January 13, 2023
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5 min read
By now, most brands know that Reels are one of the most important parts of an Instagram strategy in 2026.
The biggest reason for this is that the Instagram algorithm prioritizes Reels, which means the app is more likely to show a Reel to people who don't already follow you than a static image in your feed. The more Reels you post, the more opportunities you have to introduce your brand to new people.
Recently, some of our clients have noticed a significant drop in their Reel views. Where they were once getting 1,000+ views and more, their Reels are now stuck in the 100s.
If you are looking at your Instagram feed and realizing the same thing is happening to your content, we have a few Instagram Reel Hacks for 2026 that will help you increase those views and get your content and brand back on track.
According to Instagram, Reels account for over 50% of the time people spend on the app, making short-form video one of the biggest growth opportunities on the platform today.
We’re your social media gurus! Not only do we help multiple clients achieve visibility on Instagram and other social media platforms, but we’ve also been named one of Edmonton’s top social media agencies.
When Instagram decides which Reels to push, it evaluates several key signals:
Instagram closely tracks:
Reels that are watched all the way through, or rewatched, are far more likely to be pushed to non-followers.
Instagram prioritizes creators you’ve:
Even if someone hasn’t followed you yet, repeated exposure increases your chances of being shown again.
Instagram now evaluates:
Low-quality, recycled, or overly salesy content is deprioritized.
Read: Why Social Media is the New Search Engine in 2026
Consistent posting, replying to comments, and engaging via Stories and DMs all signal that your account is active and trustworthy, increasing distribution.
Now, let’s get into what you can do to win in 2026.
Instagram logs a view every time someone watches your video for 3 seconds or longer. If a person watches your video for a second and keeps scrolling, Instagram will not give you a view.
This means the first few seconds of your Reel are the most important part. It needs to grab the attention of the person scrolling and hook them to keep watching more.
Best practices in 2026:
Closed captions are no longer optional; they improve accessibility and watch time.
Insider Tip: Big text bubbles with content that encourages a person to keep watching can be extremely helpful.
When you are crafting a caption, keep your end goal in mind.
What are you trying to do with your Reel? Sell more products? Get more views? Introduce a person or an idea?
Write carefully and with intent. Every word matters, so choose them wisely. Instagram captions cut off in the main feed often under ~140 characters, so the most important part of your message or the hook should be in the first part of the caption.
Also, Instagram has updated its hashtag limits in captions from 30 to just five… so use hashtags intentionally.
Insider Tip: Instagram recently rolled out “Topic” tags to their Reels, which you can select when uploading. The tag helps Instagram know what your Reel is about and shares it with people who are interested in that topic. It even looks like topics could be the next hashtag.
Now that we know engagement is a huge part of how the algorithm determines how often to show your content to new people, getting your followers to engage with your Reels should be one of your top priorities.
That means you need to be asking your followers to connect and weigh in with their thoughts about your content.
Instagram recommends avoiding engagement baits: “Most people don’t enjoy seeing these kinds of posts in their feed, so Instagram will reduce visibility on any piece of content that’s using engagement bait.”
Insider Tip: While asking questions in the caption is an easy way to generate engagement, it can also come across as fishing or insincere. We recommend going a step further and engaging in your Reel through in-video captions and voice-overs. Be sincere in your interest in feedback, and your followers will be happy to oblige.
Gone are the days when a simple old-school panning shot of the skyline could get you a thousand views in a few minutes. Your content needs to add value to the conversation.
Can someone learn something from your content?
Are you saying something original?
Is the information valuable to your target demographic?
These are all questions to ask yourself before you start creating your Reel. Instagram confirms that if there are two or more identical pieces of content, it recommends original content to the audience.
Insider Tip: Need help coming up with Reel ideas that are engaging and informative? Using a Free Keyword Research Tool will help you get an idea of what types of things people are searching for in your niche. All you need to do is come up with content to answer their burning questions.
Whether you’re launching content for the first time or looking for support managing it at scale, having the right team in place is key to long-term performance.
Learn more about our content marketing services.
Reel Hack #5: Leverage Instagram’s Latest Tools
Once your Reel is live, distribution matters. People reshare 4.5 billion reels per day across Facebook and Instagram.
Here are the new tools you can leverage for reaching and growing your audience.
Instagram has significantly upgraded its in-app editing tools, and in 2026, using them is no longer just convenient; it’s strategic.
Reels edited directly within Instagram (or using its new Edits features) often receive stronger initial distribution because they signal native creation. This includes:
Using built-in features helps ensure:
Pro Tip:
You don’t have to edit everything inside Instagram, but finishing touches like captions, text overlays, or audio selection should happen natively whenever possible. Using these native tools signals to Instagram that your content is created natively, boosting reach and engagement.
Posting consistently within a clear niche still outperforms sporadic “viral attempts.”
Instagram rewards:
You don’t need to post daily; you need to post intentionally.
Instagram is now actively prioritizing:
Reposted TikToks with watermarks or recycled trends without personalization see reduced reach.
What to do instead:
Growing on Instagram today requires:
But the payoff is real. Brands that show up consistently with intentional Reels are still seeing meaningful growth, even in a crowded feed.
If you need help managing your Instagram, developing a Reel strategy, or creating branded short-form content, our team is here to help. We’ve supported businesses in Edmonton, Alberta, and beyond with scroll-stopping visuals and content that actually converts. Book a free strategy call with us today!
See more: Our Content Marketing Services
This blog was updated in 2026 to reflect current Instagram Reels features, algorithm behaviour, and best practices.
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