How to Go Viral on Instagram Reels: Crack the Code Fast in 2024

Instagram Reels is no joke when it comes to its potential for creators and brands. In 2024, you have a chance at blowing up big time and reaching a massive target audience by using the feature.

But how do you crack the code and make your Reels content stand out from all the rest? Whether your goal is to grow your follower count, increase engagement rates, or just show off how creative you are (bragging rights!), our guide has got ya covered.

In this blog post, we'll take a deep dive into what works and provide proven strategies so that you can get good at going viral (well!) on Instagram Reels. Fasten your seatbelt because we're about to spill the tea that nobody else wants to share with you!

What Is Instagram Reels?

Instagram Reels is an Instagram feature that enables users to create short videos with editing, music, and special effects. These videos can be anywhere from 15 seconds to 15 minutes long and can be used for entertainment or to capture an audience's attention.

Some people think of Reels as Instagram's version of TikTok because you can show off your personality there, give viewers advice, or join in on trends in order to get seen by more people.

One difference between creating viral Reels and Instagram Stories: after 24 hours, your Reels don't disappear. They're saved to a tab on your profile page and might even show up on other folks' Explore page if they haven't come across your content before.

No matter whether you are an individual having fun with Reels, a brand using it to reach customers, or a creator hoping to grow your audience - there are endless possibilities available when using this tool!

Why Should You Go Viral on Instagram Reels?

When a Reel on Instagram goes viral, people watch and share it like crazy. When that happens, Instagram will show your reel to more people on Explore.

That's important because this is how you get seen by lots of new people who don't already follow you. It can help you grow your followers (fans), get way more people looking at your posts…and even boost how much money you can make from brand deals or ads!

In short, When your Reels go viral, they help you make an impact and be super creative or helpful to an audience bigger than TikTok's — without spending money on advertising. And if the algorithm likes what your video does? It could keep showing it to more users for weeks!

Understanding the Algorithm to Go Viral on Instagram Reel

Creating viral Instagram Reels, it's important to understand how the platform's algorithm works. The algorithm decides which Reels get more visibility and why some soar while others fall flat. Here's what you need to know:

• Engagement is crucial: The algorithm likes Instagram Reels videos that rack up lots of views, likes, comments, and shares shortly after being posted. Because a ton of engagement right off the bat increases the likelihood that more people will see it overall.
• Content relevance: Based on what users seem to enjoy watching in their Instagram feed a lot, the algorithm learns from user behavior and may show them similar viral content elsewhere on the app.
• Interaction with your audience: Building strong connections with your followers can pay off big here. If you regularly respond to comments or DMs (or if you're tagged in posts often), there's a better chance your Reels could appear on those users' feeds.
• Relevant hashtags and captions should be specific: This way, the algorithm can do its job and show your content (whether it's funny, informative, or mind-blowing basketball trick shots) to the people who are most interested in seeing Reels about that topic specifically.

Tips to Make Your Instagram Reels Viral

 Now that you know what is Instagram Reels and why you need to go viral, let's explore some tips on how you can do that faster:

Find the Perfect Reel Length

If you want your Instagram Reels to go viral, try to make sure they're between 7 and 15 seconds long. That way, people who see them are more likely to stick around for the whole thing (and maybe even watch it again!).

For instance, if you can show off an entire outfit with a few quick changes in just 10 seconds – or condense a baking tutorial so it only shows the best bits sped up – give it a go! It might be that lots of people who follow you love seeing posts like these in their Explore tab.

And remember: if you don't succeed at first, test other video lengths too. Use what you learn from Instagram Insights (like which Reels get seen all the way through) to shape what you share on your grid and IGTV for maximum impact.

Post Reels at Optimal Times

It's important to consider the timing of your Reels if you want them to be seen. Make use of Instagram analytics to determine when your followers are most active and aim to post during these periods in order to achieve maximum engagement.

If, for instance, your audience tends to use the app most frequently at 6 pm, this is worth bearing in mind. It could be your golden hour. Posting reels consistently is another pro tip.

Create content that receives an instant flurry of likes, comments, or shares. This way, it may well be picked up on by the algorithm and shown to more people than just those who follow you. Therefore, if you time things right, there's every chance you could end up going viral.

Use Engaging Music or Audio Clips

Music is key when it comes to setting the mood—and making your Reel stick out. Picking popular tunes or catchy audio clips that fit well with what you're posting consistently can help increase your Reel's reach.

For instance, if you have a fashion brand and you want to grab people's interest as they watch your new collection strutted down the catwalk, you might pick an energetic, of-the-moment song. Just make sure it makes sense for your brand and that you have the right to use it.

If there are particular sounds that are currently blowing up on Instagram, using one or more of them can help put your content in front of even more eyeballs. So don't sleep on this tip if getting seen is at all important to you!

Leverage User-Generated Content (UGC)

UGC is a great way to create genuine content that people trust and want to get involved with. If you have Reels of customers or fans using your products, sharing them shows how much people love your stuff – and others will, too.

For example, say you're a skincare brand, and one of your fans posts a Reel of their amazing skin after using your products. By reposting it, you're not just showing everyone what great results look like in real life. You're also saying: "We bet loads of other people have stories like this – we want to hear from you!" to encourage exactly that.

In fact, why not run a competition for the best user-generated content (UGC) Reel? That way, even more people will take part. It becomes a self-perpetuating cycle of engagement that feels natural – because it is.

Showcase Products Creatively

Grab attention and encourage viewers to explore your products further by making them the star of engaging content like tutorials, unboxing videos, or before-and-after transformations.

For instance, a beauty brand might create a short makeup tutorial using its products or an unboxing Reel revealing a new skincare line. Use high-quality visuals, make sure there's something interesting happening early on, and include clear guidance such as "Shop now!"

The content should be enjoyable, useful, and good, too. Think of beautiful imagery or surprising moments that stop people mid-scroll.

Collaborate with Influencers and Brands

Join forces with influencers to leverage their devoted fan base and establish trustworthiness for your brand. Having an influencer share a Reel video that includes your product can make the post seem more genuine and reliable.

For example, if a fitness influencer uses your workout clothes in a high-intensity exercise clip posted on Instagram Reels, it might motivate their followers to take a look at your clothing line.

Partnering with creators may help increase how many people see your content, bring in new viewers, and improve how people perceive your brand—all good things on social media!

Keep Testing and Analyzing

If you're looking to find success on Instagram Reels, it's all about trying new things and seeing what works. Experiment with different content types – like comedy skits, educational videos, or challenges – as well as different lengths and posting times. Also, you can edit Reels to make them more viral.

For example, do your followers prefer 10-second quick tips they can snack on or deeper 30-second tutorials? Track your views, engagement rates, and other metrics using the analytics tools built into Instagram, and then work out what's worth doing more (or less).

The only way to improve is by constantly refining your approach based on what you have learned. So keep testing, tweaking – and testing some more!

Conclusion

Being successful on Instagram Reels goes beyond chance. It involves tactics, originality, and knowing your followers well.

To get more views, crack the code by sharing posts of an ideal length and at optimal hours. Also, try viral tunes, encourage others to make content for you, and never stop trying new things.

Keep in mind: the goal is to make videos people connect with—one that holds their attention spans and prompts likes or comments. So give it a go (enjoy yourself!) and test away to see what sticks.