5 Tips for Viral Instagram Reels

Instagram Reels is growing in popularity on Instagram.  Every day, we are seeing more and more creators use the Instagram Reels feature and less posting pictures.  Instagram Reels is just as big as TikTok and some creators tend to post the same content on both platforms.  This feature on Instagram is still very new to me and I’m constantly experimenting with how it works.  In addition, I don’t post as many Reels as I should, but I am aware of how to go viral via Instagram Reels. 

While I may not use Instagram Reels much, I kept getting asked by my blogger friends if I knew anything on how to get viral via Instagram Reels.  So, I told them what I knew about going viral via Instagram Reels.  Then I thought, I should write a blog post about it.  So, I’ve compiled a list of the best ways to go viral on Instagram Reels.  Check out my tips below.

Tip #1:  Follow the Trends

Usually, in the world of fashion, you want to be a trendsetter and create your trends.  However, in the Instagram Reels (IG Reel) world, you need to follow the trends, if you want to go viral.  Following the popular trends will push your IG Reel to the top of the Instagram Newsfeed and explore page for your followers.  In addition, if an Instagram user aimlessly scrolls through their feed and notices a trend.  Then, they usually tend to look for other videos that have done the same trend.  Thus, if you follow the Instagram Reels Trends, you’ll be added both the top of the feeds as well as in the feed of the trend itself.

If you’re unsure about what trends to follow, just go through the current trends from the people you follow and pick one that you may like.  Then go ahead, film, edit, and post!  Types of trends include using popular music, using popular transitions, etc. 

Tip #2:  Have New Ideas

This tip is the opposite of the first one.  While experimenting with IG Reels trends is a good way to get noticed, so is experimenting with new ideas.  Think about what type of content you want to put out and then cater the new ideas accordingly.  Experimenting with different types of video ideas is a good way to also get creative and have fun with the IG reels feature.  In addition, if you create an idea that gets noticed a lot, you may have created a trend which is a big win for a content creator!  Ways to try new ideas or to create a fun transition, or different types of songs, or a voiceover, etc. 

Tip #3:  Share All Across Instagram

Instagram Reels has a feature that allows you to share just to the “reels” tab or to your Instagram feed as well.  Make sure to share to your feed since not everyone will be clicking on your “reels” tab.  If you’re worried about your Instagram feed not looking cohesive then make sure to include a cover picture that will match the aesthetic of your Instagram feed.

In addition, make sure to share your Instagram stories as well.  Instagram stories are where your followers get updates about your life.  If you update that a new reel has been posted then they’ll most likely be able to view the reel that way.  If you don’t post the reel to your story then it may get lost in the newsfeed of your followers.

In addition, the Instagram algorithm loves it when its users are using the app to its full potential by using all their features.  The algorithm will push those users to the front of the newsfeed and explore page, that uses all of Instagram’s features.  So, make sure to share your Instagram reel to your Instagram Feed and your Instagram Stories.  This will not only get you noticed with your followers but with new ones as well.

Tip #4:  Include Captions and Hashtags

Since you can include text and voiceovers in your Instagram Reels, it may feel odd to include the caption as well.  However, remember that you may have followers that are hearing impaired or others who scroll their feed with the sound off.  Whichever it may be, you want to make sure that your Instagram page is accessible to all kinds of people. 

In addition, some people don’t like watching the whole Instagram reel but rather prefer to read the caption.  Make sure to include everything you mentioned in the Instagram Reel in your caption.  Also, don’t forget to use hashtags to make yourself more discoverable.

Tip #5:  Don’t Use the TikTok Watermark

Creating a video in TikTok with text than creating it again in Instagram Reels with text is redundant work that can be very time-consuming.  So, you might be tempted to upload the video you just created from TikTok to Instagram Reels since it will save you time.  However, Instagram’s algorithm will not promote Reels that have the TikTok watermark. 

Therefore, it’s best to create a video on your video app on your phone then upload it to both platforms.  Another option might be to download the video that you created on TikTok, with the TikTok watermark but use an app to remove the watermark. 

I hope you enjoyed my tips on how to go viral with Instagram Reels.  What’s one tip you have for going viral with Instagram Reels?  Let me know in the comments below!

Much Love,