Our Top 5 Instagram Reels Tips for Businesses & Creators
#1: Use On-screen Text and Captions
We know 69% of video 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.
Not only are subtitles great for people who watch without sound, but they keep your content accessible for 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 review and edit the text to make sure it’s 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.
For even more Instagram Reels tips to supercharge your strategy, bookmark this post: The Top Instagram Reels Hacks You Need to Know.
#2: Use Trends as Inspiration
Similar to TikTok, Reels trends come and go 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 consistently popping up — a particular song? An audio clip?
If so, click on the music to see how many other brands or creators have used the audio, and save it for later.
Or, bookmark this Reels trends resource for the trends you need to hop on.
#3: 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 Linkin.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 for free with Linkin.bio by — create an account today.
#4: Find Your Niche and Post Consistently
One of the best ways to go viral 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 bakery, you could go behind-the-scenes in the kitchen like @jennaraecakes.
Or, if you’re a skincare brand, you could provide product tips like @glowrecipe:
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.
Another great way for brands to connect with a niche audience? Working with influencers and creators, of course.
‘s influencer marketing platform, Influence, makes it easy to find influencers who make creative content in your niche. Book a demo here to see how it works.
#5: Include 3-5 Hashtags
Including 3-5 hashtags can be a great way to help the Instagram algorithm understand your content and serve it to relevant audiences.
For example, using hashtags like #VeganRecipes, #PlantBased, and #WhatVegansEat will indicate to the Instagram Reels algorithm that your content is about vegan cooking — which may increase the likelihood of it being served to users who are actively engaging with similar content:
Every little bit helps!
TIP: For some hashtag inspiration, check out ’s Hashtag Suggestion feature. With it, you can discover the best hashtags for your account in seconds!
