Creating Reels for your brand or business can be one of the best ways to get more followers and engagement on Instagram — in fact, they’re a real growth hack right now!
From useful tips to our top editing tricks, we’re sharing our favorite Instagram Reels hacks that are guaranteed to make your videos stand out from the crowd.
Watch this video to unlock our favorite creative Reels hacks — or continue reading the full blog post below.
Instagram Reels Hack #1: Create Original Content
If you want to show up on the Instagram Reels tab, creating original content is key.
With thousands — even millions — of creators sharing to Instagram Reels daily, thinking of original ideas is one tall order.
Fortunately, you don’t have to totally reinvent the wheel when it comes to planning your Instagram Reels. The main thing is to create content that is educational or entertaining — with your own unique twist.
By adding your own little spin or perspective, you can take any existing idea and create something fresh and engaging.
For example, if you’re a photographer, this could be a series of camera setting hacks, lust-worthy locations, or your favorite portrait shots like @myparisportraits:
Instagram has confirmed it prioritizes videos that aren’t visibly recycled from third-party apps, so creating original content in the Reels editor could also help boost your visibility.
Creating original content may take a bit of time and effort, but it’s one of the best ways to hack the algorithm and set yourself apart in your niche.
Ready to save time planning your Instagram content? Try scheduling your Reels with — start your free trial today:
Instagram Reels Hack #2: Include On-screen Text and Closed Captions
We know 80% of video on Instagram is watched without sound, so adding on-screen text and subtitles to your videos is a no-brainer when it comes to reaching more users.
Plus, not only are subtitles great for people who watch without sound, but they’re also invaluable to those with hearing difficulties.
To add video subtitles you can use Instagram’s closed caption sticker.
Tap on the sticker icon and select “Captions.”
It may take a few seconds for the audio to transcribe. Once they’ve pulled through, you can go through and edit the text to make sure it’s all correct.
TIP: Make sure your closed captions are visible in every part of the Instagram app by positioning them in the center of your screen (more on this later).
Instagram Reels Hack #3: Avoid the TikTok Watermark
Instagram has confirmed that they deprioritize Reels that are visibly recycled from other apps — meaning they’re less likely to appear in the Instagram Explore Page and the Reels tab.
With this in mind, the best strategy is to create content directly in Instagram and TikTok – even if you use the same raw footage (from your Camera Roll) across both apps.
If all else fails, you can use a watermark removal app to remove the TikTok watermark from you video – but know that third-party apps can compromise quality.
Instagram Reels Hack #4: Drive Traffic by Encouraging Viewers to Head to Your Link in Bio
The best way to drive traffic from Reels is by including a clear call-to-action (CTA) that encourages people to head to your link in bio.
This could be with on-screen text placement, a verbal call-out, in your video caption, or all of the above. You can use a link in bio tool, like ‘s Link in Bio, to create a mini landing page with multiple link buttons and clickable images:
This is a great way of getting more value from your link in bio, and it only takes a few minutes to set up.
Make the most of your Instagram link in bio with Link in Bio by — try it free for 14 days.
Instagram Reels Hack #5: Hop on Trends Fast
Similar to TikTok, Reels come and go quite quickly.
To hop on a trend before it becomes old news, take a few minutes each morning to scroll through the Instagram Reels tab and other creators’ profiles to see what they’re sharing.
Is there anything that seems to consistently pop up — a particular song? An audio clip? A dance trend?
If so, click on the music to see how many other creators have used the audio. Scroll through the videos to get an idea of what the trend is.
Or, save time and bookmark our weekly roundup of Instagram Reels trends.
Instagram Reels Hack #7: Optimize On-screen Text Placement
Whether you’re adding closed captions or additional text, where you put the on-screen text is extremely important.
If your audience can’t easily see the text, they’re likely to scroll right past your video — which can be a major engagement blocker.
When adding text, make sure it’s within 4:5 dimensions, especially if you’re sharing it to your feed.
This way, when a user clicks on your Reel in-feed, the text will be visible.
While this doesn’t sound like a big deal, carefully curating your text placement makes it a much more enjoyable experience for your audience.
Instagram Reels Hack #8: Find Your Niche and Post Consistently
One of the best ways to gain virality on Instagram Reels is by finding your niche and posting consistently.
There are so many Instagram users with a wide range of interests and hobbies. No matter what your brand or business does, there’s a niche for you!
If you’re a skincare brand, you could product tips tips like @glowrecipe. And if you’re a bakery, you could go behind-the-scenes in the kitchen like @jennaraecakes:
And even if your first few Reels don’t garner a ton of traction or engagement, keep going! Just like anything else on social media, it’s all about trial and error.
Stay consistent by planning ahead of time and scheduling your Reels.
Ready to save time planning your Instagram content? Start scheduling your Reels with — try it free for 14 days:
Instagram Reels Hack #11: Use Music from the Instagram Library or Create Your Own Audio
Using music from the Instagram music library or creating your own original audio is one of Instagram’s top tips for getting your Instagram Reel seen by more users.
Finding the right music for your video can be a challenge, but luckily Instagram has a hefty Instagram music library to choose from.
You can browse music curated just for you, trending songs, categories, or use the search bar to find a specific song.
Having trouble accessing Instagram’s music library? Check out our blog post: How to Add Music in Instagram Stories in 2025.
