By now, you’re probably familiar with Instagram Reels—a feature designed to compete with TikTok by offering short, engaging video content. But how can you use Reels to grow your presence and possibly even go viral?
While the success of your content is influenced by Instagram’s ever-evolving algorithm, there are several proven tactics you can use to give your Reels the best chance of being seen, shared, and loved. From using trending audio to optimizing your video dimensions, here’s your up-to-date guide to going viral on Reels.
Instagram Reels continue to be a major focus on the platform. As of 2025, Reels can be up to 3 minutes long, though videos between 15 to 30 seconds tend to perform best for engagement and completion rates. More importantly, Instagram's algorithm favors Reels with high watch time, saves, shares, and meaningful comments—not just accounts that use Reels.
Consistency is key. When you focus on a specific niche or theme, the algorithm learns who to show your content to. Whether it's fitness, fashion, tech tips, or DIY, stay in your lane—and get creative within it.
You have 1–3 seconds to grab attention. Use eye-catching visuals, strong movement, or ask an intriguing question right away. Your hook determines whether someone scrolls past or watches through.
Shoot your Reels vertically with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels and an aspect ratio of 9:16. This format ensures maximum visibility and optimal quality across the platform.
Instagram’s algorithm deprioritizes content recycled from other platforms. If you're reposting a TikTok, use tools or apps that remove the watermark before uploading it to Reels.
It is estimated that more than 80% of Instagram users watch videos without sound, whether they are Stories or Reels. Because of this, it's a good idea to add captions or text that can help viewers understand the content without audio. Text will also allow people with hearing difficulties to understand your videos.
Since Reels can be accessed and watched from the "Reels" tab or the In-Feed view, it is important to always make sure to place your text in the middle of your video, the "safe zone", so that it won't be cut off.
A call to action should always be included to encourage your audience to interact with your videos. Ask a question, invite comments, or prompt viewers to follow you for more. This helps drive engagement and signals value to the algorithm.
In order to give your content the best chance of going viral, you can use elements that are trending, such as songs or challenges. This means keeping up to date with trends and observing how the public is reacting to them in order to implement them (as long as they fit with the type of content you create).
Hashtags still matter. Use 3–7 specific, relevant hashtags that describe your content. Avoid overly broad or generic tags like #foryou or #viral, as they often bury your post in noise.
Creating a custom reel cover can help your video stand out from the very beginning. This is the image that the user will see before clicking on the video.
A visually appealing cover can entice clicks and keep your feed looking cohesive. Use tools like Canva to design custom covers that reflect your brand or aesthetic.
Timing matters. Check your Instagram Insights to find when your target audience is most active, and post accordingly. Early engagement can significantly affect how widely your Reel is pushed. This way, you'll have a higher engagement rate.
To give your Reels greater visibility, share them on your Instagram feed and in your Stories. This gives you a higher chance of getting your Reel on the Explore page, which will get you more likes, comments, and shares and boost your Reel. Also, consider pinning your top-performing Reels to your profile.
Like on any social media platform, you want to get people to interact with your content because this will help you gain followers and grow your presence. As mentioned above, likes, comments, shares, saves, etc. will help anything you post gain traction and go viral. The algorithm values comments with actual content (not just emojis). Spark conversation by asking for opinions, encouraging responses, or even inviting duets or remixes if relevant.
Going viral on Instagram Reels is possible, though the chances of it happening overnight are pretty low. The most important thing to focus on is regularly creating interesting, eye-catching content and using all the tricks we've mentioned in this article.