How to Get More Views on Instagram Reels – 7 Amazing Methods

Looking to increase your views for Instagram Reels? Well, you are not alone. As per statistics, more than 2 billion people and 25 million companies are searching for the same thing. That seems to be quite a big figure to deal with. So, how can you outperform such heavy competition?

Well, it's not rocket science. All you need is a strong social media strategy on top of all other content creators. But how could you devise such a strategy? That's exactly what we are going to explain in this article. Keep reading to learn 7 exclusive tips to increase your views on Instagram Reels.

7 Expert Tips to Increase Reach for Instagram Reels

The way the Instagram algorithm works is still a mystery for many. Some get millions of viewers within minutes while others may not even have double-digit views. What's the secret? How do some videos get tremendous reach within minutes of posting? Here are some ways for that:

1. Catch them instantly

Remember this all the time. The first 3 seconds of your reel is the most crucial part. It will make the user decide whether to continue viewing the reel. So, make it the best!

Try to avoid general words like “Hi guys!” since that trend is almost over. Instead, start with a hook and get right to the point. Placing a surprising image or gesture at the beginning is also a good way of attracting views. Here are some catchphrases you could use at the beginning to grab the audience's attention:

You won't believe what I just found out…
I have a secret to share with you.
Did you know that…
This one tip will blow your mind.
Are you struggling with [problem]?

Starting with a question or an unknown fact usually works well. Have a look at other popular Instagram content creators and how they get started.

2. Use a trending audio track

Most content creators make the big mistake of ignoring the value of an audio track in their reel. Many pick a random one just for the sake of it. However, audio tracks can be a great way to drive more audience to your reels.

How will you find a trending audio track for your reel? Here are some possible ways:

Click on the “trending” button when you upload a reel and choose from the list of top-trending songs.
Check out your Reels feed and take note of the audio tracks of the most popular reels.
Follow the Instagram Creator's account to stay updated with trending audio and updates.

Trends come and go instantly. So use them at the right time before they get outdated, which might hurt your reach. Along with this, focus on making your content more original by presenting yourself before the camera. This creates a sense of connection and authenticity for your audience.

3. Account optimization

Think of a website that aims to drive more visitors. What do they do first? Optimize the home page. The same goes for Instagram. Your profile is the first thing users see. So make sure you create a strong impression. Here are some simple ways:

Convert to an Instagram Business account: It provides insights based on reach and performance so you can optimize upcoming content. You can also use the scheduling feature to post at peak times.
Link your bio: Your Instagram link can contain one link for redirection. This is one of the most underrated spaces for marketing. Consider links in bio tools like Linktree, Taplink, and so on.
Keyword optimization: Instagram accounts work with a search engine. Optimize your bio with keywords relevant to your niche (e.g. “Copywriter,” “Physician,” “style influencer”) to generate more viewers and increase reach.
Optimize your username: You can use the bold section of the bio more efficiently. For instance, use a keyword along with a username like “Tom | Copywriter” to increase your chances of appearing at the top of search.

4. Write compelling captions

A well-written caption can hook the user into your reel and keep their attention for at least 3 seconds. So the caption is a crucial part of your reel.

The ideal length of a social media caption is still a matter of debate. As per stats, captions work better when they are longer (e.g. 2000+ characters) or when they are very short (under 20 characters). Shorter captions are easier to read under reels. On the other hand, lengthy captions make content more discoverable in the Instagram search bar and can improve reach; if the reel appears on the home feed of your followers, they can read the full caption.

So what should you do? Experiment. Try shorter captions, then switch to longer ones. Check your insights and see which worked better. Last but not least, include a call-to-action in the caption such as “Comment your thoughts” or “Follow us for more.” You can use our free Instagram caption generator to craft engaging captions.

5. Read the algorithm

The Instagram algorithm is not as tough to crack as it seems if you put in a little effort to understand it. Basically, it promotes reels and posts based on Key Performance Indicators (KPI). Some of the important metrics the algorithm considers are:

Follower activity: How your followers engage with reels. The algorithm understands their preferences and shows reels with similar interests on their home feed.
Reel information: The algorithm considers the content, audio, and organic reach of the reel. It analyzes pixels and frames to understand what the reel is about and matches it with user interests.
Creator information: The algorithm checks account info: number of followers, likes, posts, and how well you engage with other accounts on the platform.

To improve your reel audience, prepare content in a way that attracts a loyal follower base like your competitors. Don't try to trick the algorithm. If you use aggressive tactics or gimmicks (e.g. follow-unfollow) for a sudden increase in reach, the algorithm can remove your reels from user feeds.

6. Collaborate with influencers

As mentioned above, the Instagram algorithm takes into account your engagement with other users. One strategy to improve that is collaboration with influencers. And you can do this without breaking the bank.

Spend some time—e.g. 30 minutes per week—to scout influencers in your niche. Focus on micro-influencers with less than 50k followers; they can increase your reach within budget. Make sure the influencer you choose shares a similar follower base with you; otherwise you won't benefit much. Additional tips:

Figure out your terms and conditions of collaboration before making any payment.
Make a discount coupon exclusively for your collaboration plan.
Monitor key metrics after collaborations to measure effectiveness.
Consider collaborating with influencers who have a similar following to create a mutually beneficial plan without involving money.

Instagram has announced a new feature called Creator Marketplace, available for beta-testing in the United States. Reports suggest it will improve communication with influencers and content creators.

7. Connect with your audience

One of the best ways to improve your reach on Instagram is to increase your connection with viewers. Users prefer creators who engage with them. So utilize all possible features to connect with your audience. Here are some ways:

Create a broadcast channel: Many content creators use broadcast channels to drive more reach. You can share new reels with thousands of viewers directly with just a click.
Reply in comment sections: Encourage followers to engage by adding a call-to-action at the end of your video (e.g. ask them to share their thoughts in the comments). This makes followers feel involved and can improve organic reach.
Respond to DMs: Engaging with followers in the DM can help the algorithm push your content more to their home feeds.
Be active: Many beginners report increased reach when they are active in the comment section and reply quickly in the first hour after posting a reel.

What is a good reach of an Instagram Reel?

The ideal reach of your reel depends on your account and the kind of video you create. It's difficult to give a single number, but as per statistics, here are some figures you might find useful:

Accounts with 500–2,000 followers can have a reach rate as high as 152%.
The reach rate of creators with 2,000–10,000 followers may drop to around 76%.
Creators with 10,000–50,000 followers might see a reach rate of around 85%.

How often should you post Reels to increase the reach?

This is also a difficult question to answer directly. “Two feed posts per week and two stories per day” is what Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, responded to a similar question—but this is not an official statement and there are contradictory views.

Some experts recommend posting between 4 and 7 reels per week for better reach. The best answer is that frequency depends on your industry. So it's better to check what competitors in the same field are doing and test what works for you.