How To Get Views on Instagram: Easy and Actionable Tips

Profile photo of Karen Lin, author

Karen Lin

Instagram 101 | Nov 30, 2023

Want More Real Instagram Followers?

Do you find it frustrating when your posts don’t get the views and engagement you desire? If so, you’re not alone – many users experience this issue. Want to know how to get views on Instagram

Whether a brand or an influencer, they always search for tips to get more Instagram views. Why? That’s because these views can translate into potential leads and paying customers. 

This article will walk you through everything you need to know about getting more views. 

A girl selects a picture to upload on her Instagram account. 

What Does Instagram Reach Mean Exactly?

Instagram reach refers to the number of individuals who see and engage with your posts. 

You can measure reach for a single post, your profile, or social media campaigns. In addition to unique visitors, it also provides demographic insights about your audience. 

Reach can be organic, shown to similar audiences by Instagram’s algorithm. Or, you can pay it when you use Instagram ads with a “sponsored” label.

What Is Instagram Reach Rate?

Reach rate is an Instagram metric showing the percentage of followers seeing your content/posts. 

Unlike IG reach, it only includes your followers and bars non-followers who see your posts. 

To measure Instagram’s reach rate, divide a post’s total reach by your total followers. For instance, with 500 reach and 5,000 followers, your reach rate is 10%.

Two influencers record a video to post on their social media accounts.

How Does ‘More Views’ on IG Help Your Brand?

Instagram views tell you how many people viewed your posts on this platform. They make up a substantial portion of the engagement rate

This is why it’s increasingly important for your IG marketing campaign to focus on achieving more views. 

Increased views will boost your overall engagement rates, and more users who see your posts will engage with them. They may like, comment on, or save it in the “Collection” folder. 

When you increase your engagements, you’ll attract new followers. This will help you establish your brand’s IG presence.

A female influencer live streams on Instagram to increase account reach.

How To Get More Views on Instagram

Do you know that over 2 billion people and 25 million companies vie for attention on Instagram?

Do you want to know how to get more views on Instagram? Here are a few proven tips to help you achieve it.

1. Optimize Your Username/Name To Be Search-Friendly and Clear

An easy way to grow your Instagram account and increase views is by adding keywords to your name and username

It may not always be feasible to include pertinent keywords in both. You should use keywords alongside your name to communicate what your profile is all about. 

You can include your profession, core values, and what you’ll post about in your IG username and name. This will make your profile visible when people search for those keywords. So, pick terms that resonate with your audience.

Remember, you have to live up to the promise you make in your username or name. If you’ve included “healthy recipes” as a keyword, ensure the majority of your content revolves around healthy recipes.

2. Understand the Instagram Algorithm

The algorithm of Instagram isn’t as mysterious as everybody says. It’s simple when you understand how it presents and boosts content in the user feed and Explore page.

To get more Instagram views, you need to understand the IG algorithm.

Instagram promotes in-feed posts, stories, reels, and Explore page content based on metrics like engagement, follower activity, and your activity.

To increase your views, create evergreen content using the same topics, keywords, and hashtags as your competitors. In addition, monitor your IG insights and adjust your content strategy to align with the algorithm.

No matter what, avoid trying to outsmart the algorithm. Ensure to steer clear of dubious tactics. The platform can detect fake followers or tactics like “follow-unfollow.” This strategy can lead to reduced impressions, even with more followers.

3. Find Out the Perfect Time To Post

Boosting your IG business account is more than identifying your targeted audience. Determining when your audience is most active and likely to view your posts is equally vital.

Your posting schedule should sync with your followers’ online activity and the times when most users scroll through the app.

Here are the typical peak activity periods when you should share your Instagram posts and stories:

  • For early birds at 5 AM and mid-morning risers at 11 AM on Mondays.
  • During productive hours at 9 AM and lunchtime between 1-2 PM on Tuesdays.
  • For mid-morning engagement on Wednesdays, from 9 AM to 11 AM.
  • During thriving engagement windows from 11 AM to 1 PM on Thursdays.
  • On Friday afternoons around 2 PM.
  • For night owls online from 1-2 AM on the weekends.

Remember that this schedule isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for all Instagram accounts. 

4. Use Trending Sounds and Popular Hashtags for Free Instagram Views

Adding the right Instagram hashtags in your reels and posts can help you get free Instagram views on your account. You can also add hashtag stickers to your stories.

With location tags, you can easily connect with a niche audience and become more visible.

5. Leverage User-Generated Content

Also called UGC, user-generated content is content made by users, not brands or groups. On Instagram, you can leverage UGC content in four ways:

  • Hashtag Trends: Start a trend with a unique hashtag and let people create their content using it.
  • Ask Questions: Engage your followers by asking questions and encouraging them to share content while tagging you.
  • Show Local Impact: Demonstrate how your business contributes to the local community to build trust and promote your brand.
  • Client Reviews: Share positive reviews from clients to boost your local business’s reputation.

Using UGC is a great social media strategy to increase Instagram views. For example, product reviews and tutorials can create interest and convert potential customers into buyers.

6. Collaborate With Influencers, Especially Micro-Influencers

To find influencers, scroll through the Explore page and relevant hashtags. To build a successful collaboration, you can:

  • Promote giveaways together
  • Create exclusive discount codes for your collaboration
  • Utilize promotional periods and special offers on your site

Investing in paid collaborations can get more views for your Instagram posts. So, allocate a portion of your marketing budget for this purpose. 

Two influencers record a behind-the-scenes video of their Instagram to get views.

How To Get More Views on Instagram Reels?

Do you want to know how to get more views on Instagram reels? Believe it or not, Instagram reels can help you boost your reach significantly. 

Don’t believe us, believe the stats:

  • If your Reel goes viral, it will likely feature on the “Explore Page.” This is where 50% of IG users search for new content monthly
  • Instagram reels garner 67% higher engagement than regular Instagram videos

Without further ado, here are five easy steps to increase your Instagram Reels views:

1. Get Attention (in the First 3 Seconds)

When people scroll through their Instagram Reels, you must catch their attention in the first three seconds.

Skip introductory words such as “Hey, people!” and get right to your point. Also, tease what viewers will get from your Reel to spark their curiosity.

Here are some hook ideas to use for your IG reels to increase video views:

  • “This one fact/tip will blow your mind.”
  • “Struggling with (a common problem your targeted audience experiences)? Follow these ‘n’ tips.”
  • “Discover what holds you back from (goals your targeted audience intends to achieve).”
  • “Did you know this surprising fact?”
  • “How to (things your targeted audience wants to learn) in ‘n’ easy steps.”
  • “Unlock the secret to achieving your dreams.”

2. Use a Blend of Trending Audio and Speaking-to-the-Camera

Use both trending audio and direct-to-camera content. To find trending topics and audio:

  • Follow the “@creators account” on Instagram for the “Reels Trend Report.”
  • Look for the “upward arrow (↗)” while scrolling Reels – they’re trending audios.
  • Check the separate “Reels” tab on your professional dashboard for worldwide trends.

In addition to trending content, create original content where you speak directly to the camera about specific topics. This builds a connection with your audience.

3. Write a Well-Thought-Out Caption on Your Reel

Writing captions for your Instagram Reels is crucial. Whether they should be long or short is a matter of debate. Here’s what you should consider:

  • Use Short Captions as the text below Reels isn’t easy to read, and people come for video content.
  • Long captions can offer more context and make your Reels more discoverable, especially when they appear in the home feed. 

According to one report, captions perform better when they’re either short (less than 20 characters) or long (over 2000 characters). The right choice depends on your content and audience preferences, so experiment to find the right balance.

4. Share Your Reels in Your IG Stories

Boost your Reels’ views by sharing them in your Instagram Stories. This not only gets more eyes on your Reel but also notifies your followers of new content. When someone views your Story, it counts as another view for your Reel.

Influencers take a picture to post on Instagram Story.

How To Get More Views on Your Instagram Stories?

Do you want to get more Instagram story views? Instagram stories help you expand your reach. While they’re not as effective as reels for attracting non-followers, stories can pull your current followers. 

Here are a few ways to learn how to get more views on your Instagram stories:

1. Utilize Interactive Elements

Instagram Stories offer a variety of interactive features to engage your followers. These include question and countdown stickers, music, links, polls, and GIFs. 

These elements greatly expand the possibilities for using Instagram Stories. You can use them to:

  • Gather your audience’s questions on a particular topic.
  • Poll your followers to gauge their interests.
  • Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your brand.
  • Conduct entertaining quizzes to educate users about your niche.
  • Promote new feed posts by featuring them in your Stories.
  • Create excitement for upcoming Instagram Reels, in-feed Carousel posts, or product launches using the timer.
  • Establish trust with your target audience by sharing aspects of your personal life if you’re comfortable.

The more your audience engages with your Stories, the higher the likelihood that the IG algorithm will prioritize your Stories. 

2. Include Text to IG Stories

Often, users view Stories in situations where they can’t listen to audio, such as during lunch breaks or in public places. Therefore, it’s best to add text to your IG Stories.

Instagram enables you to add live transcriptions to make your Stories more accessible. Moreover, you should add your Story’s topic as ‘text’ at the top so followers know what you’re talking about. You can also use text to keep your audience engaged. Remember to add a CTA and nuances you may have missed mentioning in the video. 

A content creator searches for ways to get more views 

How Many Views To Get Paid on Instagram?

Are you looking for a way to earn money using your Instagram account views? But do you know how many views to get paid on Instagram?

Under the “Reels Play Bonus” program, influencers need 1000 views (minimum) in a month to make generous money. If the creators hit the ‘views target’ Instagram has set, they will collect their full bonus. It’s crucial to remember that the bonus amount and views target vary for each creator. Currently, the program is exclusive to the US and invite-only. However, Instagram plans to expand globally, so stay tuned if you’re outside the US.

Content creators browse through insights into their IG accounts.

Should You Buy Instagram Views?

Are you wondering whether you should buy Instagram views

While buying views can boost your brand quickly, you may lose access to this platform altogether. Some services may falsely claim endorsements from influencers and genuine Instagram users. However, this is simply a trick.

Buying cheap Instagram views should not be your sole strategy for long-term success. Instead, you should focus on consistently delivering valuable, high-quality content that resonates with your target audience. Often, it’s beneficial to combine organic growth and authentic interactions with purchased views. 

An Instagram user browses the platform to find engaging content.

How To Check How Many People View Your IG Profile

Thanks to Ig’s updates, influencers and brands now have various useful tools to help monitor efforts and boost engagement rates. It’s called Instagram Insights, which can give you helpful insights about your posts and accounts. You can view impressions for every post and see the reach of videos, stories, and reels you post.

One of the biggest perks of this feature is it enables you to monitor how various posts perform. This data allows you to view which posts are working. In addition, you can identify the best posting time and what content type best attracts your targeted audience. After all, the goal is to craft quality content your target audience loves to see.

Additionally, you can easily check the number of views on your Instagram profile. Visit your profile page in the app. Under your username, you’ll see the number of views in the last seven days. While many social media platforms offer insights, Instagram provides detailed metrics you can leverage. It allows you to monitor your weekly progress and determine whether your social media presence is evolving positively.

A group of people standing around and looking at their social media feeds.

Get Views on Instagram With Path Social

Instagram is a popular platform to increase brand awareness, promote brands, and get more sales. Follow the tips we mentioned to the T to boost your views on your profile, posts, reels, or stories.

If you want to know how to get views on Instagram the right way, choose Path Social!

We have a range of custom strategies and tools to help you polish your Instagram account. Leverage our propriety AI-targeted algorithm and an in-house team of influencers to realize the true potential of your profile.

Don’t wait to learn how to get more views – let Path Social help you get there. Start growing and gaining Instagram followers today!