general

How to Get More Views on Instagram Reels: Strategies That Work

Crescitaly Staff

Crescitaly Staff

— 4 min read

Last summer, a 23-year-old artist from Berlin posted a 15-second Reels clip of her painting process. In 48 hours, it gathered 2.1 million views. The kicker? She had fewer than 800 followers. Welcome to the magic—and mystery—of Instagram Reels.

With over 2 billion monthly active users and Reels accounting for more than 20% of time spent on the platform, Instagram is doubling down on short-form content. But creating a Reel is easy; getting it seen is a different story. So, how do creators, marketers, and brands crack the code?

Let's break down exactly how to get more views on Instagram Reels, using proven strategies, fresh data, and creator-tested tools like Crescitaly that power real social media growth.

Why Reels Matter More Than Ever

Instagram's shift toward Reels isn't just cosmetic—it's algorithmic. Reels are prioritized on the Explore feed, helping users discover accounts they don’t yet follow. That means even small creators have outsized visibility if their content hits the right notes.

What Makes Reels So Powerful?

  • Discovery-first design: Reels are shown beyond followers, unlike Stories or posts.
  • Native shareability: Users can remix, save, comment, and reshare Reels with ease.
  • Algorithm support: Meta is competing with TikTok, so it's incentivizing Reels views and engagement.
“Instagram Reels is where attention lives now. It’s the quickest route to viral for almost any niche.” – Toby L., social media strategist at MoonWalker Agency

Proven Tactics to Boost Your Instagram Reels Views

The Reels algorithm favors content that's engaging, timely, and rewatchable. Here are the strategies that consistently deliver results for creators and brands alike.

1. Hook Within the First 1.5 Seconds

Scroll behavior on Instagram is fast and unforgiving. The average user decides in under two seconds whether to keep watching or swipe away. That makes your opening visual crucial. Use an attention-grabbing movement, question, or text overlay right from frame one.

Reels with trending sounds have a higher likelihood of being picked up by the algorithm. You can find these audios by checking the arrow icon on the Reels music page or platforms like TikTok's Trending section—yes, cross-platform trends often overlap.

Pro Tip: Pair trending audio with something unexpected in your niche to stand out. A fitness creator dancing to a nostalgic 90s remix grabbed 800K views last month alone.

3. Keep It Visual and Value-Packed

  • Use punchy cut edits to keep the pace quick.
  • Add captions—85% of users watch video with the sound off.
  • Deliver clear value: tutorials, transformation, or entertainment.

For example, a flexitarian recipe creator tripled her Reels views by offering 5-second healthy meal hacks with upbeat audio and bright lighting.

4. Hashtag Like It's 2015 (But Smarter)

Yes, hashtags still matter. Use a mix of mega-popular and niche-specific tags. Think: #ReelsInstagram, #MorningRoutine, combined with #AltFinanceTips or #SoberSkinJourney.

5. Post Consistently—But With a Twist

Audiences (and the algorithm) love predictable consistency. But vary your formats: behind-the-scenes, transformations, Q&A, or stitched responses to other creators.

Creators using Crescitaly's advanced SMM panel saw sustained growth by planning and auto-publishing diverse Reels content using insights from their analytics dashboard.

Optimize Your Reels For the Algorithm

Instagram gives subtle clues about what drives Reels growth. Here’s how to decode and optimize for reach:

Engagement Is a Signal, Not Just a Reward

Shares, saves, and comments tell the algorithm: “This content matters.” Encourage interaction by asking short-form questions in your captions or including CTAs like “Double tap if you agree.”

Timing Isn't Everything—But It Helps

Use Instagram Insights or your Crescitaly dashboard to find when your audience is most active, and schedule Reels accordingly. Some industries see better traction in early mornings or late evenings due to demographic behavior.

Don’t Delete Underperforming Reels

Reels can go viral days—or even weeks—after posting. Removing content can hurt your long-tail reach. Instead, learn from the data and iterate.

“One of our Reels sat under 5K views for four days. Then it jumped to over 200K after people started sharing it in Telegram groups focused on parenting. Never underestimate niche virality.” — Sydney, founder of MomShift Media

Cross-Promoting Reels on TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Telegram

Repurposing content multiplies your reach without multiplying the work. Smart creators are building omnipresence on multiple platforms.

Go Multichannel With Minimal Effort

  • Use platform-native editing and captions.
  • Remove watermarks (use tools like SnapTik or CapCut export settings).
  • Optimize text overlays for mobile viewports.

Crescitaly.com offers efficient integration for cross-channel posting and tracking, helping marketers manage TikTok and Instagram strategies from one intuitive panel.

Leveraging Telegram for Reels Distribution

Telegram may not be the first place you think of, but private channels and niche communities are increasingly sharing Reels links—especially in markets like crypto, parenting, and skincare. Consider posting teasers in your Telegram feed and leading back to Instagram.

Case Study: Climbing to 1M Views in 4 Weeks

Gabriel, a digital artist and Crescitaly user, was stuck at 3,000 views per Reel. After switching to a strategy based on trending routines, optimizing thumbnails, and using the Crescitaly analytics panel to post during peak times, his Reels hit 90K, then 450K—and finally crossed 1 million views on a time-lapse artwork post.

Key Takeaway: Small tweaks, like audio selection and frame pacing, can have exponential returns when you're consistent and data-driven.

Final Thoughts: A Reels Boom Is Still Coming

Instagram Reels isn’t saturated—it’s still scaling. With creators from TikTok and YouTube Shorts diversifying their presence, short-form video synergy is stronger than ever. But the growth edge belongs to those who know the platform, the algorithm, and the audience.

Whether you're starting from scratch or refining your content engine, remember this:

  • Hook fast and create rewatchable content.
  • Ride trends, but with your unique spin.
  • Use smart tools like Crescitaly to automate, analyze, and amplify.

The next viral Reel isn't a matter of luck. It's a matter of knowing the playbook—and executing it well.

Meta Title: How to Get More Views on Instagram Reels

Meta Description: Master Instagram Reels with creator-tested tips to boost views, engagement, and discovery in 2024 using tools like Crescitaly.

Tags: Instagram, Reels growth, SMM panel, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Telegram marketing, Crescitaly

Read more