Do you think your Reel will go viral as soon as it’s uploaded? This way of thinking is incorrect. Many new Instagram users believe that the moment they upload a Reel, it will instantly receive likes, views, and comments. However, the reality is that a Reel goes viral only when it is backed by a well-planned strategy. When followed correctly, you’ll learn how to get 100K views on Reels.
Reaching this milestone is possible for anyone—it’s not about luck or having a large follower base. Whether you’re a creator or a new Instagram user looking to grow quickly, this article is for you. Here, we’ll share clear, practical steps along with a deeper understanding of how the Instagram algorithm works, helping you get 100K organic views and likes on your Reels. So, let’s get started.
How Instagram Reels Algorithm Actually Works (2026)
The Instagram algorithm doesn’t initially look at your follower base. If you have a new account, focus on providing quality content to users rather than increasing your followers. Initially, the algorithm prioritizes engagement signals to target the right audience among followers and non-followers.
The algorithm prioritizes:
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Watch time
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Completion rate
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Saves & shares
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Replays
A Reel’s performance depends on user behavior. Some Reels explode on Instagram, while others remain stuck at 1,000 or 2,000 views. When you post a Reel, Instagram first shows it to your followers.
If the initial response is positive, the algorithm pushes it to a larger audience, including non-followers. That’s how some Reels reach 10,000 or even 100,000 views. However, Reels that fail the initial test usually remain limited to 1K–2K views.
How to Get 100k Views on Reels
Hook Strategy: First 2 Seconds Decide Everything
Hooks now matter more than hashtags in Instagram Reels because hooks keep users on the Reel and give them a reason to watch. Even if a user stays on the Reel for the first 2 to 3 seconds, it increases watch time and signals the algorithm to push the Reel further. Hashtags are no longer as important because they don’t play a major role in Reel virality; instead, they mainly help with content distribution.
Types of hooks that trigger watch time:
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Problem hook – Call out a clear pain point
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Curiosity hook – Create a knowledge gap
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Pattern-break hook – Say or show something unexpected
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Mistake hook – “You’re doing this wrong”
Don’t just use hook text in your Reel; include a voice-over combo as well.
Post at the Best Time
Imagine uploading a post to Instagram when your account has very few followers. Do you expect your post to even get 100 views? That’s why you should share content during peak hours to increase your chances of engagement and reach. This can help you get 10K views on Instagram Reels.
To see the most active times for your followers, go to your Instagram dashboard and click on “New Followers.” From there, you can determine the best day and time to upload content. If you don’t yet have strong content performance, you can get free Instagram Reels views by visiting Netsviral.
Reel Structure That Forces People to Watch Till the End
To get more views on your Reel, you need to maintain a smooth and flowing structure. Each clip should connect naturally with the previous one. Below is a complete Reel structure to help you understand how to create a viral Reel:
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Hook (0–2 seconds)
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Build curiosity (3–6 seconds)
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Deliver value (7–15 seconds)
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Micro-loop ending
Ending your Reel with a loop increases replays, and each replay is counted as an additional view.
Follow Every Trend (Smartly)
Create a Reel based on a topic that’s already popular and well-known, but it must be relevant to your niche and content style. It’s not just about the topic—you should also include sound effects, challenges, and transitions in your Reel. This increases your content’s visibility and your chances of appearing on the Explore page.
Take ideas from trends, but don’t copy content directly. When editing your Reel, use a third-party application to make it more creative. Creativity is what helps Instagram Reels reach 100K views.
Create Interesting Captions and Thumbnails
Did you know that many users open or share Reels mainly because of the thumbnail and caption? That’s why both need to be interesting. A clear and bold thumbnail grabs attention, while an engaging caption keeps users interested and increases watch time.
You can also build curiosity for your next post by using question-based captions. For example:
Do you want to know how to get 100K views on your Reel?
Since many people are curious about this, they’re more likely to click and watch the Reel.
Common Mistakes That Kill 100K Views on Reels
Copy-paste content without adaptation
Taking inspiration from competitors’ Reels is fine, but copy-pasting is wrong and reduces the potential reach of your Reels.
Posting without a hook
A hook is crucial because it keeps users engaged, increases watch time, and helps the algorithm push your Reel.
Random topics
Many users think uploading random content daily will grow followers quickly, but that’s incorrect. Posting quality content three to four times a week works much better.
Ignoring retention data
One common mistake is ignoring retention data. For the algorithm, retention is more important than likes or comments. If 70–80% of your Reel is watched completely, your chances of hitting 10K views increase significantly.
Chasing trends without a niche match
Many users follow trends only for likes and shares, ignoring their niche. Following trends without a niche match is a major mistake and harms long-term growth.
Free Instagram Reels Views: A Smart Push for New Creators
How would you feel if you could get free views on your Reels with just one click? That’s where Netsviral works its magic. You can get views on your Reels with just one click. Creators who keep their accounts public will be eligible for this. So, whether you’re a new creator, a brand, or an influencer, all creators can get free Instagram Reels views.
Conclusion
Getting 100k views on Instagram Reels isn’t a matter of luck or having a lot of followers; rather, understanding the Instagram algorithm can help achieve these numbers. However, an Instagram Reel that uses a hook well is crucial, as it keeps the audience’s attention focused on the Reel. It’s okay to follow strategies to make a Reel go viral, but your primary goal should be retention, watch time, and interest. Learn these strategies before creating your next Reel so you can improve your common mistakes.
