How to Grow Your Solo Travel Instagram Reels Account in 2026 | ViralNow
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Strategy4 min readFeb 3, 2026

How to Grow Your Solo Travel Instagram Reels Account

Complete guide to growing your Solo Travel Instagram Reels following with actionable tips and strategies.

Want to grow your Solo Travel 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 Solo Travel creators specifically, this means understanding what Solo travelers 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 Solo Travel content.

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How Instagram Reels's Algorithm Works for Solo Travel 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 Solo Travel 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 Solo Travel creators can reach Solo travelers without existing followers
  • The algorithm categorizes your content—use Solo Travel signals (hashtags, topics) to reach the right audience

Pro Tip: ViralNow predicts how your Solo Travel content will perform before you post.

What Actually Drives Solo Travel Growth on Instagram Reels

Forget "algorithm hacks." These fundamentals work for Solo Travel creators:

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

Growth Myths Solo Travel Creators Should Ignore

Don't waste time on these for Instagram Reels:

  • Exact posting times matter less than content quality for Solo Travel
  • 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 Solo Travel
  • Cross-posting without optimization hurts—adapt Solo Travel content to Instagram Reels's style

Instagram Reels vs Other Platforms for Solo Travel

Instagram Reels has specific strengths for Solo Travel 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 Solo Travel 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 Solo travelers spend time

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Instagram Reels's algorithm work for Solo Travel 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 Solo Travel 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 #solotravel and #solo helps Instagram Reels show your Solo Travel videos to Solo travelers.

Why isn't my Solo Travel 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 Solo Travel specifically: Is your hook grabbing Solo travelers in the first second? Visual hooks matter more here—first frame should be striking. Trending audio gives significant boost Check if you're using Solo Travel-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 Solo Travel account on Instagram Reels?

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

What makes Instagram Reels different from other platforms for Solo Travel 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 Solo Travel creators, this means Solo Travel 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 Solo travelers on Instagram Reels may behave differently than on other platforms.

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