Instagram’s algorithm is always changing. One key factor that affects content ranking and visibility is view count. While likes and comments are important, views play a crucial role in how Instagram decides which content to push to more users.
If you’re trying to grow on Instagram, understanding how views impact reach, engagement, and ranking can help you get better results. So, let’s break it down.
What is Instagram’s View Count?
A view count refers to the number of times a video or reel has been watched. Instagram counts a view when someone watches a video for at least three seconds. For Stories, a view is counted as soon as the Story opens.
View count applies to:
- Reels
- Stories
- IGTV (Instagram TV) videos
- Live videos
For carousel posts with videos, Instagram only shows the view count if the first slide is a video. Otherwise, only likes appear.
How View Count Affects Content Ranking
Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes content that keeps people on the platform longer. Since videos often hold attention longer than images, Instagram favors high-view-count videos in the feed, Explore page, and Reels section.
1. More Views = More Reach
When a video gets more views, Instagram assumes it’s engaging. This makes the algorithm push the video to more users, leading to a snowball effect where more people discover it.
Example:
A fitness influencer posts a 15-second workout Reel. If the first few thousand people watch it all the way through, Instagram will boost it to even more users on the Explore page and Reels tab.
2. High View Counts Improve Engagement Signals
Engagement isn’t just about likes and comments. Watch time, shares, and replays also matter. If many users:
- Re-watch a video,
- Send it to friends, or
- Save it for later,
Instagram takes it as a positive signal and promotes the content to a larger audience.
Example:
A food blogger shares a step-by-step recipe Reel. If users re-watch the video while cooking, the view count increases quickly, telling Instagram that the content is valuable.
3. Views Boost the Chance of Getting Featured
Videos with high view counts often appear on Instagram’s Explore page and Reels feed. Getting featured means even more exposure and a chance to gain thousands of new followers overnight.
Example:
A travel vlogger posts a breathtaking drone shot of a beach. The video racks up 100,000 views in a day. Because of the high engagement, Instagram shows it to users who follow travel-related content.
Why Some Videos Get More Views Than Others
Not all videos go viral. Here’s why some videos get more views and better ranking than others:
1. The First Few Seconds Matter
Instagram tracks how long users watch a video. If they skip it within the first second, the algorithm won’t prioritize it.
Solution: Hook viewers in the first 3 seconds with a strong visual, an exciting intro, or bold text.
2. Captions and Hashtags Increase Visibility
Videos with clear captions and relevant hashtags tend to get discovered more easily.
Solution: Use trending hashtags like #Reels, #Viral, or #TrendingNow to boost discovery.
3. Engagement Encourages More Views
Videos that get a lot of likes, comments, and shares early on tend to rank higher in feeds.
Solution: Ask a question in your caption or encourage users to tag a friend.
4. Posting Time Affects View Count
If you post when your followers are online, your video gets immediate engagement, leading to more views.
Solution: Check Instagram Insights to find the best time to post based on your audience’s activity.
How to Increase View Count on Instagram
If you want more video views, try these simple strategies:
1. Make Looping Videos
Videos that loop seamlessly (such as satisfying visuals or funny clips) trick users into re-watching, increasing view count.
2. Use Attention-Grabbing Thumbnails
A boring thumbnail makes people scroll past. Choose an eye-catching freeze frame or add bold text to grab attention.
3. Post Consistently
Accounts that post regularly tend to get more visibility in the algorithm. Aim for 3-5 Reels per week.
4. Share Your Video in Stories
Sharing your Reels in your Stories boosts its initial views, signaling Instagram to promote it further.
5. Add Subtitles
Many users watch videos without sound. Adding text captions keeps them engaged and increases watch time.