7 proven ways to get discovered with Instagram Reels

I recently had a chat with a Meta Expert about Reels, and let’s just say—it’s a game-changer. If you’re not using them strategically, you’re leaving serious visibility on the table. According to Meta, Reels have the highest probability of being seen by non-followers, which means massive potential for growth. And my own analytics back it up—90% of my Reels were seen by at least 60% non-followers or more.

Translation? Reels are one of the most powerful ways to expand your reach on Instagram.

The trick is to make them as engaging as possible. The more entertaining and valuable your Reels are, the better your chances of stopping the scroll and growing your audience. So, here are the latest best practices (straight from Meta) to increase your discoverability and reach new audiences.

1. Less is more

Short, snappy, and straight to the point. Attention spans are shrinking, so trim out anything unnecessary. Cut out pauses, setup moments, or slow transitions. If there’s a part you can speed up, do it! Keep the energy high and the pace engaging.

2. Nail your audio

Sound matters—big time. Whether it's trending tracks from the Instagram music library or your own original audio, make sure it enhances the experience. And if you’re talking to the camera, ensure clear, crisp audio (no echoes, no background noise). Also, watch out for copyright issues when using custom sounds!

3. Hook viewers instantly

The first 3 seconds determine if someone stays or swipes away. Don’t waste time with long intros—dive right in. Instead of saying, “Hi, I’m [your name], and today I’ll be talking about…”, start with the juiciest part.

For example, instead of: “I’m going to show you how to grow on Instagram”, try: “Here’s why your Instagram growth has stalled—and how to fix it.”

4. Keep it real (lo-fi content wins)

Polished, high-production content isn’t always necessary. In fact, raw, authentic, behind-the-scenes content often performs better because it feels relatable. Your audience connects more with realness than perfection.

5. Use in-app editing tools

Instagram wants you to use their features. Play around with text overlays, AR effects, and transitions. Plus, editing directly in Instagram allows others to use your templates, making your content more shareable.

6. Avoid watermarked content

Meta prioritises original content. If you’re reposting videos from other platforms (especially with watermarks from TikTok), expect limited reach. If you must repurpose content, remove any branding first.

7. Consistency beats frequency

Meta suggests posting 3-5 Reels per week, but let’s be real—that’s not doable for everyone. The key is consistency. Whether it’s once a week or three times, stick to a schedule that works for you.

Meta is always changing—stay ahead

Instagram’s algorithm, trends, and best practices evolve constantly. What works today might not work tomorrow. That’s why staying ahead of Meta’s updates is crucial if you want to keep growing.

Let us do the work for you

If keeping up with all these changes sounds exhausting, we’ve got you. At Purple People, we handle your Reels strategy, content creation, and optimisation—so you don’t have to. Get in touch, and let’s make your brand impossible to ignore. 🚀