How To Go Viral on Instagram Reels INSTANTLY in 2024 (New Reels Algorithm Explained)

Introduction

By the end of this article, you're going to know the four things you need to be doing right now in order to go viral on Instagram Reels. It doesn't matter what niche you're in, and it definitely doesn't matter how many followers you have. In fact, I just helped one creator go viral and gain over 200,000 followers, and another gain over 600,000 followers using the same approach. The same success can happen to you as long as you follow all the steps. The last step, in particular, is the most critical and if you skip it, it will likely be the reason why you fail to go viral on Instagram during this incredibly opportune time for gaining views.

1. Create Content of the Right Length

The first thing you need to ensure is that your content is the right length. The average viral post on Instagram right now is less than 20 seconds long. It's not just about being short; these videos also get a certain number of shares, replays, and comments, and lead to followers after they are uploaded. Focusing on the wrong metrics like likes or saves is one of the reasons you're not going viral.

Why Length Matters

Posting content that’s too long can significantly decrease the odds of the Instagram algorithm pushing out your content. Instagram assesses how long typical posts are and measures engagement. A shorter post increases the chances of someone replaying your content. Replays are crucial as they signal the algorithm that your content is engaging. A clip change within the first 2-3 seconds is essential to capture and maintain viewer attention, satisfying their dopamine rush of seeing something new.

Optimizing for Three Metrics

You need to optimize your content for three things: viewer retention in the first three seconds, the number of replays, and the amount of shares. Shares are particularly important because every time someone shares your video, the recipient gets a notification, which brings them back to Instagram, increasing overall engagement.

Captions and Text

A substantial amount of Instagram users scroll without sound. Thus, having engaging captions and text on the screen is crucial. Observing how people interact with Instagram reveals that many spend time reading captions or checking DMs, emphasizing the importance of good copy and on-screen text.

2. Avoid Posting and Scheduling Mistakes

Posting content at the wrong time or using the wrong scheduling app can drastically reduce your views. Today's video sponsor, Metrocool, can solve these issues. Some scheduling apps can hurt your reach, but Metrocool can help you plan posts for optimal times, find the best hashtags, and write perfect descriptions, thereby increasing your reach. Register for 30 days of free access to their premium plans with code "Robert" for better Instagram growth.

When to Post

For beginners without posting data, the recommended times are:

• 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
• 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Consistency is key. Posting once a day is the minimum, and up to three times a day is optimal.

Engagement on Stories

For Stories, focus on engagement rather than just the number of posts. Stories should prompt viewers to interact, ensuring Instagram recommends them to more people.

3. Prioritize the Research Phase

Research is crucial before posting. Check what length, format, and hooks are used by successful posts in your niche. Aim to create a better version of these posts. If no existing posts cover your idea, it might not be worth pursuing.

Content Quality

Instagram is a competition. Your content needs to be better than your competitors' to get noticed. If you find no similar videos during research, it suggests a lack of interest, signaling Instagram to not recommend your content. Therefore, always aim to outperform existing posts.

4. Implement a Feedback Loop

Understand that the majority of your views and followers will come from a small percentage of your posts. Consistency helps improve your chances of hitting that vital 5% of successful posts.

Checklist for Improvement

• Idea Phase: Research competitors' views in your niche.
• Research: Analyze the length, format, pacing, and hooks of successful posts.
• Production: Ensure your video has strong hooks and engaging descriptions. Check if you need trending sounds and eliminate any unnecessary parts.
• After Uploading: Review watch time, audience retention, and demographics of viewers to refine future posts.

By following this feedback loop, you can continually improve and increase your chances of going viral.

Keywords

• Instagram Reels
• Viral content
• Content length
• Engagement metrics
• Clip change
• Posting schedule
• Metrocool
• Consistency
• Research phase
• Feedback loop

FAQ

Q: How long should my Instagram Reels be to maximize viral potential? A: Reels should ideally be less than 20 seconds long to increase engagement and replay rates.

Q: Why are clip changes important in the first few seconds? A: Clip changes in the first 2-3 seconds help capture viewer attention and satisfy their craving for new content, increasing view rates.

Q: How often should I post to increase my chances of going viral? A: Posting consistently, at least once a day, but ideally up to three times a day, can significantly improve your chances of getting noticed by the algorithm.

Q: What times are best for posting on Instagram? A: The optimal times to post are between 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Q: How important are captions and text on my videos? A: Extremely important, as many users scroll without sound. Engaging captions and on-screen text can capture attention and keep viewers engaged.

Q: Do I need to use scheduling apps? A: Using a good scheduling app like Metrocool can help you post at the best times and optimize your posts for better reach and engagement.

Q: What if there's no similar content on my topic? A: It’s generally advised not to proceed with producing content if no similar successful posts exist, as it indicates a lack of audience interest.