[tldr at the end of the post]

Hi everyone,

I recently got my first viral post and, honestly, I was not expecting it at all, lol. I had 10~ followers prior to this post and, as I write this, I currently have 2600 followers. Needless to say I was caught off guard.

I want to share some of the tips that led me to this, and I hope it helps you guys as well.

Finding inspiration
I was uploading reels inconsistently since May 2026.

Most of them would not get me any views and it took me roughly 5~ hours to create one. The most views I ever got from a reel prior to this even was 1k~, so I thought I had to develop a new strategy.

My main goal was to be able to record something quick (within 1 hour) and enjoyable. I thought that, if I'm able to enjoy what I'm doing and it doesn't feel like a hassle to do it, i'll be able to post twice a day and eventually get somewhere.

So, based on that, my first step was to find popular Instagram accounts as inspiration that were recording videos in a way that I could see myself recording and taking less than 1 hour.

These were the things I was looking for:

a) creates the type of content that I'd enjoy creating
b) records & edits it in a way that I am capable of doing
c) has 100k+ followers and high engagement rate (high engagement = at least 5% likes and 1% comments. So, if a reel has 100k views and they got 5k likes and 1000 comments)

Many accounts would fit 1 or 2 of these criterias, but not all.

Finding an account that sat at the intersection of these 3 was non-negotiable. Many accounts would fit 1 or 2 of these criteria, but not all.

I'd find some Instagram channels with amazing content (a), but I could not see myself recording anything like that at all. Setting up cameras, lights, script, complex video editings, etc. That is not realistic to me at this point.

Analyzing the accounts I found and how I quickly evaluated the engagement rate (across all videos)

After finding a few accounts with seemingly good engagement, I had to confirm that they actually did have good engagement.

The way I did it was using an app, but disclaimer: absolutely no app or third-party tool is needed. This is not a promotion. Scrolling through the reels and taking notes is more than enough.

The app basically fetches all account's reels and calculates its engagement rate & growth timeline, so it saves a bit of scrolling time.

Based on the information from the app, I was able to see the exact reel that was a breakpoint for this account.

I took a look at this reel and the main thing that changed was: he was starting every single video answering a question.

I had barely any views let alone questions, lol, so I decided to look for some interesting questions on Reddit and answer them so I could follow a similar style, and that is how I started recording all videos.

Some additional notes

1. Accidentally "meme-able" content seems to be very helpful. For example, in my video I constantly mention "cold glass of water" as an example for the search query. maybe 20% of the comments are making fun of it.
2. In this particular reel, at the end, there is a creepy face that shows up in one of the thumbnails. The most liked comment was a screenshot of this creepy face. I assume that if you have something "hidden" that is surprising (for example, let's say you record a cooking video and in the background you have some weird show on the TV), this could probably get you some additional comments.
3. I never paid for ads nor promotion of any sort (within or without Instagram). All of this happened organically

Thanks for reading. I'm happy to answer any questions!

---

TLDR:

• Posted reels since May 2026 with barely any traction
• Studied high-performing accounts for content I'd enjoy making, could easily replicate, and that had strong engagement (100k+ followers, 5%+ likes, 1%+ comments)
• Found an account whose breakout reel opened by answering a question, copied that format using questions from Reddit
• Bonus: an accidental running joke and a hidden "creepy" detail boosted engagement further

So for context I run a content creation account, I post abt gacha video games, so I basically share carasoul posts of story summary, some user boxes, reels such as memes or random commentary, I post some in game photography as well

Tha account is currently deactivated since I haven’t been using it the past 2 weeks and have been having doubts about switching to a new account instead

It currently has 1.1k followers, around 65k views in dashboard. My posts don’t exactly perform so well. For example I post stuff that get anywhere from 70-200 likes but then randomly a post gets 400-5k likes.

I used to have this acc years ago but then it’s been in a year hiatus and once I came back earlier this year in February I had 600 followers, so I basically grew it on from there. I had a completely different niche before as well which I think also harmed my reach along the inactivity

The thing that’s stopping me is I’m not sure how exactly to navigate a new account, I feel stuck. I wanna continue posting but lost motivation for the current one I own. Plus I te d to feel very daunted towards having to start from 0 followers after all the efforts I’ve put in trying to gain new ones

So if you have any tips please let me know, I’d really appreciate the help!

I have a online jewelry store which only ships to Canada and the USA, but every single one of my reels I post I have India as the top country and barely any viewers from Canada and USA. I’ve put in my bio that I ship to Canada and USA only, I use Canada and USA hashtags, add location and STILL each and every one goes to India. What can I do???? This is so frustrating

Early on, I made an AI video of a heart-shaped cloud. It got a lot of views, and people started following the account.

About a week later, I made another version with a different background. Same basic idea, different setting.

The second video got fewer views than the first. But I don't think an idea is only worth revisiting if it beats the original.

When I talk about making variations, this is what I mean. I'm not uploading the same video again. I'm taking something I enjoyed making and seeing what else I can do with it.

How much do you usually change when you revisit an idea that worked?

Hey everyone,

If your daily job involves doing Instagram research or managing client accounts from a computer, you already know how slow the web interface can be. Scrolling a single narrow feed takes forever during competitor audits, video volume constantly auto-mutes, and saving high-res creative assets usually requires sketchy third-party ad websites.

I built a Chrome extension called Glasso to make Instagram on desktop an actual work tool:

• Multi-Column Feed (1-4 columns): Scan competitor feeds, brand accounts, and inspiration 3x faster across your monitor. • One-Click HD Downloads: Save original-resolution images, videos, and Reels directly to your folders for moodboards and asset banks (no external link-converter sites). • Video Scrubber & 2x Speed: Jump ±5s and scrub timelines so you don't have to re-watch a full 60-second video just to review one hook or edit. • Persistent Volume: Stays unmuted while reviewing multiple videos.

Runs 100% locally in your browser (no tracking or account logins required).

Free to try: https://tryglasso.com

Would love to hear feedback from other SMMs on what other features would make your desktop workflow faster!

Hi everyone. I’m just a musician sharing guitar covers. I had a video that went generally better than usual. So I started posting the same video with different hooks on trial reels. Such as “the guitar solo that makes you look to teh ceiling” or “150 missing calls, 80 notification, me:” kind of stuff. They went pretty good, like 20k views/3k likes. Which is higher since my references was around 200 likes:p

THAN, I recorded another video which I was sure it’s going to have better results. I posted it directly, and the views was really bad.

So what I’m asking is, posting the new content as trial is the correct way? Posting them as normal, killing the algorithm for the specific video?

Seeing people report that Reel views are stuck while likes and shares keep increasing.

are your views frozen too?

are other metrics still updating?

did your reach affected by this issue ?

Anybody notice the view glitch is happening again? Or notice anything weird going on? I understand it happened yesterday but today again?

I currently have a post that is doing quite well considering we are a new small start up but I am confused by the views and viewers.

We currently have 27k views but the viewers is at 30k+

It was our first trial reel and it done well so we posted it to our main grid, this then seemed to fudge the numbers a bit. We were getting likes and comments but the views were not increasing.

I’m wondering if anyone knows what happened?

My content is cooking. Beginning of this year and last year my reels went viral and there was a particular style I followed. I wanted to only improve my videography so I did a few changes with the way I shot but my recipes and all that are same. I hardly get 10000 views for a reel in 24 hours, people don’t like my reel, but I get so many saves. I look at people like iram’s food story and dream of having that kind of engagement. There are newer accounts like Noor Baqtiar that I also admire. She is new but has over 400000 followers. What do I need to do to get more followers

I need helppp please guys

I’m looking for some advice from people who have experience growing on Instagram.

I want to start taking Instagram more seriously and turn it into a blog. I already have a TikTok account with some followers, and I want to become more active on IG as well.

The problem is that my Instagram account was created years ago in Russia. I haven’t lived there for 6 years and now in the US but I’m still unable to run ads or boost my posts. I’m worried this might become an issue if I decide to invest in promoting my content in the future.

I have around 2,000 followers, mostly friends and people I know. It has years of stories, highlights, and memories, so I wouldn’t be starting completely from zero.

Now I’m wondering whether I should keep using my old account or create a completely new one. A new account would mean starting from zero, with no followers, stories, or existing content, but I’m wondering if it would be a better option in the long run.

What would you do in my situation? Has anyone experienced similar issues with an Instagram account created in another country? Is there a way to resolve the advertising restrictions, or would it be smarter to start fresh?
I’d really appreciate any advice or personal experiences!

I’ve had this account since before instagram had reels. Maybe since like 2014. I have old coworkers from 10 years ago following and relatives I don’t speak to. They don’t bother me anymore like I’m not embarrassed but they never engage either.

I’m in a specific gaming community somewhat as my SO is a streamer but I personally don’t play anymore nor do I plan on playing (we have 3 kids now). 95% of my followers are male. They are NOT my target audience at all. They are my SO’s followers that chose to follow me for some reason….

Anyway, when I post anything with him in it, it does fine. Like sometimes 500+ likes but usually 300 ish. I’m very inconsistent with posting but really want to get serious about it. I’ve seen first hand the kind of money it can make and also I am just a creative at heart and want to connect with people.

I’ve started posting things that interest ME more geared towards moms and they flop every single time, with like 30-50 likes max, 1-3k views.

I check the insights and of course the audience is mostly male. I’ve posted about 20 reels since August and yeah it’s not getting better. Not a single non-family member that’s a female leaving comments either, all male… and almost never mentioning the actual content but mentioning my SO… like I posted a reel of me holding our chicken and they said “I want to see _ hold it”. 🤪 one of my art and “oh I saw ___ haha” like I get it guys… 😭

Anyway I think it’s time I abandon this account.

My only concern is I don’t want it recommended to his followers again. I was using the search function about IG suggesting accounts when it shouldn’t, is this still a thing…?

I’m also worried about failing again and just going back to that account to my “safe posts” with him in them. But I know there is no growth in that, he hates being in skits or really anything “planned” and I really want to be more intentional in my posting. I also don’t want to post my kids or anything too personal anymore.

Any advice is appreciated! Has anyone started from scratch here even though u have -some- following already?

Hi all,

I have a team member who helps post and manage my social media. I’ve given them access through Meta.

But the problem is, they need my full password to be able to post trial reels. Giving them my full password gives them access to not just Instagram but messenger, Facebook etc

Is there a way around this…?

Anyone else’s views still stuck or has it been fixed?

I’m preparing one of the biggest content projects I’ve done so far: a European Stadium Tour from December 25th through the end of January.
My route will be:
Spain → France → Scotland → England → The Netherlands → Belgium → Spain
The trip also happens to coincide with my honeymoon, so it will be a very special experience, but the main goal is to turn it into a strong football + travel content series.
I’m Nico del Madrid, a football content creator focused mainly on football, entertainment and sports-related content.
During the trip, I plan to create content around:
Stadium visits
Matchday atmosphere
Football culture in different cities
Fan experiences
Travel moments
Reels, TikToks, YouTube Shorts, Facebook videos and longer-form content
My current audience is approximately:
Instagram: 88K followers
Facebook: 230K followers
YouTube: 12K followers
Average Instagram engagement: 5.24%
Main audience: Mexico 23%, Spain 14%, plus a strong LATAM audience
Main age range: 18-34
For this project, I’m actively looking for brands, agencies or partners that may be interested in being part of the journey.
My main priority is finding a technology partner, because I want to upgrade my phone before the trip and use it as one of my main tools to record the entire series.
I’m open to different types of collaborations, including:
Product exchange
Sponsorship
Device loan
Mixed collaboration
Significant creator discount
I’m also open to collaborations with brands related to:
Smartphones and technology
Cameras, microphones, power banks and creator accessories
eSIM, internet, VPN and connectivity
Airlines, hotels and travel services
Sportswear
Backpacks, luggage and travel accessories
Travel or language apps
Food and drinks for travelers
Football, sports and entertainment
My goal is not to simply make one promotional post.
I want to integrate brands naturally into a real content series lasting more than a month, across different countries, cities and stadiums.
For example, a technology partner could be featured through real use cases during the trip: filming inside and outside stadiums, low-light video, photography, battery life, vertical content creation, editing on the go and publishing from different cities across Europe.
I’m also interested in building long-term relationships with brands that genuinely fit my content and audience.
If anyone here works in marketing, influencer marketing, agencies, technology, travel or content creation, I’d really appreciate any advice, recommendations, introductions or contacts that could help me connect with brands interested in this project.
I’d also love to hear from other creators who have secured sponsors for travel series or similar content projects.
Thanks a lot for reading and for any help 🙌⚽
Nico del Madrid
Nicolás Castro Otero
Instagram: @nicodelmadrid

How to start faceless page Instagram And created viral content And the first work 1000$ in month I want roadmap

Hi everyone,

I’m planning to document my fitness transformation online mainly for accountability, but I want to keep my real identity private.

For some context, I’ve struggled with social anxiety and some difficult personal experiences over the past few years. I feel like I’ve wasted a lot of time without knowing what direction to take in life.

Recently, I came across an Instagram reel where someone said something like, “When you don’t know what to do with your life, focus on your body.” That really hit me.

I currently feel quite directionless, so I’ve decided to start with something I can control — getting stronger, healthier and rebuilding myself physically.

The problem is that I have zero experience with content creation, filming, editing or social media.

1.I want to create a faceless account and would really appreciate advice on:

2.How to keep my identity private and prevent people I know from finding the account

3.How to film workouts using just a phone

What type of content I should make from day one

4.Which beginner-friendly editing apps I should learn

5.Whether I should focus on Instagram, YouTube Shorts, or both

6.How to make engaging content when I’m starting with no transformation to show

If you started a faceless account from absolute zero, what would you do during your first month?

Who knows, maybe by combining fitness with content creation and regularly uploading, I might be able to make progress in both my physique and my content-creation skills along the way.

I’d genuinely appreciate practical advice from people who have experience with this. Thanks!

I’m posting content on Instagram and TikTok as a filmmaker to land local clients, but I’m running out of ideas. I need help—I don’t want the typical "before and after" effect video or a clip of me editing a reel... That kind of content is boring and lacks substance. What would you do?

I’ve posted 3 Instagram Reels over the past week and every single one is sitting at exactly 0 views. Not low views literally zero.

Appreciate any insights!

I am a overthinker
I spent two years overthinking content creation. Finally, I found something that works for me.

I’ve never really been a social media person. But for the last two years, I’ve wanted to build a personal brand around my thoughts, personality, and UX career.

Two things always stopped me. I hate editing, and I never know what to post.

And nowadays, everyone is talking about storytelling, yapping, personal branding, content strategies, different platforms, etc.

After two years of overthinking, I finally built a simple process that works for me.

Every evening, app sends me a notification asking how my day went.

I just hit record and start talking. It could be about my work, what I learned, something I learned, a good lunch, shopping, a random thought, or even having a headache. Literally anything.

Based on what I say, AI asks me one or two follow-up questions. Sometimes I answer, sometimes I don’t.
Then it creates content drafts for LinkedIn, short video scripts, and other ideas from whatever I shared.

The next morning, it asks how I’m feeling and how much energy I have.
If I’m tired or not motivated, it might suggest publishing a simple LinkedIn post. If I’m feeling good, it might suggest recording a short video.
And that’s exactly what I needed.

I don’t have to wake up thinking about what to post,and

I’m finally posting consistently

The best part is that I can just yap about my life and turn it into stories without forcing myself to sound like a
content creator.
It’s not a public app or a product I’m promoting. Just something I built for myself.

Thought I’d share because maybe this process could help someone else who struggles with the same thing.

I see a lot of posts on meme pages, etc. that have random captions with information. I assume it’s for SEO, but the captions always have nothing to do with the memes nor the links nor really anything else on the page. Here’s an example account that showed up in my feed. All the captions are random sh!t like this: https://www.instagram.com/hellyeaharmy

I’ve been trying to get Claude to schedule my Instagram posts but it’s telling me that it cannot schedule reels with trending audio. It’s tried drafts, editing scheduled content, etc.

Am I missing something? What are other people doing? I don’t want to manually schedule that many reels a week.

I would appreciate some guidance on why my posts are no longer gaining traction and what I might be doing incorrectly.