Are you struggling with getting views on Instagram Reels? If your Instagram Reels aren’t getting reach it’s because you could be making one of these Instagram Reels mistakes.

You’re not alone. Many businesses and creators are struggling to get their content seen on the platform, and it's all because of some common mistakes.

Prefer video? Watch the video version of this blog post below:

Let's start with the big Instagram Reels Mistakes, the types of content that Instagram has explicitly stated will not be recommended on Reels:

• Recycling Content from Other Social Platforms (e.g. TikTok watermarks)

• Political Content

• Low Resolution or Blurry Videos

• Reels Uploaded with a Border

Now that we've got that out of the way, let's dive into some less obvious, but still crucial, mistakes that you may be making:

Your Content Isn't Valuable

Instagram is all about attention and retention, and the more valuable your content is, the better. Whether it's entertaining, educational, or inspirational, make sure your Reels are worth watching and re-watching.

Not Using Native Instagram Tools

Instagram's algorithm gives preference to users who take advantage of the native editing tools and features. So, if you're not using them, you're missing out on a big opportunity!

Not Studying Other Reels

To create great Reels, you need to understand what's already working on the platform. Don't limit yourself to your industry; instead, take a look at what's working across industries and apply those lessons to your own content.

Not Grabbing Attention in the First 3 Seconds

Attention is key on Instagram, and if your Reels aren't grabbing it in the first 3 seconds, chances are they won't be getting the reach you want. Make sure your Reels start strong and hook your audience in!

Not Optimizing for the Algorithm

Finally, don't forget to optimize your Reels (and other posts) for Instagram's algorithm. By using keywords, hashtags, and other tactics, you can help the algorithm understand who it should serve your content to.

In the end, if your Instagram Reels aren't getting the reach you want, it's likely because you're making one or more of these mistakes. So, take a step back, assess your content, and start making the changes you need to see better results.

Now that you know what NOT to do, watch the video below to learn about how to make high-performing Instagram Reels that get your more views, followers and engagement and download our free “Perfect Instagram Reels Checklist”.