Updated 18.03.2026

If you want to get 100K views on your Instagram Reels, you need to understand your audience, use strong hooks, write good captions, use the right hashtags, and join trends. This guide explains each step really clearly, so you can get straight to using them.

You are definitely not alone, struggling to reach 100K views on your Instagram Reels. But you are not out of options either! Instagram algorithms are constantly evolving, so achieving genuine views on Instagram Reels (for free) requires more than just luck. Let’s break down everything you need to know to achieve 100K views on Instagram Reels or TikTok. We also share some tools that can help you save hours and maximise your chances of going viral.

Why Aren’t My Instagram Reels Getting Views?

The most common reasons Instagram Reels fail to get views are:

• Weak or boring hook:  if the first 2 seconds don't stop the scroll, the algorithm won't promote the video.
• Poor video quality or formatting: bad quality videos not in the 9:16 vertical format rank lower.
• No captions:  80% of users watch Reels without sound.
• Wrong posting time: posting when your audience is offline reduces early engagement.
• Irrelevant hashtags or sounds: mismatched tags or outdated song trends confuse the algorithm.
• Lack of engagement signals: the algorithm measures likes, saves, shares, and comments to decide who sees your content next.

Fix these issues as the first step towards getting Reels seen. Below, we discuss tips for getting those views.

Who Is My Target Audience, and Why Does It Matter for Reels Views?

Knowing which audience you are aiming at helps you decide which hook to use, which topics to cover, which sounds to pick, and how to frame your message. Videos that are more personal tend to do better than ones that are more general. The better you understand your audience, the more likely your content is to resonate, be shared, saved, and rewatched (which the algorithm loves).

So, to define your audience, you need to answer these questions:

1. Who is your content for? (Age, job, interests, hobbies, platform habits.)
2. What are their biggest frustrations or goals?
3. What kind of content do they engage with most? (Humour, education, transformation, inspiration)
4. What makes them stop scrolling?

Once you've got that, you can use the audience's needs as a filter for every creative decision you make, including the hook, format, caption, and hashtag.

When you know the answers to these questions, you can create Reels ideas that connect with your audience. Instead of making broad, generic videos, focus on what feels personalised and relevant to your audience.

AI Video Cut makes this easier. If you have already recorded long-form content such as a webinar, podcast, tutorial, or product demonstration, the tool can help you extract the parts that match the interests of your audience. Just focus on what your audience loves, pick a prompt, and AI Video Cut can help you transform your long footage into videos that are ready for your chosen platform and speak to your audience.

How Does the Instagram Algorithm Decide Which Reels Go Viral?

Instagram's algorithm ranks Reels based on four main signals:

1. Watch time – videos that are watched all the way through or rewatched get you more audience.
2. Engagement rate – the more people like, save, share, and comment on your content, the more reach it gets.
3. Video quality – high-resolution, properly formatted videos (9:16) usually perform better.
4. Trend relevance – use trending sounds, effects, or formats to make your content more visible in the “Explore” tab.

In general, the algorithm rewards content that keeps people on the platform. Create for retention first, reach second. The closer your content matches these criteria, the more views you will get. Tools like AI Video Cut ensure your content is aligned with the algorithm. It clips your long videos down to the most engaging moments, adds automatic captions to boost watch time, and formats videos correctly for TikTok, Reels, or Shorts. It also helps you add catchy hooks, titles, and even descriptions. It is like giving the algorithm exactly what it wants without spending hours figuring it out yourself!

How Do I Use Trends Without Losing My Authentic Voice?

The best approach is to use a trend as a starting point while keeping your message fresh. Trending audio, filters, and challenges can be your best allies, but only if you use them correctly. 

The algorithm favours content that taps into current trends because it is more likely to keep users engaged. However, simply mimicking what everyone else is doing won’t earn you 100K views on Instagram. You need to combine participating in trends with authenticity.

Here are some examples:

• A business coach uses a viral meme sound to show what a common client challenge is like.
• A podcaster adds a trending effect when sharing a bold quote from their latest episode.
• A fitness creator uses a popular transition style to show a workout transformation.

This makes it relevant to the algorithm and makes your content feel genuine to your audience. Try not to copy trends directly, because audiences will spot it and probably drop off.

How to Hook Viewers in the First 2 Seconds?

The first two seconds are the most important part of any Reel. If viewers don’t stop scrolling immediately, the algorithm won't promote your content to a wider audience. Videos with a strong hook are the backbone of viral content. Here are some examples of hooks that work:

• “You're editing your Reels all wrong! Here’s why.”
• “Here’s how I got 100K views on my first video.”
• A dramatic before-and-after transformation.
• Relatable micro-problems, such as “If you hate hearing your voice on camera…”

These formats trigger curiosity, emotion, or recognition, which keeps people watching and boosts the view count of your Reels.

Do Captions Really Increase Instagram Reels Views?

Yes. Captions directly increase views by improving watch time and completion rate. 80% of users watch Reels without sound, particularly in public or at work. Without captions, your message might not be understood, and viewers will swipe away. Subtitles improve accessibility, increase watch time and completion rate, and directly impact the reach of your content.

What is more, captioned Reels look more professional. They help you to tell a clearer story, even with chaotic or fast visuals.

How to add captions effectively:

• Use auto-generated captions, then edit them to ensure they're accurate.
• Make sure the style of the captions matches your brand. Think about the font, colour, and position.
• Keep the captions short, with 5 to 7 words max on each line, to make them easy to read.

AI Video Cut automatically generates captions and lets you customise their style to fit your brand and fix transcription errors in the built-in text editor. It is the easiest way to organically increase your Instagram Reels views without using dodgy growth services or unreliable tools.

How Should I Use Hashtags on Instagram Reels?

Mix high-volume hashtags that everyone will see and those only true fans will know. That way, the algorithm will be able to categorise your content and show it to the right audience.

Here's a recommended hashtag structure:

Hashtags are still one of the most effective ways to increase the number of views of your Instagram videos when used strategically. Do not just copy and paste what’s trending. They tell the algorithm who your video is for and improve distribution to the right audience.

AI Video Cut generates hashtags and video descriptions along with every video, so you can just copy them and post right away.

Can Instagram Reels Be Monetised at 100K Views?

Yes. Reaching 100K views consistently on Instagram Reels can qualify creators for:

• Instagram bonus program: You can get direct payments for how well your Reels perform.
• Branded content deals: You can get paid to create content for specific brands, which will then be shown to your audience
• Affiliate opportunities: You can earn money by promoting other brands, as long as they are relevant to your niche

Monetization eligibility depends on how many followers you have, how much they engage with your content, what type of content you are posting, and where you live. The best way to get people to do your work is to post regularly and encourage interaction with your posts. However, achieving this requires consistency without burnout.

This is where AI Video Cut comes in. Instead of spending hours manually editing, captioning, and repackaging content, you can use the time you save to engage with your audience, promote your content, and monetise it.

How Can AI Video Cut Help You Hit 100K Views?

Here is how AI Video Cut can help you:

• Turn long videos into short Reels in minutes.
• Use AI to identify viral moments.
• Add captions automatically to improve viewer retention.
• Generate titles and descriptions for SEO.
• Edit clips directly in your browser with the new AI Video Cut Editor.

This strategy enables you to publish more high-quality Reels in less time, which means greater reach, faster growth, and a quicker path to monetisation.

You don’t need to buy views or rely on sketchy reels views apps. If you want real views on Instagram Reels for free, focus on audience, quality, and consistency. And if you want to do that without spending hours editing, let AI Video Cut do the hard work. It is your AI-powered shortcut to better content, more views, and less burnout.

Try AI Video Cut now and start creating viral Reels in minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many views is considered viral on Instagram Reels?

A Reel is usually considered viral when it has been watched between 100,000 and 500,000 times, especially if this happens within the first 24 to 48 hours of it being posted.

How long does it take to get 100K views on Instagram Reels?

It varies a lot. Accounts with strong starts, regular posts, and participation in trends can reach 100,000 views on a single reel within days. Most creators need to keep making content for several weeks to make it successful.

Does posting frequency affect Instagram Reels views?

Yes. Posting 4–7 videos each week means there's more content for the algorithm to share, increasing the chance that one video is seen by more people.

What is the best time to post Instagram Reels for maximum views?

It's best to post between 6 AM and 9 AM or 7 PM and 10 PM, based on your audience's local time zone. There is also a well-known "after lunch" period (12 PM to 2 PM) considered one of the best times for social media use, as people often check their phones during breaks. It might be a good idea to check Instagram Insights and adjust your posting times to when your followers are online.