is working. Following how bought views affects engagement rates can inform future marketing decisions and strategies.
The Future of Instagram Marketing
With the Instagram marketing environment continuously changing, brands need to be adaptable and keep up with the latest trends. Several important elements could determine the future of video marketing on Instagram.
Video Content:
Video content will always trend or remain the future, solely because of the successful engagement that this format offers to users. If video is a key part of your marketing strategy, you are more likely to be successful in cutting through the noise.
Improved Algorithm Changes:
Instagram continually changes their algorithm, so what is prioritised in the feed may change. Brands need to be aware of these changes in order to adapt and make their strategies deliver maximum visibility and engagement.
Focus on Building Community:
The focus on building genuine, active communities around brands are only going to strengthen Fans of the brand will also be fans of those connections and they will naturally share more of your content because it is more engaging.
Transparency in Marketing:
Due to the tendency of consumers getting smarter every day, the need for a transparency in marketing practice will rise higher. Your brand is expected to build genuine connections with your audience and the brands that focus on authenticity will probably have a better relationship with their audience.
Wrap-Up: What Instagram Video Strategies Should Look Like Going Forward
To sum up, the entire concept of buying fake views on Instagram is laid down with some opportunities and as well as a few difficulties while turning to different brands for better visibility and engagement. Though there is a common allure in the temporary gains of high viewer counts and social proof, brands are consistently challenged with issue of what messaging they want long-term to define their marketing approach.
In a field of competition as fierce as Instagram marketing, brands have to capitalise on the power of meaningful interactions, community and support any way they can. The era of fake views may be coming to an end, but by using them in a strategic and authentic manner, brands can win on social media while still benefiting from the best practices that were once seen as a powerful tool.
Key Takeaways
Build & Monitor Social Media Influence:
Instagram acts as an influential platform for brands to be more visible and conversational through videos.
Authenticity counts:
This will build trust and credibility over the increasingly cluttered social media landscape.
Community Engagement:
Engaging in community-building efforts builds relationships and boosts reputation.
Quality of Content Matters:
To capture or keep any audience, your video content needs to be high quality.
Step Three:
Strategic Marketing: This is done to ensure that the fake views do not stand out and can improve the visibility of your content without being noticed.
Brands will either learn to evolve beyond the challenges associated with Instagram into more innovative avenues (like gaming and new social media platforms) or continue as if it is business-as-usual while their competitors go around, under, or straight through them.