Why Are My Instagram Reels Not Getting Views?

There are hundreds of millions of reels on Instagram, which means your reel can easily get buried under such a massive volume. So, it’s common to experience fluctuations in views on Instagram Reels, and it can be really frustrating. One day, you’re getting a lot of engagement, while the next, your reels barely receive any views.

Many influencers, creators and business accounts  face this issue on their Instagram Reels. There are many other reasons why reels don’t get views. But don’t worry because there are practical solutions to get your reels back on track if you’re experiencing a lull.

Today, we’ll discuss the main causes of your lack of views on reels. We have also shared the best strategies for these problems so you can gain more views in no time. Let’s dig right in!

Why Your Instagram Reels Aren’t Getting Views: Major Reasons & Solutions

Here are some major reasons, along with simple solutions, for, Instagram Reels not getting views:

1. Bought from Shady Websites

If you’ve bought reels views from malicious websites, then it will hurt your Instagram Reels performance. Reels views from unreliable sources usually include engagement from bot followers, fake profiles, or inactive accounts that do nothing for your growth. Plus, the Instagram algorithm can detect these low-quality engagements and remove them, which means no reel views.

Solution

A better approach is to purchase them from a genuine website. This way, you can ensure that you’re buying real Instagram Reels views from genuine followers with active accounts. These engagements are non-drop and are gradually added, mimicking organic growth patterns. Additionally, you can enjoy the peace of mind that your reels engagement will grow authentically and encourage more views.

2. Limited Reach Due to a New Account

You’ll struggle with limited reach if you have a new Instagram account. Instagram’s algorithm tends to prioritize established accounts with a proven track record of engagement which makes it tough for new profiles to gain traction immediately. This lack of visibility can result in low views on reels, even if the content is of high quality.

Solution

The key here is patience and consistency; with time, you’ll realize that you’ve built credibility on the platform. So, keep sharing quality content regularly and engaging with other creators in your niche.

Join conversations, comment, and respond to your followers to build a community around your profile. Just focus on slowly building a strong foundation for your personal account rather than rushing the process, as it will pay off in the long run.

3. Your Account is Shadowbanned

If your Instagram Reels aren’t getting views, it might also be because your account is shadowbanned. A shadowban is when Instagram restricts your content without notifying you.

Your reel won’t show up on the Explore page, reels page, or hashtag searches, which makes it difficult to get viewers. A shadowban can happen if you’ve violated the Instagram guidelines or had some suspicious activity on your account, such as using banned hashtags.

Solution

Follow Instagram’s strict community guidelines to avoid getting shadowbanned. Review your recent posts, captions, and comments to make sure they don’t contain banned words or inappropriate content. Also, stay away from controversial topics and avoid using bad words that Instagram has flagged as inappropriate or spammy.

4. Not Adapted to Algorithm Changes

If you’re not optimizing and keeping up with Instagram’s ever-changing algorithm, then it can negatively impact the visibility of your reels. The algorithm prioritizes content based on engagement patterns, timing and relevance to user interests. If your reels don’t match with the latest algorithm updates, then they won’t be promoted which leads to a decrease in view count and engagement.

Solution

You should know the algorithm and how it impacts your content. Research algorithm updates through reliable sources regularly and adapts your strategy accordingly.

For example, if Instagram starts prioritizing shorter reels, focus on creating content under 15 seconds. Stay active by posting at optimal times and using features that the platform is currently promoting, such as new text, filters, or audio options.

5. Creating Irrelevant Content

If you post content that doesn’t resonate with your target audience, you won’t get many views. Creating reels with irrelevant themes or repeating similar topics will not attract the right audience. This lack of connection with your viewers can reduce interest and make it difficult for your reels to get the results you want.

Solution

Produce content that’s relatable to your audience and covers their preferences. You should know your niche and understand what followers want to see. Also, avoid duplicating content that others have already shared, and make sure there are no watermarks on the videos.

Instead, find ways to add your own spin to essential topics within your niche. Originality showcases your creative side, which can attract new viewers and keep existing followers returning for more.

6. Missing Attention-Grabbing Hook

The initial few seconds of your reel determine whether viewers will continue watching or scroll down to others. If your reels look uninteresting or lack an impactful and attention-grabbing hook, viewers can lose interest almost immediately.

Reels with no captions or weak captions also struggle to communicate your message and may drive users away. This quick drop-off rate signals to Instagram that your content isn’t likable, explaining your drop-off in views.

Solution

Create strong impressions right at the beginning to boost your reel viewers. Use eye-catching visuals, snappy captions, intriguing text or a surprising statement initially to draw viewers in.

For example, start with a question that addresses a common problem or tease the value viewers will gain from watching the full reel. With a compelling hook in the first few seconds, you’ll increase the likelihood of retaining viewers throughout the entire video.

7. Posting Low-Quality Reels

Reels with poor lighting, shaky footage, or unclear audio will get few views because users probably won’t watch them. If your videos look unprofessional, people watch them and don’t just scroll past them. Consistently posting such reels may also lower your overall content ranking in Instagram’s algorithm which results in evenfewer views over time.

Solution

Create high quality reels to grab attention and encourage viewers to stay. Start by using natural light as it enhances the video quality without needing expensive equipment. Recording near a window during daylight hours can give your videos a bright and professional look.

If filming indoors then get a basic ring light and use tripod to prevent shakiness. Finally, use different formats and refine your videos with apps like InShot or Adobe Premiere Rush.

8. Your Reels Are Lengthy

If your reels drag on without delivering value quickly then people will skip them. This is why posting lengthy reels can lead to viewers losing interest halfway through the video. Reels with high drop off rates also rank lower in the algorithm which causes a reduction in overall visibility and view count.

Solution

It’s important to focus on concise but engaging stories and make shorter reels. Around 30 seconds works better because they capture attention without overwhelming viewers. Try to structure your content with a strong hook at the start and the main point in the middle to make people watch till the end.  

You can draw inspiration from fellow creators to see which type of content is performing better. Use quality editing tools to trim and cut excess parts to shorten long reels.

9. Inconsistent and Wrong Posting Time

Posting reels at the wrong time or infrequently can severely limit your reach and visibility. Uploading outside peak engagement hours means your content is less likely to be seen, and occasional uploads cause your audience to forget about you. Both these factors lead to lower rankings and fewer views.

Solution

To maximize your Reels’ reach, you must post at the right time when your audience is most active. Check your insights to identify optimal posting windows, like between 6 to 9 PM, and maintain a consistent posting schedule—post at least three to four times a week. This ensures steady engagement and boosts your chances of being seen and shared widely.

10. Not Using Proper Hashtags

Using the wrong, too many or banned hashtags on your reels can severely impact its discoverability. If you’re misusing hashtags by using irrelevant or overly generic tags, then your reel will struggle to reach its intended audience. Instagram can also penalize your account for using banned or restricted hashtags which means you won’t get views.

Solution

Look for and use targeted hashtags that align with your niche and audience interests. You can use up to 30 hashtags, but stick to just a few good ones (3-5 relevant hashtags) because too many can appear spammy. You can mix popular ones with more specific and niche-related options. These important factors help attract the right audience while avoiding excessive competition.

11. Ignoring Popular Audio Tracks

When you don’t use popular or trending audio in your Instagram Reels it can significantly limit your content’s appeal. The Instagram algorithm boosts reels that use popular audio clips because they align with current trends. If you’re not incorporating popular tracks, then your reel may not appear in as many people’s feeds, leading to fewer views.

Solution

You need to follow trends and shoot videos around the same theme to tap into the existing hype. Browse the “Explore” page and save audio clips that repeatedly show up.

Using these tracks in your reels can help your content gain more traction and appear in front of a larger user base. So, use popular audio clips to attract more viewers and increase your potential for making money through brand partnerships and sponsorships.

12. Not Enough Audience Interaction

Posting reels without engaging with your viewers can lead to low engagement and other key metrics. If you have no viewer participation, including comments, shares, and likes, your reels may not be pushed to more users. Your content also loses social proof and won’t attract organic viewers. This can slowly diminish your presence on the platform, making it hard for your content to gain viewers.

Solution

Actively engage with your audience and reply to generate reciprocity and encourage them to interact with your reels. Even a simple “thank you” can help you get more responses to your content. You can pin positive comments and add user-generated content, showcasing appreciation for viewer input while encouraging others to participate.

You can also announce contests and giveaways to get more buzz. The more you interact, the better the chance of your reels going viral and building stronger relationships with fans.

13. Missing Out on Cross-Promotion

When you confine your content solely to Instagram, you miss opportunities to reach different people who may be more interested in your reels. By not leveraging your other social media platforms, you’re limiting the exposure your Instagram Reels can receive. This also prevents you from reaching maximum success on Instagram.

Solution

To prevent this, make it best practice to share your Instagram Reels on various social media channels, including Facebook, X (Twitter), YouTube, TikTok, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Snapchat. Craft a unique voice for each platform, highlighting the unique aspects of your reels that will resonate with different audiences.

Create a brief teaser on TikTok or share behind-the-scenes footage on Snapchat that links back to your Instagram. Also, collaborate with others to drive traffic to your reels and broaden your Instagram following.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How Many Instagram Reels Should I Post Per Day?

You should post at least 1 to 2 reels a day on Instagram. This consistency will help you maintain constant visibility and increase interaction without overwhelming your audience.

2. How Many Views Do I Need on Instagram to Get Paid?

Instagram’s Reels Play Bonus program is no longer available, so you don’t get paid for views directly from the platform. However, you can earn money through different monetization tactics, like affiliate marketing and sponsorships.

3. How Can I See Who Viewed My Instagram Reels?

Instagram doesn’t show who viewed your reels. You can only see the total view count and user engagement, such as comments and likes. To get more insights, you can switch to a professional account for analytics data.