5 Hacks for Instagram Reels

When it comes to growing and getting more engagement on Instagram, Reels are an absolute must. Ever since Instagram Reels came onto the scene, content creators have been getting major results by incorporating this style of content into their social media strategies. 

Of course, you can’t just throw any Instagram Reel up on your grid and expect it to be successful. The popularity of a Reel is, in many ways, subject to Instagram’s algorithm. But there are ways you can hack the algorithm and create Instagram Reels that get more organic reach and higher engagement. We’re sharing our best hacks for Instagram Reels below!

5 Hacks for Instagram Reels

Use original, native content

One of the biggest mistakes that creators make on Instagram is simply taking their TikTok video with the watermark and uploading it straight to Instagram. This is a huge no-no. Did you know that Instagram has actually confirmed that they deprioritize any Instagram Reels that have obviously been recycled from another app?

That means it’s essential to only use Instagram Reels that have been created natively in the app… or ones that look like they were created specifically for Instagram. Pay attention because this is one of the very best hacks for Instagram Reels: you don’t have to create your video natively within the app if you simply remove the watermark from the content you’ve already created! That’s right, you can save yourself time and use content directly from TikTok as long as you remove that pesky TikTok watermark first. We’ve shared four ways to do that here.

Create shareable content

One of the best ways to get more organic growth on Instagram is to create Reels that are inherently shareable. The more shares your content gets, the more traffic, engagement, and new followers you’ll receive. In order to be shareable, Instagram Reels should typically be useful and informative — think DIYs, tutorials, and tip videos.

Try to create Reels that address interests or pain points for your particular niche and target audience. And, if you really want your content to be shared, don’t forget to do one very simple thing: ask! Many creators skip the very-important step of simply asking their viewers to share their Reel. Which brings us to our next point…

Always include a CTA

Typically, your goal with Instagram Reels will probably be to attract more followers and drive more traffic to your page. But the only way you’ll achieve maximum results is to tell your followers what you want them to do and direct them to a specific action. 

Try to include a very clear call-to-action (CTA) encouraging your viewers to do something specific. You can ask them to share your content on their story or with a friend, visit the link in your bio, hit the follow button, check out your new launch, etc. Quickly give these very concise and clear directions either at the very beginning or very end of your video. You can even put your CTA on-screen in writing (more on that in the next point!). 

Add subtitles and text

Another great hack for Instagram Reels is to include subtitles and text. Instagram’s algorithm currently prioritizes content that checks certain boxes, so one of the best ways to make sure your Reels perform optimally is to include text. You can include text on-screen that references what your video is about (and includes your CTA). This text can be added directly through the Instagram Reels editor.

But it’s also important to add subtitles, if you want your video to be more accessible, eye-catching, and favored by Instgram’s algorithm. Luckily, it’s easy to add subtitles with just a couple of clicks when you use Zubtitle’s state-of-the-art software. For more information on adding text/subtitles to your Instagram Reel (and a full walkthrough of both), check out this blog post. 

Stay on top of trends

Much like TikTok (the inspiration for Instagram Reels), trends come and go quickly on Instagram. That’s why it’s so important to stay on top of recent trends and create relevant content while it’s still hot. Plus, the Instagram algorithm always prioritizes trending content — so your Reels will automatically get more views if they’re hopping on a trend. 

Try to spend some time each week scrolling through the Explore page and Reels page on Instagram to get an idea of what’s new and trending. You can also search a relevant keyword on Instagram and see what Reels show up on the Top page. Want more ideas on creating trending content that gets a ton of views? Check out this video: 

What are your favorite hacks for Instagram Reels? Tell us in the comments!

And don’t forget — if you want to add captions to your Instagram Reels with Zubtitle, you can sign up for a free account today and start creating!