10 tips to make your Instagram reels go viral

• #How To
• #Instagram
• #Social Media

You know that feeling when you create a reel that has a lot of potential, but the views just aren’t coming? It can be frustrating when your efforts don’t get the attention they deserve. But with the right strategies, you can significantly increase the views of your reels. With these 10 tips, you can take your reels to the next level. Want to take your reels to the next level and go viral?

What are reels?

Reels are short, dynamic videos on Instagram, typically between 15 and 60 seconds long. They are the perfect way to share creative content, increase your reach and interact with your community. But it takes more than content to make your reels stand out.

Follow these tips and watch your views explode

Instagram Reels are a great way to increase your reach and engage your target audience in a lively, creative way. But how do you get your reels to really take off? Let’s not waste any time, because you want to go viral today!

1. Improve the quality of your Instagram Reels

For your Instagram Reels to really take off, you need more than just good content. Firstly, video quality comes into play. A poorly lit or shaky video won’t keep anyone watching for long, no matter how good the content is. Luckily, there are a few simple tricks you can use to take your reels to the next level.

• Clean your camera: A clean lens makes all the difference. Give the camera a quick wipe before you press ‘Record’ to get sharper images and better detail in your Instagram clips.
• Use the main camera: Your smartphone probably has several cameras, but the main camera usually delivers the best image quality. Use this for your Instagram Reels to create professional video content.
• Make sure you have good lighting: Nothing makes a video better than the right lighting. Natural light is always best.

2. The hook has to be catchy

With reels, every second counts – especially the first few! If you don’t grab your viewers in the first few seconds, they’ll just keep scrolling. That’s why the hook, i.e. the beginning of your reel, is crucial. This is where it’s decided whether people stay tuned or not.

• Captivating words in the first few seconds: Start with a question, a surprising statement or an exciting fact. A strong start arouses the curiosity of your viewers. For example: ‘Did you know that the first 3 seconds determine the success of your Instagram reels?’
• Movement in the picture: Movement immediately attracts attention. Experiment with dynamic camera changes or scenes that are visually interesting right from the start. Movement brings the Instagram video to life and keeps viewers engaged.
• Use text and colours strategically: Use vibrant colours and easy-to-read text to communicate your message clearly. Colours can evoke emotions and make the reel more appealing.

3. The art of holding attention

It’s not enough to grab the audience’s attention, you have to keep it! Did you know that the average attention span is currently only around 8 seconds? That means you need to do everything you can to captivate your viewers in those crucial first moments.

• Keep your video dynamic: Fast cuts and transitions ensure that your reel remains lively. Use exciting graphics or effects to increase the visual appeal. Viewers love it when something is constantly happening.
• Use Instagram templates: Templates can help you save time while achieving a professional result. They offer an easy way to create dynamic Instagram clips without being an expert in video editing.
• Avoid long pauses: Long pauses can slow down the pace of your reel. Cut out anything superfluous so that the flow of your video remains constant.

4. The ideal video length: short and concise

When it comes to Instagram Reels, it’s not just the content that counts, but also the length. Short and concise video content is promising. But how short? And when is it too short?

• Test different lengths: Find out what works for your target group. Experience has shown that reels that are 7 to 15 seconds long are watched to the end. Longer reels (up to 60 seconds) are suitable for more in-depth content.
• Focus on the content: Cut out anything superfluous. Nobody wants to wade through unnecessary information. Get straight to the point and deliver what the viewer is interested in.
• Find the right moment: If you can say everything important in 10 seconds, stick to it. It’s about offering clear added value in a short space of time.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CfoSqGrs4Ga/

5. Learn from your audience

How do you know if your short videos are well received by your target group? It’s simple: ask them! Feedback is one of the best ways to understand what works and what doesn’t. Instagram statistics also provide you with valuable insights.

• Use polls and direct feedback loops: Ask your followers directly in the comments or via polls in the stories what they liked and what they would like to see in future videos.
• Take a look at the statistics: Instagram provides you with helpful data, such as the number of views, viewer engagement and interactions. These numbers will tell you which reels are performing well and which are not.
• Experiment and adapt: Test different formats and content to find out what resonates best with your audience. Analyse the results and optimise your content strategies accordingly.

6. The joy of experimentation pays off

Never like monotonous content. To ensure that your reels remain exciting, you should regularly try out new ideas and get creative.

• Experiment with different formats: Try out different types of Instagram clips. Whether tutorials, comedy or personal stories. There is no right or wrong as long as you entertain your target group.
• Use unusual perspectives: Play with camera angles, zooms or special effects to create visual variety. Creative reels that work with unexpected visual elements are often more memorable.
• Stay brave: Don’t be afraid to try something completely new. Unconventional ideas can be particularly well received.

7. Speak to your community

The success of your video posts depends heavily on whether you are targeting the right audience. There is little point in creating great content if it is not tailored to the interests and needs of your followers.

• Know your target group: Think about who your followers are and what they want to see. Are they interested in funny Instagram clips, are they looking for tips or tutorials, or do they just want to be entertained?
• Customise language and content: The language in your reels should suit your audience. Avoid overly complex terms if your target audience prefers simple explanations.
• Tell stories that connect: Content that tells a story is often remembered longer. This closeness creates trust and ensures that your community identifies more strongly with your brand.

8. Use polls and surveys in Instagram stories

Interactive content can bind your community more closely to you and increase your reach on Instagram.

• Use polls and surveys in your stories: ask your followers for their opinion or let them vote on future Reels content. The more interactions, the more rewards from the Instagram algorithm.
• Question and answer rounds: Use the Q&A function to encourage direct interactions. Answer questions in your Instagram reels or stories.
• Use stickers for more engagement: Use stickers such as ‘quizzes’ or ‘emoji sliders’ to generate even more interactions.

9. Algorithm strategies and hashtags

The Instagram algorithm is crucial for increasing the reach of your Instagram Reels. With the right strategies, you can use the algorithm to your advantage.

• Regular posts: Instagram loves continuity. Post four to six reels per week to show the algorithm that your content is active and relevant.
• Use hashtags cleverly: Use hashtags that match your Reels content. Also use specific niche hashtags to reach exactly the people who are interested in your topic.
• Consider post timing: Post at times when your target group is most active. Take a look at your insights to find out when your followers are online most often.

10. Strengthening reels through collaboration

A powerful way to increase the reach of your Instagram Reels is to collaborate with influencers. Influencers already have a loyal following and can help introduce your brand or content to a wider audience.

• Find the right influencer: Make sure you choose influencers that match your brand and your values. The collaboration should come across as authentic.
• Plan collaborations strategically: Agree that the influencer will share your reels in their stories or mention you in a joint reel.
• Build long-term partnerships: Short-term collaborations can help, but long-term partnerships with influencers bring more sustainable success.

Conclusion

Now you have the key to successful Instagram Reels. If you stick to it, you will not only achieve more views and interactions, but also build a strong connection with your community. Instagram Reels offer you the perfect opportunity to get in touch with your followers and maximise your reach on social media. With a clear strategy, regular analysis and a willingness to experiment creatively, you will not only be seen, but also celebrated. Do you need support or advice? Lookfamed is available to answer any questions you may have.