I still remember the first time one of my Instagram reels crossed 100k views. My notifications exploded, my follower count jumped, and my DMs were full of “How did you do it?”
But let me take you back to the start — when I had no clue how to get 100k views on reels.
I used to spend hours filming content, only to see 187 views and 2 likes. It felt discouraging. I didn’t have a ring light, a tripod, or any videography experience. All I had was my smartphone — and a desire to grow.
Over time, I cracked the code. I learned what Instagram’s algorithm really liked, how to create content viewers actually watched, and how to post smart — not just often.
If you’ve been trying to figure out how to get 100k views on reels, let me walk you through the exact 9 strategies that helped me reach that milestone. All from my phone. No paid tools. No team. Just consistency and a plan.
The Real Problems New Creators Face
Before we dive in, let’s talk about what no one tells you:
-
“My reels look good but get no views.”
-
“I don’t know what to post.”
-
“I posted a viral reel once, but now nothing works.”
-
“I’m spending so much time editing with zero results.”
-
“I feel like giving up.”
These are real problems. I went through all of them. But once I stopped guessing and started testing smart strategies, everything changed.
Let’s get into the 9 exact things I did that finally taught me how to get 100k views on reels.
1. I Focused on the First 3 Seconds
Instagram only cares about one thing: retention.
If people stop scrolling and watch at least 3 seconds, your reel has a shot at being pushed further.
So I did this:
-
Started with a bold hook (“Here’s why your reels are flopping…”)
-
Used text overlays within the first second
-
Shot in portrait mode with natural light (no filters)
💡 Tip: I always record using the rear camera on my phone for better quality, then trim in CapCut.
2. I Picked Relatable Topics That Solved a Problem
Virality isn’t about trending sounds. It’s about relevance.
The reels that hit 100k+ views were about:
-
Common mistakes
-
Quick tutorials
-
Mini transformations
-
Business tips
I asked myself: “What would make someone stop, save, or share this?” That’s when I started understanding how to get 100k views on reels consistently.
3. I Used Text Strategically
I stopped relying only on visuals. Instead, I:
-
Used large, clear text in the first second
-
Placed text in the center of the screen (not hidden behind captions)
-
Made sure the first sentence made viewers curious
Example that worked: “This reel got 0 views until I changed 1 thing…”
Remember: most users scroll with sound off. Text is your hook.
4. I Shot Everything Using My Smartphone
You don’t need a DSLR.
I use:
-
iPhone 12 (but any phone with 1080p recording works)
-
Natural daylight (stand near a window)
-
Tripod or stack of books for steady shots
-
CapCut or InShot for editing
One of my most viral reels was shot in 15 minutes using just my phone’s camera app — no filter, no external mic.
If you’re wondering how to get 100k views on reels, know this: clarity > complexity.
5. I Used Trending Audio — But With Strategy
I don’t jump on every trend. Here’s what I do instead:
-
Save trending audio under 10k uses
-
Use it within 24 hours of spotting it
-
Always combine it with valuable or emotional content
Don’t post a dancing video just because a song is trending. Make the trend fit your message.
6. I Posted When My Audience Was Active
It’s not about spamming every day — it’s about timing.
I checked my Instagram Insights weekly and posted during:
-
7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
-
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
-
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Consistency matters, yes. But posting when your audience is online gives your reel an initial boost. That’s crucial for how to get 100k views on reels.
7. I Encouraged Saves and Shares
Instagram’s algorithm LOVES saves and shares.
So I ended my captions with:
-
“Save this for later!”
-
“Send this to someone who needs to hear it”
-
“Share if this helped you”
These small CTAs doubled my engagement. One reel had over 1,000 saves — and crossed 100k views in 3 days.
8. I Repurposed What Worked
If a reel hit 10k+, I didn’t leave it behind.
I repurposed it by:
-
Changing the hook
-
Re-editing with different music
-
Reposting after 3–4 weeks
Surprisingly, some repurposed versions performed better than the originals. The Instagram audience changes daily — so reusing good content is smart.
9. I Studied My Insights Like a Scientist
Finally, I tracked:
-
Watch time
-
Reach
-
Saves and shares
-
Audience drop-off points
This helped me stop guessing and start improving. Every time a reel crossed 10k, 50k, or 100k views, I’d go back and note what worked — and did more of that.
If you’re serious about learning how to get 100k views on reels, stop posting blindly. Start analyzing.
Final Thoughts
I didn’t go viral by luck. I did it by paying attention.
I learned that you don’t need perfect lighting, fancy tools, or 10K followers. You need value, consistency, and a clear message.
Everything I did — I did using just my phone. The tools are already in your hands. The only thing missing might be strategy.
So if you’re tired of low-view reels and want to finally crack how to get 100k views on reels, try these 9 steps. Tweak, test, repeat.
💬 Let’s Grow Your Reels Together
If you’re still stuck or want a custom content strategy to boost your reels, I’d love to help.
Let’s create reels that don’t just get views — but results. 🚀
