How to Create a Viral Instagram Reel Using This Reel Trend
Learn how to create a viral Instagram Reel using the "this reel" trend with proven hooks, editing tips, and hashtag strategies to boost reach.
How to Create a Viral Instagram Reel Using This Reel Trend
Instagram Reels are one of the fastest-growing formats for audience building, and jumping on trending content early can massively boost your reach. One of the hottest examples right now is the "this reel" trend — a playful, curiosity-driven format that draws viewers in through intrigue and punchy delivery. In this guide, you’ll learn how to understand, create, and optimize your own viral Instagram Reel using this reel so you can ride the wave while it’s still growing.
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Understanding What "This Reel" Trend Means
The "this reel" trend centers around short videos that emphasize the phrase "this reel" — whether spoken in audio, featured in captions, or highlighted through storytelling.
Its popularity stems from built-in curiosity: when viewers encounter "this reel" in captions or audio, they want to discover why the video deserves that label. This keeps them watching longer, increasing completion rates, replays, and ultimately engagement — all of which are key signals in Instagram’s algorithm.
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Study Trending Reel Formats and Audio in Your Niche
To make the trend work for you, research how it’s playing out in your specific niche. Invest 15–20 minutes daily scrolling the Reels feed or searching relevant hashtags. Note:
- Which "this reel" audios are trending most
- Dominant visual styles (comedy, transformations, tips, dances)
- How creators adapt the trend to their tone or branding
Save audios that match your theme via Instagram’s audio bookmark function so you’re ready to build your own Reel when inspiration strikes.
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Craft an Attention-Grabbing Hook in the First 3 Seconds
The opening three seconds decide whether people stay or scroll away. While Instagram counts a view after one second, your real goal is a high completion rate.
Hook ideas for a this reel Instagram post:
- Start with an unexpected visual before revealing context
- Use bold text-on-screen beginning with “This reel will…”
- Employ a quick zoom or movement into the scene
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Use Captions and Text Overlays
Because many users watch silently, captions and text overlays keep them engaged. With this reel, use on-screen text to build anticipation:
- On-screen Text (0–3s): “This reel will change how you…”
- Middle Text: Add key context or humor
- Final Text: Deliver the punchline or takeaway
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Edit With Quick Cuts, High-Energy Pacing, and Vertical Framing
Reels should be shot in vertical (9:16) format. Keep transitions short — 0.5–2 seconds per clip — to maintain pace and energy.
Recommended editing tools:
- CapCut for trending templates
- InShot for overlays and fast cropping
- Instagram’s Align tool for smooth transitions
Fast pacing synced to audio beats keeps content dynamic and competitive against top-performing Reels.
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Integrate "This Reel" Phrase Creatively
Don’t simply place “this reel” in your caption — weave it naturally into the narrative:
- Caption: “Saving this reel for when I need Monday motivation”
- Spoken line: “…and that’s why I had to make this reel.”
- Text overlay: “Watching this reel made me do it”
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Optimize Hashtags and Keywords for Discovery
Instagram’s search is increasingly keyword-oriented. Blend niche hashtags with trend-specific phrases to reach multiple audiences:
| Hashtag Type | Examples | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Trend | #thisreel #thisreeltrend | Accesses active trend audience |
| Niche | #fitnessreels #booktok #fashioninspo | Zeroes in on ideal viewers |
| Descriptive | #howtocook #lifehacks #productivitytips | Boosts search visibility |
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Engage Viewers With Questions or Calls-to-Action
High engagement boosts algorithmic reach. Encourage comments and shares with specific prompts in your description or on-screen text:
- “What would you do in this situation?”
- “Save this reel for later — you’ll thank me next week.”
Instagram weighs comments, saves, and shares heavily when determining reach potential.
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Share Across Stories, Feed, and Other Platforms
Extend your reel’s lifespan by distributing it beyond your feed:
- Share in Instagram Stories with CTA stickers (“Tap to watch”)
- Embed into blog posts using Instagram’s native embed
- Post links to Facebook, Twitter, TikTok
Cross-platform exposure taps new audiences and keeps your content circulating longer.
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Analyze Results and Iterate for Better Performance
Check analytics 48–72 hours after posting to guide improvements:
| Metric | Why It Matters | Benchmark Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Reach | Shows unique accounts that saw your reel | Surpass follower count for virality |
| Watch Time | Indicates retention; vital for algorithm favor | 60–80% completion |
| Shares | Signals content worth spreading | Multiple shares per 100 views |
If retention is low, tighten your hook. If shares lag, make the content more relatable or inspiring.
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Refresh and Repost Winning Reels
Leverage past success by remixing top performers:
- Trim content under 10 seconds for punchiness
- Swap in new trending audio
- Adjust text overlays for variety
Instagram doesn’t punish repurposed clips when enough elements change. Some creators have achieved multiple viral spikes from the same core footage with fresh edits.
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Summary
The this reel Instagram trend is a masterclass in capturing attention through curiosity and pacing. By understanding the format, crafting strong hooks, enhancing accessibility with captions, optimizing hashtags, and refining based on data, you can boost your chance of creating a reel that resonates and spreads.
Now’s the perfect time to test it — find trending audio, plan your introduction, and post your take on this reel. Ready to make yours the one everyone shares?
