In the ever-changing landscape of Instagram, one metric continues to rise in importance: views. While likes, comments, and follower counts have traditionally been used to measure success, views have become the true indicator of reach, relevance, and growth.
If you’re a content creator aiming to build an engaged audience and increase your influence, understanding why views matter — and how to get more of them — is absolutely essential in 2025.
Why Views Matter More Than Ever
Instagram’s algorithm now prioritises content visibility above all else. It is designed to show users posts that capture attention quickly and keep them engaged. This is where views come in.
A view tells the algorithm that your content is worth watching. It signals that what you’ve created is holding attention, generating interest, and is potentially valuable to others. More views mean more exposure. More exposure brings more engagement. More engagement leads to growth.
Here are a few reasons why views carry so much weight:
1. Views Trigger the Algorithm
Instagram wants users to stay on the platform. When your content receives a high number of views — especially on Reels and Stories — it tells Instagram that your content is doing its job. As a result, the platform pushes it out to even more users, including those who do not follow you yet.
Think of views as the fuel that keeps your content moving. The more it is viewed, the more it is distributed.
2. Visibility Drives Follower Growth
You cannot grow if people do not see you. High view counts put your content in front of new eyes. Whether it’s through the Explore page, the Reels tab, or suggested posts in the feed, visibility is the first step towards follower conversion.
Once someone sees your video or Story and finds value in it, they are more likely to visit your profile, follow you, and engage with future content.
3. Views Build Social Proof
When someone sees that your video has tens of thousands of views, it creates a perception of popularity and credibility. This is known as social proof, and it can influence people to engage with your content, trust your brand, and share your work with others.
Social proof plays a key role in content psychology. It creates a sense of momentum that attracts further interest.
Where Views Matter Most
Not all views are created equal. Understanding where views matter most can help you prioritise your efforts.
Reels
Reels are Instagram’s primary growth engine in 2025. They are short, engaging, and highly shareable. Reels that perform well can easily reach thousands — or even millions — of viewers.
Focus on:
- Strong hooks in the first two seconds
- Trending audio (used authentically)
- Text overlays for clarity and accessibility
- Clear storytelling or entertainment value
Stories
Stories give you daily visibility and keep you top-of-mind with your existing audience. They are less about discoverability and more about retention. However, high Story view counts show that your audience is still engaged and actively consuming your content.
Use features like:
- Polls and questions for interactivity
- Countdown timers for launches or events
- Quick tips and behind-the-scenes content
Video Posts and Carousels
Though Reels are the star, regular feed videos and carousels still matter. Instagram often shows these posts to followers more frequently if they are performing well. Higher views on your video posts can improve their chances of appearing in the feed and being reshared.
How to Increase Your Instagram Views
There is no single secret to boosting your view count, but there are several proven strategies that creators use to maximise visibility.
1. Optimise for the First Few Seconds
The average Instagram user decides within seconds whether to keep watching or scroll past. Start strong. Ask a question, use bold visuals, or add movement to grab attention right away.
2. Post at the Right Time
Publishing when your audience is most active can make a big difference. Use Instagram Insights to see when your followers are online. Testing different posting times can help you find your sweet spot.
3. Use Captions That Encourage Viewing
If your post is a video or Reel, make sure the caption gives a reason to watch. Tease the content. Create curiosity. A good caption can increase watch time and encourage people to stick with your video.
4. Share Across Channels
Distribute your content beyond Instagram. Share it in your email newsletter, embed it on your website, or cross-post it to other platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, or Facebook. More eyeballs mean more views.
5. Consider Boosting Key Posts
Some creators choose to boost their posts through paid promotions, either via Instagram’s built-in advertising tools or by purchasing views from third-party services like the most reliable provider of views from active users, Smikky. This can be an effective way to give a high-potential video the momentum it needs in the early stages.
Buying high-quality views, when done carefully, can help a post appear more popular, which may encourage the algorithm to show it to a wider audience. It also enhances social proof, making real viewers more likely to engage with your content.
6. Engage With Your Audience
Responding to comments, using interactive Story stickers, and replying to DMs all show the algorithm that your account is active and worth surfacing. The more active your account is, the more views your content tends to receive over time.
Tracking Success: What to Look For
To understand how views are impacting your growth, keep an eye on these metrics in Instagram Insights:
- Accounts Reached: Tells you how many unique users saw your content
- Plays vs. Watch Time: Shows how engaging your videos are
- Shares and Saves: Indicators that content is valuable and worth revisiting
- Profile Visits: Helps you measure how well your content converts viewers into followers
Growth is not just about numbers. It is about momentum. Views help you build it.
