Here are 7 tips for viral reels on Instagram that you need to be doing to increase the chance of your reel going viral on Instagram. There is no secret, like many other things in the social media world consistency is key! That said, if you follow these tips to make your reels go viral with every reel you make – there will be results!
First, let’s start off with what qualifies as a viral reel. It’s relative to your following and the audience you would normally reach. but according to Wikipedia a ‘Viral Video’ needs to reach 5 million views within the first week of posting.
5 Million is A LOT. Personally, I believe that the bar for a viral Instagram Reel is much lower. As a general rule, I like to use the 10X rule. Meaning, if you reach 10X your following in views — congratulations, you went viral!
For example, If your account has 5k and you post a reel that gets 50,000 plus views, I think it’s safe to say you went viral. You can happily watch the views tick up and the followers and interactions roll in.
Make a Viral Worthy Reel
There are many different components to making a viral reel. It could be the hook, the story, the vibe, the unexpectedness of it or simply a trendsetting video. What works is each niche will differ slightly but these 7 tips will help your reels go viral and are guaranteed to deliver more views and help build your audience while posting to reels.
1. Use the Proper Format to Get a Viral Reel
Create your reels for the reels tab. Like the ‘story’ format use a 9:16 ratio or 1080 x 1920. If it’s not the right size the algorithm likely won’t prioritize it and most people will not continue to watch it. It has an annoying factor to it. This is not hard to do and must be done properly!
2. Work The Angles
Take advantage of filming in clips and piecing them together. Utilize different angles and transitions to make the video more interesting! Transitions can seem intimidating at first but the more you use them the better and quicker you will get at it.
PRO TIP: Use multiple frames and cut up filming into 3-5 seconds
3. Add Elements to Your Video
Make use of the many features within Instagram when uploading your reel. Add captions, text at the beginning and end, reply to comment stickers, and more. This signals to the algorithm that you know your way around reels and you will be rewarded for using their features, especially the new features like replying to stories!
Need Help Getting Your Content Organized?
Plan Your Content Like a Pro with The Ultimate Digital Content Planner
GET YOURS NOW
4. Edit Your Reels Properly to Get a Viral Reel
Use an app video editor like CapCut, Animoto, InShot, or VN Editor to edit your reels properly. Here’s a great article to check out on how you should edit your reels from HootSuite.
Find out how to create Instagram Videos and Animoto to edit your reels HERE
5. Use Trending Audios – a Sure Way to Hit Viral Numbers
When you see the little slanted arrow that means it’s a trending sound. You want to find sounds with the little trending icon and use those audios on your Reels. There is a little arrow that shows it’s trending. Using trending audio can help push your content out to non-followers and increase the chance of going viral or landing on the Explore page and being featured.
6. Choose a Relevant But Attractive Cover Image
Make sure you use a cover image that is relevant to your reel video. It should make sense and go with the video. Depending on the content, creating a thumbnail cover with a title is a great way to entice click-through watches when someone is on your reel’s feed. Treat it similar to a YouTube thumbnail.
7. Use Hashtags But Not Too Many
The limit is 30 but doesn’t stuff hashtags to fit 30 just to do it. Pick hyper-relevant and targeted hashtags for your niche, area, and reel to expand your reach and hit new audiences. It’s been said that 3-5 is ideal but I would suggest aiming for 10 relevant hashtags.
Use these 7 tips to create viral reels with all your reels and keep posting consistently and you will see results! With every reel, you create you get better. Put out quality content on a schedule with intent and you’ll be amazed by what follows.
Get creating and posting!
Interesting in gaining your first 10,000 Views on IG Reels?
Join my free email course – HERE!
Connect with me on social media IG @conradsocial Twitter @socialconrad
Leave a comment with your thoughts below or if you have any questions!
Click here to learn more about my services.
I didn’t know about the slanted arrow. Thanks so much for the helpful tips. I definitely want to start focusing more on reels since I have seen so many people get great engagement from them.
great tips! This is my goal this year!
thanks for the tips, I havent done any reels yet and Im excited to jump on it
So exciting! They can seem overwhelming but you’ll learn as you go!
These are great tips! I haven’t made any reels yet (was kind of intimidated by them lol) but this is extremely helpful. Thank you!
Totally get that feeling! Best tips for starting out are above and watch lots of reels in your niche! 🙂
These tips are super helpful. I’m definitely going to try some of these.
Good luck on your first!