The 4 Types of Reels That Always Perform—and Why Yours Aren’t Yet
If you're posting Reels and wondering why they're getting five likes and a "Congrats!" comment from your aunt Carol, pull up a chair. Let's talk.
Because here's the thing nobody wants to tell you: Reels are not magic.
There are certain types that perform again and again and again. And there are certain mistakes almost every beginner—and frankly, a lot of "been-here-a-while" influencers—make that keep their Reels from ever getting the traction they deserve.
Today we’re breaking down the 4 types of Reels that consistently perform, why they work, and (hard truth coming) why yours might not be working yet.
Reels with You In Them
Why They Work:
People follow people, not pages.
Every day, your audience is being blasted with "stuff" online. What makes someone stop scrolling? A human face. A moment that feels real. A "Hey, I know you!"
You are the brand. Even if it feels awkward. Even if you're "not good on camera." Even if you think nobody cares.
They do.
When you show your face, you immediately build trust, familiarity, and connection. And bonus? The Instagram algorithm loves faces. Seriously. It's creepy but it's true.
Why Yours Might Not Be Working:
You're hiding behind graphics. You're posting montages of "stuff" but never showing your own messy, wonderful self.
Trust me, I get it. Years ago, when we first started sharing our lives online, it was tempting to hide behind pretty pictures of tile samples and lighting plans. (And listen, I love a good tile sample.) But people don't connect with tiles. They connect with stories.
They connect with you.
Pro Tip:
Show up at least once every 3 posts.
It doesn’t have to be perfect.
Talk like you’re FaceTiming a friend, not auditioning for "The Bachelor."
2. Reels That Use the Right Music (at the Right Time)
Why They Work:
Music is the fastest way to tap into emotion—and trends.
The right song can:
Set the mood.
Make your content feel more "curated."
And set the tone for the kind of aesthetic you’re creating.
Instagram used to prioritize trending audios, but we’ve noticed that really isn’t the case anymore. Unique, on-brand audios stand out more in the current algorithm.
Why Yours Might Not Be Working:
You’re either:
Trending audios that people are sick of hearing.
Using music that doesn’t match the vibe of the video.
Pro Tip:
Create a Spotify playlist of songs to use for Reels that match your brand.
Think outside of the box on audios.
Reels That Solve a Problem
Why They Work:
Value-driven content—that is, content that actually helps someone—always wins.
When you solve a problem, you become more than "just another creator." You become a resource. A person people want to follow.
Your Reel doesn’t have to be some earth-shattering TED Talk. Small wins matter.
Example?
How to style a shelf with 3 things.
How to film a Reel with just your iPhone.
How to set up good lighting for $30.
Give someone a win in under 30 seconds, and they'll come back for more.
Why Yours Might Not Be Working:
You’re posting "look at me" Reels instead of "let me help you" Reels.
Listen—I love a pretty "outfit of the day" shot as much as the next person. But if you're not adding value, you’re not giving people a reason to stick around.
Pro Tip:
Teach one thing.
Show it simply.
Reels That Tell a Story
Why They Work:
Storytelling is how humans are wired.
We remember stories. We care about stories. We pass them down.
When you tell a story—even a tiny one—you give people a reason to connect emotionally. You invite them into your world.
Examples:
A "before and after" house tour (with a personal backstory).
A day-in-the-life that feels real (not polished).
A "here’s why we started this journey" moment.
Why Yours Might Not Be Working:
You're rushing it. You're skipping the part where you invite people into the "before" or the "why."
When you skip the story, you skip the connection.
Pro Tip:
Hook people in the first 3 seconds.
Bring them along for the ride.
Okay, So… Why Aren’t Your Reels Working Yet?
Because it's not just about posting "more Reels."
It's about posting the right types of Reels.
It’s about showing up. It’s about learning the rhythm of trends. It’s about giving value, not just vibes. It’s about telling stories, not shouting into the void.
And listen—you don't have to be perfect to start. You don't have to know everything. You just have to start building the habit.
The internet moves fast. Trends move faster. But people? People remember the ones who show up for them.
Start messy. Start today. Start where you are.
The next time you're sitting there thinking, "Why aren't my Reels taking off?" I want you to pull this post back up and do a gut check.
Are you showing your face?
Are you tapping into the right audio?
Are you solving a real problem?
Are you telling a real story?
If you're doing those things—even imperfectly—you're already ahead of the game.
P.S. Want Your Reels to Look More Professional (Without Losing Your Mind)?
If you're tired of your feed looking like a messy camera roll, we’ve got you.
We made Reel Cover Templates for busy creators just like you. They’re clean, easy to use, and designed to make your Reels look polished without spending hours designing graphics.
Because your content deserves to shine.
And yes, sometimes a good Reel cover is the difference between someone clicking or scrolling past.
Let's go build something beautiful.
