How to Grow on Instagram Reels: Complete 2026 Guide
Complete guide to growth on Instagram Reels. Learn proven strategies to grow faster and reach more people.
Growing on Instagram Reels requires a different approach than TikTok. Instagram is a relationship-building platform where consistency and community engagement compound over time.
Instagram Growth Fundamentals
What actually drives Reels growth:
- Reels are currently the fastest way to reach non-followers on Instagram
- Consistency matters more here than TikTok—algorithm rewards regular posting
- Engagement with your existing audience affects new reach
- Instagram values accounts that use multiple features (Stories, Reels, feed posts)
- Quality over quantity—one good Reel beats five mediocre ones
- Hashtags and SEO matter more on Instagram than TikTok
Pro Tip: ViralNow helps you understand which Reels will reach beyond your existing audience.
Building Compound Growth
Instagram growth accelerates over time:
- Each engaged follower helps your future content perform better
- Relationship signals (comments, DMs, saves) build over time
- Consistent accounts get trusted with more reach
- Community building is slower but more stable than TikTok
- Cross-promotion across feed, Stories, and Reels amplifies each
Reels-Specific Growth Tactics
Optimize specifically for Reels discovery:
- Use trending audio—Instagram actively boosts these
- Remove TikTok watermarks (Instagram deprioritizes them)
- Add searchable text in captions (Instagram SEO)
- Use 3-5 targeted hashtags (not 30 random ones)
- Post when your audience is active (check Insights)
- Reply to every comment in the first hour
Instagram vs TikTok Growth Differences
Key differences to understand:
- Instagram is slower but more stable (followers more loyal)
- TikTok is better for discovery; Instagram better for community
- Instagram followers convert better to customers/clients
- Your existing audience affects your reach more on Instagram
- Instagram rewards overall account activity, not just Reels
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my Reels get fewer views than my TikToks?
Instagram is more conservative with distribution than TikTok. TikTok pushes content aggressively to test it; Instagram is more cautious. Also, Instagram prioritizes content for people you're already connected to. Build your follower base and engagement—your reach will grow with it.
How do I get on the Instagram Explore page?
Explore prioritizes Reels that perform well with both your followers and similar audiences. High engagement rate (especially saves and shares), trending audio, and content that keeps people on the platform all help. There's no hack—just make content people want to engage with.
Should I focus on Reels or regular posts for growth?
Reels for discovery, feed posts for retention. Reels reach non-followers more easily, but feed posts help existing followers feel connected. The best strategy uses both: Reels to bring in new followers, feed posts and Stories to keep them engaged.
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