Instagram Reels exploded onto the scene in 2020 and have become a favorite feature for both viewers and creators alike. Creators especially love Reels because they offer a powerful path to growing their audience.
So, you’re wondering how to get more followers with Reels? Buckle up, because I’m about to unravel the secrets! Let’s dive in!
Do Reels Get You More Followers?
Short Answer: Yes, they do.
Long Answer: Reports show that around 2.35 billion users interact with Reels every month. Plus, Reels get 22% more interaction than ordinary videos on Instagram.
Reels can be recommended to non-followers through Reels Recommendations based on your personal interests. So, if you want to be discovered by your target audience on Instagram, get started with Reels.
How Instagram Reels Algorithm Works?
To find out how to get followers from Reels on Instagram, you must learn how the algorithm works.
- Popularity matters: Reels with more views and engagement (likes, watches) are more likely to be shown to users, even if it doesn’t perfectly match their usual preferences.
- Engagement is king: The more a user interacts with a Reel (likes, watches it all), the more likely they are to see similar Reels in the future.
- Trends play a role: If a user watches Reels with a specific popular sound, they might be shown other videos using that same sound.
Pro Tip: In addition to likes and shares, factors like watch time and completion rate determine a reel’s popularity.
How To Get Followers From Reels On Instagram?
Time to learn how to use Reels to grow on Instagram. Let’s get started!
#1. Capitalize on trending audio
Audio plays an undeniable role in your Reels’ discoverability. You can use the Remix feature to your benefit.
So, look for trending audio snippets (memes, music snippets) that are popular and relevant to your niche. Then, create a Reel that creatively uses this audio.
Since users are actively searching for Reels with that sound, yours has a higher chance of getting seen by new people.
The great part is even if they forget your specific video, they might follow you if they like your take on the trending audio.
Question: Have you ever thought about starting the wave and creating your own viral video?
#2. Create original Reels (Don’t Copy)
Reusing a popular Reel that is already on Instagram doesn’t work!
A sea of similar content gets lost easily. But originality grabs attention and makes your Reel memorable.
People are more likely to comment, share, and like something fresh and unexpected.
Here are some tips to generate original Reels:
- Create reels from what you’re passionate about.
- While using a trending sound or challenge, inject your own creative twist to make it unique and relevant (Don’t be afraid of being creative)!
- Try new things! Storytelling, tutorials, humor, or maybe behind-the-scenes glimpses.
- Add your own flavor (Tone, language, humor) to the Reels.
#3. Create high-quality & engaging Reels
While creating a Reel, consider these Golden tips:
Be short: Opt for Reels under 30 seconds (Shorter for entertaining Reels, longer for education Rees).
While Instagram lets you create up to 90-second long Reels, the shorter, the more likely people watch it till the end.
Hook the viewers: Did you know that people have short attention spans? So, try to grab users’ attention within the first seconds.
Keep the right size: The ideal size for IG Reels is 1080*1920 px vertical. See all about Instagram post size.
Keep the quality high: This means good lighting, clear audio, high resolution, and no border, logo, or watermark.
Turn “Upload in high-quality” on: Before uploading your Reel, go to advanced settings and enable “High-quality” upload to make sure the best quality of your reel is shown to users.
Use stickers and filters: Filters and stickers can be a valuable tool in your Reel-making arsenal, but they should be used strategically to enhance your content, not overshadow it.
Focus on originality, high-quality visuals, and creative storytelling to truly stand out and gain followers. Remember, your content and personality are the real stars of your Reels.
Remember; Instagram shows you less Reels that are muted, and blurry, the majority of their image is covered with text, and aren’t original (Source: Instagram).
#4. Add hashtags and keywords
Hashtags are doors to discoverability. Include about 3-5 relevant (not general ones) hashtags in your caption.
One Instagram feature you can use is Add Topics (while creating a reel) to help match your reel with viewers.
#5. Invite collaborators
One effective way to gain more followers with Reels is partnering with relevant accounts.
This way, in addition to your followers, their followers will see the Reel, may visit your profile, and find it interesting to follow. If you’re a brand or business, try this.
#6. Schedule your Reels
Once you create the Reel, you don’t have to publish it instantly. Save it as a draft so you can further edit and schedule it for peek times.
Read: How to schedule Instagram posts, stories, and Reels.
#7. Share your Reel on other platforms
Making a great Reel is not easy. Once you have done one, why not share it everywhere?
Start with Facebook. If you’ve already connected your Instagram and Facebook accounts, your Reels will show up on your page.
However, don’t limit yourself to Meta. Also, share snippets of your Reel on TikTok and YouTube to reach more people on Instagram.
#8. Use Instagram templates
Instagram’s pre-built templates are extremely handy tools that save time and inspire you.
Simply, replace the template clips with your own content while keeping the engaging structure.
Remember, if you see a Reel with a “Use Template” sticker, you can leverage its structure and potentially reach a wider audience with your own version.
#9. Add polls to your caption
Do you know how much engagement matters for Instagram Reels? Very much!
Hopefully, there’s an amazing feature you can use to make that engagement: Polls. Add this interactive feature to your caption to encourage your followers to get engaged with your content.
#10. Post consistently
Posting regularly (with a clear plan) keeps you top of the minds of your followers.
Besides, Instagram’s algorithm favors accounts that consistently post engaging content. So, consider a few times a week to post Reels. However, it’s not a general rule.
If you want to know how often you should post on Instagram, you better track your Reels’ insights.
FAQs
Time to check a few common questions people might ask about the topic:
How do you gain followers with Reels?
To get followers with Reels, you need to create high-quality content at the right size, use trending audio, collaborate with others, and add the right hashtags and keywords.
Why are my reels not getting views from non-followers?
Factors like low engagement, irrelevant content, or missing out on trending topics and hashtags can hurt your Reels views.
Is 1,000 views on Reels good?
1,000 views on an Instagram Reel can be good for a starting point, especially if you’re new to Reels or have a small following.
It shows some people are interested in your content. But for significant growth, aim for higher view counts over time.
