How to Get More Views on Instagram: Strategies That Work

In 2024, a pizza shop in Naples made global headlines—not for its toppings, but for its Instagram Reels. A behind-the-scenes video of dough stretching went viral, pulling in over 3 million views in three days. Their secret? A $0 ad budget and a clever use of trending audio. That same week, their follower count tripled.

This isn't a one-off fairy tale. Instagram has evolved into a powerful discovery engine. If you're a creator, entrepreneur, or marketer, figuring out how to get more views on Instagram is no longer optional—it's the baseline for brand growth.

Instagram Views: Why They're More Important Than Likes

In the post-2023 algorithm shift, views now matter more than likes or saves. They not only drive reach but signal content quality to Instagram’s ranking systems.

How Instagram Defines a "View"

Unlike TikTok’s ultra-snappy 1-second rule, Instagram's count kicks in after 3 seconds for Reels and Stories. That means engagement hooks need to happen fast—and intentionally.

"Scrolling is the new flipping—Instagrammers flip through content in under a second. Your content needs to stop the scroll."
— Alessia R., Digital Strategist

Let’s unpack actionable strategies that consistently deliver more views—tested by top creators, marketers, and growth platforms like Crescitaly.com.

The Algorithm Blueprint: What Actually Drives Views on Instagram

The Instagram algorithm prioritizes four major factors when surfacing Reels and Stories:

• Watch Time: Are people viewing past the 3-second mark?
• Replays: Are users watching again?
• Shares: Do other users forward your content?
• Save-to-Profile Activity: Are users flagging it for later?

If your content doesn’t attract views quickly, it doesn't benefit from extended reach. That's why getting strategic on structure and timing is crucial.

How to Get More Views on Instagram: 7 Proven Tactics

1. Hook Within the First 1.5 Seconds

Open your videos or Stories with curiosity gaps. Think questions, reactions, or unexpected visuals. For example:

• "Here’s why this 10-second photo trick broke Instagram..."
• "You’ve been editing Reels wrong this whole time."

According to Crescitaly's dashboard insights, content with question-styled openers generates up to 38% longer watch times than neutral captions or generic intros.

2. Use Trending Audio with a Twist

Jumping on trending sounds still works—if you add an unexpected visual or narrative. Use Instagram's built-in Trending Reels library or third-party tools to spot rising sounds early.

But here's the creative twist: instead of mimicking the trend, subvert it. A famous creator flipped a romantic sound into a “day in the life of a burnt-out freelancer,” earning 600K views organically.

3. Leverage Captions and Subtitles

Roughly 70% of Instagram videos are watched with the sound off. That’s not a small accessibility issue—it’s an engagement crisis. Adding subtitles increases average view time and the chance someone sticks around.

Tools like CapCut or Instagram’s auto-caption feature make this process seamless.

4. Publish When Your Audience Is Actually Online

Timing matters. The best time to post? It depends on your audience geography and behavior. Using Crescitaly's advanced panel, users can track hourly engagement spikes across different time zones and tailor post times accordingly.

On average, Reels posted during peak traffic hours (e.g., 6–8 PM local time) perform 29% better than content uploaded in off-hours.

5. Tell a Story in 15–30 Seconds

Views increase when your content has a narrative arc: Setup ➝ Conflict ➝ Resolution. A visually satisfying coffee pour or a before/after transformation works because it shows progression.

If you can tease your user in the first 5 seconds and pay it off by 25, you’ve won their attention—and probably a share or two.

6. Cross-Promote on TikTok and YouTube Shorts

Don’t isolate your content. Repurpose short-form videos across TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and even Telegram channels with engaged audiences. Just remove watermarks using tools like SnapTik or CapCut exports.

Creators who cross-post consistently report 2x higher exposure and follower migration across platforms.

7. Collaborate With Micro-Creators & Niche Pages

Instagram’s Collab feature allows two accounts to share the same post natively. Collaborating with niche creators gives your content a fresh algorithm boost, expanding it beyond your own network.

Focus on high-engagement pages with 5K–50K followers in your vertical—especially travel, food, tech, or educational niches.

Metrics That Matter: How to Measure Your View Growth

Use Instagram’s Native Insights

Track view counts on Reels, Stories, and videos. But also pay attention to:

• Reach: How wide your post spread
• Engagement Rate: % of viewers who liked, commented, or shared
• Retention Graph: Where people drop off in your video

Level Up with Crescitaly

For creators and marketers looking to scale faster, Crescitaly.com provides detailed view analytics, audience heatmaps, and Instagram boost services tailored by vertical.

Where to Go From Here: Turn Views Into Value

The chase for views isn’t vanity—it’s strategic. More views often mean:

• Higher conversion rates on product links
• More DMs and community replies
• Better brand deals and sponsorships

The 2024 Instagram landscape rewards creators who prioritize storytelling, timing, and experimentation. It's not about hacking the algorithm—it's about understanding the rhythm that makes it tick.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Instagram Game Starting Now

You don’t need to go viral to win—consistent, high-quality videos that earn solid viewership are far more valuable than a one-hit wonder. Focus on your hooks, optimize for watch time, and embrace cross-platform growth.

Start by implementing one or two of the strategies above into your next story or Reel. Watch how just a few tweaks can significantly increase your view count—and grow your brand's impact.

Meta Title: How to Get More Views on Instagram

Meta Description: Discover proven strategies for getting more views on Instagram—from hook ideas to analytics tools trusted by pro creators and marketers.

Tags: Instagram, SMM panel, TikTok growth, YouTube Shorts, social media strategy, Crescitaly, content marketing