Ahh, not again!! It seems we’ve been hit by another Instagram algorithm update and a lot of people a struggling with fewer views on their Instagram Reels.
We can’t control the algorithm. Sometimes things that used to work no longer do. There is no way to know for sure what changes are causing a fluctuation in views. But first, let’s look at some of the things we can control.
Reasons for Declining Instagram Reels Views
Low-quality content
Low-quality videos can hurt your Instagram reel views. Blurry or shakey footage, poor lighting, or bad audio make it hard to grab viewers’ attention. People expect polished content on social media platforms like Instagram as there’s so many creators out there making professonal looking content.
If the reel doesn’t offer value, users will scroll past it. Always aim for clear visuals and engaging topics that connect with your target audience. High-quality reels give you a chance to appear on the explore page and reach a wider audience.
Irrelevant or outdated topics
Posting about irrelevant topics can hurt your Instagram views. People scroll past content that doesn’t match their interests or trends. For example, talking about old trends like the ice bucket challenge won’t grab attention today.
It’s better to create reels around trending topics or fresh ideas.
Outdated themes make your videos appear disconnected from what audiences want now. Social media moves fast, and viewers love current, relatable content. Use Instagram insights to see which reels perform well and focus on those types of content for higher engagement rates.
Inconsistent posting schedule
An irregular posting schedule confuses Instagram’s algorithm. It impacts how your reels content performs on the platform. If you post randomly, it reduces the reach of your Instagram Reels because the system struggles to predict your activity or promote your videos.
A regular posting schedule improves engagement and boosts visibility in the Reels feed. Posting at optimal times, like during most active times for followers, helps content creators gain more organic views.
Stick to a consistent routine to keep new audiences engaged and returning for fresh content.
Ignoring trending audio or formats
Sticking to a regular schedule is great, but ignoring trends can hurt your reach. Trending audio and formats boost your chances of appearing on the explore tab. Instagram’s algorithm often favours content that aligns with popular styles or sounds.
Using trending audio is a powerful tool for organic reach. Pairing it with vertical videos improves performance even more. As social media managers know, staying updated on what’s new ensures you connect with a broader audience.
Algorithm-Related Challenges
Instagram’s algorithm can shift quickly, making it harder for your content to reach more people—here’s what you should know.
Changes in Instagram’s algorithm
Algorithms on Instagram shift often. These updates control how posts, Reels, and videos appear in feeds. A focus has shifted to short-form video content like Reels, but the process has changed. Now, Instagram prioritises original content over reposted or watermarked material from platforms like TikTok.
Reduced reach is another issue creators face. New algorithms favour engaging and relevant content for followers rather than random users seeing it. Using trending audio tracks or unique styles can help boost engagement under these changes.
Reduced reach to non-followers
Instagram’s algorithm now prioritises content that encourages meaningful interactions. This change often reduces the reach of your content to non-followers. Your Reels may no longer appear on as many Instagram video feeds or Reels tabs unless they spark high engagement, like comments and shares.
Focus on creating high-quality content with a strong hook to keep viewers watching longer. Using trending audio and popular hashtags can help boost visibility to people outside your followers.
Content-Specific Issues
Weak content choices can push viewers away—read on to learn how to fix this!
Weak hooks in the first few seconds
A weak start can kill engagement fast. Instagram reels need strong hooks in the first 3 seconds to grab attention. People scroll quickly through their feed. Show something exciting or surprising right away.
High-quality video with good lighting works best here.
Using clear on-screen text or trending audio helps too. Start with movement or bold colours to make your reel stand out. A slow, confusing start can lead to low engagement and fewer people watching fully…
Overuse of hashtags or irrelevant hashtags
Using too many hashtags or irrelevant ones can hurt your Instagram reach. Instagram’s algorithm may flag this as spammy behaviour, reducing the chances of your reel showing up on feeds. Stick to a clear hashtag strategy with 3-5 related tags that match your type of content and audience.
“#SunsetLover on a food recipe reel doesn’t make sense,” right? Irrelevant hashtags confuse viewers and won’t help you get the best results. The aim is quality over quantity—use hashtags that boost brand awareness and bring in engaged views.
Lack of clear calls-to-action (CTAs)
A strong call-to-action guides viewers on what to do next. Without clear instructions, they might scroll away. For example, phrases like “Follow for more tips” or “Share this reel with a friend” can boost engagement.
Make CTAs simple and relevant to your content quality. Avoid overloading with multiple requests. Instead, focus on actions that align with the main goal of your Instagram account—whether it’s growing followers or driving views on new posts.
Technical Factors
Poor lighting and video quality
Poor lighting diminishes the appeal of videos. Viewers tend to skip content that looks unclear or dim. Adequate lighting ensures sharp and visually appealing Instagram Reels. Use a tripod to avoid the camera shaking, which will also turn viewers off!
Inferior video quality also lowers engagement. Pixelation occurs, rendering the clip less appealing on an Instagram feed. Opt for a quality camera or phone for clear recording. Experiment with various setups to enhance production quality.
Use of watermarked content from other platforms
Videos with TikTok watermarks can hurt your Instagram Reels views. Instagram’s algorithm often lowers the reach of such content to promote originality. Posting videos with visible logos from other platforms comes across as recycled.
Focus on creating unique videos for Instagram instead. Use fresh clips, and apply your own unique spin using Instagram’s tools like templates or effects. High-quality, original scenes reels boost engagement and help avoid penalties from the app’s systems.
Strategies to Improve Reels Performance
Optimise posting times
Post at the right time for higher engagement. Check analytics on your Instagram business account to find when your followers are most active. This will help you avoid posting at the wrong time and wasting effort.
The best times often depend on your audience’s habits and location.
Engage with your audience consistently
Posting frequently is not enough. Build connections by replying to comments and direct messages. People enjoy feeling noticed.
Ask questions in captions or polls on Stories to encourage responses. Use Instagram’s features like Q&A, stickers, or live videos for real-time interaction. This creates trust and keeps followers engaged longer with your brand account or personal account!
Leverage analytics to refine content
Use Instagram’s insights to see what type of content works best. Check metrics like views, likes, shares, and saves on your reels. These numbers show what your audience enjoys the most.
Focus on key analytics such as watch time and engagement rate. A short watch time might mean weak hooks or boring topics. High engagement signals effective CTAs or relatable ideas.
Use these patterns to adjust future reels for better results.
Conclusion
Getting fewer views on Instagram Reels can feel frustrating. Focus on improving your content quality and staying consistent. Pay attention to trends, timing, and viewer preferences.
Small changes can make a big impact over time. Keep experimenting until you find what works best for your audience!
Honestly, the best thing you can do is just create content that you are really proud of. The rest will come! Good luck 🙂
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