Ever noticed why your Instagram views unexpectedly drop, despite posting regularly? Or why that one random reel went viral but your meticulously crafted posts didn’t? Instagram’s algorithm is such a flaky friend — close one day, far the other. Creators in 2025 are seeing a huge change in how Instagram views operate, particularly with the emergence of AI-driven content moderation, keyword optimization, and Meta’s emphasis on Reels.
Here’s a shocker: Statista lets us know that Instagram Reels are 22% more compelling than normal feed posts. If you’re still sharing static images hoping Instagram views will increase, then you might be playing the wrong game.
The question is — how to increase views on Instagram when the algorithm is temperamental like the weather every couple of minutes? Don’t worry; we’ve got the answers.
The History of Instagram Algorithm Changes: What Did They Do?
Instagram has changed, and in 2016, that cute latte photo was trending.
Here are the ways the rules changed:
- Chronological Feed (Before 2016): Those good old days when your posts were appearing in chronological order. Simple views.
- Engagement-Based Feed (After 2016): Likes, comments, and shares were the new money for views.
- Find Page & Hashtag Power (2018+): ig views were hijacked overnight by niche hashtags and the Explore tab.
- The Rise of Reels (2020+): Instagram introduced Reels to rival TikTok, and now it’s their number one focus. Reels are the engagement game king.
- AI Recommendations (2024): AI now recommends content not just on your followers but on your watch history, saved posts, and interaction patterns.
Pro Tip: Along with optimizing for Instagram reels views, creators should regularly refresh their Instagram feed to engage with the latest trending content.
Bottom line? If you’re not optimizing for Instagram reels views, you’re invisible.
What Are Instagram Views, Exactly?
To put it simply, if someone sees your video (Reels, Stories, or IGTV) for three seconds or more, it counts as an Instagram view. For story views, Instagram counts every single open, whether they engage or skip. It is no longer just about followers; the company wants to know whether strangers stop scrolling for your content. And since Meta’s AI is behind most of what shows up on your feed, many creators are starting to turn off Meta AI features to create a more customized, personal experience.
And if you’re curious about some of your followers acting weird or suddenly disappearing, there’s even a way to see who blocked you on Instagram—a helpful trick if you’re serious about tracking your audience engagement.
Pro Tip: Replays don’t work in new perspectives of Reels but can boost your story views.
We’ve covered the fundamentals, so now it’s time to jump into what really works.
Best Tips to Get More Reels & Story Views on IG (Instagram)
1. Optimize for the First 3 Seconds (The Hook Rule)
Instagram favors content that hooks folks. The system lowers your reel’s ranking if it doesn’t capture viewers’ attention in three seconds.
- Add suspenseful questions (“Wait till you see this…”)
- Put on-screen text at the beginning of the reel, a first-come, first-served summary of it.
- Use cool sounds — they provide your video with that instant reach boost.
Example: “This is why you’re not getting views on Instagram” — instant curiosity boost.
2. Posting at Strategic Times (Yes, Timing Still Matters)
While AI puts content in front of your audience, posting when your audience is available provides your reel with its first rush of engagement.
Best times according to the latest social media research of 2025:
- 11 AM to 1 PM (Lunch scrolls)
- 6 PM to 9 PM (Evening unwinding)
And if you’ve been asking why am I losing followers on Instagram, bad posting times and inconsistent uploads could be a major reason. Timing is underrated but crucial.
3. Apply SEO on Instagram: Caption + Hashtags + Keywords
Instagram is no longer just a social media application; it’s become a full-blown search engine in 2025. Users now search reels the same way they search Google, using phrases like “how to get more views on Instagram” or “how to get 1k followers on Instagram in 5 minutes” to find quick hacks and growth strategies. Adding searchable keywords like these in your captions makes your content far more discoverable.
And since AI plays such a huge role in content visibility now, we should know how to ask AI a question the right way that can help creators come up with better captions, hashtags, and even content ideas to boost engagement.
Add keywords to:
- Captions
- Screen text in Reels
- Hashtags (Don’t spam—5-7 related hashtags are best)
Instagram even provides keywords in search today. Captions that are tailored for search engines are thus not an option.
4. Engage Before and After Posting
What influencers don’t tell you: Instagram likes engaged users. Before publishing, spend ten to fifteen minutes engaging with others by:
- Leaving comments on your niche’s reels
- Answering story polls
- Sending DMs or reactions
It makes the algorithm think you’re hot stuff now, boosting your content into more feeds. Many creators who get free Instagram followers organically swear by this method. Engagement is a two-way street, and it tells the algorithm you’re active and invested. And with AI driving more of what shows up on your feed, it’s smart to know both the pros and cons of AI so you can actually work with the system, not against it.
5. Leverage Story Views for Reel Traffic
Fun fact. Viewers of your stories proceed to view your reels. For the audience, stories serve as a warm-up. Utilize:
- Polls and sliders to engage users
- Countdowns for reel releases: yeah, building tension works.
- Re-sharing your reels from stories to push replay traffic.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Chase Bots, Build Community
Yes, we notice those “Insta free reel views” promotions circulating. Spoiler: They swamp your engagement in the long run. The algorithm can sense the artificial views on Instagram. Rather, build a real community that adores your content.
Final Thoughts: Your Instagram Growth Era Starts Now
Getting more specific ig views is no longer a game of cruelty. It’s psychology, strategy, and consistency — with a bit of humor. The Instagram algorithm is not your enemy; it’s something you have to work around and adapt to.
Here’s the thing: Nobody went viral instantly without trying, failing, and learning. Even celebrities were there, retrofitting their feed and wondering how nobody was looking at my content. You are not special.
And opinions aren’t necessarily about numbers — they’re about possible followers, partner brands, community interaction, and yep, sometimes even going viral.
So, do you want to take the reins on your Instagram life?
Make use of these suggestions, try them out, and customize them for your audience. Avoid “Insta free reel views” hacks and tricks that will damage your account long-term.
Instagram success is a process that takes time to achieve. And honestly, tech is making that easier every day. From algorithms curating your content to AI giving creators new tools, it’s just proof that technology makes life easier, especially when you know how to use it smartly.
So, what happens next? Begin with consistency, add a dash of a few of these tips, and your Instagram views will increase than ever before.
Keep scrolling smart. Keep creating smarter.
Also Read: How to Hide Followers on Instagram
