Instagram Reels have become one of the fastest ways to grow your presence on the platform. Whether you’re trying to build your personal brand, promote a business, or simply get more eyes on your content, Reels offer a huge opportunity. But with so much content out there, how do you actually stand out? If you’ve been wondering how to get more views on Instagram Reels, you’re in the right place.
Let’s walk through some simple yet effective strategies that are working right now.
1. Why Reels Matter More Than Ever on Instagram
Instagram is pushing Reels hard, and for good reason. With the explosion of short-form video across platforms, Instagram is prioritizing Reels to compete with TikTok and YouTube Shorts. This means Reels have a greater chance of reaching new audiences compared to regular photo posts or Stories.
The Explore page and dedicated Reels tab are curated largely by user interests and engagement patterns, so if your Reel performs well early on, it could be shown to thousands or even millions of users.
2. Understand How the Instagram Reels Algorithm Works
The Reels algorithm focuses on user behavior signals. These include how long someone watches your Reel, whether they engage (like, comment, share, or save), and how often they revisit it.
The algorithm also considers past behavior of users to show them similar content they are likely to enjoy. To get more views, your Reels need to perform well in these key metrics: watch time, engagement rate, and completion rate. Creating content that encourages viewers to watch till the end increases your chance of being featured in the Reels tab.
3. Know Your Audience and What They Love
You cannot create successful content without understanding who you are making it for. Dive into Instagram Insights to learn more about your audience demographics, active hours, and what type of content resonates most. Are they engaging more with tutorials, humor, behind-the-scenes, or aesthetic videos? Tailor your content to match their preferences. The more relevant your Reels are to your audience, the better your chances of gaining traction.
4. Nail the Hook in the First Three Seconds
Attention spans on social media are short. If your video does not catch the interest immediately, users will scroll past it. If the question is “How to get more views on Instagram reels”? The answer lies in the first three seconds of your Reel. It should be compelling, whether it is through an eye-catching visual, an intriguing question, or a bold statement. A good hook sets the tone and encourages viewers to stay and engage with the rest of your video.
5. Use Trending Sounds Strategically
Trending audio clips are a growth hack for Reels. Instagram often boosts content that uses music or sound clips currently gaining popularity. You can discover trending sounds by scrolling through the Reels tab or checking the arrow icon next to the audio name. Use these sounds in a way that aligns with your brand or message. Pairing trending audio with original, high-quality visuals helps you stand out while riding the wave of what is popular.
6. Master Captions and Hashtags for Maximum Reach
Captions give context to your Reel and can prompt users to engage through likes or comments. Ask a question, add a fun fact, or share a behind-the-scenes detail to make your caption more engaging. Hashtags play a big role in discoverability. Use a mix of niche-specific, trending, and broad hashtags to cover different levels of visibility. Avoid overloading with too many hashtags, focus on relevance over quantity.
7. Post Consistently Without Compromising Quality
Consistency signals to the algorithm that you are an active creator, which can result in more favorable placement. However, consistency should not come at the cost of quality. Posting high-value content a few times a week is more effective than daily low-effort uploads. Create a content calendar that balances creativity with consistency to keep your audience engaged and the algorithm happy.
8. Collaborate with Creators in Your Niche
Collaborations help you tap into new audiences while building credibility. Partner with creators who have similar values or audiences. You can do a Reels Remix, a shoutout, or even co-create a video. Tag each other and encourage cross-promotion. When two audiences engage with the same content, it increases the chances of virality and boosts your visibility on both accounts.
9. Repurpose High-Performing Content in a Reel Format
In order to answer the question is: How to get more views on Instagram reels? Look at what has worked for you in the past. If a carousel or static post did well, think about how you can turn that idea into a short video. Repurposing saves time and gives successful content a second life. For example, if a post sharing tips performed well, convert those tips into a voiceover Reel with relevant visuals or animations.
10. Engage Actively After You Post
The first hour after posting a Reel is crucial to get more views on instagram. Instagram gauges early performance to decide how widely to distribute your content. Respond to comments, like replies, and engage with users who are interacting with your Reel. Sharing your Reel to your Stories with a call to action can also help boost visibility. The more activity your post generates early on, the more likely it is to be picked up by the algorithm.
11. Analyze What Works and Double Down on It
Use Instagram Insights to track metrics like reach, watch time, saves, and shares. Identify which Reels are performing best and look for patterns. Is it the format, timing, topic, or style? Once you find a winning formula, replicate and refine it. Testing different content types helps you understand what resonates most with your audience, and focusing on those wins will keep your growth consistent.
12. Cross-Promote Reels on Other Platforms
Maximize your content’s reach by sharing Reels beyond Instagram. Share to your Stories, Facebook, and even TikTok or YouTube Shorts if the format fits. Each platform has different audience segments, so cross-promotion increases the chance of your content going viral. You can also embed Reels in blog posts or newsletters to drive more views from your existing audience.
Some Personal Instagram Handles I liked:
Here are some digital marketing agencies and personal brands that are doing exceptionally well on Instagram, especially in the Reels format:
1. Later media
Later is an Instagram marketing platform that practices what it preaches. Their Reels are visually aesthetic, informative, and made for creators and marketers alike. They consistently share Instagram tips, algorithm updates, and Reel content inspiration with a soft and clean branding style.
2. Duolingo
Duolingo is nailing Instagram by turning its green owl mascot into a chaotic internet celebrity, blending unhinged humor with viral trends to perfection. Their content leans fully into Gen Z meme culture from thirsting over pop stars to jokingly threatening users for skipping lessons — making their posts feel more like entertainment than marketing. With sharp timing, clever commentary, and a bold, unapologetic tone, Duolingo has transformed its Instagram into a place people follow not for language tips, but for laughs — and that’s what keeps the engagement sky-high.
3. Neil Patel
Neil Patel is nailing Instagram by turning complex digital marketing concepts into short, digestible, and highly shareable content that feels personal and practical. His posts mix value-packed carousels, bite-sized SEO tips, and data-backed insights that actually help marketers grow, all delivered in a clean, no-fluff visual style. By consistently showing up with real advice, relatable captions, and proof of expertise, he positions himself not just as a marketer but as your go-to digital mentor who makes algorithms feel a little less scary.
4. Sprout Social
Sprout Social is making Instagram work by showing up with thoughtful, useful content that actually helps marketers do their jobs better. They focus less on selling and more on sharing real insights, from social media trends to simple strategy tips that feel relevant and timely. Their posts are clean, easy to understand and always put the audience first, which makes the account feel more like a trusted guide than a typical brand page. By staying consistent, clear and genuinely helpful, Sprout Social proves they know what good social media looks like and how to make it stick.
5. Hubspot
HubSpot is crushing it on Instagram with a B2B content strategy that’s anything but boring — their feed is packed with value-driven posts, clean visuals, and actionable marketing tips that speak directly to their audience. By sharing bite-sized lessons, relatable workplace moments, and user-generated stories, HubSpot turns its Instagram into more than just a social media channel; it becomes a living example of great content marketing.
6. Tori Dunlap
Though not an agency, this personal finance creator is a masterclass in content scaling and strategy. Her Reels mix trending sounds, storytelling, education, and empowerment, making her content viral and value-driven approach that many agencies can emulate.
Final Thoughts
Getting more views on Instagram Reels is not about luck. It is about understanding how the platform works, creating content that connects, and staying consistent with your efforts. When you combine algorithm knowledge with audience insights and creativity, you give your Reels the best chance to go viral. Stick with these strategies, test what works, and keep showing up, your viral moment might be one post away.
I hope this blog answered your question on how to get more views on Instagram reels. Want your Reels to do more than just exist? At DigiXL Media, we turn scrolls into shares with strategies that actually work. Let’s decode the algorithm, craft content your audience loves, and build momentum that lasts. Ready to go viral for all the right reasons? Let’s make it happen.
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