How to Get More Views on Instagram Reels in 2024: From Zero to Viral

Ready to go from zero to viral with your Instagram Reels? You've come to the right place. In 2024, Instagram Reels are hotter than ever—and more views can mean more growth for your brand, as well as potentially connecting with new fans or even going viral.

Whether you're new and want to figure out how things work or you just want to up your game, we've put together the ultimate guide to standing out on the For You page.

We'll cover everything from which trends everyone's doing (and how to make them your own) to responding to comments like a pro. You'll walk away with lots of ideas to create engaging content that people will not only double-tap but share, too.

What Counts as an Instagram Reel View?

Before we start discussing how to get more views on your Instagram Reels, it's important to know what actually counts as a view. On TikTok, for example, a view is counted as soon as someone starts watching your video. Instagram sets the bar a bit higher than other social media channels: the three-second rule.

This means that on Instagram Reels, at least three seconds of watch time must pass before it counts as a view. If somebody scrolls away from your video before the three-second mark, their scroll-by won't count as a view.

Knowing this should help guide some of your content decisions. Make those first few seconds count—literally! Hook viewers in with something visually appealing or curiosity-piquing so they don't just keep scrolling past without giving your Reel any viewing love.

Why Should You Get More Views on Instagram Reels?

Do you want more people to watch your Instagram Reels? Of course, you do – and not just because it looks good. The more views you get, the further your content can travel on the app.

When Instagram's algorithm selects Reels to feature on its Explore page for a wider audience, it does so partly based on popularity. Lots of views can lead directly to increased followers, more comments, and likes overall – and maybe even brand partnerships down the line.

If you're using Instagram account as a promotional tool for your business or personal brand, having more people see your Reels also means greater visibility. It is potentially helpful when it comes to connecting with customers and clients who don't yet follow you.

Think of each view as another building block towards creating an online presence (if that's important to you) or strengthening the one you've already got. Plus, it is opening doors for future opportunities that go beyond social media bragging rights.

How Much Does Instagram Pay Per Reel Views?

Instagram no longer pays creators for views. Until March 2023, Instagram had a program called Reels Play bonus program that would pay creators for hitting certain view counts. That program has ended, so there are no direct payments from Instagram simply for views anymore.

However! There are still lots of ways to make money on Instagram. Creators can now use tools such as badges, branded content, gifts, and subscriptions to monetize their posts.

While you won't get paid just because people watch your stuff anymore, having lots of views can help you build a bigger audience. It means you could end up making more money using these other methods compared with someone whose work isn't seen by as many people.

Tips to Get More Views on Instagram Reels

Now that you know why it's important to get more views on Reels' tab, let's explore some options for how you can do it:

Make Your First Few Seconds Count

The opening moments of your Reel are incredibly important. Capture the interest of your audience right off the bat with a strong statement, stunning imagery, or a brief preview of what's ahead.

For instance, if you're posting a cooking tutorial, feature the delectable finished dish right at the beginning. Keep in mind that people tend to swipe through their Instagram video feeds fast.

If you don't engage them from the start, they'll just move on. Consider it like a trailer for a film. You want to pique curiosity enough that viewers stick around for the whole thing.

Use Trending Audio

Trending audio can make a big difference in how many people see your content. Instagram's algorithm looks at things like what's popular when it decides which Reels to put on the Explore page.

If you want to find out what sounds are taking off, look through the Reels feed or do some browsing and see what sounds other cool creators have used recently. Maybe there's a funny new sound bite from a viral video.

If so, think about how you could adapt it to make an interesting post of your own with that noise. It might help you get lots more views than usual – and find some fans who hadn't come across your stuff before.

Be Specific with Your Captions

Don't simply describe your content in captions. Use them to engage viewers and provide context. Be precise, tell a story, or pose questions. And don't forget to use relevant and trending hashtags.

For example, rather than captioning a travel Reel with "Exploring Paris," try something like "Discovering secret Parisian marvels! What are yours? Comment below!" This kind of writing encourages people to interact more with your post.

And the more people comment on it or save it because they enjoyed watching it, the more likely the algorithm is to circulate that Reel widely by showing it to lots of new Instagram users—which will rack up views for you.

Engage with Like-Minded Content

Engagement works both ways. To get more Instagram Reel views, spend time interacting with other people's content that is similar to yours. Like, comment, or share posts from other creators in your niche.

For example, if you make fitness content, try engaging with other fitness fans by commenting on their Reels or joining in the challenges they've set. Maybe even use Reels templates or Instagram video widgets.

This doesn't just help build community either. It also signals to Instagram that your content may be important to those audiences—meaning the app might surface your posts beyond just the people who already follow you.

Post When Your Followers Are Online

Timing plays a crucial role in the world of Instagram. By sharing content during periods of high activity among your followers, you stand a better chance of racking up more views.

To establish when your audience is typically online – and subsequently plan Reel posts to coincide with these peak periods – dive into Instagram Insights. And post consistently.

For instance, if the bulk of those who follow you tend to log on at 7 pm, then that's when your material should be going live. Doing so means there's maximum visibility just as they're gearing up to engage.

Experiment with Different Reel Lengths

Not every one of your Reels must be either 15 or 30 seconds long. Sometimes, you can do better with a longer video as long as it has useful content. Test out different lengths to see what your audience likes.

For example, a short 10-second clip might be just right for a hack, while an explainer video showing how to do something could work better at 60 seconds. Experiment until you hit upon the perfect duration – where people watch your entire Reel and then come back for others.

Why Am I Not Getting Instagram Reel Views?

If your content isn't gaining traction, there could be a few reasons why. First, make sure your Instagram videos align with current trends and that you're using popular sounds or relevant hashtags. These are key to being discovered.

It's also possible that you're posting when your target audience is less active. Trying out different times of the day might help. Sometimes, low engagement could mean that your videos aren't capturing attention in those crucial first few seconds. Make sure the opening is catchy and hooks viewers right away.

Finally, steer clear of any black-hat techniques or spammy behavior. If Instagram thinks you're up to no good, it might "shadowban" you (limit who can see your content). Keep experimenting, stay true to yourself—and remember that building an audience will take time and lots of creativity.

Conclusion

To increase your Instagram Reels views, you need to be creative, strategic, and know your audience. Make the opening seconds of your video captivating. Use popular audio tracks, write interesting captions, collaborate with other creators in your niche, experiment with posting times, and try videos of different lengths.

Keep testing new things, don't expect instant results from everything you do, and don't forget to enjoy yourself. You never know – the next piece of content you create might just be the one that goes viral.