How to Get More Views on Reels A Practical Guide

Ever spent hours crafting the perfect Reel, only to watch it fizzle out with a few hundred views? Meanwhile, some other creator's seemingly simple clip blows up overnight. It's frustrating, but it’s not random. It's all about the signals you're sending to the Instagram algorithm.

The platform's goal is simple: keep people on the app as long as possible. Your Reels are the bait.

Understanding Why Some Reels Go Viral and Others Don’t

The old playbook of just jumping on a trending audio track is pretty much dead. Sure, it can give you a little nudge, but the algorithm is much smarter now. It's looking for content that genuinely captures and holds viewer attention, moving way beyond surface-level metrics.

To get more views, you have to start thinking like the algorithm. It’s constantly evaluating your content based on a few key questions.

Key Algorithmic Signals That Matter Most

What does the algorithm actually care about? It boils down to a few critical signals:

• Do people watch it all the way through? This is your watch time and audience retention. A high completion rate is pure gold. It’s one of the strongest positive signals you can send.
• Do viewers watch it more than once? A replay tells Instagram your content was so good it deserved a second look.
• Do people interact with it in a meaningful way? We're talking more than just likes. The algorithm places a much higher value on shares, saves, and comments.
• Do users actively seek it out? When someone finds your Reel through a keyword search, it signals high relevance and authority on that topic.

A "like" is easy. It's a passive double-tap while scrolling. But a "save"? That means your content was so valuable someone wanted to come back to it later. That’s a powerful sign that you’re providing real utility, whether it's through education, inspiration, or pure entertainment.

Key Takeaway: The Instagram algorithm rewards content that keeps users on the platform. Focus on creating Reels so valuable or entertaining that people watch them fully, save them for later, and share them with their friends.

Let's break down the main factors the algorithm is looking at. This isn't guesswork; it's what directly impacts whether your Reel gets pushed to a wider audience or gets stuck in limbo.

Key Factors Influencing Your Reels View Count

| Factor | Why It Matters | How to Optimize | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Audience Retention | This is the percentage of your video people watch. High retention is the #1 signal of engaging content. | Create a killer hook in the first 3 seconds. Use fast-paced editing and on-screen text to keep attention. | | Watch Time | The total time people spend watching your Reel. The algorithm favors content that keeps users on the app longer. | Make your content genuinely valuable or entertaining. Tell a complete story or provide a full tip, don't just tease. | | Shares | When a user sends your Reel to a friend, it’s a strong endorsement that the content is worth sharing with others. | Create relatable, funny, or "I need to show you this" type of content. Add a clear call-to-action like "Share this with a friend who needs it." | | Saves | This indicates your Reel provides value that someone wants to revisit later (e.g., a recipe, a tutorial, an inspiring quote). | Focus on educational or inspirational content. Use text overlays to make key information easy to reference later. | | Comments | Comments create community and signal that your content sparked a conversation. | Ask open-ended questions in your caption or in the video itself. Respond to comments to encourage more interaction. |

Prioritizing these factors, especially audience retention and shares/saves, is how you start working with the algorithm instead of against it.

The Power of Audience Retention

Think of audience retention as the gatekeeper to viral potential. If you can't hold someone's attention past the first few seconds, none of the other metrics even get a chance to matter.

A huge drop-off in viewership right at the beginning is a massive red flag for the algorithm. It will immediately stop showing your Reel to new people.

This is why your hook is everything. A provocative question, a surprising visual, a bold claim—it’s non-negotiable. You have to give people a compelling reason to stop their scroll.

The Scale of Reels Consumption

The opportunity here is just massive. People are glued to Reels. Users watch them over 200 billion times every single day across Instagram and Facebook.

That number represents a nearly 43% jump in daily plays since late 2022, which tells you everything you need to know about where the platform is headed. In fact, more than one-third of all time spent on Instagram is now dedicated to watching Reels, and the average user's feed is now nearly 38.5% Reels content. If you want to dive deeper, you can discover more insights about the rise of Reels and what it means for creators.

Developing Your Reels Content Strategy

If you're posting Reels without a real plan, you're basically throwing darts in the dark. Sure, you might get lucky and hit the board once in a while, but you’ll never consistently hit the bullseye. To really rack up views, you have to stop the random acts of content and build a deliberate strategy.

This all starts with a crucial mindset shift: stop thinking about what you want to create and focus entirely on what your audience wants to see. What are their biggest headaches? What questions do they keep asking? Your best Reels will be the ones that give them the answers.

Define Your Core Content Pillars

Instead of trying to be everything to everyone, anchor your entire strategy around 3 core content pillars. Think of these as the guideposts for all your brainstorming. They make sure every single Reel you post has a clear purpose.

A simple, balanced approach that just works is:

• Educate: Teach your audience something genuinely useful. This could be a quick "how-to," a common mistake to avoid in your industry, or a simple tip that saves them time.
• Entertain: Make them laugh. Make them feel seen. Give them a moment of escape. This is where you can lean into relatable humor, trends, and good old-fashioned storytelling.
• Inspire: Share a client's success story, a motivational message, or a behind-the-scenes look at your journey. This is how you connect on a deeper, emotional level.

For instance, a real estate agent could create educational Reels on "3 Things First-Time Homebuyers Overlook," entertaining Reels showing the "Funny Side of House Hunting," and inspiring Reels that feature a client getting the keys to their dream home. This mix keeps things fresh and hooks viewers for different reasons.

Creating content is a marathon, not a sprint. Your strategy has to be repeatable, otherwise you'll burn out trying to reinvent the wheel every single day.

To get the most out of your efforts, look into smart content repurposing strategies. A single blog post can easily be broken down into five different educational video scripts. That’s a week of content from one asset. Work smarter, not harder.

Uncover Topics and Audio Your Audience Loves

Let’s be clear: jumping on trends still works. But only if the trend actually makes sense for your brand. If you sell B2B software, doing a random dance challenge will probably just confuse your followers and attract the wrong crowd. The trick is finding trends that align with your content pillars.

Your research should boil down to two main activities:

1. Topic Research: Dive into the comments section on your posts and your competitors' posts. What questions pop up again and again? That's content gold. Also, use the Instagram search bar. Type in keywords related to your niche and see what suggestions pop up—that’s literally what people are looking for.
2. Audio Research: When you’re scrolling and hear the same sound a few times, tap on it. See how many Reels have been made with it. Look for the little upward-trending arrow next to its name. Most importantly, see how others in your niche are using it. Can you put your own unique spin on it that fits one of your content pillars?

Imagine a personal trainer sees a trending audio clip of someone saying, "I can't believe I used to do it that way." Perfect. They can use that sound for an educational Reel showing a common workout mistake, followed by the correct form. It combines the reach of a trend with real value for their audience.

Building a Sustainable Content Calendar

Once you have your pillars and a research process, it's time to build a content calendar that you can actually stick to. Don't kid yourself by planning to post three times a day if that's unrealistic. Consistency is far more important than frequency.

Start small. Plan out just one week of content. Assign one Reel to each of your pillars and schedule them on the days your audience is most active (your Instagram Insights will tell you this).

This simple structure creates a workflow that keeps you on track without making you feel completely overwhelmed. Your calendar isn't just a schedule; it's the tool that ensures you're hitting that perfect balance of educating, entertaining, and inspiring your community—which is how you turn casual viewers into loyal followers.

Creating Reels That Stop the Scroll

In the blink-and-you'll-miss-it world of Instagram, you have about three seconds to earn a viewer's attention. If your Reel doesn't give them a reason to stop scrolling immediately, they won't. Crafting a video that truly grabs someone is an art, but it's one you can absolutely master with the right approach.

The secret isn’t some high-tech editing suite or a camera that costs a fortune. It’s about understanding what makes people tick and using the tools Instagram provides to create a short, punchy experience. From that very first frame to the final call to action, every single element needs a purpose.

Craft an Irresistible Hook

Your hook is, without a doubt, the most critical part of your Reel. It's the silent promise you make to the viewer in those first couple of seconds. A weak hook leads to a quick swipe, which signals to the algorithm that your content isn't engaging enough to show to more people.

A great hook usually does one of these things:

• Asks a burning question: "Are you making this common workout mistake?" This instantly piques the curiosity of anyone interested in fitness.
• Makes a bold, surprising claim: "I stopped drinking coffee for 30 days, and this is what happened." People have to know the result.
• Starts with a stunning visual: A dramatic before-and-after shot, a super-satisfying process, or something completely unexpected can stop a thumb in its tracks.

Think of your hook as the headline for your video. It needs to be sharp, relevant, and make someone need to see what happens next. If you're looking to really nail this, digging into proven hooks for Reels can give you a ton of ideas and seriously boost your views.

Master Simple Storytelling Structures

Believe it or not, even a 15-second Reel needs a story. A clear narrative—no matter how short—makes your video feel complete and satisfying, which is a huge factor for audience retention. Don't overthink it; a basic beginning, middle, and end is all you need.

For example, a 30-second tutorial could look like this:

1. The Problem (Beginning): Show a common frustration, like a totally disorganized closet.
2. The Solution (Middle): Demonstrate your quick and easy organization hack.
3. The Result (End): Reveal the beautifully organized closet as the satisfying payoff.

This simple formula provides clarity and makes sure your point lands. Viewers who watch all the way through are sending a massive positive signal to the algorithm, making it much more likely your Reel will get pushed out to a new audience.

Elevate Your Visuals and Editing

You don't need a Hollywood budget, but you do need to get the basics of good video right. Poor lighting or a shaky camera can make even the most brilliant content look amateurish.

Focus on these key areas to instantly improve your quality:

• Lighting: Natural light is your best friend. Seriously, just filming while facing a window makes a world of difference. If you can't, a simple ring light is a cheap investment that pays for itself.
• Camera Angles: Don't film everything from one static position. Mix it up! Use a close-up to show detail, then a wider shot for context. It keeps things interesting.
• Native Features: Use the tools Instagram gives you. Add text overlays to highlight key points (this is also great for people watching with the sound off). Use smooth transitions to create a seamless, professional flow between clips.

These small details compound to create a polished video that feels more premium and is just more enjoyable to watch.

Pro Tip: Keep your cuts quick. The pace of short-form video is fast. Aim to switch shots every 1-3 seconds to keep the momentum going and prevent anyone from getting bored.

As you focus on getting more views, you also have to keep an eye on what's new. For example, staying on top of developments like Instagram's new unlockable Reels feature could open up huge opportunities for engagement and virality.

Choose Your Audio Wisely

Jumping on a trending audio track can give your Reel a major visibility boost, but you have to be smart about it. Just slapping a popular song on a random video won't cut it. The audio needs to fit the vibe and enhance your message, not distract from it.

Before you pick a sound, ask yourself:

• Does the mood of this audio match my video's tone?
• Can I time my cuts or on-screen actions to the beat?
• Is this trend actually relevant to my audience and niche?

Think about it: a business coach using a trending "making millions" sound to highlight a client's success? Perfect fit. That same coach using it on a video of their dog? It just feels random and disconnected. The goal is to find that sweet spot where popular meets on-brand.

Optimizing Reels for Maximum Reach and Discovery

You’ve made a great Reel. Awesome. But that’s only half the job. Now you have to get people to actually see it.

Once you hit publish, a handful of small, strategic choices can mean the difference between getting a few hundred views and going viral. It all boils down to making your content as discoverable as possible for the right audience.

This isn’t just about slapping a few hashtags on and calling it a day. It’s about writing captions that start real conversations. It’s about using a cover photo that stops the scroll. Every single element works together to give your Reel its best shot at taking off.

Crafting Captions That Spark Conversation

Your caption is prime real estate for boosting engagement. Don't just describe what's happening in the video; use it to add context, give extra value, and get people talking in the comments.

One of the easiest ways to do this? End your caption with a direct, open-ended question. If you’re a chef sharing a quick recipe, you could ask, "What's the one ingredient you'd add to make this your own?" It’s a simple shift, but it invites personal opinions and feels much more genuine than a generic, "Let me know what you think!"

Another must-do is including a strong call-to-action (CTA). Don't just assume people will share your Reel. Tell them to. A CTA like "Share this with a friend who needs a new weeknight recipe" gives viewers a clear, simple action to take, which directly fuels one of the algorithm's most important engagement signals.

Developing a Modern Hashtag Strategy

Gone are the days of stuffing 30 random, high-volume hashtags into your caption. Instagram's search is way smarter now, and it prioritizes relevance over sheer quantity. The modern approach is all about layering your hashtags to target different audiences.

Here’s what a balanced mix looks like:

• Broad, High-Volume Tags (2-3): Think big, like #videomarketing or #digitalcreator. These give you a quick, though often short-lived, burst of visibility.
• Niche-Specific Tags (3-5): Get more focused here. Use tags like #realtortips or #veganmealprep. This is how you connect with people actively searching for your specific kind of content.
• Hyper-Specific Tags (2-3): These are unique to the Reel itself, like #kitchenorganizationhacks or #firsttimehomebuyermistakes. These are your secret weapon for ranking in search and attracting your ideal follower.

This tiered strategy casts a wide net but also hones in on the exact people who are most likely to stick around and follow you.

Optimizing Your Posting Time and Frequency

When you post is almost as important as what you post. That initial burst of engagement is a massive signal to the Instagram algorithm that your content is worth showing to more people.

The data doesn't lie—timing matters. Reels posted at midnight, for instance, pull in the highest average views at around 25,159, with Sunday posts also seeing strong performance. The average Reel can expect about 16,153 views, 243 likes, and 28 saves, so every little optimization helps you beat the baseline.

Key Insight: Don't just guess. Post when your specific audience is online. Dive into your Instagram Insights, tap on "Total Followers," and scroll down to find the exact days and hours your community is most active. Schedule your posts for those peak times.

Designing a Compelling Cover Photo

Your Reel's cover photo is its first impression. It's what people see on your profile grid and often on the Explore page. A blurry, confusing, or just plain boring cover is an invitation for someone to keep scrolling.

Always pick a crisp, high-quality frame from your video or, even better, upload a custom cover that tells people exactly what the Reel is about. Use bold, clear text to spell out the value, like "5 Tips for..." or "How to Fix...". This one step makes your entire profile look more polished and turns your feed into a searchable library for new visitors. Getting the visuals right is a core part of good video marketing best practices, and it absolutely applies here.

And one last thing: always, always toggle on the "Share to Feed" option when you publish. This gives your Reel an immediate audience with your existing followers, helping it build that crucial early momentum it needs to get picked up by the algorithm and shown to the world.

Using Analytics to Fuel Your Growth

Creating Reels without ever checking your analytics is like driving with your eyes closed. Sure, you're moving, but you have no clue if you're actually heading toward your destination. If you really want to get more views on your Reels, you have to stop guessing what works and start letting the data tell you exactly what your audience wants.

Your analytics are a direct line into your audience's brain. They show you what makes them stop scrolling, what holds their attention, and what makes them immediately swipe away. Digging into these numbers is the only way to figure out how to replicate your wins and, just as importantly, avoid repeating your flops.

Moving Beyond Vanity Metrics

First things first: we need to look past that big, flashy "Views" number. It feels great to see it climb, but on its own, it doesn't tell you the whole story. The metrics that really matter are the ones that measure genuine engagement and how long you can keep someone's attention.

These deeper metrics are the signals the Instagram algorithm truly cares about. They prove your content is valuable enough to keep people on the platform—which is Instagram's number one goal. Focusing on these will have a much bigger impact on your reach in the long run.

This chart shows just how much posting time can influence average views, with a clear spike in the evening.

The data here makes a strong case for scheduling your Reels when your audience is most active, typically during evening hours, to give your content the best possible launchpad.

The Metrics That Truly Drive Reach

So, what should you actually be tracking? Your analytics dashboard is packed with data, but a few key numbers are far more important than the rest for sustainable growth.

Here’s a breakdown of the essentials you need to keep a close eye on:

• Average Watch Time: This is the average amount of time people spend watching your Reel. A higher number is a powerful signal to the algorithm that your content is captivating.
• Audience Retention Chart: This graph is your secret weapon. It shows you the exact second viewers drop off, letting you pinpoint a weak hook or a boring segment in your video.
• Shares: When someone sends your Reel to a friend, it’s one of the strongest endorsements you can get. The algorithm sees shares as a massive indicator of high-quality, relatable content.
• Saves: This metric signals that your Reel was so valuable that someone wanted to keep it for later. It’s a huge clue that you’re creating useful, evergreen content.

By focusing on improving these four areas, you’ll naturally see your view count climb. You can learn more about bringing these numbers together by checking out our guide on building a powerful social media analytics dashboard.

Key Insight: Don't get hung up on one Reel that flopped. Instead, look for patterns across your top 5-10 videos. What do they all have in common? A specific format? A certain topic? A particular hook style? That’s where you’ll find the secret sauce.

Turning Insights Into Actionable Strategy

Data is completely useless if you don't do anything with it. The real magic happens when you use your analytics to make smarter decisions about what you create next.

To see what I mean, go look at your best-performing Reel from the last month. Dive into its specific analytics and pull up the retention graph. Did the hook work exceptionally well? Was there a specific visual or line of text that kept people watching? Your goal is to deconstruct that success and apply those lessons to your future content.

The table below breaks down these key metrics to help you turn numbers into a solid game plan.

Interpreting Key Reels Analytics

| Metric | What It Means | Actionable Insight | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Average Watch Time | How long, on average, people watched your video. | A low watch time means your hook or middle section isn't working. Test new hooks or make your content snappier. | | Audience Retention | A second-by-second graph showing when viewers drop off. | Pinpoint the exact moment interest wanes. Was it a slow part? A confusing visual? Cut that element out of future videos. | | Shares | The number of times your Reel was sent to others or shared to Stories. | Content that gets shared is often relatable, funny, or shocking. Lean into the emotional triggers that are driving shares. | | Saves | The number of users who bookmarked your Reel. | High saves indicate your content is educational, inspirational, or useful. Create more content that serves as a resource for your audience. |

By consistently reviewing your performance and tweaking your approach based on real data, you transform your content strategy from a game of chance into a predictable system for growth.

Still Have Questions About Getting More Reels Views?

You've got the strategy down, but sometimes it's the little details that trip you up. Navigating the world of Reels can feel like that. Let’s clear the air and tackle some of the most common questions creators ask when they’re trying to crack the views code.

What’s the Best Length for a Reel?

Even though you can post Reels up to 90 seconds long, shorter is almost always better.

I've found the sweet spot for most content is somewhere between 7 and 15 seconds. That’s just long enough to land a punchy message but short enough that people don’t get bored and swipe away.

The algorithm loves high audience retention and completion rates. A shorter video is way easier for someone to watch all the way through—or even a few times over—which sends a huge positive signal to Instagram. Longer Reels can definitely work for deep-dive tutorials or compelling stories, but only if you can keep people glued to the screen from the very first second.

How Often Should I Be Posting Reels?

Consistency will always beat frequency. It's so much better to post one high-quality, banger Reel every day than it is to post three mediocre ones that fall flat. Find a rhythm that you can actually stick to without burning out or letting the quality slide.

For most people, a great starting point is 3 to 5 Reels per week. This keeps your account active and gives you enough content to see what’s actually connecting with your audience. Once you hit your stride, you can ramp it up, but never, ever sacrifice quality for quantity.

Should I Delete Reels That Don't Perform Well?

I know it’s tempting to hit delete on a Reel that flops, but my advice is to leave it alone.

Deleting content can mess with the algorithm's understanding of your account. Plus, that low-performing Reel is still giving you data. I’ve even seen some of my own videos get a second wind and suddenly blow up weeks or months after I posted them.

Instead of deleting, treat it as a learning moment. Dig in and figure out why it didn't do well. Was the hook weak? Was the audio choice weird for your brand? Use that knowledge to make your next video even better. The only time you should really consider deleting is if the content is just plain wrong, has a major error, or makes your brand look bad.

An underperforming Reel isn't a failure; it's feedback. Every video, successful or not, teaches you something valuable about your audience and your content strategy.

How Can I Revive a Dead Account?

If your views have been in a slump for a while, it’s time to hit the reset button. Start by doing a quick content audit. Jump into your analytics and find your best-performing Reels of all time. What do they have in common? A certain format? A specific topic? A particular style of hook?

Once you find that pattern, double down on it. Stop experimenting for a bit and just focus on creating more of what you know already works to build back momentum. It also helps to start engaging heavily with other accounts in your niche—leave real, thoughtful comments to signal to the algorithm that you’re active again. As your views climb, you can even open up new income streams. Check out our guide on how to monetize Instagram Reels to learn more.

---

Ready to stop guessing and start creating content that actually gets seen? ViewPrinter is your all-in-one AI platform for creating, editing, and scheduling social media content that works. Generate eye-catching slideshows, craft perfect video ads with our UGC and avatar studios, and put your posting schedule on autopilot across Instagram and TikTok. Sign up for ViewPrinter today and turn your content strategy into a view-generating machine.