Instagram Reels are no longer just a source of casual entertainment. Over the past few years, they have emerged as a powerful platform for personal branding, audience building and even monetisation. With millions of users uploading Reels daily, the competition for visibility is intense. (News18 Marathi)
While some videos clock lakhs of views within hours, many others struggle to move beyond a handful of likes. This has led to a persistent question among creators; is there a specific setting on Instagram that can make Reels go viral? The short answer is no single switch guarantees virality. However, experts and experienced creators agree that certain Instagram settings, when used correctly alongside the right content strategy, can significantly boost a Reel’s reach. (AP Photo)
One of the first steps creators are advised to take is switching their account to Professional Mode, either as a Creator or a Business profile. This move unlocks access to detailed insights, including data on audience demographics, peak activity hours and engagement patterns. These analytics help users understand what type of content is resonating and when their audience is most active, allowing them to fine-tune future posts.
Equally crucial is a setting many users tend to overlook. Instagram’s privacy and account suggestion options play a major role in content discovery. For Reels to be pushed widely across the Explore page and Reels feed, the account must be public. Private accounts, regardless of content quality, are automatically restricted to a smaller audience. Ensuring that account suggestions are enabled also improves the chances of Reels being shown to users beyond one’s follower base.
Interaction and content preferences further influence how Instagram’s algorithm treats an account. The platform prioritises profiles that show consistent activity and engagement. Responding to comments, engaging with other creators’ Reels through likes and shares, and staying active on trending topics signal relevance to the algorithm. Selecting interests aligned with current trends under content preferences also helps Instagram categorise and distribute Reels more effectively. (News18 Marathi)
Timing and audio selection are another decisive factor. Posting Reels when followers are most active increases the likelihood of strong engagement in the first few hours, a critical window that often determines how widely a video will be pushed. Using trending audio tracks adds an extra advantage, as Instagram tends to promote content that aligns with popular sounds already performing well on the platform. (News18 Marathi)
However, creators caution against over-reliance on settings alone. High-quality visuals, clear audio, and a compelling hook within the first few seconds remain non-negotiable. Content that is relatable, informative or entertaining is far more likely to be shared, saved and rewatched, signals that strongly influence reach. (News18 Marathi)
Despite widespread myths, Instagram does not offer a “magic button” for instant virality. Growth on the platform is typically the result of consistent effort, strategic use of settings and a clear understanding of audience behaviour. While some Reels may take off quickly, long-term success depends on patience, experimentation and regular posting. (News18 Marathi)
