How to Increase Reach on Instagram Reels

Struggling to get your Instagram Reels seen by more people? You're not alone. The secret isn't a miraculous viral trend, it's about understanding how the platform works and creating content that grabs and holds attention. This guide breaks down the actionable strategies you need to increase your reach on Instagram Reels, get more views, and build an authentic community.

Understand What the Algorithm Actually Wants

First, let's pull back the curtain on the Instagram Reels algorithm. It's not an unpredictable gatekeeper, it’s a prediction machine. Its one and only job is to recommend content that will keep a user on the app for as long as possible. To do this, it measures a few key signals to determine if your Reel is worth showing to more people.

• Watch Time &, Replays: This is the golden metric. If viewers watch your entire Reel from start to finish, that's a great signal. If they watch it again (a replay), that’s an even stronger signal that tells the algorithm your content is highly engaging. Your goal should always be to create content compelling enough to keep people watching until the very last second.
• Engagement Signals: While likes and comments are good, the most powerful engagement signals are shares and saves. A share means someone found your content so good they sent it to a friend, a direct signal of value. A save means your Reel was so useful or entertaining that the person wants to come back to it later. Aim to create content that’s so helpful people feel compelled to hit that save button.
• Originality is Rewarded: Instagram has been very clear about this. The algorithm now actively prioritizes original content. This means videos filmed within the Instagram app or content that doesn't have a visible watermark from another platform (like TikTok) are more likely to get a boost in reach. Creating content for Instagram is now more important than ever.

Hook Them in the First 3 Seconds (Seriously)

In a world of infinite scrolling, you have - at most - three seconds to stop a thumb. If the beginning of your Reel doesn't immediately capture interest, you've already lost. The "hook," or the opening of your video, needs to be magnetic and promise value right away. Don't waste time with a long introduction or a slow-building visual.

Effective Hook Ideas:

• On-Screen Text Statement: A bold, intriguing, or relatable statement that appears on screen instantly. For example: "The biggest mistake creative entrepreneurs make..." or "My 3 favorite free tools for photo editing."
• Ask a Question: Pose a direct question that your target audience probably has on their mind. "Struggling to come up with content ideas?" or "Ever wonder how influencers get that shot?"
• Start with the Action: Instead of showing the boring setup, start in the middle of the most visually interesting part of your process. A chef can start with the big flame in the pan, a painter can start with a satisfying brush stroke, and a DIYer can start with the final reveal.
• Show the "After" First: If your Reel is about a transformation (a makeover, a room redesign, a recipe), show the stunning final result first. This creates curiosity and makes people stick around to see how you got there.

Use Trends... But Make Them Your Own

Trending audio and formats are powerful tools for getting your Reels in front of a new audience. When a user engages with a certain sound, Instagram is more likely to show them other Reels using that same sound. However, just lip-syncing or copying a dance trend without context will do very little for your brand.

The key is to find a trend and ask, "How can I adapt this to my niche?"

Here’s how to do it well:

1. Find Relevant Trends: Spend 10-15 minutes scrolling the Reels feed and pay attention to what audio you hear repeatedly. When you find one you like, tap the audio name at the bottom to see how other creators are using it. You can save audios you like for later.
2. Connect it to Your Topic: A financial coach could use a "POV" trend to showcase a common client misconception. A real estate agent could use a trending sound to create a quick tour of a unique property feature. It’s about merging pop culture with your expertise.

Adapting trends shows you understand the culture of the platform while still providing value specific to your audience.

Quality Over Everything: Audio, Visuals, and Ideas

"High-quality" doesn't mean you need a high-end film crew. It just means you attended to the basics. The Instagram algorithm prioritizes content that is enjoyable to watch, and poor lighting or muffled sound can cause people to scroll away instantly.

• Good A/V: Shoot your videos in a place with good lighting. Natural light from a window is often the best and is completely free. Use a simple tripod to keep your shots stable. For an even bigger upgrade, a small ring light and a cheap lapel microphone (if you do voiceovers) can make a huge difference in production value for under $50.
• Clear Visuals: Wipe your phone’s camera lens before you hit record. It’s a simple step that so many people forget, but it makes an immediate difference in image sharpness.
• Originality Beyond Being Just "New": Remember, the push for originality isn’t just about avoiding watermarks. Instagram wants content created with its tools. Experimenting with its native creative effects, fonts, and editing features may give your content an edge. It signals to Instagram that you're an active participant in their ecosystem.

Write Captions &, Keywords That Help You Get Found

Instagram is leaning heavily on becoming a search engine. This means the words you use in your caption, and even the text that appears on screen, are now searchable keywords that can help people discover your content days, weeks, or even months after you post it. Hashtags are still relevant, but your entire text has a role to play now.

A Better Caption Strategy:

• Think Like an SEO: Write your caption with keywords your ideal follower might search for. If you’re a nutritionist, use phrases like “healthy lunch idea,” “quick meal prep,” or “how to get more protein.”
• Give a Reason to Engage: The best captions add context to the video and encourage action. Ask a direct question ("What are you struggling with most?") or use a clear call-to-action ("Save this post for your next trip!").

A Modern Hashtag Strategy:

The days of using 30 crowded hashtags are over. A more focused strategy works better today. Aim for 5-8 highly relevant hashtags that fall into these categories:

• General Topic (1-2 hashtags): Broad tags related to your content (e.g., #contentstrategy, #homedecorideas).
• Niche Specific (2-4 hashtags): More focused tags that speak directly to your target community (e.g., #socialmediamanagerlife, #scandinaviandesign).
• Your Community/Brand (1-2 hashtags): Tags that are unique to your content or brand for people who want to find more of your work (e.g., #[YourBrandName]Reels).

Tell a Tiny Story

Humans are wired for stories, not just lists of facts. Even a 15-second Reel can - and should - have a story arc (a beginning, a middle, and an end). Structure your tutorials and tips inside a simple narrative to make them more memorable and boost your watch time.

Try one of these simple storytelling frameworks:

• Problem >, Agitate >, Solve: Start with a pain point your audience experiences ("Hate that your produce wilts so fast?"). Agitate the problem ("All that wasted food and money..."). Then present your Reel as the solution ("Here are three hacks to make your veggies last for weeks.").
• Before &, After: A timeless classic that works for nearly any niche. It visually demonstrates a transformation and creates an immediate, satisfying payoff for the viewer.
• A Day in the Life: People are curious about processes. Show a behind-the-scenes glimpse of what you do, how you create something, or how you solve a problem. It builds trust and connection.

Be Consistent and Post When Your People Are Watching

Consistency signals to the algorithm that you’re a reliable creator worth promoting. This doesn't mean you need to post a Reel every single day. A sustainable schedule of 3-5 high-quality Reels per week is far more effective than posting seven half-hearted ones.

Equally important is posting at the right time. Your goal is to get a surge of initial engagement shortly after you post, telling the algorithm your content is resonating. To find the best time to post:

1. Go to your Instagram profile and tap on "Professional Dashboard.”
2. Go to "Total followers."
3. Scroll down to the bottom to "Most Active Times.”
4. There, you'll see a chart showing the days and hours when your audience is most frequently on the app. Use this data as your starting point, and experiment with posting just before or right at the beginning of these peak times.

Turn Viewers Into an Active Community

Reach is worthless if it doesn't lead to connection. The ultimate goal of increasing your reach is to build a community of followers who know, like, and trust you. This requires ongoing conversation and interaction.

• Respond to Comments (Quickly!): Make it a goal to reply to as many comments as possible, especially within the first hour of posting. This surge of activity (your Reel, plus comments, plus replies) amplifies your engagement signals.
• Create "Response Reels": Find a great question or comment from a previous Reel and turn your answer into an entirely new Reel. You can use the comment sticker to screen-grab and feature the question. This shows your audience that you’re listening and makes them more likely to interact in the future.
• Utilize the "Collab" Feature: Partnering with another creator in your space via the Collab feature is one of the fastest ways to increase reach. When you do a Collab post, the Reel appears on both of your profiles, instantly exposing your work to an entirely new, relevant audience.

Final Thoughts

Growing your Instagram Reels reach comes down to a clear formula: create valuable, original content that hooks viewers quickly, holds their attention, and gives them a reason to interact. By focusing on smart hooks, storytelling, and community engagement, you turn the algorithm from a confusing challenge into a reliable growth partner.

Staying consistent with Reels can be tough, especially when you're managing multiple social platforms. In our experience, the best way to keep the content flowing is with a solid scheduling tool that was actually built for video. That’s why we designed Postbase to make it easy to plan your Reels on a visual calendar, schedule them to post automatically without the common publishing fails, and track what’s working - all in one place to streamline your workflow.