How to Get More Views on Reels: Tips for Premium Brands

Standing out as a premium brand in a crowded feed requires a thoughtful approach - one that balances aesthetics, storytelling, and strategic execution.

Unlike regular feed posts, a Reel’s performance is driven by discoverability, engagement, and retention. According to Instagram, a ‘view’ is counted from the moment a video plays - but only the first time. This means your content needs to be compelling from the first second to keep viewers watching. 

From timing your posts to selecting the right audio, here’s how premium brands can optimise their Reels strategy.

Hook Your Audience Instantly 

Premium brands in particular thrive on strong storytelling and striking visuals. As Adam Mosseri, Instagram’s CEO, explains, the first few seconds of your Reel should immediately capture attention - whether through an unexpected opening, a compelling question, or a cinematic shot. Avoid long introductions and get straight to the point. 

• Open with a bold statement or a question that resonates with your audience.
• Use high-quality visuals that immediately convey exclusivity and craftsmanship. 
• Show a transformation or a quick teaser of the final product.

Post When Your Audience is Most Engaged 

Timing is key, especially when targeting a high-end audience. Use Instagram  Insights, or third-party analytics to determine when your audience is most active and schedule your Reels accordingly. 

• Analyse your engagement metrics to find peak activity times. 
• Post during moments when your audience is in scroll mode; evenings, weekends, or early mornings before work. 

Maintain a Cohesive Aesthetic 

Trends move fast, but premium brands stand out through consistency. Your Reels should align with your overall brand aesthetic for instant recognition.

• Stick to a consistent colour palette, typography, and editing style. 
• Use high-resolution footage and well-lit scenes. 
• Incorporate subtle branding elements like logos or signature visuals. 
• Plan Reels weekly rather than months in advance to stay relevant while maintaining authenticity.

‍Balmain achieves this exceptionally well through their distinctive, vintage-inspired filming style, which gives a raw, documentary-like feel while maintaining the brand’s high-fashion edge. This consistent aesthetic sets their content apart, blending modern luxury with a nostalgic, editorial look that resonates with their audience.

Balance Polished & Relatable Content 

While authenticity performs well, premium brands should maintain a level of refinement in production quality. Good lighting, clear audio, and seamless editing make all the difference.

• Use professional cameras or smartphones with excellent video capabilities. 
• Edit to refine footage without over-processing. 
• Keep transitions smooth - avoid overly flashy effects that could dilute brand elegance. 

Use On-Screen Text & Captions

Many viewers watch Reels with the sound off. Adding text overlays and captions ensures that your message always gets across. 

• Choose sleek, modern fonts that align with your brand identity. 
• Position text strategically to avoid cluttering visuals. 
• Highlight key messaging, offers, or CTA’s with subtle animation. 
• Use Instagram’s auto-caption feature or add bold text overlays for key messages.

‍Chanel Beauty executes this flawlessly, using refined typography and subtle on-screen text to highlight product benefits while maintaining its signature elegance. Their clean, minimalist overlays enhance clarity without overwhelming the visuals, ensuring key messages resonate even without sound. Thoughtfully placed text reinforces the brand’s premium aesthetic, making every Reel feel both polished and accessible.

Align with Trending Sounds - Selectively

Trending audio can boost discoverability, but premium brands should be selective about the audio they choose. Always opt for sounds which complement your aesthetic and brand tone. 

• Use instrumental tracks or elegant, on-brand music. 
• Consider voiceovers or original sounds to maintain authenticity. 
• Experiment with subtle sound effects to enhance the viewing experience. 
• Scroll the Reels feed daily to spot trends early.

Showcase Craftsmanship & Behind-the-Scenes Moments 

Premium and luxury brands thrive on exclusivity; giving your audience a look behind the curtain can drive engagement and build trust. 

• Feature artisans at work or showcase the design process.
• Highlight the materials, techniques, and details that set your brand apart.
• Keep it refined - avoid showcasing anything that could diminish your premium positioning. 

‍Louis Vuitton is just one premium brand that exemplifies this approach, using Instagram Reels to offer an inside look at their fashion shows. From model preparations to exclusive previews of new collections, their sleek, high-production Reels capture the excitement and prestige of the brand. These behind-the-scenes moments not only reinforce exclusivity but also mirror the superior craftsmanship of their products - engaging fashion enthusiasts and strengthening brand desirability.

Collaborate with The Right Creators

Influencer partnerships should be curated with precision. Choose creators who align with your aesthetic and brand values. 

• Partner with content creators who are known for their refined, high-quality content.
• Use the Instagram Collaboration feature to expand reach whilst maintaining brand credibility. 
• Ensure creators understand your brand ethos and adhere to your quality standards.
• Work with influencers who embody your brand lifestyle rather than just those with high follower counts.

‍Porsche exemplifies this approach by partnering with automotive enthusiasts and luxury lifestyle influencers who share a passion for performance, innovation, and design. Their collaborations highlight the sleek, powerful nature of their vehicles, blending cinematic visuals with a refined, aspirational tone. Through these partnerships, Porsche showcases its commitment to craftsmanship and exclusivity while connecting with an audience that values both luxury and engineering excellence.

Engage with Your Audience Strategically 

It’s important not to just post and ghost. Ensuring you are always responding to comments, sharing user-generated content, and engaging with relevant accounts can amplify your reach. 

• Reply to high-value comments with thoughtful responses. 
• Turn FAQ’s into short-form video responses to keep conversations going.
• Engage with other premium brands in adjacent industries to increase visibility. 

Optimise for Discovery

Instagram’s algorithm favours content which includes relevant keywords in captions and on-screen text. Ensure your Reels are discoverable by using strategic keywords and hashtags. 

• Incorporate industry-specific keywords in your captions. 
• Use high-quality hashtags that are relevant but not oversaturated. 
• Add descriptive on-screen text that enhances searchability. 

Cross-Post for Maximum Reach 

Extend the lifespan of your Reels by sharing them across platforms; adding them to Instagram Stories gives them a second chance at engagement, while cross-posting to Facebook expands your reach. 

• Share Reels to Stories with an engaging sticker or CTA to encourage more views.

Analyse, Adapt & Refine 

Track what’s working, analyse what’s not, and adjust your strategy accordingly. Experiment with different styles, formats, and lengths to see what resonates well with your audience. 

• Conduct quarterly content reviews to refine your approach.
• Experiment with different styles - short, high-impact clips vs. longer storytelling formats.
• Test before-and-after transformations to highlight product benefits.

Cartier exemplifies this approach by regularly experimenting with different Reels formats to engage their audience effectively. For example, in their behind-the-scenes craftsmanship videos, Cartier offers a closer look at their artisans at work, showcasing the meticulous detail and artistry that goes into their products. 

In contrast, their influencer collaborations bring in a more lifestyle-focused approach, reaching a broader audience. By analysing the engagement and audience reactions to these different formats, Cartier continually refines its content strategy, allowing them to maintain a consistent presence while ensuring their Reels resonate with both luxury consumers and potential new followers.

Conclusion 

Growing your Reels views as a premium brand isn’t just about following trends - it’s about crafting content that is visually compelling, strategically optimised, and aligned with your brand identity. By focusing on high-quality visuals, audience engagement, and smart timing, your brand can remain at the forefront of the Reels landscape.