How to Increase Reel Engagement Using Instagram’s New Friends-Only Feed: Boost Your Instagram Reel

Last Updated on August 28, 2025 by Val Razo

With Instagram’s latest update introducing a friends-only feed, creators and brands have a fresh opportunity to improve visibility and boost engagement on Instagram. As the platform continues to prioritize short-form video through Instagram Reels, understanding how to use Instagram features like the reels feed, trending audio, and audience segmentation tools becomes critical. Whether you’re a social media strategist, a content creator, or a small business using Instagram, the shift in how users see content from friends and favorite creators opens the door for deeper, more authentic interaction. In this article, we’ll explore smart strategies to boost engagement, get more Instagram views, and reach a wider audience—all while keeping up with the ever-evolving Instagram algorithm.

Understanding the Instagram Algorithm and the Friends-Only Feed

How the Instagram Algorithm Impacts Engagement on Instagram

The Instagram algorithm plays a central role in deciding who sees your Instagram reel and when. It prioritizes content based on user behavior, interests, and interaction history. For example, the more someone engages with your Instagram content—through likes and comments, shares, saves, or even watch time—the more often your posts will appear in their feed. But with Instagram rolling out more personalized experiences like the friends-only feed, visibility is shifting.

Previously, the Instagram feeds focused heavily on public and suggested content, favoring viral trends and influencers. Now, the algorithm takes into account which accounts users have marked as friends or favorite creators, allowing more direct visibility to your most loyal followers. That means building real connections with your target audience matters more than ever.

To adapt, Instagram users should pay attention to how their content performs across different feed types: main, explore, reels tab, and now, friends-only. Dive into your analytics to see which videos perform best, and focus on posting content that resonates with those who already engage with your posts.

What Is the Friends-Only Feed and How Does It Work?

The friends-only feed is a newer addition to the Instagram interface that gives users a more curated experience. When users switch to this feed, they only see posts and Instagram reels from people they follow closely or mark as “favorites.” This offers a huge opportunity for creators and businesses to build stronger community connections.

If your content makes it into this stream, you’re more likely to boost your Instagram engagement metrics because you’re not competing with the noise of unrelated content or mega influencers. It’s a more intimate space—perfect for engaging reels that speak directly to your community.

To increase your chances of being featured here:

• Encourage your followers to add you as a favorite

• Focus on posting at different times to identify when your followers are most active

• Create engaging content that feels personal, not promotional

• Use Instagram marketing techniques that build familiarity and trust

Being active in your comments section, using interactive features in Stories, and consistently delivering high-value video content all help nurture relationships that lead to better performance in the friends-only feed.

I once tested posting Reels at different times throughout the week to see when my followers were most active. Tuesday mornings around 10 a.m. gave me the highest engagement, while Sunday evenings flopped. Since then, I’ve scheduled content around those peak hours and my views have doubled.

Creating Instagram Reels That Boost Engagement

How to Use Trending Audio on Instagram for More Reach

One of the fastest ways to boost engagement is by tapping into trending audio on Instagram. Just like on TikTok, using popular sounds can help push your Instagram reels to a wider audience because the algorithm favors content that aligns with what’s already gaining traction. You can explore the reels feed or check the audio tab to spot what’s currently trending.

But here’s the trick: Don’t just use trending sounds — make them relevant to your niche. That’s how you stand out. Whether you’re a brand, an influencer, or just getting started with Instagram marketing, align the audio with your message, product, or theme to create an emotional connection with viewers.

Pro tip: Add your spin to the trend. Maybe it’s a behind-the-scenes twist, a quick tutorial, or even user-generated content — this boosts relatability and encourages shares, which leads to more reels views and engagement on Instagram.

Tips to Increase Watch Time and Reels Views

Your watch time is a critical ranking factor in Instagram’s algorithm. The more of your video someone watches, the more the algorithm assumes it’s valuable. To maximize this:

• Hook your viewers in the first few seconds with an eye-catching intro or question.

• Use quick edits and Instagram’s editing tools to keep the pacing engaging.

• Aim for a strong payoff or surprise at the end to encourage full views.

Also, include subtle visual cues that keep people watching — think on-screen captions, animated text, or progress bars. These create curiosity and improve watch time, directly contributing to better views on Instagram reels.

Another proven method? Use your caption wisely. Ask a question or invite feedback. Not only does this increase likes and comments, but it also signals to Instagram that your reel is valuable, pushing it to even more users.

Remember: Every element — from the choice of video content to your posting time — influences whether you’ll go viral or get buried. Consistency and experimentation are key. Analyze your top-performing reels and double down on what works.

Boost Engagement with Strategic Hashtag Use and Captions

Using Hashtags to Get More Views on Instagram

Hashtags are more than just a trend — they’re essential tools for increasing your reach and driving reels views. When you use the right hashtags, your Instagram reel becomes discoverable by users outside your existing follower base, helping you reach a wider audience.

To be effective:

• Mix broad hashtags (#reels, #instagramvideo, #socialmediamarketing) with niche-specific ones related to your content.

• Don’t overuse them — 5 to 10 highly relevant hashtags tend to outperform posts with 20+ generic ones.

• Include at least one location-based hashtag if your content is local or regional.

A good strategy is to look at what top Instagram creators in your niche are using. Tools like Instagram’s search bar, or third-party apps like Hashtagify or Later, can help identify trending and high-engagement tags. Combine these with content-specific tags to optimize your chances of being discovered in the reels feed and explore page.

Writing Captions That Boost Engagement

A strong caption can transform a passive viewer into an engaged follower. While the visual part of the Instagram post grabs attention, the caption drives social media engagement — including saves, shares, and comments.

To write high-performing captions:

• Start with a hook – use a bold statement, question, or stat to draw readers in.

• Add value – share tips, insights, or even a short story related to your Instagram video.

• End with a CTA (call to action) – ask users to comment, tag a friend, or answer a question.

Captions are also a great place to include a few keywords naturally. For example, if you’re a business using Instagram, speak directly to your audience: “Trying to boost Instagram reach without ads? Here’s how…”

Engaging captions paired with smart hashtags can dramatically increase likes and comments, which helps signal to Instagram’s algorithm that your content is worth showing to more people.

I jumped on a trending audio clip just as it started gaining traction. By customizing it for my niche, that Reel went viral — bringing in 3,000+ new followers in under 48 hours. It was a game-changer for my visibility.

Leveraging Cross-Platform Trends from TikTok to Instagram

Turning TikTok Trends into Instagram Reels

TikTok remains a powerhouse for discovering what’s hot in the world of short-form video. Many of the top-performing trends, challenges, and audio clips often originate on TikTok before making their way to the Instagram reels feed. Smart creators and brands are now repurposing these trends early to stay ahead of the curve and boost engagement.

Here’s how to do it right:

• Follow viral hashtags and influencers on TikTok daily.

• Save trending videos and adapt them to your niche or brand message.

• Recreate them using Instagram’s editing tools, so your content doesn’t feel like a straight repost.

What works on TikTok isn’t always a perfect fit for Instagram, so tweak the pacing, format, and length to suit the Instagram algorithm. Avoid using TikTok watermarks on your content — Instagram has admitted its algorithm demotes videos that feature them.

By acting fast and tailoring TikTok content for Instagram, you’ll be more likely to show up on the reels tab and increase social media engagement across platforms.

Staying Ahead with Instagram Marketing Techniques

To consistently grow your presence, it’s essential to approach your content strategy with a social media marketing mindset. That means understanding your target audience, setting clear goals, and experimenting with formats, tones, and posting times.

Here are some proven techniques used by Instagram experts:

• Post at the best times to post on Instagram — when your followers are most active (check insights).

• Batch-create content using templates or reusable frameworks.

• Analyze your Instagram analytics weekly and double down on what’s working.

• Collaborate with other creators or tap into user-generated content.

Consistency, creativity, and adaptability are key traits of a strong Instagram strategy. And when you add TikTok-style energy into the mix, your brand becomes more dynamic, entertaining, and visible — helping you reach new audiences and improve engagement on Instagram long-term.

In 2023, Gymshark began targeting their most engaged audience using the friends-only feed feature. They encouraged their community to mark them as a favorite and published exclusive behind-the-scenes Instagram Reels using trending audio. Over 60 days, their Reels engagement grew by 38%, and their average watch time increased by 27%.

Influencer Tips to Increase Your Instagram Visibility

How Top Instagram Influencers Use Instagram Reels

If you want to learn how to boost Instagram visibility, look no further than how top Instagram influencers create and share engaging reels. Their strategies often combine creativity, consistency, and performance tracking to keep content aligned with both trends and audience expectations.

Here’s what influencers do differently:

• They plan for the first few seconds — knowing that’s when people decide whether to scroll or stay.

• They use trending audio on Instagram, but always add a personal or branded twist.

• They tell stories — whether it’s a day-in-the-life, behind-the-scenes, or relatable skit — storytelling makes content memorable.

• They engage after posting — replying to comments within the first hour boosts visibility thanks to Instagram’s algorithm.

Successful influencers also maintain a polished Instagram profile, which helps build brand trust. Their bio, pinned reels, and Instagram post grid reflect consistency in style and messaging — essential for converting views into follows.

Instagram Reels see an average engagement rate of 1.95%, which is significantly higher than standard image posts (0.6%).

Posting Frequency and Timing for Maximum Instagram Views

One of the most overlooked factors in getting more Instagram views is posting at the right time. Influencers often test different time slots to find when their followers are most active. Once they find the sweet spot, they stick to a regular schedule to train their audience when to expect new content.

Here are some tips to boost your visibility:

• Post consistently — whether that’s 3 times a week or daily, consistency builds momentum.

• Use your Instagram analytics to track which days and times yield the best engagement.

• Repost high-performing reels after a few weeks with minor changes (captions, hashtags, or intro edits) to re-engage your audience.

Additionally, test different content lengths. Some creators find success with 10–15 second clips, while others thrive with 30-second storytelling formats. What matters most is that the content holds attention and encourages interaction.

By combining influencer techniques with data-driven adjustments, you’ll be positioned to not only increase your Instagram visibility but also maintain meaningful social media engagement over time.

Conclusion

As Instagram evolves, so must your content strategy. The introduction of the friends-only feed offers a powerful new way to connect with your target audience and stand out in an increasingly competitive space. By understanding how Instagram’s algorithm works, tapping into trending audio, optimizing watch time, and using smart hashtags and captions, you can significantly boost engagement and grow your Instagram profile organically.

Remember, success on Instagram isn’t just about going viral — it’s about building consistent, authentic engagement with the people most interested in your brand. Whether you’re repurposing TikTok trends or learning from top influencers, every action you take should aim to improve how users experience your content. Keep testing, stay creative, and let data guide your next move. That’s how you truly take your Instagram to the next level.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the benefit of using an Instagram business account for Reels?

Using an Instagram business account gives you access to advanced analytics, audience insights, and promotional tools. These features help you track engagement metrics, optimize posting times, and refine your strategy to boost reel performance effectively.

How can a social media strategist use the friends-only feed?

A social media strategist can leverage the friends-only feed by tailoring content specifically for loyal followers. By encouraging users to mark the brand as a favorite and analyzing viewer behavior, strategists can build stronger community engagement and higher watch time.

What does ‘Open the map to see content’ mean on Instagram?

Instagram’s newer map features allow users to open the map to see geo-tagged content posted by others. While not directly tied to Reels, this feature can help businesses and creators reach local audiences, especially when paired with location hashtags in Instagram posts.

Can you manage Reels in a separate tab on your profile?

Yes! Instagram automatically sorts your Reels into a separate tab on your profile, making it easy for visitors to binge your short-form video content. Keeping this tab updated with your best-performing or trend-aligned content helps boost profile engagement and brand visibility.

Are there any tools that can help optimize Reel performance?

Absolutely. There are several tools that can help, such as Later, Buffer, and Hootsuite for scheduling; InShot or CapCut for editing; and Meta Business Suite for performance tracking. These tools streamline content creation and analysis, saving time while improving results.

Author Bio