Mastering Instagram Reels: Tips to Boost Views & Followers

Instagram Reels are no longer optional, they’re essential if you want to grow your social media platform in an interactive, immersive, and personable way. As the platform continues to favor short-form video, Reels have become a powerful tool for visibility, engagement, and follower growth. But if you’re posting without a plan (or worse, avoiding Reels altogether) you’re leaving a ton of potential on the table.

This guide will help you understand how to create Reels that not only get seen, but actually convert viewers into followers (and fans).

Why Reels Are So Important Right Now

Instagram has made it crystal clear: they’re doubling down on video. Reels are pushed more aggressively than photo posts or carousels, especially to non-followers via the Explore page and Reels tab.

In other words, Reels are your best shot at reaching people outside your existing audience.

What Makes a Reel Go Viral?

There’s no guaranteed formula (if there were, we’d all be famous by now), but successful Reels usually check a few key boxes:

• Strong hook in the first 3 seconds
• Relevant or trending audio
• High-quality visuals
• Clear, concise message
• Engagement triggers (like comments, saves, or shares)

Let’s break down how to nail each of these.

1. Grab Attention Fast

You’ve got about 3 seconds to convince someone to keep watching.

Your Reel should open with something bold, unexpected, or directly valuable:

• Ask a compelling question
• Drop a surprising stat
• Use an eye-catching visual or action

Example: Instead of starting with “Here’s how I plan my content calendar,” try:

“This 10-minute routine saves me 5 hours of work every week and here’s how.”

2. Use Trending Sounds Strategically

Sound is huge on Instagram. Just like TikTok, the right audio can make or break your Reel’s performance.

To find trending sounds:

• Scroll the Reels feed and look for audio with an upward arrow (🔼)
• Save sounds used by high-performing creators
• Use The Winfield Creative’s Viral Vibes newsletter (👋 hi!) to get weekly trending audio curated for your brand

When using trending sounds:

• Make sure it aligns with your content tone
• Don’t use sounds that are overdone or irrelevant to your audience
• Jump on trends early for the best chance of reach and to add your perspective into the conversation

3. Add On-Screen Text

85% of viewers watch video with the sound off (Source: Digiday), so captioning your Reels isn’t optional anymore. It’s essential. Use bold, readable fonts and time your text to match key moments in your video.

This also helps with clarity, accessibility, and keeping attention through to the end.

4. Keep It Short and Purposeful

While Instagram Reels can go up to 3 minutes, the sweet spot tends to be between 7 to 15 seconds. Long enough to tell a story, but short enough to avoid drop-off.

Break longer videos into a series to keep your audience engaged over time.

5. Use a Strong Call to Action (CTA)

Every Reel should guide the viewer on what to do next:

• “Follow for more creative tips”
• “Save this so you don’t forget”
• “Tag a friend who needs this”

CTA placement matters too! So, be sure to include it in text, voiceover, and your caption.

6. Prioritize Visual Quality & Editing Flow

Instagram Reels don’t need to be overproduced, but they do need to feel polished and intentional. Sloppy visuals or awkward cuts are an instant ick to viewers.

Here’s how to create visually compelling Reels:

• Use natural light or a ring light for a crisp, clean look (try facing a window in your next video 🪟)
• Shoot vertical (always) and avoid shaky footage (prop your phone up on your desk if you have to)
• Cut out dead space and keep the pacing tight and dynamic (millennial pause, no thanks!)
• Add transitions or effects to enhance your message (but not distract from it)

Bonus Tip: Use Instagram’s built-in editing tools for smoother platform performance. Third-party apps are great, but native tools often get a slight algorithmic edge.

7. Know When to Post (It Matters More Than You Think)

Even the best Reel can flop if it goes live when your audience is asleep or offline. Use Instagram Insights (or Creator Studio) to analyze when your audience is most active.

As a general guide:

• Weekday mornings (7–9 AM) and evenings (5–7 PM) often perform well
• Sundays can surprise you: less competition, more attention
• Try posting consistently 2–3x per week to keep the algorithm interested

And remember, timing isn't just about when. It's about frequency + consistency. Train your audience to expect Reels from you on certain days.

8. Analyze Performance & Learn What Works

Once you’ve posted a few Reels, look at the data - not just the views:

• Watch time: Are people dropping off early?
• Saves & shares: These signal value
• Follows: Did the content convert viewers into community?

High-performing Reels usually hit on a combination of timing, relatability, sound, and clarity. Reverse-engineer what worked and lean into those formats.

Try This: Repurpose your best Reels in different formats (e.g. turn a video into a carousel with behind-the-scenes insights) to maximize mileage.

9. Brands That Are Crushing It with Reels

Glossier

They nail casual, authentic content that feels like it came from a real customer. Their Reels are simple (unboxings, GRWMs, makeup demos) but always on-brand and highly shareable.

Canva

Canva mixes humor, tutorials, and trends using Reels to make design feel more accessible. Their smart use of trending sounds and snappy edits keeps users engaged and learning.

Duolingo

Of course. Chaotic. Brilliant. Every post is a case study in making a corporate brand feel human through meme culture and trending audio.

10. Bonus: A Quick Content Formula

If you’re stuck staring at your camera roll, try this easy Reel format:

[Hook in first 3 seconds] + [Trending audio] + [Quick tip/demo] + [Call to Action]

Example: “Struggling to stay consistent with content? Here’s my 15-minute scheduling system. Save this!”

This format works across niches: coaching, product-based businesses, influencers, creatives... you name it!

Final Thoughts

Instagram Reels are your gateway to new audiences. But views alone aren’t the goal: it’s about creating content that converts casual scrollers into engaged followers and loyal fans.

To make that happen:

• Lead with value
• Ride the trend wave, but make it yours
• Create fast, learn faster

And if keeping up with trending audio feels like a full-time job... we’ve got you covered 👇

Add This to Your Toolkit: Viral Vibes

Every week, The Winfield Creative’s Viral Vibes newsletter delivers the top trending sounds, curated content prompts, and smart strategy straight to your inbox.

No more endless scrolling. No more guessing.

🎯 Want to work smarter with Reels? Sign up here to get the trends before they peak.