What Is a Good Engagement Rate for Instagram Reels?

Getting Instagram views and likes is not enough in 2025. Your engagement rate, the frequency with which users interact with your content by liking, commenting, sharing, and saving, is now what counts. A high rate of engagement indicates that your content is more than just visible to your audience. 

One of the most important aspects of the app these days is Instagram Reels. Instagram promotes reels, brief, entertaining videos, more than it does ordinary posts. Reels frequently receive more views and interactions than photos or Stories, according to platforms like Later and Sprout Social, because the Instagram algorithm favours them more throughout the app. 

What, then, is a good Instagram Reels engagement rate? Is 2% a good amount? Do you want to aim higher? This blog will explain what a good engagement rate for Reels means and offer you easy-to-implement strategies to increase engagement. 

What Is a Good Engagement Rate for Instagram Reels?

Your engagement rate shows how much your audience is interacting with your content. For Instagram Reels, this includes things like:

• Likes
  
• Comments
  
• Shares
  
• Saves
  
• Sometimes, even the number of replays or how long people watch
  

Engagement rate is usually calculated by comparing total interactions to either your follower count or the reach of your post (how many people saw it).

How Reels Engagement Is Different

Reels work differently from regular Instagram posts. Because Reels are pushed by Instagram’s algorithm, they often reach people outside your follower base. That means your Reels could go viral and get tons of engagement, even if your following is small.

Unlike feed posts or Stories, Reels rely more on replays, saves, and shares, not just likes or comments. They’re also more likely to be discovered by new users through the Explore page or the Reels tab.

Industry Benchmarks: What Counts as “Good”?

So, what is a good engagement rate for Instagram Reels? It depends on your type of account and your audience size.

1. Influencer Accounts

• Micro-influencers (under 10K followers) usually get higher engagement, often between 2.5% and 5%, or even more.
  
• Mid-level to macro-influencers (50K–500K+) tend to see lower rates, around 1.5%–3%
  

2. Brand Accounts

• According to RivalIQ, brand accounts typically have lower engagement, averaging around 0.6%–1.2% depending on the industry.
  
• Reels can help brands beat those numbers, especially with creative or relatable video content.
  

3. Niche Differences

Engagement rates also vary by niche:

• Fashion & beauty often perform well, with rates around 2%–3%
  
• Fitness & wellness can range from 1.5% to 4%, depending on trends and content quality
  
• Education & tutorials may see lower likes but higher saves and shares
  

Reels vs. Other Content Types

Reels usually have higher engagement than Stories or static scheduled posts.

• Later reports that Reels get up to 22% more interactions than regular videos.
  
• Static photo posts and Stories tend to have lower reach and fewer shares.
  
• Reels are currently the best format on Instagram for driving high engagement and growing your audience.
  

In short, a good engagement rate for Instagram Reels is:

• 2.5% to 5%+ for smaller or highly engaged accounts
  
• 1.5% to 3% for larger influencers and growing brands
  
• Over 5% is considered excellent
  

Why Reels Engagement Rate Is Different

Instagram Reels have become the platform’s top content format, and that makes their engagement rate more important than ever. If you want to grow your audience or boost sales in 2025, understanding why Reels work differently is key.

1. Reels Are Prioritized in Instagram’s Algorithm

Instagram’s algorithm gives Reels special treatment. Reels are shown more often than regular photo posts or Stories. They appear in the Reels tab, Explore page, and even in people’s home feeds, which means more people see them, even if they don’t follow you. This higher visibility gives you a better chance to reach new audiences and increase engagement.

2. More Reach and Discovery Through Explore and Hashtags

Reels are made to go beyond your current followers. When you use trending hashtags, popular audio, or follow viral trends, your Reels can show up on the Explore page, helping you connect with a much bigger audience.

This is one reason why your engagement rate on Reels might look different from your other posts, it reflects not just your followers’ actions, but also how strangers are reacting to your content.

3. Retention and Replays Matter More for Reels

Unlike photo posts, Reels are videos, so watch time matters. If people watch your Reel to the end or, better yet, replay it, Instagram takes that as a sign your content is valuable.

This boosts your chances of getting featured to more users, and it also increases your engagement rate. High retention and replays are a hidden secret to growing fast with Reels.

4. Virality Has a Bigger Impact

Reels are the easiest way to go viral on Instagram right now. Even a single Reel can get thousands or millions of views if it connects with the right audience.

This kind of viral reach can spike your engagement rate quickly. Some Reels from small creators outperform big accounts simply because their content hit the right trend at the right time.

This shows why tracking your good engagement rate for Instagram Reels is so important. It helps you see what content performs best and gives you clues for what to post next.

Factors That Influence Engagement Rate on Instagram Reels

If you’re aiming for a good engagement rate for Instagram Reels, it’s not just about posting often—it’s about posting smart. Several factors play a big role in how your audience responds to your Reels. Here’s what matters most:

1. Audience Size (Micro vs. Macro Accounts)

Smaller accounts (called micro-influencers, usually under 10,000 followers) often have a higher engagement rate. That’s because their audience is smaller but more connected and loyal.

Larger accounts (or macro-influencers) tend to have lower percentages, even if they get more likes and views overall. So, don’t worry if you’re not huge—small accounts can still get great engagement on Reels.

2. Content Quality (Video Editing, Storytelling, Trends)

Instagram is full of videos, so yours needs to stand out. High-quality video, clear storytelling, and creative editing can make a big difference.

Using popular trends in your unique way also helps you grab attention. According to Later and Scrunch, Reels that follow trending formats while adding something original tend to perform better.

3. Posting Time & Frequency

Sprout Social and Iconosquare suggest posting Reels when your audience is most active—usually in the early evening or on weekends.

Also, post consistently. If you only post once a month, you might not see much growth. Posting 2–4 Reels per week is a good starting point for most accounts.

4. Hashtag Strategy

Hashtags help Instagram know what your content is about. They also help people find your Reels when searching or scrolling the Explore page.

Using a mix of trending, niche, and broad hashtags can boost your reach and your engagement rate. Avoid spammy or overly popular tags that don’t relate to your content.

5. Call to Action (CTAs)

Sometimes people need a little push to engage. That’s where a call to action comes in. Ask your viewers to:

• “Like if you agree”
  
• “Save this for later”
  
• “Comment your thoughts”
  
• “Share with a friend”
  

Simple CTAs like these can increase your engagement by encouraging direct interaction.

6. Captions & Audio Use

Even though Reels are video-based, captions still matter. A short, catchy caption can give your video more context and make it easier to understand.

Audio is also key—using trending sounds or matching your content to the mood of the music helps you fit into what’s currently popular, increasing your chances of being featured.

7. Community Interaction (Replying to Comments, Engaging Back)

Instagram rewards accounts that engage back. If someone comments on your Reel, reply to them!

Liking, replying, or even mentioning your followers in your Reels shows you’re active, and that makes people more likely to interact with your future posts. As Influencity points out, a strong creator-viewer relationship often leads to better engagement rates.

How to Calculate Engagement Rate for Reels

To track whether you have a good engagement rate for Instagram Reels, you need to know how to calculate it correctly. There are two main ways to do this, depending on what you’re measuring.

1. Engagement Rate Based on Reach

This method tells you how engaging your Reel was to the people who saw it. It’s great for checking how well a Reel performed, even if many viewers weren’t your followers.

Formula:
(Likes + Comments + Saves + Shares) ÷ Reach × 100

Example:
Let’s say your Reel got:

• 200 likes
  
• 50 comments
  
• 70 saves
  
• 30 shares
  
• And reached 10,000 people
  

Engagement Rate = (200 + 50 + 70 + 30) ÷ 10,000 × 100
= 3.5%

This means 3.5% of the people who saw your Reel interacted with it in some way—a strong result!

2. Engagement Rate Based on Followers

This method shows how engaging your Reel is for your audience, the people who follow you. It’s useful when comparing your performance over time or between Reels through statistics.

Formula:
(Total Engagements ÷ Followers) × 100

Example:
Let’s say your Reel got:

• 400 total engagements (likes, comments, saves, shares)
  
• And you have 8,000 followers
  

Engagement Rate = 400 ÷ 8,000 × 100
= 5%

This means 5% of your followers engaged with your Reel, which is considered very good, especially for a small account.

Which Formula Should You Use?

• Use the Reach-based formula when you want to measure how your content performed in the algorithm (especially if it reached people beyond your followers).
  
• Use the Follower-based formula when comparing how your Reels perform with your own audience over time.
  

Both are helpful, and many creators and brands use both together for a clearer picture.

How to Improve Your Engagement Rate on Instagram Reels

If you’re aiming for a good engagement rate for Instagram Reels, you need more than just decent content—you need a smart strategy. Here are proven, beginner-friendly ways to boost your Reels’ performance and get more likes, shares, comments, and saves.

1. Create Shareable, High-Quality Content

Focus on making Reels that your audience will want to share with others. This could be something funny, helpful, relatable, or inspiring. Make sure the video is clear, well-lit, and easy to understand—even with the sound off.

2. Jump on Trends—But Be Original

Using trending audio or themes can help your Reel reach more people. But don’t just copy what others are doing. Add your style or message to the trend so it feels fresh and authentically you.

3. Use Relevant Audio and Text Overlays

Instagram favors Reels with popular music or sounds. Choose ones that fit your niche or mood. Adding on-screen text or subtitles also helps, especially since many users scroll without sound.

4. Hook Viewers in the First 3 Seconds

People scroll fast. So you need to grab attention right away. Use an eye-catching clip, a bold statement, or a question in the first 3 seconds to make viewers want to keep watching.

5. Check Your Insights to See What Works

Go to your Instagram Reel Insights to see which videos are getting the most reach, engagement, or replays. Use this data to guide your next posts. Double down on what’s working, and tweak what’s not.

6. Collaborate With Creators in Your Niche

Team up with other Instagram creators in your field. This helps you reach new audiences and brings fresh ideas to your content. Reels featuring two people often perform better, especially if both audiences engage.

7. Use Strong CTAs to Encourage Interaction

Tell your viewers what to do next—“Comment your thoughts,” “Tag a friend,” “Save this tip,” etc. Clear calls to action (CTAs) help boost your engagement rate and make your Reels more interactive.

8. Post Consistently and at the Right Times

Instagram rewards regular posting. Try to share Reels a few times a week, and post when your audience is most active (check your analytics for this). Consistency + good timing = better reach and engagement.

Wrapping It Up With Benchmarks and Aim For in 2025

So, what’s considered a good engagement rate for Instagram Reels in 2025? The answer depends on your account type and how your audience interacts with your content. But some general benchmarks can help you understand where you stand—and where you should aim.

Engagement Rate Tiers for Reels

Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s considered low, average, and excellent engagement for Reels:

• Below 1% – Needs improvement
  Your Reels might not be connecting with your audience, or they may not be reaching enough people.
  
• 1% to 2.5% – Average
  This is where many accounts fall. You’re doing okay, but there’s room to grow with better strategy and consistency.
  
• 2.5% to 5% – Good
  You’re ahead of the average. This is a solid engagement rate for most creators and brands.
  
• 5%+ – Excellent
  This level means your Reels are hitting the mark. Your content is not only getting views, but it’s also inspiring people to like, comment, save, or share.

Benchmarks by Account Type

Different types of accounts often see different engagement rates:

• Micro-Influencers (under 10k followers):
  Often see higher rates 4% to 6 %+ because their audiences are smaller but more engaged.
  
• Creators (10k–100k followers):
  Typically fall in the 2.5% to 4% range. With the right content and consistency, they can hit higher numbers.
  
• Brands and Businesses:
  Usually see lower rates—1% to 2.5%—especially if their content feels too promotional. But brands that post value-driven Reels (like tips or behind-the-scenes content) often perform better.
  
• Large Influencers or Celebrities:
  Might have a lot of reach but lower engagement rates—under 2% is common—because of audience size and content saturation.

Tips to Stay Ahead in 2025

Instagram is always changing, so here’s how to stay on top:

• Adapt to new features (like AI-generated captions, Remix tools, or interactive stickers).
  
• Follow content trends, but add your unique spin to stand out.
  
• Keep an eye on your Reel Insights and adjust based on what your audience responds to.
  
• Stay consistent—posting regularly helps keep your content in the algorithm’s favor.
  

If you want to stay above the curve and consistently hit a good engagement rate for Instagram Reels, you’ll need to stay creative, stay active, and stay connected with your audience.