How to Increase Reels Views on Instagram: Strategies That Work in 2024
In early 2023, a small coffee roaster from Venice uploaded a 12-second Instagram Reel showing how they stamped caramel into a latte. The video wasn’t professionally shot. No elaborate editing, no trending audio. Within 48 hours, it had over 1.2 million views. Their followers? Just under 1,500 at the time.
It's not just a feel-good story. It’s proof that Instagram Reels still offer one of the strongest organic growth opportunities for creators, entrepreneurs, and brands — if you know how to cut through the noise.
Today, we’re diving deep into the evolving mechanics of the Instagram Reels algorithm and the real, replicable strategies for increasing Reels views in 2024. Whether you’re a creator on TikTok or a marketer scaling on Telegram, what’s working on Instagram Reels informs your broader social media playbook.
The Reels Algorithm in 2024: What’s Changed
Instagram’s Reels recommendation engine has matured. What once rewarded pure luck and trending audio has shifted toward content relevance and viewer behavior signals. Understanding the algorithm is foundational if you want your Reels to perform.
Key Ranking Factors in 2024
- Watch time – Videos that keep users watching get boosted
- Replays – Repeat views signal entertainment or high value
- Shares – Shared Reels are treated as high-interest content
- Captions – Keyword relevance matters more than ever
- Previous interactions – If someone engaged with your past posts, they’re more likely to see the next one
"You don’t need the slickest production anymore. You need storytelling that stops the scroll." — Product Manager, Meta’s Reels Team (January 2024)
How to Maximize Views on Instagram Reels
Let’s break down what’s working — based on real-time data, creator performance insights, and tools like Crescitaly.com, where SMM panels track high-performing content across the platform.
1. Start Strong (First 2 Seconds Matter)
You’ve got a 2-second window before users swipe up. Here’s how to hook instantly:
- Use dynamic movement or text animation
- Pose a question or create visual curiosity
- Highlight the payoff right away ("Wait for it...")
Examples:
- "This client almost quit. Then this happened..." (with a quick before/after visual)
- "3 years of sales, in 10 seconds" overlaying a chart animation
2. Audio Strategy: Mix Trends With Custom Sounds
Trending audio can still drive reach, but it’s no longer a magic bullet. In some niches, original audio or voiceovers perform better.
From Crescitaly’s dashboard data in Q1 2024:
- Fitness creators with original cues saw 1.6x longer watch durations
- DIY accounts using TikTok-spliced audio gained more cross-platform reach
Pro tip: Remix your TikTok sound into a Reel, add customized captions, and watch it extend your presence on both platforms.
3. Optimize for Silent Viewers
Over 70% of Instagram videos are watched with sound off. That means:
- Auto-captions are essential
- Use bold text overlays that reinforce key value
- Show, don’t tell — visual storytelling always wins
4. Experiment with Length — But Not Too Much
In 2022 and 2023, “shorter is better” was the mantra. That’s changing in 2024. The new sweet spot? 12 to 20 seconds. Long enough to offer substance. Short enough to retain attention.
Case Study: A fashion entrepreneur posted 7 product Reels under 10 seconds. None surpassed 5k views. She extended two of them to 18 seconds with storytelling — "the story behind the design" — and view counts jumped to 60k+ with triple the engagement rate.
5. Thumbnail Tactics
Don’t rely on random frames. Customize your cover thumbnails with these principles:
- Clear product or person in frame
- Readable headline text (bold, large font)
- Color contrast that pops in a crowded feed
Reels now show up in Explore, Profile Grids, and Hashtag Pages — a strong thumbnail increases click-through across all of them.
Cross-Platform Distribution: Don’t Rely on Instagram Alone
Some of the best-performing Reels of this year weren’t born on Instagram.
The TikTok–Reels Loop
Creators now use TikTok to A/B test content and bring winners over to Reels. Here’s a workflow:
- Publish 3 TikToks per day with variations in hooks
- Identify top performer after 24 hours
- Reformat that version into a Reel (adjust audio, use sharper subtitles)
- Upload with fresh caption and hashtags
This approach relies on tight data loopback — SMM panels like Crescitaly.com offer cross-platform view analytics to make this smoother.
Telegram for Amplification
If you run a Telegram channel (or want to grow one), reposting Reels clips with outbound links can drive DM traffic and optional opt-ins — especially effective for newsletters, product drops, and limited-time offers.
Tip: Use short Reels teasers to funnel viewers to your private Telegram group.
Hashtag Strategy: Niche Over Noise
Many creators default to #reels, #viral, and other mega-tags. In 2024, smarter targeting with micro-hashtags yields better impressions, especially post-Explore.
- Think: #kidssciencekits vs. #science
- Use 3–5 relevant hashtags per post — no more
- Include at least one branded or location-specific tag
Example strategy:
Instagram Reels for a Berlin-based wellness coach:#berlinwellness#breathworkdaily#intrapersonalgrowth#reelcoaching
What Tools Can Accelerate Reels Growth?
Two categories truly help:
1. Content Planning Tools
- Later or Planoly for grid layout and auto-publishing
- CapCut or VN Editor for vertical cuts and overlays
2. SMM Panels & Analytics
SMM services like Crescitaly.com provide insights that go beyond vanity metrics. Engagement velocity, retention curves, and competitive benchmarking help SMM panel users dial in their timing and formats for impression lift.
Conclusion: Elevate Reels from Content to Growth Engine
Instagram Reels are no longer just a creative outlet. They’re a measurable, scalable growth lever — when used with intent and iteration. Creators who succeed in 2024 will:
- Balance speed with strategy (don’t just follow trends — master format)
- Leverage cross-platform testing between TikTok, Reels, and Shorts
- Use trusted tools like Crescitaly’s panel to analyze content ROI
At the end of the day, Reels reward relevance, rhythm, and real stories. Nail those, and your next 15-second vertical might just be your highest earner yet.
Meta Title: How to Increase Reels Views on Instagram 2024
Meta Description: Master Instagram Reels growth with 2024 strategies backed by data. From audio hacks to cross-posting workflows, here's what actually boosts reach.
Tags: Instagram, Reels, SMM panel, TikTok growth, social media marketing, Content strategy, Telegram
