Are Instagram Reels giving you headaches?
With 45% of Instagram users interacting with at least one Reel each week, it’s no surprise marketers and independent creators are looking to leverage this format to achieve their goals.
To help social media managers get the hang of creating viral Instagram Reels, in this article, we will discuss some of the top Instagram Reels hacks that are bound to get more views.
Top Instagram Reels Hacks
Instagram Reels hacks and social media content strategy
20 Instagram Reels hacks to get more views
Measuring your Instagram Reels performance with Socialinsider
Why are your Reels not getting enough views?
Instagram Reels hacks and social media content strategy
Should Reels be part of your social media content strategy?
As consumer expectations evolve, brands must adapt to their needs to remain relevant—especially if the target audience includes millennials and Gen Zers.
It is no news that the immensely popular TikTok inspired the design of Reels. And thanks to this tried-and-true, highly addictive formula, Reels manage to attract and engage users.
Instagram’s various features, such as Remix for photos, formats and templates, video clipping, drafts, AR effect, and even timer, also allow brands to experiment with Reels to create authentic, engaging content.
Social media managers should leverage Reels as part of their content strategy to grow their brand by educating their audience, showing the brand’s identity and values, and highlighting what sets their products apart from their competitors.
Get powerful Reels views insights with Socialinsider!
Instagram Reels hacks to get more views
Now that you’ve understood the importance of leveraging Instagram’s Reels feature—let’s talk business.
The bad news is that there is no way to actually hack Instagram’s algorithm and get thousands of views in a heartbeat.
However, there are a few things you can do to optimize your Reels and pave your way to success.
If you want to boost views and likes on Instagram Reels, here are 13 tips and tricks you might want to try:
#1 Share your Reels in-feed
The first thing you can do to boost your Reels’ views is to ensure they are also visible on your profile. Storing them in your Reels tabs only may drastically affect the performance of your clip, as it can go unnoticed.
Instagram also allows you to choose a cover image for your Reel so you won’t mess up the aesthetic of your feed.
#2 Don’t replicate content from other apps
According to Instagram, Reels that are obviously reused from other apps are deprioritized. This can make your content less likely to appear on the Instagram Explore Page and the Reels tab.
As Instagram offers many editing features, it would be best if you avoided the TikTok watermark at all costs and created your Reel in-app.
This way, you’ll increase your chances of users reaching your content.
#3 Choose an attractive thumbnail
While you might be tempted to think that Instagram can handle choosing the perfect cover for your Reels better, that’s not necessarily true.
Try picking a visually attractive thumbnail that can quickly draw the interest of scrollers.
To help viewers identify the type of content you’re sharing, you can even add text or a quote as a title. This will add value to the viewer before even seeing the Reel.
#4 Pay attention to your text alignment on-screen
Viewers will probably swipe past your video if the text is difficult to read.
Ensure that the text you add is within the 4:5 ratio—especially if you plan to share it on your feed as well. The post will appear more aesthetically pleasing and the text will be easier to read.
#5 Experiment with transitions
Using cut-and-transform transitions is an excellent method for engaging users.
When someone comes across a dynamic transition, they are more likely to watch your Reel fully because it piques their curiosity.
However, transitions are difficult to pull off. You’ll need to ensure that one scene seamlessly blends into the next.
#6 Create an interesting hook
Keep in mind that your Reel is up against millions of others.
The first seconds of every Reel are the most important. When a user spends more than 3 seconds looking at your Reel, it counts as a view.
You may use text, sounds, a form of salute—or anything that draws attention—to mark the beginning of your video and keep your viewers interested till the end of the clip.
#7 Use short captions and relevant hashtags
Your caption should be intriguing, alluring, and provide some context for the Reel.
Even though Reels captions on Instagram can be up to 2,200 characters, you should keep them brief—especially if your footage is solely for entertainment.