Instagram Reels Explained: An Ultimate Reels Guide For Powerful Social Strategy

Instagram Reels aren’t just a trend—they’re the spotlight stealer in any smart social media strategy. With an 11% surge in usage this year, as per our Instagram benchmarks study, know that if you’re aiming for viral potential and better audience connection, Reels are your best bet.

This content type has become the ultimate go-to for brands looking to grab eyeballs and rack up impressions, being the best-performing format across all page sizes. Long story short, when it comes to reach and impressions, short, snappy, and addictive Reels videos are dominating the algorithm right now.

So, whether you’re a social media newbie or a marketing pro, it’s time to pivot your Instagram marketing focus and get on the discoverability wagon. Reels are more than a fun feature—they’re a growth accelerator. So it's time for you to dive in and get creative.

Table of contents

What are Instagram Reels?
Why are Instagram Reels important for an optimized social strategy?
Instagram Reels Size, Dimensions & Length
How does the algorithm work for Reels on Instagram?
How to make an Instagram Reel?
How many Reels should brands post a week?
How to access Instagram Reel insights & analytics?
Can you see who’s watching your Instagram Reels?
How to download Instagram reels on a camera roll?
How to make Reels on Instagram with photos?
How to find Instagram Reels Trends in 2024?
Tips for creating high-performing Reels in 2024 for B2B

What are Instagram Reels?

Instagram Reels is a feature that allows users to create, edit, and share short, engaging videos using various templates, audio, stickers, and other tools out of Instagram’s broad editing toolkit.

Instagram Reels are dynamic, engaging, and highly shareable: they make up more than half of content pieces reshared in messages. Reels work great for building up brand awareness and improving the reach your content gets.

Reels cater to your content pillars regardless of the industry: whether you work with B2C retail or B2B software, there’s always a creative way to weave Reels into your content strategy and grab a piece of that engagement pie.

And the best part is — they’re fun to do and fun to watch.

So, if you don’t have Instagram Reels in your social media strategy, it’s high time you start leveraging them.

Why are Instagram Reels important for an optimized social strategy?

Instagram Reels have quickly become a top choice for content consumers. Not only are they visually engaging and favored by Instagram’s algorithm, but they are also the second-best-performing content type on the platform after carousels.

What makes them indispensable?

• Increased reach potential across profile sizes: Reels provide an unparalleled opportunity to expand your audience. They deliver strong impression rates across all account sizes, making them an effective tool for both small and large brands.
  

These numbers show how Reels amplify visibility and reach, providing brands with a scalable way to connect with their audience.

• Algorithm-friendly content: Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes Reels, making them a powerful format for enhancing discoverability. Whether it’s small businesses trying to grow or large brands consolidating their presence, Reels cater to all.

Instagram Reels size, dimensions & length

Now, with the Instagram Reels format in mind, let’s get down to specifications.

IG Reels dimensions and size

The best ratio for IG Reels is vertical 9:16, with the ideal dimensions of 1080 pixels wide by 1920 pixels tall.

You can also use anything between 1.91:1 and 9:16, but that would cause empty canvas space around your video. I’d recommend aiming at 9:16 when possible.

As for the Instagram Reels cover, Instagram recommends the Reels photo size 420px by 654px (or 1:1.55 ratio). However, I usually use the same 9:16 (1080 x 1920) picture to ensure it looks good in the feed and the Reels tab.

Instagram Reels length

The IG Reels max length is 90 seconds. However, there’s no universal ideal length of Instagram Reels recommended for brands and creators. Some stay on the short video side, and some try to leverage longer pieces of content.

Experiment with different lengths and watch your performance metrics, such as average watch time. If your audience retention drops at 7-10 seconds, this might be your ideal length.

Tip: no matter how long your video is, ensure you have a powerful hook in the first 3 seconds of your Reel.

How does the algorithm work for Reels on Instagram?

Reels have become central to Instagram’s algorithm due to their ability to capture user attention and keep them on the app longer. For a long time now, Instagram put an emphasis on Reels, in an attempt to compete with other short-form video platforms.

For brands and creators, this push on Reels means more opportunities to increase organic reach, connect with new audiences, and drive growth without heavy reliance on paid ads.

Just like with any other feature, Instagram’s algorithm determines which Reels will be shown to which users, focusing on delivering engaging content that aligns with individual user interests. While you’ll see Reels from profiles you follow directly in your main feed, Instagram offers two additional areas where users can discover new Reels:

• The Reels tab: This dedicated space highlights trending and recommended Reels based on a user’s past interactions, interests, and engagement history. Here, the algorithm curates Reels that are likely to keep users entertained and engaged, making it a powerful place for creators and brands to reach beyond their followers.
• The Explore page: Known for showcasing popular and relevant content from accounts you don’t follow, the Explore Page includes a section for Reels that are gaining traction. The algorithm promotes Reels here that have high engagement rates—such as likes, comments, shares, and saves—indicating they resonate well with audiences.

Factors that drive Reel visibility

Relationships

The Instagram algorithm doesn’t just analyze content engagement; it also closely monitors interactions between users.

If someone frequently follows, searches for an account by name, leaves comments, tags, or exchanges direct messages, the algorithm interprets this as a meaningful connection. This relationship increases the likelihood of new Reels being shown to these engaged users immediately upon publishing.

Additionally, the algorithm considers past interactions, ensuring that even users who have previously engaged—whether by watching a Reel or liking a post—may still see new content, even if they aren’t actively following the account. Reels and Explore also prioritize discovery, often surfacing content from creators users have interacted with in any way, further expanding visibility.

Content relevance

Instagram’s algorithm doesn’t just consider hashtags for boosting discoverability; it uses advanced AI to analyze every element of a video, from the visuals to the audio. This means that beyond tagging appropriately, you should aim for clarity in your content’s visual and auditory cues, which helps Instagram understand the theme and match it with the right viewers.

If you’re targeting a specific audience—like food enthusiasts or travel lovers—focus on clear, on-brand visuals and relevant sounds that cater directly to those interests, increasing the chances your Reel will appear to users with similar tastes.

Timeliness

Consistency and timing matter. New content is more likely to catch the algorithm’s attention, so planning a regular schedule for Reel drops can work in your favor. Experiment with posting times that align with when your audience is most active—Instagram Reels Insights can help here.

By posting consistently when your followers are online, you improve the chances that your Reels will be pushed to more users right away, amplifying your reach.

Popularity

Popularity doesn’t have to be a barrier—it can be an asset you build over time. Reels that gather momentum with high engagement (likes, shares, comments) signal value to Instagram. To build this engagement, consider adding a strong call-to-action (CTA) that prompts users to comment, share, or react.

Simple CTAs like “Drop a comment with your favorite emoji if you enjoyed this!” or “Share this with a friend who needs to see it!” can encourage followers to interact, helping your content gain traction and boosting its visibility within the algorithm.

You can also experiment with trends and challenges, which tend to get more engagement as they’re familiar and engaging.

Watch time and completion rate

Although not as openly discussed, watch time and completion rates play a big role in the algorithm’s evaluation. Reels that keep viewers watching to the end signal quality content to Instagram, which rewards this by increasing the Reel’s exposure.

To boost watch time, hook viewers in the first few seconds, maintain a fast pace, and consider adding elements like captions or story arcs that encourage users to stay engaged until the end.

How to make an Instagram Reel?

You can handle Instagram Reels in two ways: record and edit it using the native Instagram app or upload a ready-made one you created in another video editor.  

Here’s how to create the Reels on Instagram:

• Open Instagram, tap the "+" icon and select 'Reel' from the menu.
• In the Reels interface, record your new footage or upload the video from the gallery. When uploading pre-recorded content, remember: the preferred size for Instagram reels is 9:16 vertical ratio.
• Press and hold the record button or use the timer option to record new content.
• After recording or uploading your content, use Instagram's editing tools: trim video, add more clips, record a voiceover, add music, throw in captions, and more.
• Add text, stickers, or clips if you’d like to personalize your Reel more.
• Choose a cover for your Reel. It can be a frame from the video you choose manually or a pre-made picture you can upload from your media library.
• Write an eye-catching caption. The length of Reels captions is up to 2200 characters, but Instagram will cut it to 125, adding a “...more” after it.
• Customize your publishing settings. You can add your Reels to feed or keep them in the Reels tab only, hide like count, allow or restrict downloading, commenting, and using Reel as a template, and more.
• Publish it and get those likes!

Instagram Reels best practices: a couple of action tips

• Experiment with formats. Since there’s no secret success sauce to Instagram Reels, find what works best for you. Longer or shorter captions, looping videos, trending templates, original montage — test, test, and test again.
• Add topics. Before publishing your Instagram Reels, consult the “Add topics” option. These broad categories help the algorithm sort your content better and put it in front of relevant audiences.
• Use subtitles. Social media platforms are now picking up SEO practices. Using captions in your videos helps you nail two things at once: be more discoverable and more accessible.
• Use trending video templates & sounds. Even though it’s always about content, using trending sounds or templates can help you boost your reach and ride the trend.
• Stay authentic. Trends are cool but remember to marry them with your brand identity. Authentic content resonates more deeply, encouraging engagement and fostering a genuine connection with your audience.

How many Reels should brands post a week?

The frequency of posting Reels can significantly impact a brand's reach and engagement on Instagram. Based on data from Socialinsider, accounts with fewer than 50K followers are currently posting, on average, less than one Reel per week. This low posting frequency may be a missed opportunity, as Reels are one of the highest-performing content types for impressions and engagement.

For brands looking to optimize their reach, a higher posting cadence can make a substantial difference. Here’s a suggested guideline based on profile size:

• Small to mid-sized accounts (under 50k followers): Posting 2–3 Reels per week is ideal. With fewer followers, these accounts can greatly benefit from the increased visibility Reels offer, as each post has the potential to reach beyond their follower base and attract new followers organically.
• Mid-sized accounts (50k–100k followers): Posting 3–5 Reels per week can help maintain engagement and stay top-of-mind with followers. At this level, consistency is key, as it supports steady growth and helps capture ongoing interest from followers and new viewers alike.
• Large accounts (over 100k followers): Posting 4–7 Reels per week is recommended. With a higher follower count, larger accounts have the momentum to leverage frequent posting for maximum reach, as each Reel has a strong chance of being distributed widely. This frequency also keeps content fresh, meeting the high expectations of their broader audience.

While these guidelines are based on data trends, the right frequency ultimately depends on content quality, available resources, and audience preferences. Regardless of profile size, brands can start by posting consistently, experimenting with frequency, and analyzing engagement metrics to find the ideal cadence that works best for them.

How to access Instagram Reel insights & analytics?

Tracking your Instagram Reels performance metrics is crucial for your social media strategy. Keeping a close eye on your numbers through social media analytics is the most straightforward way to ensure you’re heading in the right direction.

The insights you get from the analytics help you stay on track and tweak your content if something’s falling behind.

Here’s how you can access that valuable data:

Reel-level insights

The first look at your Instagram Reels analytics is below the Reel. Navigate to the Reel you’d like to analyze and press “View Insights” to see how it performs.

This layer of analytics provides data such as:

• Plays, including replays and initial plays
• The number of unique accounts that your Reel reached
• The total count of likes, comments, shares, and saves your Reel received
• The total engagement the Reel received, which includes likes, comments, saves, and shares combined.

One of the most valuable stats here is the average watch time. This metric shows how long your followers are watching your video. Use this data to adjust the length of the Reels you post and recompose your content within the video.

Instagram analytics native app by accessing the Insights Tab

Another way to access Instagram Reels analytics is the general Insights tab within Instagram. Go to your account, press the hamburger menu on the top right corner, and choose “Insights.”

Here, you can find the performance metrics for all your content across the account for a period of up to 90 days.

Navigate to the “Content You Shared” part and choose “Reels.” You’ll get the list of all the Reels you’ve shared in the designated period. From there, you can filter your Instagram Reels by reach and engagement and access performance data for each Reel separately.

Socialinsider’s Instagram analytics tool

If you're seeking a more in-depth analysis of your Instagram Reels performance, consider using Socialinsider's Instagram analytics tool. The platform offers comprehensive insights beyond what Instagram's native analytics provide, making it especially handy for marketing agencies or social media managers conducting extensive content audits.

Socialinsider now offers a dedicated tab specifically for Reels insights, making it easier to analyze your Reels’ performance.

Here are the key Reels metrics you can access through Socialinsider:

• Engagement: Available for all accounts, showing overall interactions.
• Engagement rate: Accessible for all accounts, giving insights into how engaged viewers are with your Reels.
• Impressions: Viewable for all accounts, measuring how many times your Reels are displayed.
• Likes vs. Comments: Available for all accounts, allowing a comparison of likes to comments.
• Saves: Available only for the accounts you manage, showing the number of times users save your Reels.
• Views: Available only for managed accounts, providing total views data.
• Average watch Time for Reels: Available only for managed accounts, indicating how long viewers are watching on average.
• Replays: Available only for managed accounts, showing the number of replays for each Reel.

Competitive analysis and industry benchmarks

As a competitor analysis tool, Socialinsider offers performance data on similar accounts within your industry. If you're looking for Instagram benchmarks to gauge your performance, these customized metrics provide deeper insights than generic numbers available within the native app.

Can you see who’s watching your Instagram Reels?

No, Instagram does not allow users to see exactly who has viewed their Reels. This feature is available only on Stories. For Reels, you can only access insights and analytics, which provide an overview of Reels stats for performance evaluation, like reach, views, and engagement, but do not disclose individual viewers.

How to download Instagram reels on a camera roll?

There are different ways to save Reels on camera roll, depending on whether it's your own content or someone else's.

For Reels on accounts you manage:

1. Open Instagram and navigate to the Reel you want to save.
2. Tap on the three dots (more options) in the bottom-right corner of the Reel.
3. Select Save to Camera Roll. This option is only available for Reels on accounts you manage.

For Reels on other accounts:

If you want to save a Reel from an account you don’t manage, you’ll need to use third-party tools. Some popular tools include:

• instavideosave.net
• igram.world

Important: Always check the source and be mindful of copyright restrictions when downloading Reels from other accounts, as this content is protected under intellectual property rights. Downloading Instagram videos from someone else’s content for personal use is generally acceptable, but avoid re-uploading or redistributing without permission.

How to make Reels on Instagram with photos

Creating Reels with photos on Instagram is a great way for brands, especially in B2B, to showcase products, services, testimonials, or educational content in a visually engaging format. You can easily create these Reels directly on Instagram or use design tools like Canva for additional customization.

Step-by-step guide to making Reels with photos on Instagram:

1. Open Instagram and go to the Reels section by tapping the plus (+) icon and selecting Reel.
2. Tap on the Gallery icon in the bottom-left corner to open your photo library.
3. Select the photos you want to include in your Reel. You can add multiple photos to create a slideshow effect.
4. Use the editing tools to adjust the duration of each photo, add transitions, or apply filters.
5. Add music, text, or stickers as desired to enhance the Reel and make it more engaging.
6. Tap Next, write a caption, add hashtags, and then post your Reel.

Creating photo-based Reels using Canva (for more control and branding)

1. Open Canva and select the Instagram Reel template.
2. Upload your photos and arrange them in a visually appealing sequence. You can add branding elements, such as your logo, or use Canva’s templates for inspiration. Avoid posting Instagram Reels that are low-resolution or too blurry, as these can diminish your brand’s credibility and engagement.
3. Customize with text overlays, transitions, or animations that align with your brand.
4. Download the final design as a video file, then upload it to Instagram as a Reel.

B2B examples for photo-based Reels:

• Client testimonials: Create Instagram Reels with a series of photos featuring client testimonials or case study highlights.
• Product demos: Showcase different features or uses of a product through photos in a step-by-step format.
• Event recaps: If your brand attended a conference or event, you can create a Reel with photos from the event, giving followers an inside look.
• Industry tips: Use photos with text overlays to share quick tips or insights relevant to your industry, adding value for your audience.

Using photos in Reels can be an effective strategy for B2B brands to engage audiences, build brand awareness, and provide value through easily digestible visual content.

How to find Instagram Reels Trends in 2024?

Combine your content pillars with current trends to make the most of the Instagram Reels feature. Virality is not always the answer — but it certainly can help you get your content in front of the right people.

So, where do you find Instagram Reels trends for 2024?

• Socialinsider’s monthly Reels trends article

Socialinsider keeps a close eye on what’s trending on Instagram.

Add the Instagram Reels article to your bookmarks and check it out whenever you need a new idea — it’s updated monthly.

• Explore Page and Reels Tab

Instagram's Explore page and the dedicated Reels tab are curated to showcase trending content and viral videos. Regularly checking these sections can give insights into what's currently popular.

• Follow popular creators and hashtags

Influencers and popular content creators often set trends. Keep a close eye on your industry-related trend-setters and generally popular creators — sometimes, you can reuse trends even if they come from different industries.

You can also follow hashtags through Socialinsider’s Instagram Listening tool. Just add the hashtags you’d like to follow and explore the most popular posts, general sentiment, and content created by influencers.

• Instagram Insights

If you have a Business or Creator account, Instagram Insights can show you which of your Reels are performing well, offering clues about what types of content resonate with audiences.

Tips for creating high-performing Reels in 2024 for B2B

Here are some Reels hacks to get more views and make your Instagram Reels more impactful for a B2B audience this year:

Showcase behind-the-scenes content

Instead of relying on trends, focus on authentic, behind-the-scenes Reels that showcase your team, processes, or workspace. This approach builds transparency and trust, giving your audience a real look into your brand’s operations and culture.

Collaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs) or your target audience

Partner with SMEs or even your target audience to create insightful and relatable content. Sharing their stories or expertise can position your brand as a thought leader while adding credibility. Collaboration can also extend your reach by tapping into the expert's or collaborator’s audience.

Use transitions and added effects for engagement

Well-executed transitions or subtle effects can make your Reels visually appealing and keep viewers engaged. For B2B content, keep the effects professional and purposeful, using them to enhance storytelling rather than overwhelming the message.

Include on-screen text and captions

Many viewers watch videos with the sound off, so incorporating on-screen text and captions is essential. According to a Verizon Media study, 69% of consumers watch videos without sound. Captions ensure that your message is conveyed, even if the audio is muted, making it easier for viewers to consume your content in any setting.

Use 3-5 niche hashtags

Instead of using generic or overly broad hashtags, use 3-5 niche hashtags and relevant keywords to reach your specific target audience. This targeted approach can help your Reels appear in front of people who are genuinely interested in your industry or offerings.

Final thoughts

Short videos are ruling social media right now, and to fully leverage them for growth, especially on Instagram Reels, a strategic approach is essential. Instagram prioritizes Reels, making them a powerful tool for expanding Instagram engagement and reach.

Understanding the algorithm, using niche hashtags, tapping into Instgaram Reels analytics, and crafting authentic, engaging content can help maximize visibility and connect with a wider audience.

Consistently posting valuable Reels builds stronger relationships with your target audience, making them a vital component of any successful social media strategy in 2024. Use the above-mentioned tips and tricks to create Reels that not only capture attention but also drive meaningful engagement and strengthen your brand’s presence on Instagram.

FAQs about Instagram Reels

Where should Reels be displayed?

Reels can be displayed in multiple areas to maximize visibility and engagement. They can be featured prominently on the Reels tab of your profile, giving followers a dedicated space to explore your short videos. Also, they can appear on the main feed, allowing them to reach your existing audience while also being discoverable through hashtags and Instagram's Explore section.

How can you make your Reels more discoverable?

To make your Reels more discoverable, use relevant hashtags, choose trending audio, add captions, and ensure your content aligns with your audience's interests.

Can I edit my Reel after publishing?

While you can’t edit a published Reel, you can delete it and re-upload a new version if changes are needed.