How Financial Advisors Can Use Instagram Reels

At Lillian Purge, we specialise in SEO for Financial Advisors. Here’s how to use Instagram Reels to simplify complex financial topics for your audience.

Financial advice can be difficult for the average person to understand. Terms like compound interest, tax efficiency, or pension consolidation can sound overwhelming. Instagram Reels offers a powerful way for financial advisors to make these topics more accessible and engaging. By turning technical concepts into short, visual, and relatable content, advisors can connect with a wider audience while showcasing their expertise in a modern, approachable way.

Why Instagram Reels Work for Financial Advisors

Instagram Reels are short videos—up to 90 seconds—that prioritise creativity, storytelling, and quick delivery. They are designed for attention spans that prefer clear, bite-sized content over lengthy explanations. For financial advisors, this format offers two main benefits: visibility and trust.

Firstly, Reels receive high organic reach due to Instagram’s algorithm favouring short-form video content. This means your content can reach potential clients even if they don’t follow your account. Secondly, Reels let advisors build trust by showing their personality. When people see an advisor explain financial topics in a friendly, easy-to-understand way, they are more likely to engage and remember the brand.

Turning Complex Financial Topics Into Simple Visuals

The key to success on Instagram Reels lies in simplification. You don’t need to explain everything—just one idea at a time. For example:

• Instead of covering “retirement planning,” focus on “how much to save in your 30s.”

• Replace “investment diversification” with “how spreading your money reduces risk.”

• Turn “inheritance tax rules” into “three simple ways to reduce your estate tax bill.”

Visual cues help make these explanations easier to follow. Use props like coins, charts, or whiteboards, or rely on simple on-screen captions that highlight your main points. These elements make abstract concepts more concrete.

Planning Your Reels Strategy

Start with a clear goal for each video. Do you want to educate, inspire, or encourage viewers to take action? Each Reel should focus on a single takeaway rather than cramming in too much information.

Consider a three-step structure for clarity:

1. Hook: Begin with an attention-grabbing question or statement, such as “Ever wonder how much tax you really pay on your savings?”

2. Explain: Use plain language and visuals to explain the concept briefly.

3. Wrap-up: End with a short summary or call to action, like “Follow for more financial tips you can actually use.”

Keeping a consistent posting schedule—at least two to three Reels per week—helps build momentum and keeps your profile active in Instagram’s algorithm.

Using Storytelling to Simplify Information

People connect better with stories than statistics. Instead of presenting dry facts, share short, relatable scenarios. For example, you might say, “Meet Sarah, a 35-year-old teacher saving for retirement. Here’s how she’s using her pension contributions wisely.”

This approach humanises the topic and helps viewers imagine themselves in similar situations. It also makes your advice feel practical and relevant rather than theoretical.

You can also use storytelling to explain mistakes and lessons learned. For instance, share “three common investment mistakes first-time investors make” or “how a small pension adjustment can add thousands by retirement.” These story-led insights make financial concepts less intimidating.

Leveraging Audio and Captions

Instagram Reels perform best when audio and captions work together. Choose trending sounds or calm background music that fits the professional tone of your message. Avoid anything too loud or distracting.

Always include on-screen text summarising your key points. Many users watch videos without sound, so captions ensure your message still lands effectively. Captions also reinforce learning by visually breaking down information into digestible parts.

Adding Visual Examples and Demonstrations

Financial topics often seem abstract until you show them in action. For example, when explaining compounding interest, use coins or a visual graph that grows over time. When discussing budget planning, show a quick breakdown using a pie chart or list.

Animations and overlays can also help illustrate how money flows, taxes accumulate, or investments grow. Simple visual aids create instant understanding, especially for viewers with little financial background.

Consistency Builds Recognition

Consistency is essential in both frequency and style. Use the same tone, branding, and colour scheme across all your videos so your content feels cohesive. This builds recognition over time and helps audiences associate your brand with clarity and professionalism.

Consistency in educational topics also reinforces your authority. When followers regularly see you simplifying difficult financial subjects, they begin viewing you as a reliable source of knowledge. That trust is what eventually leads to enquiries and consultations.

Encouraging Engagement

Engagement on Instagram Reels goes beyond likes. Ask your audience questions to invite comments, such as “What’s one financial topic you wish was explained better?” or “Have you ever been confused by ISA rules?”

Responding to comments quickly helps foster community and encourages further discussion. You can even turn frequently asked questions into future Reels, creating a feedback loop that keeps your content relevant.

Hashtags also help extend reach. Use a mix of general financial tags (#financialplanning, #moneytips) and niche ones (#UKfinancialadvisor, #retirementplanningUK) to connect with both broad and local audiences.

Compliance and Professionalism

While Instagram Reels encourage creativity, financial advisors must still follow FCA guidelines. Avoid making performance claims or offering personalised advice in videos. Instead, focus on education, awareness, and general financial literacy.

Include disclaimers where appropriate and remind viewers that your content is for informational purposes only. Staying compliant not only protects your firm but also reinforces trustworthiness in a regulated industry.

Measuring Results and Refining Strategy

Instagram provides detailed analytics that show how each Reel performs. Track metrics such as reach, saves, and shares to identify which topics resonate most. A high save rate indicates your audience values that type of content, while a high share rate means your video is helping spread brand awareness.

Use these insights to refine future videos. Over time, you’ll develop a clearer understanding of what your audience finds helpful, allowing you to tailor your approach for maximum impact.

Expert Tips for Success

1. Focus on one key takeaway per video to avoid overwhelming viewers.

2. Keep videos between 30–60 seconds for best engagement.

3. Use relatable examples instead of heavy jargon.

4. Repurpose your Reels on LinkedIn or your website to maximise exposure.

5. Maintain a consistent posting schedule for steady growth.

Final Thoughts

Instagram Reels are a modern, effective way for financial advisors to make complex topics accessible and engaging. By combining education with visual storytelling, you can transform financial literacy into something people actually enjoy learning about.

When done well, Reels don’t just inform—they build familiarity and trust. Over time, that trust translates into stronger client relationships and a more visible, approachable brand.

You can also read Instagram Ads for financial advisors: reaching the right audience and How financial advisors can use YouTube to attract new clients, with more guidance in our Financial Advisors Hub