How To Get More Views on Reels: 10 Tips

Instagram Reels are short, 90-second videos that you can create and share right to Instagram. They’re also a great way to connect with your audience and grow your following, but first, you’ll want to know how to get more views on Reels. Whether it's framing your shots or creating an attention-grabbing hook, every choice you make can help your content go viral.

Read on to learn all the essential tips you need to boost your Instagram Reel views.

What Counts as a View on Instagram Reels?

A view on Instagram refers to any unique play lasting at least three seconds. This timing may seem brief, but it highlights the importance of capturing attention within the first few seconds of your video.

Instagram only counts one view per person, so multiple watches from the same account don’t add up. Individual views are known as your reach, which you can track on Instagram’s metrics page. This is different from impressions, which count both individual and repeated views.

Tracking views on Instagram shows how well your content is performing and how engaged your audience is. By keeping an eye on views, you can see what posts people like most and adjust your content to reach a broader audience.

10 Ways To Boost Your Instagram Reel Views

Use these 10 tips to boost your Instagram Reel likes, views, and visibility.

1. Make High-Quality Content

When trying to make a Reel go viral, your first priority should be making quality content. That doesn’t mean you have to go out and buy expensive filming equipment — instead, try the following tips to improve your Reels’ quality:

• Keep your camera steady — Use a tripod or set your phone on a flat surface to capture stable footage.
• Use good lighting — Set up near a ring light or window to create good lighting in your shot.
• Frame your shots — Focus your camera on the main subject to hold viewers’ interest.
• Keep it short and engaging — Create posts that fit within Reels’ time limit of up to 90 seconds.
  
  

2. Hook Viewers From the Start

If your Reels aren’t getting views, there’s a chance your videos aren't grabbing enough attention early on in the post. To improve your hooks, try using an interesting opening line, an eye-catching visual, or a quick preview of what’s to come.

A great way to find inspiration for different hooks is to research viral videos within your niche. See if there are any similarities between the most popular posts, then adapt that strategy to your own content style.

3. Use Keywords in Your Script 

Including the right keywords in your Reels can help more people find your content when they search. For example, if your Reel is about fitness, use keywords like “home workout” or “easy exercises” to attract beginners.

To find popular keywords, use the Instagram search bar and type something related to your content. The app will show several options related to your niche, which you can add to your script and on-screen captions.

4. Write Specific and Concise Titles

Titles give viewers a quick idea of your Reel’s topic, helping them decide whether to watch. For example, a cooking video titled "5-Minute Healthy Breakfast Ideas" immediately tells viewers that they will learn quick and nutritious breakfast options, making them more likely to click and watch. 

This works better than just saying something vague like “Yummy recipe,” since that’s too broad to appeal to a specific audience. Plus, it makes it easier for viewers to find your Reel when they search for things like “quick recipes” or “easy breakfast.”

5. Use Trending Audio

Adding trending audio to your Instagram Reels can boost your channel’s visibility. The algorithm uses signals like a Reel’s sound and content to rank the post. So, using trending audio is a great way to increase your channel’s visibility.

To find trendy audio, explore the Reels tab regularly to see what other creators are using most often. Once you find a sound that fits your post, adapt it to fit your content. 

If you don’t have the time for this research, try Captions. Our platform generates custom, royalty-free tracks from over 50 genres, moods, and themes to achieve studio-grade sound in seconds.

6. Add Captions for Accessibility and Clarity

Adding captions makes your Reels accessible to a broader audience, including viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing. Subtitles also help viewers understand your content better in sound-off environments, like when they’re in public spaces. Since viewers can easily follow your content without sound, they may be more likely to watch the post all the way through.

To create effective subtitles, use Captions to analyze your video and automatically turn spoken words into on-screen text.

7. Use Dynamic Transitions and Shots

Varied transitions and shots keep your Reels visually engaging, making viewers more likely to watch to the end. Use quick cuts, smooth transitions, and a mix of close-ups and wide shots to add a professional touch to the post and encourage viewers to keep watching.

8. Post Consistently and Strategically

When trying to grow your following on Instagram, post regularly — this keeps your audience engaged and helps you stay top of mind. 

There are several factors to consider before deciding how often you should post. Your following size, your audience’s habits, and your own content capacity play a big role in engagement. Start by aiming for a schedule that feels manageable, then adjust based on your workload.

9. Share Reels on Your Feed

When Reels appear on your profile grid, followers are more likely to see these posts as they scroll. So, make sure your Reels show up on your main feed instead of just the Reels tab.

Before uploading a Reel, toggle on the option that says "Also share to Feed." This will ensure your video appears both in your Reels tab and your main profile.

10. Promote Your Reels

Instagram allows you to create a paid campaign to promote a Reel on the app. Here’s how:

• Create your Reel — First, film and edit your Reel as you normally would in the Instagram app, ensuring it’s engaging and high-quality.
• Go to your profile — After posting your Reel, go to your profile and choose the Reel you want to promote.
• Click the three dots — Tap the dots in the top-right corner of the post to open more options.
• Select "Boost" — From the menu, choose the “Boost” option. This will open the promotion setup screen.
• Choose your settings — Set your ideal goals, audience, and budget.
• Launch — Tap “Boost Reel” under “Review your ad.”

Why Your Reels Might Not Be Getting Views

If you’re not seeing much traction on your Reels yet, don’t be discouraged. Many creators face similar challenges at first. One of the main keys to success is building early engagement. Instagram's algorithm boosts content that quickly gets likes, comments, and shares. 

Another way to increase your Reels’ reach is by focusing on content quality. Reels with clear visuals, engaging elements, and good production tend to perform better. Small upgrades, like using better lighting or editing equipment, can make a big difference. 

Also, keep in mind that Instagram favors original content, so try to avoid using videos with watermarks from other platforms. By making these adjustments, you’ll be setting your Reels up for a greater chance to connect with your audience.

Level Up Your Reels With Captions

In order to increase your chances to make a Reel go viral, you’ll want to always make top quality content you’re proud to share. 

That's where Captions comes in. Our powerful AI tools are perfect for Instagram Reels. Automatically edit footage, create subtitles, and generate music with just a few clicks. With all the time you’ll save on editing, you can focus on coming up with new, creative ideas for your profile instead.

Use Captions to make high-quality posts — no advanced editing skills required.