Mistakes Killing Your Memes Instagram Reels Growth
Stop making these growth-killing mistakes with your Memes Instagram Reels account.
Want to grow your Memes 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 Memes creators specifically, this means understanding what Internet-savvy users, Gen Z and Millennials 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 Memes content.
How Instagram Reels's Algorithm Works for Memes 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 Memes 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 Memes creators can reach Internet-savvy users, Gen Z and Millennials without existing followers
- The algorithm categorizes your content—use Memes signals (hashtags, topics) to reach the right audience
Pro Tip: ViralNow predicts how your Memes content will perform before you post.
What Actually Drives Memes Growth on Instagram Reels
Forget "algorithm hacks." These fundamentals work for Memes creators:
- Visual hooks matter more here—first frame should be striking. Trending audio gives significant boost—this is critical for Memes content targeting Internet-savvy users, Gen Z and Millennials
- Deliver value throughout—Memes viewers stay when every second matters
- Instagram rewards visual polish more than TikTok. Aesthetic matters. Remove TikTok watermarks or get deprioritized
- Post when Internet-savvy users, Gen Z and Millennials are active (check your Instagram Reels analytics)
- Reply to comments—Instagram Reels sees conversation as quality signal
Growth Myths Memes Creators Should Ignore
Don't waste time on these for Instagram Reels:
- Exact posting times matter less than content quality for Memes
- 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 Memes
- Cross-posting without optimization hurts—adapt Memes content to Instagram Reels's style
Instagram Reels vs Other Platforms for Memes
Instagram Reels has specific strengths for Memes 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 Memes 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 Internet-savvy users, Gen Z and Millennials spend time
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Instagram Reels's algorithm work for Memes 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 Memes 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 #memes and #funny helps Instagram Reels show your Memes videos to Internet-savvy users, Gen Z and Millennials.
Why isn't my Memes 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 Memes specifically: Is your hook grabbing Internet-savvy users, Gen Z and Millennials in the first second? Visual hooks matter more here—first frame should be striking. Trending audio gives significant boost Check if you're using Memes-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 Memes account on Instagram Reels?
Growth is slower but more stable than TikTok—followers are more loyal and engaged long-term For Memes with very-high competition, expect similar patterns. Focus on each video being better than the last. In Memes, your unique angle matters more than posting frequency—Internet-savvy users, Gen Z and Millennials follow creators who offer something different.
What makes Instagram Reels different from other platforms for Memes 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 Memes creators, this means Memes 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 Internet-savvy users, Gen Z and Millennials on Instagram Reels may behave differently than on other platforms.
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