Instagram Reels Statistics [2025] Growth & Engagement Update

Carousels aren’t cutting it. Single-photo posts? Even worse.

Instagram Reels get 1.36x more reach than carousels and 2.25x more reach than photos. If you're still relying on static posts, you're losing visibility—fast.

Instagram’s algorithm favors short-form video, and Reels are leading the charge. Brands that adapt will grow. Those that don’t? They’ll fade into the feed.

This Instagram Reels statistics 2025 update breaks down the latest trends, engagement insights, and how to stay ahead.

Let’s get into it.

Key takeaways

• Reels dominate screen time, making up 35% of total Instagram usage in 2025.
• Instagram Reels reach 726.8 million users, covering 55.1% of the platform’s ad audience.
• Funny content leads in engagement, with 50% of users preferring humorous Reels over other types.
• Carousels outperform Reels in engagement, generating 12% more interactions and 2.14× more than single-image posts.
• Reels are watched over 140 billion times daily across Instagram and Facebook.
• Only 20.7% of Instagram creators post Reels monthly, leaving a huge opportunity for brands.
• The best time to post Reels is between 10 PM – 7 AM on Saturdays, when engagement peaks.

Instagram Reels growth trends

Instagram Reels is taking over. Over 726.8 million people can be reached with Reels ads, making up 55.1% of Instagram’s ad audience.

People love watching Reels. Fifty percent of Instagram users spend their time on the app watching them. That adds up to 17.6 million hours of Reels watched daily.

The numbers are massive. Reels are played over 140 billion times a day across Instagram and Facebook. Plus, half of all Instagram users engage with at least one Reel every week.

Instagram itself is growing rapidly. The platform has 2 billion monthly active users, making it one of the most popular social networks worldwide.

Reels now dominate the feed. 38.5% of all Instagram posts are Reels, making them more popular than carousels.

Where are the biggest Reels audiences?

Instagram Reels isn’t just growing—it’s exploding in certain countries. Here’s a look at the largest Instagram Reels markets worldwide:

Yet, not all creators are taking advantage. Only 20.7% of Instagram creators post Reels monthly. That means less competition and more chances to stand out.

Even in the U.S., Instagram is a top video platform. It is the third most-used app for short-form videos, ranking behind TikTok (40%) and YouTube Shorts (23%).

Instagram’s user base keeps expanding. The app was downloaded 547 million times in 2024, proving its continued global growth.

Reels aren’t just growing—they’re shaping Instagram’s future. If you’re not using them yet, now is the time to start.

Instagram Reels engagement statistics 2025 update

Instagram Reels dominate reach, but carousels drive more engagement. Carousels get 12% more engagement than Reels and 2.14 times more than single-image posts.

Even with Instagram’s push for video, only 20.7% of creators post Reels each month, leaving a huge opportunity for brands to stand out.

Reels engagement by industry

Reels don’t perform the same across all industries. Publishing and media lead with a 0.0252% engagement rate, while health and wellness have the lowest at 0.0053%.

How Reels engagement has changed over time

Reels engagement has shifted since launch. Carousels had higher reach until mid-2022, when Instagram started treating all videos as Reels.

Despite Instagram pushing Reels, user behavior still favors certain post types. Reels now see 36% more reach than carousels and 125% more than single-photo posts, but engagement lags behind.

Reels engagement by post type

Not all Reels interactions are equal. Reels get 243 likes per post, compared to 198 for standard posts, but fewer comments (8 vs. 10). However, Reels are saved more often (27 vs. 11), making them more shareable.

If reach is the goal, Reels are essential. But if you want higher engagement, carousels are still the best option. The best strategy? Use both to maximize visibility and interactions.

Instagram Reels algorithm statistics

Instagram’s algorithm decides how far your Reels go. The more engaging your content, the more Instagram pushes it to new audiences through the Reels tab, Explore page, and hashtags.

Not all content gets the same reach. Educational and trend-based Reels often perform better than promotional ones because they keep users watching longer.

Here’s how Instagram ranks Reels:

• Watch time matters. If people rewatch your Reel, Instagram sees it as engaging and recommends it to more users.
• Saves and shares boost visibility. Instagram favors Reels that people want to revisit or send to others.
• More engagement = more reach. Likes, comments, and shares signal that your Reel is worth promoting.
• Follows increase distribution. If people follow you after watching a Reel, Instagram assumes your content is valuable.

Follower count vs. reach

Bigger accounts don’t always get better reach. Even accounts with 50k-45M followers have seen a major drop in reached followers—from 95,600 in 2022 to just 23,913 in 2024.

This shows Instagram now favors engagement over follower size—so even smaller accounts can go viral with the right content.

Best times to post Instagram Reels in 2025

Timing matters. Posting when your audience is active helps your Reels get more views and engagement.

When do Reels get the most views?

• Midnight posts get the highest average views (25,000 per Reel).
• 6 PM is the most popular time among creators, with 119,000 Reels published.
• 10 PM – 7 AM on Saturdays is considered the best window for engagement.

Why does timing matter?

• The Instagram algorithm favors fresh content—posting at the right time increases visibility.
• More active users = more engagement. The faster people interact with your Reel, the better it performs.
• Not all audiences are the same. Use Instagram Insights to find when your followers are online.

Test different times, track results, and adjust your schedule. Posting smart can boost your reach without extra effort.

How long should Instagram Reels be 

Reel length impacts engagement. A Reel that’s too long risks losing viewers, while one that’s too short might not provide enough value.

Instagram tracks how long people watch your Reel. High watch time with many unique views means your content is reaching a broad audience. 

If watch time is high but unique views are low, it means a smaller group is deeply engaged.

Finding the right Reel length

• Shorter isn’t always better. A 15-second viral clip with 5-second average watch time isn’t as strong as a 60-second tutorial with 50-second average watch time.
• Low average watch time? Your content may not be meeting viewer expectations.

How to optimize Reel length

• Hook viewers in the first few seconds to keep them watching.
• Test different lengths and compare total watch time across your Reels.
• Track your average watch time to see what keeps viewers engaged.

Instagram Reels hashtag and caption strategies 

Hashtags and captions help Instagram categorize your content and show it to the right audience. Using the right ones can improve reach, engagement, and visibility.

Funny content is the most popular on Instagram Reels. 

Half of surveyed users prefer funny Reels, while 46% enjoy creative posts, 41% like informative content, 37% prefer relaxing videos, and 36% engage with inspirational content.

Captions are just as important. Most Reels (80%) are watched with sound, but 20% of viewers watch in silence, making captions essential for accessibility and engagement.

The best strategy is to combine relevant, trending hashtags with strong captions. 

Matching your hashtags and captions to your content type helps Instagram push your Reels to the right audience.

How to track Instagram Reels performance 

Tracking your Reels performance helps you understand what works and what doesn’t.

Instagram Insights provides key metrics to measure engagement, reach, and follower growth.

Where to find Reels insights

You need a business or creator account to access insights. 

1. From your profile, go to the Reels tab
2. Select a Reel, and;
3. Tap View Insights

Key Instagram Reels metrics

• Views show how many times your Reel has been played or replayed. Watch time tracks the total time spent watching your Reel, including replays.
• Accounts reached tells you how many unique users saw your Reel, even if they didn’t play it. Average watch time measures how long people typically watch before scrolling away.
• Follows indicate how many users followed you after watching your Reel. Likes, comments, saves, and shares show overall engagement levels.

Understanding these metrics helps you improve future content. 

High watch time and engagement mean Instagram is more likely to push your Reels to new audiences.

Checking your insights regularly allows you to adjust your strategy and create content that keeps viewers watching and interacting.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Here are quick answers to common questions about Instagram Reels analytics.

Are there analytics for Instagram Reels?

Yes, Instagram provides analytics for Reels through Instagram Insights, showing metrics like views, watch time, reach, and engagement.

How successful are Instagram Reels?

Instagram Reels are highly successful, with over 200 billion plays daily. Success depends on engagement, watch time, and audience reach.

How to check Reel insights on Instagram?

To check Reel insights on Instagram, you must have a business or creator account. Open a Reel, tap View Insights, and review metrics like views, likes, and watch time.

Final thoughts 

Instagram Reels aren’t just a trend—they’re shaping the future of content on the platform. If you’re not optimizing for Reels, you’re falling behind.

• Reels now make up 35% of total Instagram screen time, and the numbers keep rising.
• Watch time, saves, and shares decide whether your Reel gets pushed to more users—not just follower count.
• Posting at the right time, using strong captions, and tracking insights can boost your reach.

Want to maximize your Reels strategy? Cropink helps you create, optimize, and track high-performing ads that stand out. Start growing with smarter insights today!

Sources

1. Buffer. Data Shows Instagram Reels are Best For Reach — But Not Engagement
2. Adam Connell. 32 Top Instagram Reels Statistics For 2025
3. Web FX. 100+ Instagram Statistics You Should Know in 2025
4. SendShort. Instagram Reels: Statistics & User-Growth (2025)
5. Sproutsocial. How to analyze Instagram Reels analytics to grow
6. Instagram. View insights on your Instagram reels
7. Business of Apps. Instagram Revenue and Usage Statistics (2025)