How to Get More Views on Instagram: Reels, Stories, and Posts (2026)

Instagram views directly impact your reach, engagement, and growth. Whether you're focused on Reels, Stories, or feed posts, getting more eyes on your content starts with understanding what the algorithm prioritizes.

Skip to: Reels Views | Story Views | Feed Post Views | Common Mistakes

How Instagram Counts Views

Understanding what counts as a "view" helps you optimize for the right metrics:

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How to Get More Views on Instagram Reels

Reels have the highest potential reach on Instagram. A single Reel can outperform months of regular posts.

1. Hook Viewers in the First Second

The first second determines if someone keeps watching or scrolls past.

Effective hooks:

• Start mid-action (not with a setup)
• Use text overlay with a bold claim
• Open with movement or visual change
• Ask a question that demands an answer
• Try Boomerang videos for eye-catching looping clips

Learn more: Understand the benefits of video marketing for your brand growth.

Example hooks:

• "Stop doing this if you want to grow on Instagram..."
• "Here's what nobody tells you about..."
• "This changed everything for me..."

2. Optimize for Watch Time

Instagram prioritizes Reels that keep viewers watching.

Increase watch time by:

• Keep videos 7-15 seconds for highest completion rate
• Use pattern interrupts every 2-3 seconds
• Save the payoff for the end
• Add text to keep viewers reading
• Loop seamlessly so viewers rewatch

3. Post at Peak Times

When your audience is active matters.

Best times for Reels (general):

• Tuesday: 11 AM, 7 PM
• Wednesday: 11 AM
• Thursday: 11 AM, 7 PM
• Friday: 11 AM
• Saturday: 10 AM
• Sunday: 7 PM

Check your Instagram Insights for your specific audience's active hours.

4. Use Trending Audio

Reels with trending audio get pushed by the algorithm.

How to find trending audio:

• Look for the upward arrow next to audio names
• Check what audio popular creators in your niche use
• Browse the Reels tab for recurring sounds
• Use Instagram's audio library

Important: Original audio can also perform well if your content is strong.

5. Write Engaging Captions

Captions increase engagement, which boosts views.

Caption formula:

1. Hook that makes people want to read more
2. Value or context for the Reel
3. Call-to-action (save, share, comment)

Example:

I tested this for 30 days and the results shocked me.

Here's exactly what I did (and what you should avoid)...

Save this for later and try it yourself!

6. Use Strategic Hashtags

Hashtags help Instagram categorize and distribute your Reels.

Hashtag strategy:

• Use 3-5 highly relevant hashtags
• Mix niche and broader hashtags
• Avoid banned or overused hashtags
• Place in caption, not comments

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How to Get More Views on Instagram Stories

Stories appear at the top of the feed and keep your audience engaged daily.

1. Post Consistently

Regular Story posting trains your audience to check your content.

Recommended frequency:

• Minimum: 3-5 Stories per day
• Optimal: 7-15 Stories per day
• Maximum: Don't exceed 20-25 (fatigue sets in)

2. Use Interactive Stickers

Stickers increase engagement and signal to Instagram that your Stories are valuable.

High-engagement stickers:

• Polls (easiest for viewers to interact with)
• Questions (generates conversations)
• Quizzes (fun and shareable)
• Sliders (quick reactions)
• Countdowns (builds anticipation)

3. Create Story Series

Multiple-part Stories keep viewers tapping through.

Story series ideas:

• "A day in my life"
• "3 tips for..." with one tip per Story
• Behind-the-scenes process
• Before and after reveals

4. Post at Strategic Times

Stories expire in 24 hours, so timing matters.

Best practices:

• Post first Story early morning (7-9 AM)
• Add Stories throughout the day
• Final Stories in evening (7-9 PM)
• Space Stories 1-2 hours apart

5. Respond to DMs Quickly

Conversations increase your Story visibility.

How this works:

• Story viewers who DM you see your Stories first
• Quick responses encourage more DMs
• Use story stickers to prompt DM conversations

6. Share Posts to Stories

Cross-promote your feed content.

Best practices:

• Add context or commentary in Story
• Use "Tap to see post" text
• Share within first hour of posting
• Don't just reshare—add value

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How to Get More Views on Feed Posts

Feed posts have lower reach than Reels, but still matter for engagement and credibility.

1. Optimize Your First Image

The first image determines if people stop scrolling.

High-performing first images:

• Faces (especially looking at camera)
• Bold, contrasting colors
• Text overlay with hook
• Unusual or unexpected visuals
• Before/after comparisons

2. Write Scroll-Stopping Captions

The first line of your caption appears in the feed.

First line strategies:

• Ask a controversial question
• Make a bold statement
• Start with a number
• Use a cliffhanger

Example first lines:

• "I almost gave up on Instagram last month."
• "3 things I wish I knew when I started..."
• "This is the post I was scared to write."

3. Use Carousel Posts

Carousels get higher engagement and reach than single images.

Carousel best practices:

• First slide = hook
• Last slide = call-to-action
• 5-10 slides optimal
• Include text on each slide
• Make it worth swiping

4. Encourage Saves and Shares

Saves and shares signal high-value content to the algorithm.

Content that gets saved:

• Tutorials and how-tos
• Checklists and lists
• Inspiring quotes
• Reference information
• Templates and frameworks

Content that gets shared:

• Relatable memes
• Controversial takes
• Inspiring stories
• Useful tips

5. Engage Before and After Posting

Activity around your post time boosts visibility.

Engagement routine:

• 15 minutes before: Engage with similar accounts
• Immediately after: Respond to every comment quickly
• First hour: Continue engaging with your niche
• 24 hours after: Follow up on conversations

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Algorithm Signals That Increase Views

Instagram's algorithm prioritizes content based on these signals:

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Common Mistakes That Kill Views

Mistake 1: Inconsistent Posting

Posting randomly confuses the algorithm and your audience.

Fix: Create a content calendar and stick to a schedule.

Mistake 2: Ignoring Insights

Posting without checking what works is guessing.

Fix: Review insights weekly. Double down on what performs.

Mistake 3: Low-Quality Visuals

Blurry or poorly lit content gets scrolled past.

Fix: Use good lighting, stable shots, and edit for clarity.

Mistake 4: Buying Views or Followers

Fake engagement destroys your reach.

Fix: Focus on organic growth. Quality over quantity.

Mistake 5: Copying Trends Late

Using trends after they peak rarely works.

Fix: Jump on trends within 24-48 hours of emergence.

Mistake 6: Weak Hooks

Slow starts lose viewers immediately.

Fix: Start every piece of content with impact.

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Platform-Specific View Strategies

Reels Strategy

1. Post 1-2 Reels daily
2. Use trending audio when relevant
3. Keep videos 7-15 seconds
4. Hook in first second
5. Include clear CTA

Stories Strategy

1. Post 5-10 Stories daily
2. Use interactive stickers
3. Mix content types (photos, videos, text)
4. Respond to DMs quickly
5. Share feed posts with added context

Feed Strategy

1. Post 3-5 times per week
2. Use carousels for educational content
3. Write engaging first lines
4. Encourage saves with valuable content
5. Engage actively around post time

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Tools to Track and Improve Views

Native Tools

• Instagram Insights: View counts, reach, engagement
• Professional Dashboard: Performance summaries
• Content calendar: Plan and schedule posts

Third-Party Tools

Check your performance with our free Instagram Engagement Calculator.

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Quick Wins for More Views

Today:

• Review your last 10 posts in Insights
• Identify your top 3 performing content types
• Update your bio with a clear value proposition

This Week:

• Create a content calendar
• Batch create 5-7 pieces of content
• Engage with 20 accounts in your niche daily

This Month:

• Test different posting times
• Experiment with new content formats
• Analyze what's working and adjust

Related Resources

Instagram Reels & Stories:

• Instagram Reels Algorithm Guide
• Instagram Stories Best Practices
• How Long Can Instagram Reels Be
• Stories vs Posts vs Reels Comparison

Instagram Growth & Engagement:

• How to Get More Instagram Likes
• Instagram Carousel Posts Guide
• Best Instagram Hashtags
• How to Remove Instagram Shadowban

Content Strategy:

• Instagram Post Planner Guide
• Instagram Analytics Guide
• Instagram Aesthetic Guide

Free Instagram Tools:

• Instagram Caption Generator
• Instagram Reel Idea Generator
• Instagram Content Calendar Template
• Instagram Growth Strategy Generator
• Engagement Rate Calculator