I've Spent $150,000+ Testing IG Reels. Here's What Works...

I've spent $150,000+ in the last 12 months testing different styles of Instagram Reels to find what works.

Today, I'm going to give you our best so you can reference them and make your own.

Note: By "best" I mean they are the ones that got the most bookings.

Let's dive in:

The Four Winning Instagram Reel Styles

These are the formats that worked. I linked an example for each then tell you how to make them.

• Standard

• Simple

• Voiceover

• Offer

1) Standard

Put a video together in this order using 5-7 clips:

• Start with an exterior shot

• Then do a POV type shot of:

  • Premium amenities

  • Kitchen

  • Views

• End with an exterior shot

The first 1-2 clips should have a punchy headline that calls out your guest. Make it 5 words or less.

Headline example: Mountain Top Cabin for Couples

For the middle clips, include on-screen text to explain the feeling someone will have. Relate that feeling to what they are looking at.

Example: Let's say you show the hot tub. On-screen text: "Relax Under The Stars."

Finally, end the video with a call-to-action statement.

CTA examples:

• Share with with your boo

• Send this to your love

• Book your next getaway

2) Simple

This one is simple (lol). You only need 3-5 clips at 3-4 seconds each to complete the Simple Format.

Assemble the Avengers clips in this order:

• Wide outside exterior

• Premium amenity (use the one mentioned most in your reviews)

• Nature or the primary view

• Premium amenity (use the second most mentioned one)

• Wide outside exterior shot at sunset

Then take your headline from the Standard Format and keep it there for the entire video.

3) Voiceover

This one includes audio to guide someone's thinking. Remember - humans hate thinking.

• Write a 30-45 second script

• Have someone (or Ai) read it

• Take the same clips from our Standard Format and use that as Broll

• Apply the audio and let the captions show

You can include a headline from your Standard Format if the video doesn't get too crowded, but lose the callouts.

4) Offer

The clips for this one are exactly like our Simple Format with one difference:

Change the headline into an offer or limited time announcement.

Examples:

• Valentine's Day Package

• Book Two Nights, Get One

• Summer Dates Now Open

If you're not always running offers, use this when needed.

I'll end this with a story

Most people know Mr. Beast.

If you don't, he's the #1 YouTuber ever.

I don't remember where this story took place but it goes something like this:

Mr. Beast was at a gathering of humans somewhere and people kept asking for tips on how to make amazing videos.

The answer was always the same, "Make 100 YouTube videos and try to improve each by 1%. Once you do that, I'll help you."

Want to know how many people came back?

Zero.

People either quit or made the 100 YouTube videos and found success on their own.

My point: reading through a content framework like this is half the battle. The other half is on you:

Step 1: Whip out your iPhone

Step 2: Hit record

Step 3: Post

Step 4: Repeat

Bonus! It won't take you 100 posts to find success. Maybe like 25.

That's all for today. I'll see you in the next article.

P.S. Last week I talked about my newly found Lego obsession. Since we last spoke, I’ve built Iron Man. I have shelf space for one more big one. What should I build?

Before you go

I spend about 10 hours writing this newsletter each week. The rest of my time is spent running $100K Stay and Lodge Social.

1) $100K Stay — Learn how to make $100K for your Airbnb or hotel from social media in 90 days.

• This hybrid-live training program is everything you need to get your own guests from the internet. Even if you have zero audience, experience, or marketing skills.

• Enrollment is currently closed. Get on the waitlist to join the next one →

2) Lodge Social — Our marketing team will help you get more guests to like, share and book. Work with me and my team here.

Links you might like:

1. The fastest way to turn your Airbnb or hotel into a $100K / year business (YouTube)

2. Social Media Marketing for STRs (Branded & Booked)

3. 90 days inside Lodge Social (The Lodge Social - Q4 Update)

4. Four hospitality trends you’ll see everywhere in 2026 (LinkedIn)