How to Turn On Reel Views on Instagram

Wondering why your Instagram Reel views are so low or seem completely stuck? You might be searching for a way to just flip a switch and turn them on. The good news is that you can definitely increase your views, the bad news is there’s no single “on” button. This guide will first walk you through how to check your settings to make sure everything is displayed correctly, and then we’ll move on to the actual strategies that get the Instagram algorithm to show your Reels to more people - the *real* way to turn on your views.

Is There a Secret Switch for Reel Views? The Simple Answer

Let's get this out of the way first: no, there isn't a secret button to "turn on" more views for your Reels. Views accumulate when people watch your content. Instagram's goal is to keep users on the platform, so it automatically shows content that people seem to enjoy. The "switch," if we can call it that, is less of a technical setting and more of a creative and strategic one. It's about giving the algorithm the right signals that your content is worth watching.

However, people usually search for this phrase for two specific reasons:

1. They literally cannot see their own view count. Their views might be hidden due to a setting or an app glitch.
2. Their views are stuck at 0 or a very low number. They feel like their content is invisible and want to "turn on" the algorithm's attention.

We're going to solve both of these problems right now. First, we’ll do some quick troubleshooting for hidden views, and then we’ll cover the proven methods for getting the views you deserve.

Troubleshooting: Why Can't I See My Reel View Count?

It's rare for a view count to be completely invisible to the creator, but app settings or glitches can sometimes cause confusion. If you can't find your view count (the number that typically appears in the bottom-left corner of your Reel), here’s a quick checklist to run through.

Check Instagram's "Hide Likes" Setting

Instagram gives users the option to hide like and, in some cases, share counts across the app. While this setting is primarily for *likes*, it’s worth checking to make sure it isn't causing any display issues. Your view count should still be visible to you regardless, but it’s a good first stop to rule out any potential culprits.

• Step 1: Go to your Instagram profile and tap the three horizontal lines (the "hamburger" menu) in the top-right corner.
• Step 2: Tap on Settings & Privacy.
• Step 3: Scroll down to the “What you see” section and select Hide likes and share counts.
• Step 4: Make sure this is toggled off. Even if it's on, your personal view count should still be visible to you, but checking this setting is a good first step.

Review Individual Post Settings

Instagram also allows you to hide the like count on a post-by-post basis. Again, this should not hide your video's total view count from you, which is a different metric. Likes are who double-tapped, views are who watched. But if things seem off, it never hurts to check.

• Go to the Reel where the count is hidden.
• Tap the three dots (...) in the corner of the Reel.
• Look for the option that says "Unhide like count." If it says "Hide like count" instead, then your settings are already correct for that post.

Your total play count (your views) will always appear directly on the Reel thumbnail on your profile grid or below the video when you're watching it.

Consider App Glitches or Outdated Versions

Sometimes, the simplest solution works. Social media apps are complex and can have occasional bugs or display errors. Before assuming the worst, try these steps:

• Update Your App: Go to the App Store or Google Play Store and see if there’s an update for Instagram. Running an older version can cause unexpected issues.
• Restart Your Phone: The oldest trick in the IT book, but it works! A quick reboot can clear temporary bugs and cache issues.
• Clear Your Cache (Android): If you’re on an Android device, you can go into your phone's settings, find the Instagram app, and clear its cache. This often resolves minor display problems without affecting your data.

The Real “On” Switch: Activating the Instagram Algorithm for More Views

Okay, with troubleshooting out of the way, let’s get to the real reason you’re here: getting more people to see your Reels. This isn't about finding a hidden setting, it's about understanding what the Instagram algorithm wants and delivering it. The algorithm rewards content that grips viewers and encourages them to interact. When it sees that happening, it shows your Reel to a wider audience. Here are six practical strategies to flip that switch.

1. Master the 3-Second Hook

In a world of infinite scrolling, you have just a few seconds to convince someone to stop and watch your video. The opening of your Reel is the single most important factor for good watch time. If you can’t hook viewers immediately, they will swipe away, telling the algorithm your content isn't engaging.

Actionable Advice:

• Start with a Problem or a Bold Statement: Use on-screen text like "You're making this huge mistake with your houseplants" or "This is the best style hack I've ever learned."
• Show the Result First: If you're doing a DIY project or a recipe, show the stunning final product for a second before starting the tutorial. This creates curiosity.
• Ask a Relatable Question: "Ever feel like your mornings are stuck on repeat?" This direct appeal makes viewers feel seen and they’ll want to hear the answer.

2. Ride the Wave of Trending Audio

Using trending sounds is one of the easiest ways to get your Reels in front of a new audience. When a song or audio clip is popular, Instagram often pushes content using that sound into a dedicated discovery feed. Think of it as joining a conversation that's already happening.

How to Find and Use Trending audio:

• Look for the Arrow: When scrolling through Reels, look for sounds that have a little upward-pointing arrow next to their name. This indicates the audio is currently trending.
• Tap Into the Sound: Tap on the audio's name at the bottom of the screen. This will take you to a page showing all the other Reels using that sound. See how others are creatively using it for inspiration.
• Relevance is Key: Don’t just tack a trending song onto a random video. Make sure the mood of the audio matches your content to create a cohesive and more engaging Reel.

3. Your Caption is a Conversation Starter

A great video can get you a view, but a great caption can get you engagement. Comments, shares, and saves are powerful signals to the algorithm that your content is valuable. Use your caption to add context, tell a story, and prompt a response.

How to Write Engaging Captions:

• End with a Question: Keep it simple and easy to answer. Instead of "What do you think?" try something specific like, "What’s your favorite go-to coffee order?"
• Use a Strong Call-to-Action (CTA): Directly ask your viewers to do something. For example, "Save this for your next weekend trip!" or "Share this with a friend who needs a laugh."
• Add Value: Provide extra tips, story, or a detail that didn't fit in the video itself. Make the caption a bonus piece of content.

4. Use Hashtags That Actually Work

Stop thinking of hashtags as a way to list off 30 random words. Today, hashtags function more like SEO for your Instagram Reels. They help the platform understand what your content is about and who the ideal audience for it might be. Stick to a focused strategy.

Modern Hashtag Strategy:

• Be Relevant, Not Broad: Aim for 3-5 hyper-relevant hashtags that describe your video's content and niche.
• Think in Categories: A good mix includes a descriptive tag (#chocolatechipcookiesrecipe), a niche you serve (#bakingforbeginners), and your community (#homebakersclub).
• Avoid Banned or Overused Hashtags: Extremely generic tags like #explorepage are so saturated that they are nearly useless. Stick to terms that accurately define your specific piece of content.

5. Be Consistent and Post at the Right Time

Consistency signals to both your audience and the algorithm that you're a creator to watch. When you post regularly, your followers learn to anticipate your content, and the algorithm has more data to work with to find your ideal audience. Timing plays a part, too.

How to Nail Down Your Timing:

• Check Your Insights: Go to your Professional Dashboard > Account Insights > Total Followers. Scroll to the bottom to see a chart of when your followers are most active.
• Post Just Before Peak Times: Schedule your Reels to post about 30-60 minutes before the peak activity hour for your audience. This gives your content time to gain early traction just as most of your followers are logging on. That initial wave of engagement is vital.

6. Don't Compromise on Quality

At the end of the day, Instagram is a visual platform. It prioritizes content that is clean, clear, and easy to watch. You don't need a professional Hollywood setup, but you should avoid common mistakes that make content look amateurish.

Easy Quality Wins:

• Good Lighting: Stand facing a window. Natural light is your best friend and costs nothing.
• Clear Audio: Film in a quiet place. If you're doing a voiceover, making sure it’s crisp and clean makes a huge difference.
• Shoot Vertically: Always film in a 9:16 aspect ratio (the tall phone format). Instagram is a vertical-first platform.
• Ditch Watermarks: Instagram has publicly stated that it deprioritizes content that is visibly recycled from other apps (like a prominent TikTok watermark). Upload the clean video file directly.

Final Thoughts

While there isn't a secret button to just "turn on" Reel views, you now have the complete playbook for fixing what matters. Start by making sure your app is working correctly, then focus your energy on the strategies that actually get the algorithm's attention. By creating strong hooks, using relevant sounds, encouraging conversation, and posting crisp, high-quality video consistently, you stop chasing views and start earning them.

Keeping up with all these creative and strategic elements, especially when managing multiple platforms, can easily become overwhelming. It’s one reason we built Postbase. Our clean, visual calendar helps you plan all your Reel hooks and concepts ahead of time, so you’re never scrambling for ideas at the last minute. Since our entire platform was designed from the ground up for short-form video, you can schedule your content to Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts at once and trust that it will publish reliably, without compression problems or formatting glitches. We handle the consistency so you can focus on making Reels that people love to watch.