How to Get More Views on Instagram Reels: Strategies That Actually Work
In late 2023, the Italian fashion resale brand Subito Moda posted a 15-second Instagram Reel featuring a thrifted Prada blazer. It used no voiceovers, no high-end editing, just a trending Italian song, a confident model, and a smart caption. Within 72 hours, the Reel amassed 1.2 million views — quadrupling the brand’s prior record.
What made it explode? And more importantly — how can you replicate that kind of growth?
This isn't about hacking the algorithm (though we'll touch on that). It’s about deeply understanding shifts in content design, user behavior, and platform mechanics — and putting them to work for you. If you’ve ever wondered how to get more views on Instagram Reels, this is the playbook.
The Stage Is Set: Why Reels Matter More Than Ever
Instagram Reels aren’t optional anymore. With Instagram's algorithm prioritizing short-form video content, Reels have become the driver for discovery across virtually every niche.
“In 2024, Reels accounted for over 65% of all Instagram reach for product-based businesses,” reports a recent industry review by Hootsuite.
What does that mean for you? If you're a creator, marketer, or brand — you need to optimize for Reels like your growth depends on it. Because it does.
1. Optimize Early: Hook Viewers in the First 2 Seconds
The first 2 seconds of your Reel are your first impression — and often your last. Stats from Crescitaly.com’s creator performance reports show that Reels with a strong opening frame have a 41% higher completion rate.
Effective hooks that hold attention:
- Sudden motion or zoom: Use camera motion to jolt attention.
- On-screen text questions: “What does $8 get you in Rome?”
- Before-and-after reveals: Design, fashion, makeup, or transformation-based content works well here.
Instagram's algorithm registers watch time and replays. More looped views signal quality, leading to more visibility on the Explore feed and suggested Reels tabs.
2. Sound Strategy: Ride the Right Audio Waves
Music trends on Instagram are tricky. Unlike TikTok, where tracks go viral hourly, Instagram’s audio discovery happens slightly more slowly — but lasts longer. Use this to your advantage.
Here's how:
- Use slightly trending audio (not already viral) to stay ahead of the curve.
- Look at the scrolling sound data: If the audio has 1,000–5,000 uses, it has room to grow.
- Apply branded content overlays to make it yours while still playing the trend.
Pro tip from Crescitaly’s analytics panel: Reels using niche trending audios convert 27% better than those using top mainstream soundbites.
3. Post Timing Consistency > Perfect Time of Day
While timing used to be everything, Instagram’s content cycle now rewards consistency above all. That said, daypart still matters — but only when matched with sustained publishing.
Follow this framework:
- Post 3–5 times per week if your goal is growth.
- Stick to one category per day (behind-the-scenes, tutorial, promo, etc.).
- Test mornings vs. evenings, then use analytics to refine.
Use an SMM panel like Crescitaly.com to schedule Reels, track engagement trends, and monitor what’s performing best over time — especially for multiple accounts or client profiles.
4. Take Advantage of Collaborative Posting
Collaborative Reels allow two users to post a Reel to both of their profiles, merging audiences and doubling discovery potential. Brands and creators are using this to great effect.
Example:
A fitness creator partners with a protein snack brand. They post a co-branded workout challenge Reel. Not only does it tap into two audiences, but the Instagram algorithm registers it across both communities — amplifying organic reach.
Best practice: Use original content with co-branding in visuals and caption. Don’t simply “tag” a collaborator — use Instagram’s official Collab tool to share publishing rights.
5. Add Context with Captions — But Keep Them Tight
Captions matter more than most creators think. They help the algorithm understand context, and they help humans decide if they want to tap 'More.'
Strong captions do 3 things:
- Set the tone: Funny, educational, dramatic, inspiring.
- Add value: “5 tips you can steal today.”
- Invite action: Prompt a comment or DM.
Instagram search is increasingly keyword-driven, and captions are fueling that data. Sprinkle specific terms related to your niche, product, or theme.
6. Go Deep, Not Wide, with Your Niche
One of the most overlooked ways to get more views on Instagram Reels is to narrow your focus. Reels from creators who stay tightly within a category — whether it's minimal home decor or streetwear from Milan — get recommended to more targeted audiences.
"The algorithm rewards consistency, not variety,” says Lidia Ferraro, an Italian social media strategist. “Show Instagram who you are, again and again.”
Use Crescitaly’s targeting tools to analyze competitors in your micro-niche and reverse-engineer which hashtags and content categories are getting traction.
7. Don’t Ignore the Power of Hashtags (Yet)
Hashtags still play a role — not as discovery tools per se, but as indexing signals. They tell Instagram where your content fits, helping Reels land on the right screens.
Quick rules:
- Mix large tags (#fashionreels) with mid-tier tags (#italianstreetstyle).
- Use location tags if applicable.
- Avoid banned or irrelevant hashtags. They limit visibility fast.
Try a 7–15 hashtag range. Don't spam — curate.
Where Reels Are Headed: AI Editors, Auto-Dubbing & Beyond
Instagram is gearing up for an AI-assisted future. In 2024, expect to see these innovations:
- Auto-dubbing in multiple languages for global engagement.
- Generative caption suggestions with real-time analytics.
- Built-in AI video editors enabling seamless visual edits.
Early adopters will have an edge. If you’re already leveraging SMM tools like Crescitaly.com, keep an eye on new features as they integrate these capabilities into their panel dashboard.
Final Takeaways: Instagram Reels Growth in 2024
Getting more views on Instagram Reels in 2024 isn’t about chasing vanity metrics. It’s about building trust with your audience and understanding what kinds of content naturally spread across networks.
Here’s what you should do next:
- Audit your last 10 Reels — identify what got replayed vs. scrolled away.
- Pick 1 content theme to lean into for the next 30 days.
- Use a tool like Crescitaly.com to automate publishing and compare performance across time periods.
Reels will only become more central to how Instagram operates. Tap into this moment deliberately and consistently — and the views will follow.
Meta Title: How to Get More Views on Instagram Reels
Meta Description: Discover actionable strategies and tools to grow your Instagram Reels views and beat the algorithm in 2024.
Tags: Instagram Reels, SMM panel, Content strategy, TikTok growth, Social media tips, Creators, Crescitaly