1. Watch Time & Completion Rate: Keeping Viewers Hooked
The Reels algorithm heavily prioritizes content that people watch from start to finish. A higher completion rate signals to Instagram that your Reel is engaging and worth promoting.
Example: A beauty influencer posts a quick, 15-second makeup tutorial. The snappy, easy-to-follow content keeps viewers watching until the end, driving higher completion rates and pushing the Reel to more viewers.
Data Point: Reels with a 90%+ completion rate are 2x more likely to be recommended to users on the Reels tab.
2. Engagement: Shares and Saves are King
While likes and comments are important, shares and saves have more impact on Reels. If users share your Reel with friends or save it to view later, Instagram recognizes that it’s valuable content and promotes it to more users.
Example: A travel blogger shares a stunning drone video of a tropical island. Followers share the Reel with friends who love travel, boosting its visibility.
Tip: Encourage viewers to share your Reel in the caption, driving higher engagement.
3. Trends & Music: Leverage the Power of Viral Content
Using trending audio clips or participating in popular challenges can significantly boost the reach of your Reels. Instagram actively pushes content that follows trends.
Example: A fitness instructor joins a trending challenge that combines a popular song with workout routines. By using the trending audio, the Reel reaches new audiences who are following the trend.
Data Point: Reels that use trending audio have a 70% better chance of appearing in the Reels Explore feed.
4. Content Quality: Instagram Rewards High-Quality Reels
Instagram has a bias toward Reels that are entertaining and visually appealing. Reels that are blurry, have poor lighting, or are overly promotional are deprioritized by the algorithm.
Example: A fashion brand uses high-quality video production to showcase a clothing haul, making the content more visually attractive, which helps it perform better.
Tip: Focus on clean editing, good lighting, and compelling visuals to boost your Reels’ performance.
5. Originality: Avoid Copy-Pasting from Other Platforms
Instagram prefers original content, so Reels that are directly reposted from TikTok (especially with the watermark) are deprioritized. Creating unique content or putting your own spin on trends is crucial.
Example: A comedian reimagines a trending meme in their own style, instead of reposting an existing TikTok, allowing their Reel to stand out and gain traction.
Data Point: Reels marked as original content are 1.5x more likely to appear in the recommended feed than reposted content.
6. Consistency & Volume: Post More, Get More
The Reels algorithm rewards frequency. Posting Reels regularly increases your chances of being featured on the Reels tab or the Explore page.
Example: A fitness coach posts 3-4 Reels a week, demonstrating different exercises. With each new Reel, more users discover the content, growing their audience over time.
Tip: Aim to post at least 3 Reels per week to stay active in the algorithm’s rotation.
Conclusion: Reels are Instagram’s gateway for discovery, and by optimizing your content for watch time, engagement, trends, and originality, you can rapidly expand your reach. Focus on producing high-quality, trend-savvy content to maximize your chances of going viral.
