How to Get More Views on Instagram: 10 Strategies That Actually Work

Let’s be honest — watching your Instagram views stay stuck at 11 (and half of them are your friends and family) is a humbling experience. You spent hours picking the perfect song, adding text overlays, and nailing that one flawless transition… for what? To be ignored by the algorithm like it’s your high school crush? Nah, we’re not doing that in 2025.

If you’re ready to flip the script and start seeing those views climb, you’re in the right place. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill “use hashtags and pray” advice. We’re talking fresh, effective, and borderline sneaky strategies that actually work. From mastering the 3-second hook to getting cozy with Instagram’s favorite features, this guide has it all.

Whether you’re a brand, a creator, or someone who just really wants their dog’s cute sneeze to go viral, we’ve got you. Stick around, and by the end, you’ll know exactly how to make the algorithm work for you — instead of against you.

Let’s get into it.

1. Hook ‘Em With The First 3 Seconds

If the first 3 seconds of your content aren’t fire, consider it a scroll-fest. People swipe faster than a chef chopping onions, and Instagram’s algorithm takes note. The longer people watch, the more Instagram pushes your content. So, how do you make those 3 seconds unmissable? You grab attention like it owes you money.

How To Do It:

• Start With Movement: Quick cuts, fast zooms, or an unexpected change in scenery instantly draw attention.
• Ask a Juicy Question: People can’t resist answering questions like, “Did you know THIS hack could triple your IG views?”
• Show, Don’t Tell: Instead of saying, “Here’s how to style a winter jacket,” start by actually styling it. No intros, no fluff, just action.

Pro Tip:

If you’re unsure if your first 3 seconds are good, rewatch them. Would you stay or swipe? Be brutally honest. If you’d swipe, change it up.

2. Use Subtitles That Make People Pause (Literally)

Subtitles are the unsung heroes of Instagram views. They grab attention, keep viewers hooked, and make your content accessible to everyone. Even if people have their sound on, subtitles add a visual cue that stops the scroll.

How To Do It:

• Use Auto-Subtitle Tools: Instagram’s built-in auto-captions are quick, but tools like CapCut, Veed.io, and Kapwing let you customize font style, color, and animations.
• Make Them Bold & Readable: Use bold fonts with high contrast (like white text on a black bar) to make sure they’re visible on any background.
• Sync Them Perfectly: Ensure subtitles appear exactly when the words are spoken. A delay of even half a second can throw off the viewer.
• Keep Subtitles Short & Fast: Aim for 1-2 words or short phrases at a time. Too much text at once overwhelms viewers.
• Add Movement: Use animated subtitles that pop, slide, or bounce to draw attention. Tools like CapCut make this easy.

Pro Tip:

When writing captions, use the “Tap and Hold to Read” trick. People will pause to read, and those extra seconds count as engagement. The algorithm? Obsessed.

3. Use Trending Audio (Yes, It Still Works)

If you’re ignoring trending audio, you’re leaving views on the table. Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes content with popular sounds, pushing it to more feeds. Think of it like riding a viral wave instead of paddling against it. Bonus? People are more likely to watch (and rewatch) content with catchy, familiar sounds.

How To Do It:

• Look for the Arrow Icon: Find songs with the upward arrow next to them in Instagram’s music library — that means it’s trending.
• Layer Your Own Audio: Add the trending song but keep your voiceover, narration, or sound effects louder to make it unique.
• Find Trends Early: Scroll Reels for 10 minutes. If you hear the same song on 2-3 videos, it’s about to blow up. Jump on it fast.

Pro Tip:

Don’t just pick any trendy song. Match the vibe of the sound to your content. No sad piano music on a “Get Ready With Me” video — it’s gotta feel right. Bonus: Pick songs that people are already dancing or lip-syncing to, as Instagram naturally pushes those videos harder.

4. Turn Stories Into Cliffhangers

You’ve heard of binge-watching Netflix, but have you heard of binge-watching Instagram Reels? It happens when you create mini-series-style Reels that leave people craving the next part. When people watch multiple Reels back-to-back, it signals to the algorithm that your content is binge-worthy — and Instagram loves that.

How To Do It:

• Break It Into Parts: Sharing tips? Don’t give it all at once. Create “Part 1, Part 2, Part 3” Reels to keep people invested. End Part 1 with a cliffhanger like, “What happens next? Watch Part 2!”
• Post Part 2 Right Away: When Part 1 blows up, people will immediately check your profile for Part 2. Make sure it’s there.
• Use Consistent Branding: If you’re doing a multi-part series, use the same layout, colors, and fonts so people immediately recognize it as Part 2 when they see it.

Pro Tip:

Tag “Part 2” or “Watch Next” in the caption of Part 1 and pin it to your profile. This way, when people go looking for the next part, it’s right at the top of your feed — no endless scrolling required. It’s a simple move, but it makes binge-watching your content way easier.

5. Call-To-Action (CTA) Like Your Life Depends On It

If you don’t tell people what to do, they won’t do it. Want them to like, comment, share, or save? You have to ask. But not just any old “Link in bio” — that’s outdated. Your CTA needs to be specific, bold, and impossible to ignore. The more actions people take, the more love you get from the algorithm.

How To Do It:

• Say It On Screen: Literally say, “Double-tap if this blew your mind!” or “Save this so you don’t forget later!” right in the Reel.
• Use Text Callouts: Add text overlays like “💾 Save for later!” or “Comment 🔥 if this hit home” to nudge viewers.
• CTA-Heavy Captions: Write captions with clear action steps, like “Tag a friend who needs this!” or “Save this for your next trip!”

Pro Tip:

Use end cards in your Reels. At the last 2-3 seconds, flash a card that says, “Follow for more tips like this!” or “Don’t forget to save!”. The ending sticks with people, and it’s their last chance to act before they scroll away.

6. Post When People Are Actually Awake (Timing Matters!)

If you’re posting at 2 AM and wondering why your views are low, here’s the truth: timing matters. Instagram’s algorithm loves early momentum. If your post gets immediate engagement, it gets pushed to more people. If it flops early, it’s game over. Posting when your audience is online gives you the best shot at an early boost.

How To Do It:

• Use Instagram Insights: Check when your followers are most active and schedule your posts during those times.
• Follow Peak Posting Hours: For most users, the sweet spots are:
  • 8-9 AM (morning scroll)
  • 12-1 PM (lunch break)
  • 7-9 PM (post-dinner relaxation)
• Post When Engagement Is High: If you see a sudden spike in engagement from a previous post, post again to ride the wave.

Pro Tip:

If you miss the mark on timing, don’t give up. Re-share the post to your Stories with a CTA like “New post alert! 🔥” or “You don’t want to miss this one 👀.” It gives the post a second chance at life and boosts engagement.

7. Collaborate With Other Creators (Even Small Ones!)

Collabs aren’t just for big influencers. Partnering with other creators gives you access to their audience while boosting engagement. Instagram’s algorithm also loves shared content, so your post gets pushed to both your followers and theirs. It’s like free advertising — but better.

How To Do It:

• Use Instagram’s Collab Feature: Post a Reel or image and invite a creator to be a collaborator. It shows up on both profiles with both of your names at the top.
• Host a Live Together: Co-host a Live session, and Instagram will notify both of your audiences. It’s like inviting new followers to a party they didn’t know they needed.
• Start with Micro-Influencers: Big influencers are often too busy, but micro-creators (with 1K-50K followers) are more open to collaborations.

Pro Tip:

Don’t just slide into DMs with, “Hey, wanna collab?” Pitch a specific idea instead, like, “Want to create a Top 5 Tips Reel together? We both get exposure, and I’ll edit the video.” It makes it easy for them to say yes.

8. Ride the Trend Wave (Don’t Be Late)

Trends are Instagram’s version of a shortcut to visibility. Hop on them early, and you’re more likely to get a boost from the algorithm. Wait too long, and you’ll be just another face in the crowd. From viral transitions to meme-inspired formats, riding the trend wave can skyrocket your views.

How To Do It:

• Follow Trend Watch Accounts: Keep tabs on accounts like @Creators and industry-specific pages to spot new trends as they emerge.
• Jump on Popular Formats: See a lot of “Before vs. After” or “3 Things I Wish I Knew” Reels? Make your version.
• Use Trendy Visual Effects: Look for popular filters, transitions, or editing styles that are taking over Reels. People love to see what they’re familiar with.
• Hop on Trendy Themes: If “Sunday Reset” or “Things I’d Never Do Again” is all over your feed, create your take on it to join the trend while it’s still hot.

Pro Tip:

Save examples of trending formats, transitions, and visual effects as inspiration for your future content. This way, when you’re low on ideas, you have a ready-to-go trend bank to pull from and stay ahead of the curve.

9. Hashtags Aren’t Dead, But They’re on Life Support

Hashtags aren’t as powerful as they once were, but they’re not completely useless either. When used right, they help Instagram figure out where your content fits — and who should see it. But forget #blessed and #photooftheday. To win now, you need niche, specific, and relevant hashtags that match your content.

How To Do It:

• Be Ultra-Specific: Use hashtags that describe your content perfectly. For example, use #SustainableSkincareTips instead of the broad #Skincare.
• Mix Niche & Popular Tags: Use a blend of small, niche hashtags and a few broader ones. (Example: #MinimalistWardrobe + #FashionTips.)
• Build a Hashtag Vault: Save a list of effective hashtags for your niche so you’re not scrambling every time you post. Tools like Flick and Later can help.

Pro Tip:

Skip hashtags with over 1M posts — they move too fast, and your content will get buried. Instead, focus on medium-sized hashtags (10K to 500K posts) where you have a better chance of ranking at the top. It’s better to stand out in a smaller crowd than get lost in a massive one.

10. Go Live (Even If You’re Nervous)

Going live on Instagram is like ringing a giant “LOOK AT ME” bell for your followers. It sends a notification to everyone, putting you front and center in their Stories bar. But don’t just go live to stare at the screen — have a plan. Value first, vibes second.

How To Do It:

• Announce It in Advance: Post a Story teaser like “Live Q&A at 7 PM! Got questions? Drop them below 👇” to build anticipation.
• Pin a Comment With Context: When you go live, pin a comment at the top that explains what you’re doing, like “Today: 5 Reels Tips for 2024”. New viewers won’t be lost.
• Tease What’s Coming: Every few minutes, hint at what’s next, like “In 2 minutes, I’m sharing my #1 tip for engagement!” to keep people from leaving early.

Pro Tip:

Go Live with a guest. It’s way less awkward, and Instagram notifies both of your audiences, which doubles your visibility. Plus, the convo flows naturally, and you’ll avoid that “sooo… what should I talk about now?” moment.

Conclusion

Getting more views on Instagram isn’t about luck — it’s about using smart, intentional strategies. From hooking people in the first 3 seconds to collaborating with other creators, you now have the tools to boost visibility and engagement.

The secret? Consistency and action. You don’t have to master every strategy at once. Start small — add subtitles, post at peak times, or jump on a fresh trend. The more you experiment, the more you’ll see what works for your audience.

Even the most successful creators started with zero views. The difference is, they kept going. Now you’ve got their blueprint, so it’s your turn. Pick one strategy, try it today, and watch what happens.

Every post is a chance to do better than the last — and now, you’re ready to do just that.

Like for like, follow for follow!