Instagram Video Views: Does It Affect Your Growth?
Instagram has evolved into one of the most powerful social media platforms for content creators, brands, influencers, and businesses. While likes and followers used to be the gold standard, video views have now become the new currency of growth on Instagram. But do Instagram video views really affect your growth, or are they just vanity metrics?
In this blog, we’ll explore the full impact of Instagram video views on your growth strategy, how the algorithm uses video views to determine reach, and what you can do to increase your visibility. Whether you’re using reels, stories, or IGTV, this is your ultimate guide to mastering video views for real, lasting Instagram growth.
WHAT COUNTS AS A VIDEO VIEW ON INSTAGRAM?
Instagram counts a video view when someone watches your video for at least 3 seconds. Whether it’s a reel, in-feed video, or story, that first few seconds of attention is crucial—and that’s exactly what Instagram tracks.
Here’s what’s considered a valid view:
● 3 seconds of uninterrupted watching
● Auto-play views (yes, they count)
● Repeated views from the same user (they don’t count more than once)
What’s not counted:
● Scroll-past views less than 3 seconds
● Bot traffic (Instagram often filters this out)
● Views from private accounts (limited insight)
Understanding how views are counted helps you shape content that grabs attention right from the first second.
WHY INSTAGRAM VIDEO VIEWS MATTER FOR GROWTH
Let’s break it down: Video views are more than just numbers—they are growth signals. Here’s how they affect your overall Instagram performance:
1. ALGORITHM VISIBILITY
Instagram’s algorithm favors videos that hold attention. When a post gets high views quickly, it signals the algorithm that people enjoy the content, increasing the chance of it appearing on:
● Explore Page
● Hashtag feeds
● Followers’ timelines
● Reels tab
This visibility leads to organic growth, which is priceless.
2. SOCIAL PROOF AND CREDIBILITY
A video with 10,000+ views instantly appears more trustworthy and engaging than one with 50 views. High view counts build:
● Trust with new visitors
● Interest in exploring your profile
● Authority in your niche
Think of video views as the digital version of street credibility.
3. BETTER ENGAGEMENT RATE
Videos that rack up views often result in:
● More likes
● Comments
● Shares
● Saves
All these actions feed back into the algorithm, helping your posts get recommended even more. It’s a loop of compounding growth.
4. BRAND COLLABORATIONS & INFLUENCER DEALS
If you’re an influencer or creator, brands love to see metrics that matter, and video views are at the top of that list. Why?
● Views reflect real audience interest
● Video engagement shows content quality
● High views increase your chances of sponsorship deals
Whether you’re a micro-influencer or aiming big, views open doors.
TYPES OF INSTAGRAM VIDEOS THAT BOOST GROWTH
Each video format on Instagram offers unique growth opportunities. Let’s go over the major types and how video views impact each:
REELS
Reels are Instagram’s answer to TikTok—and they’re insanely powerful for growth. The Reels algorithm is built to prioritize:
● High view counts
● Rewatchability
● Engagement within the first hour
Even a short 15-second reel with high views can go viral and reach millions beyond your followers.
IN-FEED VIDEOS
Traditional video posts in your feed are great for storytelling and in-depth content. They may not get as explosive reach as reels but help in:
● Building loyal audiences
● Boosting views from existing followers
● Increasing profile engagement
Consistency in in-feed videos translates to solid, long-term growth.
STORIES
Instagram Stories may not be publicly visible after 24 hours, but they:
● Track view analytics
● Influence how your future posts are ranked
● Keep your audience warm and engaged
More story views = higher chances your content is shown first in followers’ stories feed.
IGTV (ARCHIVED BUT STILL RELEVANT)
Although IGTV has been restructured, long-form video content still lives under Instagram Video. High view counts on older content can continue to draw in new viewers if optimized correctly.
HOW TO INCREASE INSTAGRAM VIDEO VIEWS ORGANICALLY
Let’s look at some proven strategies to increase video views without spending money:
1. HOOK YOUR AUDIENCE IN THE FIRST 3 SECONDS
Since Instagram counts views after 3 seconds, you need to grab attention instantly. Use:
● Text overlays
● Trending music
● Fast cuts
● Teasers at the beginning
2. USE TRENDING SOUNDS AND HASHTAGS
Reels with trending sounds often get more exposure. Combine them with relevant, niche hashtags to expand reach.
3. POST CONSISTENTLY
Instagram rewards accounts that post regularly. Aim for:
● 3–4 reels a week
● 1–2 in-feed videos
● Daily stories
More content = more opportunities for views.
4. ENGAGE WITH YOUR AUDIENCE
Reply to comments, DMs, and story reactions. Higher engagement boosts your video ranking and encourages repeat views.
5. SHARE VIDEOS TO STORIES & HIGHLIGHTS
Don’t let a good video go to waste. Recycle it by sharing it to your story, DMs, and highlight sections to extend its lifespan.
SHOULD YOU BUY INSTAGRAM VIDEO VIEWS?
Now comes the big question: Should you buy video views?
The short answer? Yes—if you do it safely.
Buying Instagram views from reputable sources can:
● Jumpstart the algorithm
● Add social proof to your content
● Speed up your growth trajectory
But only if you’re buying real views. Avoid shady providers who send bots or spam traffic, as it can lead to:
● Account bans
● Shadowbans
● Reduced reach
SIGNS OF A REPUTABLE VIDEO VIEWS PROVIDER
When looking for a trusted place (RhodBoost) to buy views, ensure they:
● Offer views from real, active users
● Do not ask for your password
● Allow gradual delivery
● Have positive customer reviews
● Provide refund or refill policies
One of the best names in the space is RhodBoost—a brand that stands out for safe, high-quality social media services, including real Instagram video views.
HOW VIDEO VIEWS WORK IN THE INSTAGRAM ALGORITHM
Instagram’s algorithm isn’t just looking at views—it looks at:
● Watch time: How long people stay on your video
● Engagement rate: Likes, comments, shares
● Completion rate: Do people watch till the end?
● Rewatch behavior: Do people watch it again?
All of these are interconnected. More video views = more data points, and when the signals are strong, the algorithm pushes your content wider.
HOW TO COMBINE PAID AND ORGANIC STRATEGIES FOR MAXIMUM GROWTH
The smartest creators and brands blend both worlds: paid views for instant traction + organic tactics for long-term growth.
Here’s a winning formula:
- Create a strong reel or video
- Post it at peak time
- Buy a small batch of real views (from a trusted provider)
- Engage with comments
- Promote the video via stories and highlights
This hybrid approach feeds the algorithm and your audience simultaneously.
CONCLUSION: RHODBOOST CAN ACCELERATE YOUR INSTAGRAM VIDEO SUCCESS
Instagram video views absolutely affect your growth. They signal value to the algorithm, build social proof, and attract new followers, brand deals, and engagement. Whether you grow through organic efforts or kickstart your visibility with safe paid views, the key is to deliver quality consistently.
And if you’re considering a reliable partner to safely boost your video views, RhodBoost is a trusted name that offers authentic, human views, no bots, and full transparency. One view at a time, RhodBoost helps creators scale the right way—with real impact and no risks.
Your videos deserve to be seen. Let views become your growth catalyst—not just a number.