How Instagram's Reels Algorithm Works: Hidden Secrets

Unlocking the full potential of Instagram (IG) Reels can significantly broaden your audience and enhance your visibility when you understand how Reels selects content. No one wants to spend hours filming, creating captions, and editing only to disappear in a sea of Reels. 

While the concept of what makes a Reel go viral may seem enigmatic, it actually follows a structured set of principles that can be broken down into actionable steps. Continue reading to grasp how the Instagram Reels algorithm functions and discover strategies to enhance your reach.

How the Instagram Reels Algorithm Works

The IG Reels algorithm selects the content users see in their feeds based on their preferences in an effort to provide a unique, engaging experience. Understanding the intricacies of this algorithm is important for influencers, business leaders, and content creators to help boost their visibility and expand their reach on the platform.

The Reels algorithm determines what content to display based on four primary factors: relationships, timeliness, relevance, and popularity.

Relationships

In this sense, relationships refers to how you interact with other users and how they interact with you. Instagram doesn’t want users to miss out on what its algorithm perceives as essential or valuable content. In the simplest terms, Reels’ algorithms track user searches and show posts and reels based on those searches. 

The more users interact with your content, the higher the chance your Reels will appear on their feeds. Therefore, engagement is the most important element for growing your audience through Reels. However, it’s not the only factor—strangers can discover your content, too.

Timeliness

The algorithm prefers newer content over older posts. Content posted more than a week prior is typically considered old. This factor of the algorithm highlights the importance of posting strategically to maximise visibility and engagement.

Relevance

Instagram aims to tailor content to each user's interests. The Reels algorithm evaluates the relevance of your content based on past interactions with users. If your content aligns with their interests, it’s more likely to be shown to them.

This concept is beneficial because it means your Reels are being shown to users likely to engage with them. Increased engagement brings you back to the most important element for growing your audience through Reels!

Popularity

Instagram also considers the popularity of your content, which is measured through engagement metrics such as shares, likes, and comments. Besides finding Reels from accounts users follow in their main feeds, there are two other areas where Instagram Reels show up from other creators and brands:

• Reels Tab: This section is the social media platform’s version of the For You page on TikTok. By tapping the Reels icon at the bottom of the Instagram app’s home page, users access an endless, scrollable feed of Reels curated by the algorithm.

• Explore Tab: Reels also appear prominently in the Explore section alongside posts and Stories. The Explore tab helps to surface content that the algorithm believes will be of interest based on user activity.

Understanding these factors and how they influence the visibility of your content can help you navigate the Instagram Reels algorithm and optimise your strategy for increased reach and engagement.

The Role of Engagement Metrics

Regularly analysing your Reels' performance through Instagram Insights is vital in continuously making the Instagram Reels algorithm work for you. Instagram’s Reels algorithm assesses engagement through five main metrics. Focusing on these metrics helps you identify trends and audience preferences, allowing you to refine your content strategy.

Accounts Reach

This metric indicates how many unique users have seen your Reel. A higher reach suggests increased visibility, potentially due to your Reel being featured on the Explore or Top Reels page.

It's important to differentiate between reach and impressions. 

• Reach counts the number of unique users who viewed your Reel​
• Impressions track how often it was watched, even by the same user multiple times

Plays and Watch Time

Plays represent the number of times your Reel has been played. If the number of plays exceeds your reach, it suggests that users are watching your Reel multiple times. Watch time shows how long users stay on your Reel, which is crucial for assessing overall engagement and interest.

Likes and Comments 

Likes denote how many users have liked your reel, reflecting engagement and popularity. Comments show the number of users interacting with your content by leaving feedback, which can boost visibility by appearing in other users' feeds.

Shares

When users share your Reel, it indicates that they find it valuable enough to recommend to others. This action can significantly increase your content's reach.

Saves

Saves represent the number of times users bookmark your Reel to watch later. This metric highlights the perceived value of your content, potentially leading Instagram to show your Reels to a broader audience.

How to Get Your Content Shown 

With a better understanding of the Instagram Reels algorithm, follow these tips to boost the reach of your content.

Craft Compelling Captions

Even though IG is visually driven, engaging captions remain essential. Captions can incorporate relevant keywords, enhancing discoverability and encouraging engagement.

Utilise Trending Music

Incorporate popular songs or sound effects in your Reels. Audio can increase your chances of appearing on the trending page, potentially drawing more followers, comments, and likes.

Focus on Niche Content

Tailor your content to specific interests or communities. Specialising in a niche helps you build a strong identity and boost your credibility, making the content more likely to be highlighted by Instagram.

Employ Effective Hashtags

Hashtags are crucial for content discovery. Use a mix of specific and broad hashtags in your captions to help the Instagram Reels algorithm categorise and present your Reels to relevant users. Typically, three to five hashtags are recommended.

Enhance Visual Appeal

Ensure your Reels are visually captivating by using vertical shooting, high-quality visuals, and vibrant filters. Consider including cinematic shots and illustrations to attract more viewers.

Post Consistently

Share your Reels regularly and diversify your sharing methods by including them on your main feed and Stories. Consistency helps build an audience and signals reliability to Instagram’s algorithm.

Create an Immediate Impact

Aim to capture a viewer’s attention quickly with engaging visuals, compelling sounds, or direct questions. A strong hook is essential to stop scrolling and encourage users to watch your Reel in full.

Improve the Performance of Your Reels with Superviral

Optimising your Reels can feel challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. At Superviral, we understand the intricacies of the Instagram Reels algorithm and can help enhance your content's performance. Discover how we can help you gain more likes today!

For more tips and strategies on improving your Instagram presence, visit our blog.