How to Get More Likes on Instagram Reels

Getting more likes on your Instagram Reels is more than just a vanity metric, it's a direct signal to the algorithm that people find your content engaging, which encourages Instagram to show it to an even wider audience. This guide walks you through actionable strategies you can start using today to create Reels that not only capture attention but also earn that valuable double-tap.

Grab Their Attention Immediately

The first three seconds of your Reel are the most important. In a world of infinite scrolling, you have a tiny window to convince someone to stop and watch. If you fail to hook them instantly, they're gone. Instead of a slow build-up, start with your most powerful shot, a surprising moment, or a bold statement.

Here are a few ways to create a strong hook:

• Start with the result first. If you're sharing a recipe, show the delicious final dish before you show the ingredients. If it's a DIY project, lead with the stunning "after" shot. This creates intrigue and makes viewers stick around to see how you got there.
• Use a text hook. On-screen text that sparks curiosity works wonders. Phrases like, "One thing you're doing wrong..." or "Try this surprising hack for..." immediately tell the viewer what value they'll get from watching.
• Lead with fast-paced motion. A quick sequence of changing scenes, a dramatic zoom, or a sudden movement can jolt a viewer out of their passive scrolling mode. Your goal is to break the pattern and make your content feel dynamic right from the start.

Pick the Right Audio

Audio is half the experience on Reels. The right sound can set the mood, add context, and - most importantly - help your content get discovered. Instagram gives a boost to Reels that use trending audio because it knows people are already engaging with that sound. Finding what's trending is simple: as you scroll through Reels, look for sounds with a small arrow icon next to the name. That arrow indicates the song or audio clip is currently on the rise.

However, don't just jump on a trend for the sake of it. The audio needs to match the vibe and message of your video. A trending dance track might not work for a relaxing tutorial on painting. Instead, save several trending sounds you like and wait for the right creative idea to use them.

Alternatively, creating original audio can be just as powerful. A funny voiceover, a unique sound bite, or a well-delivered piece of advice can become a trend of its own. When other creators use your original audio, they link back to you, which drives traffic and authority to your account. Your audio becomes a tool for discovery that is entirely unique to your brand.

Provide Real Value to Your Audience

People "like" a post because they get something out of it. It’s a silent, split-second transaction. To earn those likes, your content must offer genuine value. That value typically falls into one of three categories: entertainment, education, or inspiration.

Entertain Them

Entertaining content is anything that makes your audience laugh, feel good, or witness something satisfying.

• Relatable Humor: Create skits or share observations about a shared experience in your niche. A graphic designer could make a funny Reel about client feedback, a parent could riff on the chaos of mornings.
• Satisfying Content: Think ASMR, power-washing videos, perfect cake-icing, or a well-organized pantry. These Reels have a calming, almost hypnotic effect that keeps people watching and feeling pleased.
• Creative Storytelling: Tell a quick, engaging story using text overlays and unique visuals. It doesn't have to be complicated, just something that has a clear beginning, middle, and end.

Educate Them

Educational content positions you as an expert and gives your audience a tangible takeaway, making them more likely to like and save your Reel for later.

• Quick Tutorials: Show your audience how to do something in 30 seconds or less. This could be anything from a productivity app tutorial to a simple recipe or a workout move. Break it down into easy, visual steps.
• Share "Why" Not Just "What": Instead of just telling people a fact, explain the concept behind it. A nutritionist could explain why a certain combination of foods gives you more energy.
• Bust a Myth: Is there a common misconception in your industry? Make a Reel debunking it. This kind of content is provocative and immediately demonstrates your expertise.

Inspire Them

Inspirational content appeals to your audience's emotions and aspirations. It leaves them feeling motivated, hopeful, or simply moved.

• Before & Afters: These are incredibly powerful for showing transformation. It could be a home renovation, a fitness journey, a business's growth, or tending to a plant.
• Showcasing Your Best Work: If you're an artist, photographer, or any kind of craftsperson, a stunning highlight reel of your best work can be very inspiring to others in your field.
• Motivational Moments: Pair aesthetic visuals - a sunrise, a peaceful landscape, a behind-the-scenes look at your work - with an empowering voiceover or piece of text. Simplicity is often very effective here.

Focus on High-Quality Visuals

You don't need a Hollywood film budget, but your Reels should look like you put effort into them. High-quality video is rewarded by the Instagram algorithm and is simply more enjoyable for viewers to watch. Getting this right isn't about expensive gear, it's about mastering the basics.

First and foremost, good lighting is non-negotiable. Natural light from a window is almost always your best bet. Film facing the light source, not with it behind you. If natural light isn't an option, a simple, affordable ring light can make a massive difference in video clarity and professionalism. Avoid filming in dark, grainy environments.

Second, keep your footage steady. Shaky video is distracting and can look amateurish. Prop your phone up against a stack of books, invest in a small tripod, or use a gimbal for smooth, flowing shots. Even stabilizing your phone with both hands makes a significant difference. Most modern smartphones also have built-in stabilization features, so make certain that setting is turned on.

Finally, your video should be shot and edited in a 9:16 vertical format. When videos with black bars on the sides (repurposed from other platforms) are uploaded, they immediately feel out of place. Also, be sure to upload the highest-resolution version of your video. Instagram lowers the quality slightly during compression, so starting with the best possible version ensures it still looks crisp after posting.

Use Text and Captions Strategically

Since so many people watch Reels with the sound off, your visual storytelling has to do all of the heavy lifting. This is where on-screen text and carefully written captions come in handy.

• Use Closed Captions: Automatically transcribed captions are becoming fairly accurate. If your Reel contains spoken word, turn on Instagram’s auto-caption function so viewers who can’t listen can still follow along. You can easily edit the captions for accuracy on-screen once they are generated.
• Keep On-Screen Text Brief: Use overlaid text to highlight key points, but don't write a novel. Use short phrases that are easy to read in a couple of seconds. Make sure the text is placed where it won't be covered up by the Instagram interface (avoid the very top and the bottom quarter of the screen).
• Write an Engaging Caption with a CTA: While the video is the main attraction, the caption is still an important part of the conversation. Keep it relatively short and add context or a new angle to your Reel. Most importantly, give them a Call to Action (CTA). Directly asking seems obvious, but it works - just ask your audience! Simple prompts like "Like this Reel if you found this helpful" or "Double-tap if you agree!" can significantly increase your like count.

Be Consistent and Post at the Right Time

Growing on Instagram is a marathon, not a sprint. Posting one potentially amazing Reel and then disappearing for a month isn't an effective strategy. Consistency trains the algorithm to understand what your content is about and shows your audience that you’re a reliable source of quality content. Aim for a schedule you can realistically maintain, whether that's three times a week or five.

Timing is just as important as consistency. To get the most engagement on a Reel, post it when your audience is most active online. Go to your Instagram Analytics and look for the "Most Active Times" dashboard. This will show you the exact days and hours your community is scrolling, which gives you the perfect window to post.

Final Thoughts

Getting more likes on Reels is a direct result of providing value and connecting with your audience. By creating an engaging hook, using sound strategically, and packaging your insights into a high-quality visual format, you create content that people are excited to engage with.

Staying on trend and maintaining a regular posting schedule can feel overwhelming, but a simple content plan can make all the difference. For our team, using a visual planner and scheduler like Postbase is the best way to stay organized and consistent. By saving time on logistics, you can get back to creating great Reels that your audience will love.