Going viral on Instagram Reels is the dream for many content creators and businesses looking to grow their brand and reach new audiences. With Reels being pushed more and more by Instagram, it offers a huge opportunity to gain more visibility, followers and engagement.
But simply posting Reels is not enough to “make it big”. You need the right strategy and execution to create truly viral worthy content.
As someone who has gone viral on Reels multiple times, I want to share my proven tips and advice on how to create Reels that can jumpstart your growth on Instagram.
How Many Views Are Considered Going Viral?
Before diving into the steps to go viral, let’s first define what “going viral” actually means.
What constitutes a video going viral can vary greatly, but generally a Reel with over 250,000 views can be considered viral.
Of course, going from zero to 250K+ views is not easy. Most viral videos take time to gain momentum. But if you can hit that view count within a week or so from posting, it means your Reel has successfully tapped into the Instagram algorithm and is getting pushed out rapidly to new viewers.
The more views you can accumulate quickly, the more chances it has to “blow up”. I’ve had Reels hit 1 million views in just a few days of posting which is when you know you have a truly viral hit.
So use 250K views within a week as your benchmark for a viral Reel. If you can hit that consistently, you’re doing something very right!
Why Using Reels is So Important
Before jumping into the steps, you need to understand why Reels must be part of your Instagram strategy.
Instagram is heavily prioritizing and pushing Reels more than regular photos or videos in the feed.
Reels videos have much higher chances of getting discovered in Explore and being shown to new users who don't follow you yet.
This gives Reels the best opportunity to go viral fast.
You’ll notice when posting a Reel, it will get way more views and engagement quickly compared to posting just a photo or video in the feed.
So if going viral is your goal, focusing your efforts on creating stellar Reels is the #1 way to make that happen on Instagram right now.
Regular posts simply won’t have the same viral potential.
You need to dedicate time each week to crafting amazing Reels that followers and the Instagram algorithm love watching and sharing.
Get Used to Creating Reels
Before trying to go viral, it’s important to get comfortable creating Reels in the first place.
Many users find the Reels format confusing or overwhelming at first.
Here are some key tips to get the hang of it:
Use Instagram’s built-in Reels camera to record clips up to 30 secs. You can also upload pre-recorded videos.
Take advantage of Reels creative tools like audio, effects, timers, etc.
Tell a compelling story or share an interesting idea within 30 secs using multiple clips.
Use captions to enhance the narrative and keywords for discoverability.
Keep an eye on latest Reels trends for inspiration.
Aim for high-quality visuals - clear image, good lighting, stable shots.
Check Reel analytics to see what resonates best with your audience.
Post Reels consistently - at least 1 per week, ideally more.
Put in the work to become fluent with Reels creation. This lays the foundation for crafting the stellar viral-worthy content I’ll cover next.
Also Read: Instagram Reach vs Impressions: What's More Important?
What Makes A Reel Go Viral?
Now that you’re comfortable using Reels, let’s get into the meat of this guide - what makes a Reel truly go viral?
After analyzing my own viral Reels and those of other top creators, I’ve identified 8 essential ingredients:
7 Ways to go viral on Instagram
1. Make Great Content
This may seem obvious, but lackluster content dooming any chance of going viral.
Your Reels must capture attention and interest within the first few seconds.
This means:
Grabbing hook/opening: Ask a compelling question, make a bold statement, feature an interesting visual - quickly hook the viewer.
Creativity: Offer a fresh perspective or idea - don't just state the obvious.
Usefulness: Share tips, hacks, ideas that provide value to the viewer.
Entertainment: Make them laugh, surprised, amazed - trigger an emotional response.
Storytelling: Use multiple clips to tell a compelling story - make them want to see how it ends.
Take the time to brainstorm viral worthy ideas. Look at trends for inspiration but give it your own spin.
Great content is the core foundation of any viral Reel.
2. Use the Right Reel Hashtags
Hashtags are critical for discovery on Reels. Take advantage by using:
Niche hashtags: Specific to your industry/topic for targeting interested viewers.
Viral hashtags: Like #fyp and #reelsviral to increase visibility.
Trending hashtags: Align with current popular memes or challenges.
Unique hashtags: Create your own viral hashtag to brand it.
Avoid generic hashtags like #instagramreels #reelsinstagram. Research the best performing niche and trending hashtags to integrate into your strategy.
3. Accumulate Momentum: Share, Share, Share
Once you post an amazing Reel, the next step is to gain momentum through:
Sharing Reel link everywhere - Instagram Stories, other social accounts, YouTube community posts, etc.
Reposting snippets as Reels: 15-30 sec clips from original Reel recut for more views.
Cross-promote: Make IG Stories encouraging followers to check out your latest Reel.
Share user generated content: Repost others using your audio/hashtag for amplification.
Influencer collaborations: Get influencer friends to also cross-promote your viral Reel.
The more you can get the Reel out to new audiences, the faster it can pick up steam and get pushed by the algorithm.
4. Jump On Reels Trends - With A Twist
Leveraging popular Reels trends and challenges is an easy way to create content that gets views.
But straight-up copying trending sounds/memes rarely goes viral.
The key is putting your unique spin on trends.
For example, I capitalized on the "Jiggle Jiggle" trend but offered a business productivity twist to stand out.
Look for ways to give trending ideas relevance to your niche and audience. Execute trends in your authentic creative style.
This helps you stay on top of "what's hot" while also adding that special sauce that helps content pop off.
5. Use Popular & Appropriate Music
Music is central to Reels, giving it the fun vibe people love. Using the right audio is vital.
Optimize by:
Leveraging popular songs lighting up the Reels tab.
Matching music tone/mood with the video concept.
Selecting songs your audience vibes with.
Using original/viral sounds to launch new memes.
Aligning lyrics and hooks with captions and visuals.
Think strategically about audio selection. It has a huge impact on the overall consumption experience.
6. Be Consistent In Your Content Creation
Cranking out viral Reels isn't easy. You need to have a strong workflow for continuous creation.
I recommend:
Set aside regular #Reels creation time in your calendar - 2x/week or more.
Maintain organized Reels ideas list to tap when it's go-time.
Batch film Reels content for easier editing/posting after.
Analyze data to double down on types of Reels audience responds to.
Foster a creative mindset - constantly notice things in everyday life that could make a great Reel.
Developing consistent Reels output will allow you to keep pace with trends and regularly produce stellar content.
7. Pay Attention To Your Metrics & Profile
You can’t try to go viral just “randomly” throwing spaghetti at the wall.
Be very intentional by:
Checking Reels analytics to see which perform best.
Tapping into interests of your audience and niche.
Crafting content that aligns with your brand.
Optimizing your profile description hashtags to stand out.
Engaging with commenters and collaborators.
Understand who your audience is and what makes them tick. Use this intel to craft tailored content that resonates.
Also Read: What is vanish mode on Instagram and How to use it
In summary, going viral on Instagram Reels requires a blend of art and science. Focus first on making irresistible, topically relevant content leveraging popular formats, hashtags and sounds. From there, optimize further through collaboration, momentum tactics, assessment and promotion at the right times. Staying data-driven yet creatively restless will serve you well on the journey to standing out in the saturated but rewarding Reels space. Consistency and passion are the true keys to achieving steady growth over the long haul on the platform.
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