How to Grow Your Instagram Account Using Reels: Proven Strategies for More Reach and Followers

How to Grow Your Instagram Account Using Reels

Instagram Reels have quickly become one of the most powerful tools for organic growth on the platform. With short, engaging videos dominating the Explore page and Reels tab, creators and brands have a golden opportunity to reach new audiences — even with zero ad spend.

 

But to stand out in a sea of content, you need more than just flashy visuals or trending music. You need a smart, repeatable strategy that delivers real results.

 

In this article, you’ll learn how to use Instagram Reels to grow your account, build engagement, and attract real followers who care about your content.

 

1. Understand Why Reels Work

Reels are Instagram’s answer to TikTok — and the platform is heavily pushing them. Unlike feed posts that mostly reach your followers, Reels are shown to non-followers through the Reels tab, Explore page, and hashtag searches.

This means every Reel is a chance to go viral and reach people outside your current audience.

 

2. >Hook Viewers in the First 3 Seconds

The first few seconds are everything. If you don’t grab attention immediately, viewers will scroll past.

Tactics that work:

• Start with motion or action
• Use bold text overlays
• Ask a question right away
• Preview the result at the start, then show the “how”

For example: “This one Instagram mistake kills your reach — here’s how to fix it 👇”

 

3. Use Trending Audio — But Make It Relevant

Instagram prioritizes Reels that use popular or trending sounds. You can find these by:

• Browsing the Reels feed
• Looking for the small upward arrow next to audio names
• Saving sounds from others’ videos

Pro tip: Add your own value or twist to trending formats. Recreate popular Reels, but adapt them to your niche (business, fitness, education, etc.).

 

4. Include On-Screen Text and Captions

Many users watch Reels without sound. Adding text overlays not only improves accessibility but also keeps people engaged longer.

Make sure:

• Key points are easy to read
• Text appears in sync with what you’re saying
• You highlight the main message or CTA

Also, write strong captions below the Reel to drive more engagement through saves, shares, or comments.

 

5. Use Hashtags Smartly

Hashtags help your Reels get discovered. Use a mix of:

• Broad hashtags (#Reels, #ExplorePage)
• Niche-specific tags (#FitnessReels, #SocialMediaTips)
• Branded or community tags

Don’t overdo it — 5 to 10 relevant hashtags per post is enough.

 

6. Post Consistently — Quality > Quantity

Posting 3–5 Reels per week gives Instagram more chances to test your content with new users. But don’t sacrifice quality for volume.

Focus on delivering real value:

• Educational Reels: “3 tips for better engagement”
• Inspirational Reels: “From 0 to 10K followers — my journey”
• Entertaining Reels: “This is what running a small business really looks like”

 

7. Analyze What Works and Double Down

Track metrics like:

• Reach
• Watch time
• Shares and saves
• Follower growth

Recreate your best-performing formats and styles. Success leaves clues.

If your Reels are performing well, Instagram will also boost your regular feed posts and stories — leading to holistic account growth.

 

Final Thoughts

Instagram Reels are not just a trend — they’re the new standard. If you're not using them, you're missing out on free, powerful exposure. With the right strategy, consistency, and creativity, Reels can help you grow faster than any other feature on Instagram.

Need help growing your Instagram with organic strategies? At socialbulker.com, we help creators and businesses grow their reach and followers with real, smart, and scalable solutions.