To leverage Instagram's algorithm for wider distribution, post a static image as a reel with trending music. This tactic gives standard image content a better opportunity to be shown to non-followers, as the Reels algorithm is prioritized for discovery over the standard grid post algorithm.
To maximize views on a feed post shared to your Instagram story, first publish an interactive story element like a poll. This initial engagement signals activity to the algorithm, potentially increasing the number of people who see the subsequent, less-interactive feed post you share to your story.
Instagram's underutilized "trial reel" button sends content to a test audience similar to your followers, but not your actual followers. This allows creators to test hooks and messaging to see if a post has potential without cluttering their main feed, providing valuable performance analytics before committing to a full launch.
Instagram's head, Adam Mosseri, confirmed it's a myth that sharing your own post to your story increases its circulation. While it can garner more views from existing followers who watch stories, it does not signal the algorithm to push the content to a wider, non-follower audience or help it go viral.