How to Add Topics to Instagram Reels

Getting your Instagram Reels in front of more people who actually care about your content is the ultimate goal. The Add Topics feature is one of Instagram's best tools for making that happen, acting as a direct signal to the algorithm about what your video is about and who should see it. This guide gives you the complete breakdown of how to use Reel topics to boost your visibility and connect with the right audience.

What Are Instagram Reel Topics?

Reel Topics are descriptive tags you can add to your Reels before publishing them. When you select up to three topics, you're essentially helping Instagram's algorithm categorize your content. Think of it as a form of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) specifically for Reels. Instead of just relying on your hashtags, caption, and audio to figure out what your Reel is about, you're giving it clear, explicit categories.

When you add topics like "Landscape Photography," "DIY Home Decor," or "Vegan Recipes," Instagram gets a much better idea of your content's theme. This helps the platform show your video to users who have shown interest in those specific subjects, increasing the likelihood of engagement from a highly relevant audience. Reels with topics can appear in specialized Topic feeds and are more likely to be recommended to new viewers who will find your content valuable.

Why Adding Topics to Your Reels is a Game-Changer

It might seem like a small step in the publishing process, but tagging your Reels with relevant topics has a significant impact on your reach and organic growth. It's a simple action that directly supports your content strategy instead of just hoping the algorithm favors you.

1. It Dramatically Improves Your Discoverability

The number one reason to use this feature is to get discovered. When you classify your Reel, you're placing it into a specific pool of content that Instagram can pull from when a user is browsing Reels related to that topic. Someone who frequently engages with content tagged "Graphic Design" is far more likely to see your Reel about a "Photoshop Tutorial" if you've tagged it appropriately. This moves you beyond your existing followers and puts your content in front of a warm audience primed to enjoy what you create.

2. It Helps the Algorithm Understand Your Niche

Consistency is everything on social media. When you consistently add topics that align with your brand, you're training the algorithm to see you as an authority in that niche. If you're a personal trainer who regularly tags Reels with "Fitness," "Workout Routines," and "Strength Training," Instagram learns that your account is a reliable source for that kind of content. Over time, the platform will be more inclined to recommend your account as a whole, not just individual Reels, to users interested in fitness.

3. It Connects You with Higher-Intent Viewers

People who see your Reel because they followed a topic page or have a history of watching similar videos are not random viewers. They are actively seeking the type of content you produce. This means they are more likely to watch your Reel to the end, like, comment, save, or even follow your account. This high-quality engagement signals to Instagram that your content is valuable, which can lead to even broader distribution in the explore feed and other recommendation surfaces.

A Step-by-Step Guide: How to Add Topics to Your Instagram Reels

Adding topics only takes a few seconds, but it needs to become a routine part of your publishing workflow. Here's exactly how to do it:

• Step 1: Create Your Reel as Usual. Record your video directly in the Instagram app or upload a pre-edited video from your camera roll. Add your audio, captions, text overlays, and other effects. Once you're happy with your video, tap "Next."
• Step 2: Navigate to the Final Share Screen. This is the final page before you publish your Reel, where you write your caption, tag people, add a location, and adjust other settings.
• Step 3: Find and Tap "Add Topics". Scroll down the options on the share screen. You should see "Add Topics" located just below "Tag People." Tap on it to open the topics menu.
• Step 4: Browse or Search for Relevant Topics. A new screen will appear with a list of topic categories. You can scroll through the options or use the search bar at the top to find specific topics that match your video's content.
• Step 5: Select Up to Three Topics. You can choose a maximum of three topics for each Reel. Once you tap a topic, it will be added to your selected list at the top. To remove one, simply tap the 'X' next to it.
• Step 6: Tap "Done" and Share. After you've chosen your topics, tap the "Done" button to return to the share screen. You'll see your selected topics listed next to the "Add Topics" button. Now, you're ready to hit "Share" and publish your Reel!

Best Practices for Choosing the Right Topics

Knowing how to add topics is only half the battle. Choosing the right ones is what truly makes a difference. Merely selecting random topics won't help - you need to be strategic.

Be Accurate and Hyper-Relevant

The topics you choose should precisely describe the content in your Reel. If your video is a tutorial on making sourdough bread, don't just tag it with "Food." Get more specific with topics like "Baking," "Recipes," and "Sourdough." The more accurate your tags are, the better Instagram can match your content to the right people. Irrelevant tags can actually harm your reach because the algorithm will show it to the wrong audience, who will quickly scroll past, signaling that your content isn't engaging.

Think Like Your Target Audience

Put yourself in your ideal follower's shoes. What topics would they be interested in or actively searching for on Instagram? If you're a fashion creator showing how to style a classic trench coat, your audience might be interested in topics like "Fashion," "Styling," and "Outfit Inspiration." Aligning your topics with audience interests helps bridge the gap between your content and the people who want to see it.

Use All Three Topic Slots When Possible

Don't limit yourself to just one topic if multiple relevant options are available. Using all three slots gives you a better chance of appearing in front of different segments of your audience. A great strategy is to use a combination of broad, medium, and niche topics.

Example for a travel vlogger in Italy:

• Broad Topic: Travel
• Medium Topic: European Travel
• Niche Topic: Italian Summer or Amalfi Coast

This approach allows you to compete on multiple fronts, catching viewers with general interests in travel as well as those planning a very specific trip.

Maintain Consistency with Your Niche

Your topic selection should reinforce your overall brand identity. If you run an account dedicated to house plants, your Reel topics should consistently include tags like "Plants," "Home Decor," and "Gardening." This constant signal reinforces to the algorithm - and new viewers - what your page is all about, making it more likely that Instagram will suggest your account as one to follow for plant lovers.

Troubleshooting: Can't Find the "Add Topics" Option?

If you're following the steps and can't find the "Add Topics" button, don't worry. Here are a few common reasons why it might be missing:

• Your App is Outdated: This is the most common issue. Social media platforms roll out features gradually, and old app versions often don't support new functionality. Go to the App Store or Google Play Store and make sure you have the latest version of Instagram installed.
• Feature Rollout: Instagram sometimes rolls out new features by region or account type. It's possible that the "Add Topics" feature hasn't reached your account yet. In this case, patience is the only answer. Keep your app updated and check back periodically.
• Account Type: Although the feature is widely available for Creator and Business accounts, certain account types or brand new accounts might experience delays in getting new functionality. As long as you have a professional account, you should eventually see it appear.

In most cases, updating the app solves the problem. If it persists, the feature likely just hasn't been enabled for your account yet and will appear in the near future.

Final Thoughts

Adding topics to your Instagram Reels is a simple, strategic action that can significantly boost your content's reach, engagement, and overall discovery. By clearly telling the algorithm what your Reel is about, you're taking control of your distribution and connecting with an audience that is genuinely interested in what you have to create.

Deliberately planning out every aspect of your content, from the themes you create to the topics you tag, is the bedrock of a strong social media strategy. At Postbase, we built our platform to make this process feel effortless rather than overwhelming. By using our clean, visual calendar to plan your Reels, TikToks, and Shorts, you can get a bird's-eye view of your entire strategy and schedule everything in advance, ensuring you never miss a beat.