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