How To "Actually" Go Viral On Instagram In 2024
Education
Introduction
The Power of Reels
Since the introduction of Instagram Reels in August 2020, they have become the most effective way to grow an Instagram account. Unlike other forms of posts, Reels have proven to possess the highest potential for virality. While going viral was easier back in 2021, it remains achievable in 2024, evidenced by recent accounts, regardless of their current follower count. My personal journey illustrates this; I have grown my following from under 50,000 to over 700,000, largely due to a stream of viral videos.
However, it is crucial to note that virality should not be the primary focus of every post. Aiming for virality with each piece of content can often result in disappointment. Instead, the main emphasis should be on providing value and engaging meaningfully with your audience.
Key Insights on Going Viral
After analyzing my 25 most viral Reels, here are the dominant factors contributing to their success:
1. All About Reels
Out of over 3,000 Instagram posts, none of my non-Reel content has reached a million views. All 25 of my viral posts are Reels.
2. The Importance of Shares
Reels that are share-worthy tend to go viral. On average, shared posts garner an additional 400 views. Types of share-worthy content include:
- Inspirational or motivational themes
- Calls to arms for specific causes
- Relatable content
- Controversial topics
- Trending topics or breaking news
3. Key Ingredients of Viral Reels
Upon examining my viral Reels, the following key ingredients frequently appeared:
Text on the Screen: 24 out of 25 Reels included text to emphasize key points or provide context. Multiple text elements can increase engagement.
Original Audio & Effects: While original audio was used less frequently, effects significantly enhanced engagement in five out of 25 videos.
Jokes and Humor: Humor helped keep the content relatable and shareable, showing up in 16 of the 25 Reels.
Short Length: Reels shorter than 10 seconds were more likely to go viral, appearing in 20 of the 25.
Calls to Action: Encouraging viewers to engage through comments or shares appeared in 11 of my top Reels.
Open-Ended Questions: Questions in captions kept the audience engaged, making them feel part of the conversation.
4. Final Points
To summarize, the potential for going viral on Instagram still exists in 2024. However, a focus on quality content that resonates with audiences is vital. Strive for shareable, engaging, and authentic posts while incorporating elements of humor and calls to action.
Keywords
- Instagram Reels
- Viral content
- Social engagement
- Share-worthy content
- Short Reels
- Calls to action
FAQ
1. What type of content is most likely to go viral on Instagram?
Reels tend to be the most successful, particularly those that are inspiring, relatable, controversial, or align with trending topics.
2. How important is text in Reels?
Text is crucial; incorporating multiple elements of text can significantly increase viewer engagement and retention.
3. Does the length of a Reel matter for virality?
Yes, shorter Reels (under 10 seconds) are more likely to go viral compared to longer ones.
4. What role does humor play in engaging the audience?
Humor makes content more relatable and shareable, significantly contributing to virality.
5. Should I focus solely on going viral?
No, while virality can lead to increased followers, the primary goal should be to provide value and engage meaningfully with your audience.
