Instagram Reels
Get more views on Instagram Reels
Most Reels views come from people who do not follow you yet. Instagram decides whether to show a Reel to them based on how the first viewers react. This guide covers what Instagram has said it looks at, and what you can do about each part.
What Instagram looks at
Instagram's head, Adam Mosseri, has said that three signals matter most for reaching new people: how long people watch, how many like the Reel, and how many send it to a friend in a direct message. Sends carry a lot of weight with people who do not follow you yet. Instagram has also said it favors original content over reposts.
1. Make Reels people want to send
Ask yourself who a viewer would send this to. Reels that make people think of one specific friend get sent: a situation they both know, a tip that friend needs, a joke about their shared job or hobby.
2. Hold attention from the first frame
The first frame is also your cover in the grid. Start with the result or the most interesting moment, add a short line of on-screen text, and cut any intro. The hooks guide works for Reels too.
3. Fix the sound
Unclear speech or music that drowns out your voice makes people swipe. Record close to the microphone, keep music lower than your voice, and check the Reel once on the phone speaker before posting.
4. Use text and captions that say what it is
Many people watch Reels on mute. Put the key line on screen inside the safe area. In the caption, describe the topic in plain words, because people also find Reels through Instagram search.
5. Keep hashtags short and specific
Instagram has suggested using 3 to 5 hashtags that describe the content. A few specific tags beat thirty generic ones.
6. Post original content
Instagram has said it may show fewer recommendations for accounts that mostly repost other people's videos, and that Reels with another app's watermark are less likely to be recommended. Export a clean version of your video for Instagram.
Before you post a Reel
- The first frame works as a cover
- The hook is in the first 2 seconds
- Your voice is clear over the music
- Key text is on screen and inside the safe area
- There is a reason to send it to someone
- 3 to 5 specific hashtags, no watermark
Check your next video before you post it
Viral IQ scores your TikTok, Reel or Short and tells you what to fix. For iPhone and iPad.
Questions
Why are my Reels stuck at a few hundred views?
Usually the first viewers leave early, so Instagram does not show the Reel to more people. Check the average watch time in your Reel insights, then look at the first seconds of the video.
Does a TikTok watermark hurt a Reel?
Instagram has said Reels with watermarks from other apps are less likely to be recommended. Upload a clean export.
How many hashtags should I use on Reels?
Instagram has suggested 3 to 5 hashtags that describe the content.