How do you make a reel go viral?

Answered by Jarrod Smith

To make a reel go viral on Instagram, there are several strategies and tips you can follow. Here are 12 tips that can help increase the chances of your Instagram Reels videos going viral:

1. Focus on a Specific Niche or Topic: Choose a niche or topic that you are knowledgeable and passionate about. By consistently creating content within a specific niche, you can attract a dedicated audience and increase the chances of your videos being shared.

2. Include an Attention-Grabbing Hook: Begin your video with a captivating hook that immediately grabs the viewer’s attention. This could be a visually stunning shot, an intriguing question, or a surprising statement.

3. Make Them the Right Size: Instagram Reels have a maximum length of 30 seconds, so aim to create concise and engaging videos that capture attention quickly. Shorter videos tend to perform better, as they have higher chances of being watched in their entirety.

4. Do Not Include TikTok Watermarks: When creating Instagram Reels, avoid using videos with TikTok watermarks as they may be seen as less original and may not perform as well on the platform.

5. Include Text in Your Video: Use text overlays or captions in your video to convey your message clearly, especially if there is dialogue or voiceover. This ensures that viewers can understand the content even if they watch without sound.

6. Center Text in the Middle So That It’s Viewable in Grid Mode: When adding text to your Reels video, make sure to position it in the middle of the screen, as this ensures it will be visible when viewed in grid mode on Instagram.

7. Include a Call to Action: Encourage viewers to engage with your content by including a clear call to action. This could be asking them to like, comment, share, or follow your account.

8. Use Viral Elements: Incorporate popular trends, challenges, or viral elements into your Reels videos. By tapping into what’s currently popular on the platform, you increase the chances of your content being discovered and shared.

9. Leverage Hashtags: Research and use relevant hashtags in your video captions to increase discoverability. Popular hashtags can help your content reach a wider audience and potentially go viral.

10. Engage with the Instagram Community: Respond to comments and engage with other users’ content. Building a strong community around your account can help increase the chances of your Reels videos being shared within that community.

11. Collaborate with Influencers or Creators: Collaborating with popular influencers or creators within your niche can expose your content to their audience and increase the chances of it going viral.

12. Promote Your Reels on Other Platforms: Share your Reels videos on other social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn, to increase visibility and attract a wider audience.

Remember, going viral is not guaranteed, but by following these tips and consistently creating high-quality, engaging content, you can increase the chances of your Instagram Reels videos gaining traction and potentially going viral.