behind the scenes

How Instagram Behind the Scenes Content Really Works

Ever wondered what really happens before that picture-perfect post graces your Instagram feed? In a world where polished perfection rules, audiences are craving something real, something that feels more human. Behind-the-scenes (BTS) photos are the secret sauce that bridges the gap between creators and their followers, creating a window into the process, the effort, and even the occasional chaos. And it works! Did you know that Instagram posts with a BTS glimpse get 40% more engagement? These candid moments not only foster trust but also turn casual scrollers into loyal fans. Letโ€™s dive into how you can use BTS photos to create meaningful, authentic connections that truly resonate.

1. The Power of Behind-the-Scenes Photos

  • Highlight the psychology behind it: People love seeing the ‘real you.’
  • Discuss how BTS content humanizes a brand or creator, making them relatable.
  • Example: A look at actors or influencers rehearsing lines, fixing costumes, or laughing at bloopers.

๐Ÿ”— Learn from successful campaigns in our Case Studies that show how BTS strategies drive engagement.

Pro Tip: Pair BTS content with relatable captions to make the story more compelling.

2. What Makes a Great BTS Photo?

  • Authenticity Over Perfection: Explain how unpolished, raw moments perform better.
  • Storytelling Element: Each photo should narrate a piece of the bigger story, like process, challenges, fun moments, and more.
  • Lighting & Composition: Even for BTS, aim for good lighting and a clean frame to maintain visual appeal.
  • Engagement Focus: Ask questions or provide a behind-the-scenes tip to involve your audience.

Example: A bakery posting a candid photo of staff preparing dough, captioned, โ€œWho else can smell the cookies from here?โ€

๐Ÿ”— Understand audience preferences better through the Marketing to Millennials and Gen Z Report.

3. Ideas for Behind-the-Scenes Content

  • The Making Of: Share how a product, campaign, or creative piece comes to life.
  • Daily Operations: Snapshots of team meetings, coffee breaks, or desk setups.
  • The Bloopers Reel: Funny, unexpected moments make your audience laugh and feel part of your journey.
  • Event Preps: Showcase what goes into planning a launch, shoot, or live session.
  • Customer-Centric Stories: Display personalized packaging processes or customer feedback reviews.

๐Ÿ”— Get inspired by examples in the Cosmetic Brands D2C Report.

4. How to Use BTS Photos Strategically

  • Instagram Stories: Perfect for time-sensitive content like a live look at event prep.
  • Carousels: Combine BTS photos with the final output to show the transformation process.
  • Reels Integration: Pair BTS shots with music or voiceovers to create engaging short-form videos.
  • Brand Consistency: Keep your visuals aligned with your aesthetic while showcasing raw moments.

๐Ÿ”— For more strategies, check out our Campaign Report for actionable insights.

5. Best Practices for Posting BTS Photos

  • Timing Matters: Share BTS during the process, not just after the final product is live.
  • Add Value: Always tie your BTS content to a story, a lesson, or a unique perspective.
  • Collaborate: Tag team members, collaborators, or influencers to extend reach.
  • Leverage Hashtags: Include hashtags like #BehindTheScenes, #InTheMaking, or industry-specific ones.

๐Ÿ”— Find examples of seasonal campaigns in our Holi Influence Insights Report.

6. Brands and Influencers Doing BTS Right

  • Case Study 1: Glossier: Shares raw shots of product development meetings and customer interactions.
  • Case Study 2: National Geographic Photographers: Show camera setups and crew shots to build intrigue around the final photograph.
  • Case Study 3: Content Creators: Ranveer often shares behind-the-scenes content of his podcast like setting up the studio for podcasts, his team brainstorming questions, and candid clips of funny moments during shoots.

๐Ÿ”— Explore more case studies like Edelman Influencer Marketing.

Conclusion: Start Your BTS Journey Today

Behind-the-scenes photos are more than just snapshotsโ€”theyโ€™re a way to invite your audience into your world, to show them the real, unpolished moments that make you or your brand unique. Sharing these glimpses builds trust and makes your followers feel like part of your journey. Whether itโ€™s a sneak peek of your creative process, candid team moments, or the effort behind a big project, these little windows into your world help forge genuine connections.

๐Ÿ”— For a comprehensive view of impactful campaigns, refer to our IPL 2024 Influencer Marketing Report.

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