How to Get 100K Views on Instagram Reels (2026 Algorithm Strategy)
Seriously, it’s a crazy estimate that Instagram will reach 3.5 billion active users globally by the end of 2026. However, Instagram Reels tips aren’t enough to grow here; knowing how to get 100k views on reels has become more important than ever.
Competition on Instagram has only gotten tougher. Thousands of users are confused about what they should do, uploading relevant Reels but the views aren’t increasing. This is where we introduce our article.
Now, to get views on Instagram Reels, it’s not enough to just create high-quality videos. It’s important to understand your users and optimize your Reels. The first two to three seconds of your Reel are crucial; they decide whether or not to show your Reel to other users.
We’ve explained this in our article. How should you create a Reel to get 100k views on Instagram? This article will explain why your content doesn’t end after posting.
Get ready to get 100k views on Instagram? Let’s get started.
Why 90% of Reels Never Move Beyond 100k Views
Getting around 100,000 views on your Instagram Reel means Instagram found your content to be good. But how many users are watching your Reel to the end is crucial. More than 90% of Reels fail here because the retention rate is very low.
Since getting likes on any Reel has become commonplace, Instagram has started prioritizing metrics like saves and shares. However, if your Reel gets 10,000 views but your saves and shares are low, your Reel freezes. This means that views will suddenly drop, non-followers will not be able to see the reel and new likes will stop coming.
Reels Distribution Trust Score (RDTS) — Instagram’s Hidden System
Instagram Reels Distribution Stages (Based on RDTS)
Instagram doesn’t make any reel go viral instantly.
It tests every Reel step by step by showing it to different audiences.
1️⃣ Seed Audience Test (0–2K Views)
When a user uploads a Reel on Instagram, the algorithm first shows it to their followers.
This is the first test, where the algorithm decides whether the Reel is worth pushing further or not.
2️⃣ Cold Audience Expansion (2K–10K Views)
At this stage, the algorithm does not limit the Reel only to your followers. It starts showing the Reel to new people as well.
Signs that the Reel is performing well:
People are watching the Reel completely
The Reel is being shared again and again
This means the Reel is gaining trust from the algorithm.
What mistakes do creators make here?
Making the Reel longer than 30 seconds
The hook is good, but the content is not worth watching
The beginning is strong, but the middle part is weak
3️⃣ Trust Validation Phase (10K–30K Views)
More than 90% of Reels fail at this stage.
Here, the algorithm checks whether people are:
- Watching the Reel
- Taking action on it
Engagement priority order:
Saves > Shares > Likes > Comments
What mistakes do creators make here?
- Only asking for likes
- Not giving useful information in the Reel
- Creating content that is not worth saving
4️⃣ Aggressive Scale Phase (30K–100K+ Views)
This is the phase where a Reel gets a real chance to reach 100K views for free.
Your Reel can scale only if it does not receive negative signals like:
- Fast Skip – People scroll past the Reel in 1–2 seconds
- Low Watch Time – Less than half of the Reel is watched
- No Engagement – No saves, no shares, no comments
- Pressing “Not Interested”
If your Reel performs well here, it can appear on:
- Reels Explore
- Suggested feed
- Multiple recommendation surfaces
What mistakes do creators make here?
- Using fake engagement for an early boost
- Changing captions while the Reel is performing
- Over-editing the Reel
Editing or changing captions while a Reel is already performing well confuses Instagram.
This disrupts the distribution and can stop the Reel from being pushed further.
1. Post High-Quality Videos (1080p, Good Lighting)
Instagram will not directly tell you that your Reel must be in 1080p to get pushed. However, high-quality Reels usually get more engagement. That is why your Reel should be clear and well-lit for better viewer behavior.
Because in 1080p:
- Text is easier to read
- Face details are clear
- Visual tiredness is reduced
Result: People watch your Reel for a longer time.
Remember, low-quality Reels usually cannot reach 100k views and often cause poor retention rates.
3. Use “Silent Optimization” (90% of Creators Ignore This)
Did you know that many Instagram users watch Reels without sound? Because of this, your Reel should be easy to understand even without audio.
How to do this:
- Clear subtitles
- Big and readable text
- Visual storytelling
Result: Retention rate increases quickly.
3. Make the Reel “Save-Worthy,” Not Just Watchable
To get 100k views on Instagram Reels for free, your content should be useful, not only entertaining. Comedy and meme Reels are usually watched but not saved. Informative Reels are more likely to be saved for later.
Before posting, ask yourself:
“Will users save this Reel for later?”
If the answer is no, rewrite the idea.
4. Don’t Let Reels Die After Posting
Most creators stop engaging right after posting a Reel. This reduces reach a lot. This small mistake can make it very hard to reach 100k views, likes, shares, and saves.
What you should do after uploading your Reel:
- Share the Reel in your Story with a question sticker
- Add a pinned comment with a curiosity-based line
- Reply to DMs from people who shared your Reel
5. Instagram Push Is Earned, Not Given
Instagram does not make any Reel viral for free. It rewards Reels that give value to users. First, Instagram checks user interest:
- Are people watching the Reel?
- Are they watching it till the end?
- Are they saving or sharing it?
- Are they skipping it or not?
If your Reel performs well, Instagram shows it to more people. But if viewers start skipping it, views, likes, and shares drop quickly.
6. Shorter Reels Perform Better
This part decides whether your Reel can reach 100k views.
7–12 seconds
Reels of this length have the highest chance of crossing 100k views.
13–20 seconds
This length works well only if your content is strong.
25–60 seconds
This is the worst Reel length. Most users do not watch Reels this long.
However, if you are a popular creator or have strong storytelling, longer Reels can still perform well.
7. Smart Hashtag Strategy
Hashtags will not make your Reel viral. Instead, they tell Instagram which Reel should be shown to which audience, so the right audience can be targeted.
You do not need to use too many hashtags or viral hashtags. Instead, you need to follow a smart hashtag strategy. For example:
- Use two identical hashtags
- Use two different hashtags
- Use one hashtag on the exact topic
This is not a hack to get 100k views on your Instagram Reel. It is a strategy that many users usually avoid.
8. Control Viewer Expectations in the First 2 Lines
If the viewer doesn’t know what’s next in this reel, they’ll skip ahead. Therefore, it’s important to state the topic and the expected outcome in the first two lines.
If the first two lines are clear → more people will stop and watch → Reel will be pushed further.
Common Mistakes That Kill 100K Views on Instagram Reels
1. Generic Hooks
These are hooks that people have heard many times before. Users already know what will happen next, so they scroll past the Reel.
Common Examples of Generic Hooks:
“You won’t believe this…”
“Wait till the end”
“This will change your life”
2. Overused Audio Without a Twist
Many users use the same trending audio without adding a new idea, angle, or change. When there is nothing unique, the Reel does not stand out and fails to get attention.
3. Caption Mismatch
Instead of writing a relevant caption, many creators use captions that do not match the Reel’s audio or concept.
Example:
Reel Topic: How to get 100K views for free
Caption: Instagram growth tips
This confuses the algorithm and the audience.
4. Too Many Hashtags
Using too many hashtags can harm your Reel’s reach. Instagram may see this as spam-like behavior. Even using 5–6 unrelated or mixed hashtags can negatively affect distribution.
5. Early Engagement Buying (Trust Damage)
Some users buy likes, views, or comments to boost Reel performance. This breaks the algorithm’s trust. As a result, future Reels may get lower organic reach because the system no longer trusts your account.
7-Day Reels System to Reach 100K Views
Day-wise Framework:
Day 1–2: Content Testing
On the first two days, post different Reels to see which topics, formats, and styles connect best with users.
Day 3–4: Hook Optimization
Is your Reel strong enough to stop users from scrolling? Add a hook related to the Reel in the first 2–3 seconds.
Day 5: Format Repetition
If a Reel is performing well with a certain format and style, repeat the same format in the next Reel but use different content.
Day 6: Timing + Caption Improvement
Post when your users are most active. Keep captions simple, catchy, and easy to understand.
Day 7: Scaling the Winning Reel
Create similar content by slightly changing the format and hook of the best-performing Reel, and push it further by reposting or recreating it.
Conclusion
Getting 100k views on an Instagram Reel isn’t luck; it’s about using smart strategies that tell the algorithm this Reel is good. You need to understand how the algorithm works. When you create a Reel according to it and get a good response, your Reel becomes visible in more places, which greatly increases your chances of reaching 100,000 views. However, remember that only by following the right process can you make your Instagram Reel go viral.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q 1. Why do Instagram Reels often stop getting views after 5k –10k?
Instagram first shows Reels to your followers and to people who watch similar content. Because of this, the Reel starts getting views. However, when the algorithm pushes the Reel to a larger audience and different communities, it does not perform well if the content is weak. As a result, the reach slows down or stops.
Q 2. Does Instagram push Reels based on likes or watch time?
Instagram pushes Reels mainly based on watch time, retention, and replays. Likes are less important compared to how long people watch the Reel and whether they watch it again.
Q 3. How does Instagram test a Reel before pushing it to a wider audience?
Instagram does not suddenly push any Reel to a large audience. First, the Reel goes through a testing phase. During this phase, the algorithm checks whether people are watching the Reel till the end or skipping it. If the response is good, the Reel is shown to more people.
Q 4. Can a Reel go viral without trending audio?
Yes, a Reel can go viral even without trending audio. The algorithm focuses on engagement signals. It checks how many times the Reel is saved, shared, and watched till the end.
Q 5. How many saves and shares are required for 100K views on Reels?
There is no fixed number. However, to reach 100K views, a Reel usually needs a strong engagement rate, along with hundreds of saves and shares.
Q 6. How much is 100K views on Reels worth?
Instagram does not pay directly for views, even if a Reel gets 100,000 or more views. However, reaching 100K views shows that your account has good reach. Because of this, you can earn money through brand deals, affiliate marketing, selling products, or bonus programs.
