How to Grow Your Crafts & DIY Instagram Reels Account in 2026 | ViralNow
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Strategy4 min readFeb 3, 2026

How to Grow Your Crafts & DIY Instagram Reels Account

Complete guide to growing your Crafts & DIY Instagram Reels following with actionable tips and strategies.

Want to grow your Crafts & DIY content on Instagram Reels? Instagram Reels uses a two-phase system: first showing to your followers, then expanding to non-followers on the Reels tab and Explore if engagement is strong. For Crafts & DIY creators specifically, this means understanding what Craft enthusiasts want and how Instagram Reels's system rewards content that delivers. This guide covers exactly how to make Instagram Reels's algorithm work for your Crafts & DIY content.

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How Instagram Reels's Algorithm Works for Crafts & DIY Creators

Understanding Instagram Reels's system helps you work with it, not against it:

  • Instagram Reels uses a two-phase system: first showing to your followers, then expanding to non-followers on the Reels tab and Explore if engagement is strong
  • For Crafts & DIY content, engagement from your existing followers first, then shares to Stories and DMs (Instagram's social DNA)
  • Instagram Reels's cross-pollination with your Instagram feed, Stories, and DMs—building relationships that compound over time means Crafts & DIY creators can reach Craft enthusiasts without existing followers
  • The algorithm categorizes your content—use Crafts & DIY signals (hashtags, topics) to reach the right audience

Pro Tip: ViralNow predicts how your Crafts & DIY content will perform before you post.

What Actually Drives Crafts & DIY Growth on Instagram Reels

Forget "algorithm hacks." These fundamentals work for Crafts & DIY creators:

  • Visual hooks matter more here—first frame should be striking. Trending audio gives significant boost—this is critical for Crafts & DIY content targeting Craft enthusiasts
  • Deliver value throughout—Crafts & DIY viewers stay when every second matters
  • Instagram rewards visual polish more than TikTok. Aesthetic matters. Remove TikTok watermarks or get deprioritized
  • Post when Craft enthusiasts are active (check your Instagram Reels analytics)
  • Reply to comments—Instagram Reels sees conversation as quality signal

Growth Myths Crafts & DIY Creators Should Ignore

Don't waste time on these for Instagram Reels:

  • Exact posting times matter less than content quality for Crafts & DIY
  • Use 5-10 targeted hashtags. Hashtags are more searchable here than TikTok—people actually follow hashtags on Instagram
  • Buying followers destroys your reach—Instagram Reels knows and penalizes
  • There's no magic posting frequency—consistency beats volume for Crafts & DIY
  • Cross-posting without optimization hurts—adapt Crafts & DIY content to Instagram Reels's style

Instagram Reels vs Other Platforms for Crafts & DIY

Instagram Reels has specific strengths for Crafts & DIY creators:

  • Instagram Reels is brand deals and lifestyle integration—Instagram's audience has more purchasing power and brands pay premium rates
  • Instagram's audience is slightly older (18-44) and values aesthetics and lifestyle content
  • cross-pollination with your Instagram feed, Stories, and DMs—building relationships that compound over time works well for Crafts & DIY discovery
  • Growth is slower but more stable than TikTok—followers are more loyal and engaged long-term
  • Consider Instagram Reels as your primary or secondary platform based on where Craft enthusiasts spend time

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Instagram Reels's algorithm work for Crafts & DIY content?

Instagram Reels uses a two-phase system: first showing to your followers, then expanding to non-followers on the Reels tab and Explore if engagement is strong. For Crafts & DIY content specifically, engagement from your existing followers first, then shares to Stories and DMs (Instagram's social DNA). The algorithm categorizes your content based on signals—using #diy and #crafts helps Instagram Reels show your Crafts & DIY videos to Craft enthusiasts.

Why isn't my Crafts & DIY content going viral on Instagram Reels?

On Instagram Reels, engagement from your existing followers first, then shares to Stories and DMs (Instagram's social DNA). For Crafts & DIY specifically: Is your hook grabbing Craft enthusiasts in the first second? Visual hooks matter more here—first frame should be striking. Trending audio gives significant boost Check if you're using Crafts & DIY-relevant hashtags—generic tags put you against everyone. Instagram rewards visual polish more than TikTok. Aesthetic matters. Remove TikTok watermarks or get deprioritized

How long does it take to grow a Crafts & DIY account on Instagram Reels?

Growth is slower but more stable than TikTok—followers are more loyal and engaged long-term For Crafts & DIY with medium competition, expect similar patterns. Focus on each video being better than the last. In Crafts & DIY, your unique angle matters more than posting frequency—Craft enthusiasts follow creators who offer something different.

What makes Instagram Reels different from other platforms for Crafts & DIY creators?

Instagram Reels is brand deals and lifestyle integration—Instagram's audience has more purchasing power and brands pay premium rates. Instagram's audience is slightly older (18-44) and values aesthetics and lifestyle content For Crafts & DIY creators, this means Crafts & DIY content should be adapted to fit Instagram Reels's style. Instagram rewards visual polish more than TikTok. Aesthetic matters. Remove TikTok watermarks or get deprioritized Your Craft enthusiasts on Instagram Reels may behave differently than on other platforms.

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