As a massage therapist, you have your hands full with plenty of business management tasks. Add marketing to your plate, and it can feel like your responsibilities are running away from you. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back!

At MassageBook, we understand the importance of staying relevant on social media and growing your following to bring in new business. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of ideas to inspire your next Instagram Reel. And the best part? You can borrow, steal, and share these ideas with all your practitioner friends!

Best massage Instagram Reel ideas

We’ve sorted these Instagram Reel ideas into categories to make it easier for you to choose which ones you’d like to use. As you read through them, ask yourself what your audience would be most interested in seeing and how you can lead them to book a massage at your practice through your content.

Answer massage therapy FAQs

Potential clients may be wary of getting a massage due to a lack of industry knowledge and etiquette. Here are a few quick FAQs you can answer through Instagram Reels:

• What exactly is massage therapy? People may have misconceptions about what massage therapy entails. Describe what massage therapy is so your clients are all on the same page.
• What are the benefits of massage therapy? Discuss why massage therapy is so important for health and wellness, and highlight the top benefits your clients see.
• Is massage therapy only for relaxation? Most people believe that massages are a luxury or only for relaxation. You can disprove those notions by answering this question and giving examples of other reasons why people receive massages.
• What credentials do you have? Explain the requirements you must fulfill to run your massage business and become a licensed massage therapist.
• How much does a massage cost? Discuss what the general rates are for massages in your area, and then dive into what your practice’s pricing looks like.
• Where are you located? If your practice is in a difficult-to-find location, such as in the back of a building, or if parking is complicated, outline how clients can get to your facilities.
• What do I need to know for my first-ever massage? Discuss general massage etiquette and reassure clients that their comfort and safety are your number one priority. Also, discuss any first-time massage processes they should expect, such as filling out intake paperwork.
• What if my massage hurts or feels uncomfortable? Reassure existing and potential customers that massages should never hurt, and they should feel comfortable speaking up and letting their massage therapist know.

If you find your customers have other FAQs, feel free to make Reels addressing those as well! For example, you might discuss massage billing and what options clients have aside from paying out of pocket.

You and your massage practice

Adding a personal touch to your Instagram Reels is a great way to foster stronger relationships between you and your clients, current and potential. Here are a few ideas you can use to discuss you and your massage practice more casually:

• Go through your morning routine
• Take the viewer through a day in your massage practice
• Highlight a study or article you find interesting
• Showcase what you’re loving lately: your favorite book, TV show, or movie
• Spotlight your favorite sounds or tunes you use to relax or in your massage room
• Explain how you use a self-care routine to recharge after a long day at work
• Show your favorite yoga poses or bedtime routine
• Spotlight someone on your team
• Give a tour of your space
• Talk about why you became a massage therapist

Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through for these types of Reels. These ideas are meant to be more informal and personable!

Massage technique highlights

If you want to firmly establish your authority and expertise in massage therapy, technique highlight Reels can help you do that. For example, you might make a series of Reels covering the five beginner massage movements a therapist might use:

1. Effleurage
2. Petrissage
3. Tapotement
4. Friction
5. Vibration

You could also cover specific types of massages that you specialize in, such as:

• Swedish
• Thai
• Deep tissue
• Hot stone
• Shiatsu
• Prenatal
• Trigger point
• Aromatherapy
• Sports
• Reflexology
• Manual lymphatic drainage
• Myofascial release

Aside from simply explaining what these massage techniques are, you can also demonstrate them directly on a client or another massage therapist. Be sure to obtain the individual’s permission beforehand and explain that you plan on posting this footage on your Instagram page. Offer to blur or keep their face out of frame if they prefer to remain anonymous.

At-home massage techniques

In today’s increasingly technology-centered workplace, most working professionals spend their days seated in front of a computer. This leads to stress, bad posture, and other issues. As a massage therapist, you’re uniquely positioned to provide advice that helps them alleviate their aches and pains.

Here are a few ideas for at-home massage techniques you can teach through Instagram Reels:

• Breathing techniques for relaxation
• How to stretch your neck
• Correct posture for a better back
• Ways to release tight shoulders
• Simple hand massage techniques for tech users
• Stretches you can do at work
• DIY foot massage
• How to massage yourself with a rolling pin
• Health and wellness tips

Don’t worry—you’re not robbing yourself of clients if you choose to use these ideas! Individuals who see success using your techniques will trust your expertise as a massage therapist, making them more likely to book an appointment with you when they want a massage.

Massage business promotion

Remember that social media provides a wonderful opportunity for you to clearly and directly promote your business. Through Instagram Reels, highlight:

• Upcoming discounts and promotions
• New client specials
• What your massage membership includes
• Bundles and packages
• Upcoming events
• Small businesses you’d love to partner with

Additionally, feature loyal and long-time clients providing testimonials about your services. Ask them if they’d be willing to sit down and film an Instagram Reel with you, and be sure to obtain their permission before you post the video on social media.

FAQs about Instagram for massage therapists

Why should I create Instagram Reels for my massage practice?

Instagram Reels are powerful marketing tools for small business owners to reach a wider audience and connect with potential clients. Here are a few statistics that show how creating Instagram Reels can support your marketing efforts:

• Instagram has over two billion monthly active users worldwide.
• Over 200 billion Reels are played daily across Facebook and Instagram.
• 44% of social users wish that brands used Instagram more.

A particularly interesting characteristic of Instagram Reels is that small businesses actually draw the highest view rates for their Reels. A study by Socialinsider found that brands with 1,000–5,000 followers had an average Instagram Reels view rate of 20%. As the profile size grew, the ratio decreased.

All these statistics show that Instagram Reels are a valuable marketing tool for all types of small businesses, including your massage practice. Even if you’re just starting your massage business, your brand benefits from the additional reach that Instagram Reels provides.

What should I include in my Instagram bio?

An Instagram bio can be a maximum of 150 characters long, giving you very little space to convey information about your massage business. Ideally, your bio should include a succinct blurb about your practice’s services and its benefits. Here’s an example of a massage business bio:

Indulge in Healing Hands Massage’s various massage treatments. From aromatherapy to hot stones, we offer all the massages you need to find your bliss.

Additionally, business accounts on Instagram can add extra information to their profiles, including:

• Business category
• Address
• Links
• Action buttons

Fill out the relevant fields for your massage practice so Instagram users understand what your business is all about at a single glance. In particular, adding an address and a link to your booking page will make it easier for clients to check where you’re located and schedule appointments.

What type of Reels do best on Instagram?

To determine what type of massage Instagram Reel ideas will do best, consider these findings from Sprout Social:

• Users are more likely to engage with short-form videos.
• 61% of social users turn to Instagram to find their next purchase.
• Instagram users seek connection and entertainment.

The easiest insight to glean here is that entertaining short-form Reels (under 2 minutes) perform well on Instagram. And, with many social users looking to Instagram to inform their purchases, promotional content focused on your massage services and products will be welcomed by potential customers.

Creating content that facilitates a connection between your audience and your business is a bit trickier. Ultimately, building this connection should make your audience feel that:

• Your business is relevant to them.
• Your brand understands them.
• Your business is trustworthy.

Every massage business’s audience is different, which means there’s no one-size-fits-all strategy to building connections with existing and potential clients with Instagram Reels. However, these are all key characteristics to keep in mind as you film your content.

Additional resources

From showcasing your space and highlighting your team members to teaching and demonstrating massage techniques, these Instagram Reel ideas will help you keep your content fresh and engaging. And, if you post a new Reel every few days using these ideas, you’ll have months of content. So jump in and get filming!

But before you get started, did you know MassageBook can help convert your Instagram visitors into paying clients? Our seamless integration makes adding online scheduling to your social media business pages easy. Check it out here.

Interested in learning more about running a massage business? Check out these resources:

• Massage Therapy Marketing: 15 Effective Ideas to Explore — Instagram Reels aren’t the only way you can spread the word about your massage practice. Discover top massage marketing strategies in this guide.
• 5 Best Website Builders for Massage Therapists — A polished website shows potential clients your services and professionalism. Explore the best website builders you can leverage.
• How to Design a Stylish and Inspiring Massage Therapy Room — Your massage room is the cornerstone of your business’s massage experience. Learn how to design a room that suits your practice here.