Instagram isn’t just a photo-sharing app anymore—it’s a full-blown platform where views mean visibility. Whether you’re a small business owner, influencer, content creator, or just someone who enjoys sharing their life online, getting more IG views (short for Instagram views) can make a big difference. But how do you actually get people to stop scrolling and start watching?
Let’s break it down—step by step—in plain language, so you can boost your IG views and grow your audience like a pro.
Why Do IG Views Even Matter?
Before we dive into the how, let’s talk about the why.
Think of IG views like digital applause. When more people view your Instagram Stories, Reels, or Videos, it signals that your content is worth watching. And guess what? The Instagram algorithm picks up on that and starts pushing your content to even more people.
Here’s what more Instagram views can lead to:
- Better engagement (likes, comments, shares)
- More followers
- Greater brand awareness
- Higher chances of going viral
- Increased website clicks or product sales
In short, IG views are one of the most valuable currencies on the app.
A Quick Story: How I Tripled My IG Views in 30 Days
Let me take a moment to share something personal. A few months ago, I was stuck at around 300 views per Story, no matter what I posted. I tried posting at different times, using new hashtags, even experimenting with filters. Nothing worked.
Then I made a few small changes—and within 30 days, my IG views jumped from 300 to over 1,200 per Story. No joke.
The secret? It wasn’t about being “better” at Instagram. It was about being smarter and understanding what the platform wants.
And that’s exactly what I’m going to show you next.
What Counts as an IG View?
First, let’s clear up a common question.
A view on Instagram is counted when someone watches your video or Story for at least 3 seconds. That’s it. But those 3 seconds matter.
Here’s how Instagram counts views for each format:
| Stories | As soon as it’s opened |
| Reels | After 3 seconds |
| Videos (Feed) | After 3 seconds |
| Lives | Counts as “Viewers” |
So now that we know what counts, let’s look at how to actually increase those views.
Step-by-Step Guide to Increase Your IG Views
Here’s a practical, no-fluff strategy that works even if you’re just starting out.
Step 1: Know Your Audience
Before posting anything, ask yourself: Who am I posting for?
Are they:
- Teenagers into fashion trends?
- Small business owners?
- Fitness enthusiasts?
- Dog lovers?
The clearer you are about your target audience, the easier it is to create content they actually care about—and that’s the fastest way to get more IG views.
Tip: Use Instagram’s built-in analytics (Insights) to see who’s already viewing your content.
Step 2: Use Reels to Your Advantage
If there’s one format Instagram is pushing right now, it’s Reels.
These short, vertical videos are prime real estate for getting more Instagram views.
Here’s how to make Reels work for you:
- Keep them under 30 seconds.
- Hook people in the first 3 seconds.
- Use trending audio (you can find this by scrolling Reels and noting songs with the arrow icon).
- Add on-screen text for silent viewers.
- Include a clear call to action at the end (e.g., “Follow for more tips”).
Anecdote: A friend of mine who sells handmade candles posted a 10-second Reel showing how she wraps each candle. It got 20,000 views overnight—all from one trending audio and a behind-the-scenes vibe.
Step 3: Master the Power of Stories
Stories are easy to create and fun to watch—and they can skyrocket your IG views if done right.
Story tricks that work:
- Post consistently (ideally daily).
- Use polls, questions, and sliders to increase engagement.
- Tag locations and use relevant hashtags.
- Re-share your own Reels to your Stories.
- Go behind the scenes—people love seeing the “real” you.
Pro Tip: Post your Stories during peak hours—usually 11 AM to 2 PM, or 6 PM to 9 PM local time.
Step 4: Use Hashtags (The Right Way)
You’ve probably heard this a million times, but hashtags still work—especially on Reels.
Smart hashtag tips:
- Use 5–10 relevant hashtags.
- Mix popular (#instagood, #foryou) with niche-specific tags (#veganrecipesforbeginners).
- Avoid banned or spammy hashtags.
You can also save your best-performing hashtags in your Notes app or Instagram drafts to reuse later.
Step 5: Post at the Right Time
Timing is everything. If you post when your audience is asleep, your IG views won’t be great.
Here’s how to find your best posting time:
- Go to your profile.
- Tap Insights > Total Followers.
- Scroll to “Most Active Times.”
Once you know when your followers are online, schedule your posts accordingly.
Step 6: Collaborate With Others
Want to grow fast? Collabs are the shortcut.
You can now co-author Reels or posts with another account, and both of your followers will see the content.
How to find collab partners:
- DM people in your niche.
- Comment on their posts consistently.
- Offer value first before asking for anything.
Even a small collab can give your IG views a serious boost.
Step 7: Optimize Your Captions and CTAs
It’s not just what you post—it’s what you say with it.
Your caption should:
- Be short and snappy
- Use emojis to break text
- Ask a question
- Include a CTA (call to action), like “Watch till the end,” “Save this for later,” or “Tag a friend”
CTAs increase watch time, which increases IG views.
Step 8: Be Consistent (Seriously)
Let’s be real. One viral post isn’t going to grow your page overnight. But posting regularly—3 to 5 times a week—will.
Consistency builds trust with your audience and signals to the algorithm that you’re an active, valuable creator.
Anecdote: I once took a 2-week break from Instagram. When I came back, my IG views were cut in half. It took another two weeks of daily posting to get back on track.
Step 9: Repurpose Old Content
Don’t reinvent the wheel. If a post or Reel did well in the past—re-use it.
You can:
- Turn an old post into a new Reel.
- Re-share past Stories as Highlights.
- Take a blog post and break it into a carousel.
This saves time and increases your Instagram views without extra effort.
Step 10: Engage With Your Community
Instagram is a social platform—so be social.
- Reply to DMs and comments.
- Like and comment on other people’s posts.
- Share user-generated content (UGC).
- Thank people for sharing your stuff.
The more you engage, the more the algorithm rewards you. Plus, your followers are more likely to view your content if they feel seen.
Bonus Tips to Skyrocket Your IG Views
Here are a few extra hacks that can take your views to the next level:
- Use Instagram Live: Lives notify your followers and often get boosted in the app.
- Pin your best Reels to the top of your profile.
- Create series content (like “Tip Tuesday” or “Behind-the-Scenes Sunday”).
- Use analytics to track what’s working—and double down on it.
Semantically Related Keywords to Sprinkle In
These phrases are naturally used in the article but feel free to explore them in future posts or SEO efforts:
- Instagram algorithm
- Video engagement
- Reel views
- Boost Instagram reach
- Instagram growth
- IG Story strategy
- Social media reach
- Increase video watch time
- Instagram video content
- Optimize Instagram profile
Wrapping It Up: What You Should Do Next
If you’ve made it this far, you now have a complete, beginner-friendly plan to increase your IG views. It’s not about hacks or magic tricks—it’s about being intentional, consistent, and engaging.
Here’s your action plan:
- Identify your target audience.
- Post Reels regularly using trending audio.
- Stay active on Stories with interactive elements.
- Use smart hashtags and post at peak times.
- Engage with your community every single day.
Remember: IG views don’t define your worth—but they do help you grow your presence. Keep showing up, creating content you enjoy, and watch your numbers grow over time.
