How To Go VIRAL on Instagram Reels

How To Go VIRAL on Instagram Reels

Hey creatives! My name's Seb, and welcome to my channel dedicated to videography, video editing, and photography. We also cover social media tips occasionally, just like today. Our goal is to help you create high-quality short-form content. If that sounds interesting, consider hitting the subscribe button.

Here's my best advice on how to go viral on Instagram using Instagram Reels. Let's dive straight into the tips.

Tip #1: Watch Time

One of the most crucial aspects of your Instagram Reel is its watch time. A high watch time makes it easier for Instagram to recognize that your video is engaging and worth promoting to a broader audience. Here's how to maximize your watch time:

1. Capture Attention Quickly: The first one to two seconds of your video are vital. You can do this with a powerful hook, an amazing piece of footage, or a clickbait title.
2. Make Content Rewatchable: Aim for content that viewers would want to watch multiple times. This increases your overall watch time and signals to Instagram that your content is worthwhile.

For example, I post quick Premiere Pro tutorials that are 8 to 15 seconds long. These are packed with information, prompting viewers to watch multiple times to understand the content fully.

Tip #2: Targeted Hashtag Strategy

Getting your content in front of the right audience is essential, and hashtags can significantly aid this. Here’s how to use hashtags effectively:

1. Use Niche-Related Hashtags: Choose hashtags that are relevant to your content. For example, if you’re a photographer, use hashtags like #photographer.
2. Use Active Hashtags: Incorporate trending hashtags like #djiFPV if it’s currently popular, but avoid using too many as they might not be relevant in the long run.

I use a pyramid scheme for my hashtags:

• First 10 hashtags: Maximum reach of 50,000.
• Next 10 hashtags: Reach of 50,000 to 100,000.
• Next 5 hashtags: Reach of 100,000 to 500,000.
• Last 5 hashtags: Reach of 500,000 to 1 million.

I also use Flick, a tool that helps filter hashtags by criteria like the minimum number of likes to ensure I'm trending on those tags.

Tip #3: Create Shareable and Relatable Content

Creating content that triggers an emotional response or is highly relatable can lead to more shares. More shares mean more exposure and eventually more followers.

For instance, I recently reposted a Lightroom skit that got shared over 30 times within a few hours. Social sharing is powerful because your content is showcased to the followers of those who share it, increasing your reach exponentially.

Tip #4: High-Quality Content (Bonus Tip)

For a higher chance of going viral, create high-quality Instagram Reels. I've uploaded several videos on my YouTube channel about the best tips and editing techniques for Instagram Reels, including export settings. Be sure to check them out.

That's it for this article. If you found it helpful, please leave a like and subscribe. Feel free to comment your thoughts below. Thanks for reading, and I'll see you in the next article!

Keywords

• Instagram Reels
• Viral
• Watch Time
• Hashtag Strategy
• Shareable Content
• Quality Content
• Videography
• Video Editing
• Photography
• Social Media

FAQ

Q1: Why is watch time important for Instagram Reels?
A: High watch time indicates to Instagram that your video is engaging, making it more likely to be promoted to a broader audience.

Q2: How can I capture attention quickly in my Instagram Reels?
A: Use a powerful hook, an amazing piece of footage, or a clickbait title in the first one to two seconds of your video.

Q3: What is a targeted hashtag strategy?
A: A targeted hashtag strategy involves using niche-related and active hashtags to get your content in front of the right audience.

Q4: How do I create shareable content for Instagram Reels?
A: Create content that triggers an emotional response or is highly relatable, such as funny videos, how-to guides, or tips and tricks.

Q5: What tools can help with finding effective hashtags?
A: Tools like Flick can help filter hashtags by criteria like minimum likes to ensure you're trending on those tags.

Q6: Why is it important to create high-quality Instagram Reels?
A: High-quality content is more professional, engaging, and likely to be shared, increasing your chances of going viral.