Getting more Instagram Reel views takes effort, but it's achievable through optimization, promotion, collaborations, and persistence. Pay close attention to which strategies drive the most Reel views for your account. Double down on those successful tactics. Stay on top of algorithm changes and new Instagram features. With a smart, multi-pronged approach, you can continually increase your Reel views and engagement over time.
Instagram Reels have exploded in popularity over the last couple of years. The short, entertaining videos you see in the Reels tab can rack up millions of views seemingly overnight. So how can you get more views on your Instagram Reels? There are several proven tactics you can use to increase views and engagement.
Tips to Increase Instagram Reel Views
Optimize Your Reels for Discovery
The Instagram algorithm determines which Reels are shown to viewers in the Reels tab and in their feeds. So the first step is optimizing your content so the algorithm picks it up and recommends it. Here are some key optimization tips:
Use Relevant Hashtags
Include a mix of popular and niche hashtags so your Reels appear both in general feeds as well as to audiences passionate about your topic. Research hashtags with high engagement rates for maximum discovery. You can include up to 30 hashtags per Reel.
Leverage Trending Sounds
Use currently viral sounds and songs in your Reels. When you do, your content will be discoverable to everyone else searching and using those sounds too. Make sure the sound aligns with your video theme.
Consider Comment Trends
Look at what types of comments go viral under top Reels in your niche. Then encourage your viewers to comment on something similar. This increases engagement and signals to the algorithm the video is resonating.
Film Horizontal Video
Instagram's algorithm favors Reels shot in landscape orientation that take up the full screen. So hold your phone horizontally when filming to produce the highest quality content.
Check Your Analytics
Use Instagram Insights to see when your followers are most active and what types of posts they engage with most and choose the best time to post on Instagram. Then tailor your Reel strategy accordingly for optimal views.
Leverage Your Profile and Activity
There are also some profile-level tactics that can boost Reels views:
Pin your Best Reel
You can pin one Reel at a time to the top of your profile. Choose your best-performing recent Reel to entice viewers to click and watch. Refresh the pinned content regularly.
Share Reels to Feed
In addition to posting directly to your Reels tab, also share your best videos in your Instagram feed. Cross-posting expands your reach and gets Reels in front of more potential viewers.
Engage with Others' Reels
Comment on Reels from top accounts in your niche and like/view them in full. This activity signals the algorithm to share your content with their engaged followers.
Go Live with Reels
Use the Live feature to broadcast yourself making Reels in real-time. Followers get notified when you go Live, which can bring more immediate reel views.
Promote on Other Channels
Share your Reels across your other social media accounts like Facebook and Twitter. Ask loyal email and SMS contacts to view your Reels too.
Collaborate with Influencers
One of the most powerful ways to gain reel exposure is by teaming up with Instagram influencers in your market. Here are some collaboration best practices:
Do a Reel Duet
Duets stitch your Reel together with someone else's. Approach influencers with related content to do a duet. This instantly puts your Reel in front of their audience.
Get a Reel Mention
Ask influencers to post a Reel mentioning your account and encouraging people to check out your content. Even a quick shoutout can send lots of views your way.
Pay for a Reel Shoutout
Larger influencers may charge a promotional fee for sharing your Reels with their followers. The exposure can be well worth the price, so consider investing some marketing dollars this way.
Offer to Make Them a Reel
Provide value by volunteering to produce an eye-catching Reel for an influencer for free. In return, ask for a subtle mention of your account at the end.
Host an Instagram Takeover
Negotiate a day to "take over" an influencer's account by exclusively creating all their Reels content. Make sure to promote your own account while you have their audience's attention.
Advertise Your Reels
Instagram Ads present another avenue for amplifying your Reels reach. Consider investing some money to get your Reels in front of more people with these options:
Boost Key Reels
Select your best-performing organic Reels to put some spending behind with promotions. Instagram charges per view for boosted Reels, usually a very cost-efficient way to grow views.
Run a Branded Content Ad
Pay an influencer to create Reels featuring your brand/product and then amplify them with ads. Their authentic endorsement combined with your ad budget can achieve great results.
Use a Click to Reels Ad
These ads feature a short looping Reel that users can click on to visit your profile and watch the full Reel. Great for driving traffic from feeds to your Reels tab.
Test Reels Stickers
With Reel sticker ads, brands sponsor interactive stickers people can add to their own Reels, driving views back to the sponsor's account. Explore options tailored to your audience.
Promote Your Best Organic Reels
Once you see an organic Reel taking off, create a Reels ad duplicating the same content to extend the reach even further with paid spend.
Continue Optimizing for more IG Reel Views
Building your Instagram Reel views requires commitment and consistency with your approach. But it's one of the most effective ways to reach a wider audience and grow your account. Start brainstorming creative Reel ideas and implementing promotion strategies today. Keep optimizing until you see your view count consistently hitting new highs. With strategic effort, you can master Instagram Reels and become a top creator in your niche!
As with any social media content, keep analyzing your Reels performance and fine-tuning your strategy over time. Track which types of Reels do best and make more of those. Stay on top of Instagram algorithm changes. Take advantage of any new Reels features as they are introduced. Patience and consistency are key - your views will grow as you master Instagram Reels!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many hashtags should you use in an Instagram Reel?
You can include up to 30 hashtags in an Instagram Reel. Use a mix of popular hashtags and niche hashtags relevant to your content to maximize discovery.
2. What is the ideal length for an Instagram Reel?
Aim for 15-30 seconds in length as a best practice. Instagram Reels can be up to 60 seconds long, but shorter Reels around 15-20 seconds tend to get more views and engagement.
3. How do you make money from Instagram Reels?
Top ways to monetize Instagram Reels include promoting products/services in your Reels, doing brand sponsorships, using affiliate links in your bio or Reel captions, selling digital products like ebooks or courses, and running Instagram Reels ads.
4. What is the best time to post an Instagram Reel?
Check your Instagram Insights to see when your followers are most active on the platform. In general, early evenings on weekdays or midday on weekends tend to see high Instagram engagement.
5. How do you go viral on Instagram Reels?
Strategies to help Reels go viral include using trending audios/effects, jumping on hashtag challenges, encouraging comments, collaborating with influencers, cross-promoting, optimizing for the algorithm, and promoting Reels with ads. Consistently creating engaging content improves your odds.