Want your Instagram Reels video to hit the Explore page and be seen by thousands of new people every day? You're not alone. Almost every online business and content creator wants the same thing — broad organic exposure through the Reels feature. The good news? There are concrete strategies you can start applying today, even as a beginner.
In this article, Nexus SMM will share tips for getting Instagram Reels on Explore that have been proven effective. From content creation techniques and hashtag usage to leveraging SMM services to boost initial reach — we'll cover everything in detail. Let's dive in!
Why Can Instagram Reels Make Your Business Explode?
Before we get into the best practices, let's understand why Reels is so powerful. Instagram's current algorithm actively promotes short video content (Reels) because:
- Higher engagement rate — Short videos get more interactions (likes, comments, shares) compared to static formats.
- Wider organic reach — Unlike regular feeds, good Reels can appear on the Explore page and be viewed by users who don't yet follow your account.
- Drives conversions — Products or services showcased visually in Reels are easier for potential customers to remember.
Simply put, Reels is a bridge to reach new audiences without paying for expensive ads. However, this bridge needs to be built on a solid foundation — and here's how to build it.
1. Create a Strong Hook in the First 3 Seconds
Instagram's algorithm measures watch time and engagement rate in seconds. If people scroll past your video right away in the first 2-3 seconds, your Reels will never make it to the Explore page.
Tip: Start your video with a question, a surprising statement, or visually compelling content that grabs attention immediately. Example: "Stop working 9-to-5 until you've tried these 3 things!" or show the final product result in the first second.
2. Use Trending Audio
Instagram specifically promotes content that uses trending sounds or music. This is because trending audio signals to the algorithm that your content is relevant and up-to-date.
How to do it: Open the Reels feature, tap the audio icon at the bottom, then check the "Trending" section. Choose audio that fits your business niche, then create content that syncs with its rhythm. Content using trending audio has a 3-5x higher chance of reaching Explore.
3. Strategic Hashtags: Not More, But Better
Many accounts use 30 hashtags at once hoping to reach a wider audience. This strategy can actually hurt you. Use a combination of specific and relevant hashtags:
- 1-2 large hashtags (example: #InstagramReels, #OnlineBusiness) to reach a broad audience.
- 3-5 niche hashtags (example: #DigitalMarketingTips, #OnlineSelling) to reach people who are genuinely interested.
- 2-3 local hashtags (example: #JakartaBusiness, #IndonesianSMEs) to reach specific markets.
Use hashtag search tools or Instagram's completion feature to ensure the hashtags you choose are truly relevant and don't violate guidelines.
4. Upload at the Right Time
Instagram's algorithm gives an initial boost to every new content. This means videos uploaded when your target audience is most active will get a stronger initial push — and a higher chance of reaching Explore.
Optimal Reels upload times: Generally between 12:00-14:00 and 18:00-21:00 WIB. However, adjust based on your followers' active patterns, which you can check in Instagram Insights > Audience > Active Times. Posting consistency is also important — aim to upload at least 3-5 times a week.
5. Actively Encourage Interactions
Engagement is the main fuel to push Reels to Explore. The more people interact (like, comment, share, save, duet, stitch), the stronger the signal sent to the algorithm.
Strategies you can try:
- End your video with a clear call to action (CTA): "Comment 'BUSINESS' if you want to know the next tip!"
- Ask direct questions in the video to spark the comment section.
- Reply to every comment that comes in — this increases interaction duration and sends positive signals to the algorithm.
- Use stitch or duet features from other accounts to boost visibility.
6. Optimize Visual and Technical Quality
Content that reaches Explore usually has good visual quality. Here's a technical checklist you should pay attention to:
- Minimum resolution of 1080x1920 (9:16 vertical format).
- Use adequate lighting — natural light is the best choice.
- Smooth transitions and pacing that isn't boring.
- Add text/captions on screen because 85% of Instagram users watch videos without sound (mute).
- Use an attractive cover/thumbnail — this will be displayed on your profile and on the Explore page.
7. Leverage SMM Strategy to Break Through Plateaus
Now, let's talk about a strategy that's often underestimated but has a huge impact: Social Media Marketing (SMM).
Many online businesses and content creators experience a plateau — a condition where reach and engagement stagnate despite consistently producing quality content. This happens because the algorithm needs initial social proof to determine whether content is worth pushing to a wider audience.
This is where SMM services from Nexus SMM's comprehensive Instagram services come into play. With a measurable initial boost from engagement and followers, Instagram's algorithm will recognize your content as content worthy of organic promotion — opening the door to the Explore page faster.
Additionally, having a credible number of followers gives new audiences a professional perception. Imagine someone finds your Reels on Explore and is interested in checking your profile — if your follower count is too low, they might hesitate. With affordable Indonesia Instagram followers from Nexus SMM, you can strategically build this credibility foundation.
And if you're managing multiple accounts or need new Instagram accounts for business expansion, Nexus SMM also provides practical solutions with affordable Instagram virtual numbers (Nokos) that can help you create and manage accounts more efficiently.
Case Study: How Online Businesses Scale with Reels + SMM?
Let's look at a real scenario. An online fashion business owner in Jakarta started posting product Reels daily. In the first month, average organic reach was only 200-300 people per video. After applying the tips above and using SMM services for initial engagement, their reach skyrocketed:
- Second month: Several Reels started reaching Explore with 5,000-10,000 reach.
- Third month: Average organic reach per Reels broke through 15,000+ without additional ad budget.
- Fourth month: Business WhatsApp traffic increased by 300% from before.
This is the power of quality content + measured SMM strategy combined. SMM isn't a replacement for hard work creating content — it's an amplifier that strengthens every effort you've already made.
Critical Mistakes to Avoid
Before you start experimenting, also know these mistakes that can actually get your Reels blacklisted by the algorithm:
- Don't re-upload content that's already viral from other platforms (like TikTok) without modification — Instagram detects watermarks and reduces reach.
- Avoid banned or spam hashtags — this will lower your account's trust score.
- Don't post low-quality content (blurry, wrong aspect ratio) continuously — the algorithm will reduce overall distribution.
- Avoid buying followers from untrustworthy sources — fake followers or bots can damage your engagement rate. Always use services that provide real accounts and refill guarantee.
Seize the Explore Opportunity Before Your Competitors Beat You to It
Instagram's algorithm keeps evolving, and Reels remains the priority format for this year and beyond. The faster you master this strategy, the greater the first-mover advantage you can gain.
The good news: You don't need to start from scratch. With quality content foundations, applying the tips above, and strategic support from a trusted SMM service like Nexus SMM, the Explore page is no longer a dream — but a reality you can achieve in a matter of weeks.
Start today:
- Create 3-5 Reels using trending audio with strong hooks.
- Upload during your audience's active hours.
- Use relevant and targeted hashtags.
- Boost your account's credibility with affordable Indonesia Instagram followers from Nexus SMM.
- Evaluate performance every week, then optimize your strategy continuously.
Consistency and the right strategy are key. Getting Reels on Explore isn't about luck — it's about doing it the right way. Good luck, and may your online business grow stronger through the power of Instagram Reels!
This article was written by the content strategist team at Nexus SMM — your trusted solution for growing your online business on social media.
