Instagram Reels aren’t just for passive viewing.
The best Reels grab attention, spark curiosity, and most importantly—invite participation!
If you’re looking to create Reels that do more than just entertain but also inspire viewers to interact, you’re in the right place.
Let’s dive into 10 powerful strategies to make your Reels truly interactive, driving higher engagement and growing your Instagram community.
1. Ask Direct Questions to Kick Off Engagement
Want instant feedback? Ask your audience a question in your Reel! It’s one of the simplest yet most powerful engagement tools. For example, you could start with:
“Which one would you choose? A or B? Drop your answer in the comments below!”
User Interactive Challenge:
Record a Reel today asking your audience a fun question! Share it, and see how many responses you get.
2. Create a “Fill-in-the-Blank” Instagram Reels
Who doesn’t love finishing someone else’s sentence? Ask your viewers to complete a thought or statement in the comments.
For example:
“The best advice I ever received was _____. Share yours below!”
User Interactive Tip:
Use a creative background or visuals in your Reel to make the fill-in-the-blank question even more enticing.
3. Start a Trend or Challenge
Trends and challenges are huge on Reels. Create your own challenge and encourage viewers to participate by doing the same. Be sure to add a branded hashtag so it’s easy to track all the participation. For instance, if you’re in fitness, you could start the #7DayPlankChallenge.
User Interactive Challenge:
What challenge could you start in your niche? Drop your idea in the comments!
4. Use Polls and Quizzes
While Reels don’t have built-in poll features like Stories, you can still create a poll visually! For example, show two items and ask, “Which one should I pick? Vote in the comments below!”
Pro Tip:
Use text overlays to make the poll options stand out visually. Keep the Reel short and snappy for maximum participation!
5. Make It a Tutorial or “How-To” Reel
Nothing drives engagement like showing people how to do something! Whether it’s a cooking recipe, a makeup tutorial, or a DIY project, guide viewers through a step-by-step process. At the end of the Reel, ask them to share their results.
User Interactive Tip:
Make a tutorial today and invite your viewers to DM or tag you in their results!
6. Incorporate a “This or That” Reel
This type of Reel works perfectly for fashion, food, travel, and many more niches. Show two different options and ask your audience to choose. For example, “Which vacation spot would you prefer: mountains or beach? Comment below!”
User Interactive Tip:
Try this Reel format by using two contrasting visuals and a catchy sound. Watch the comments roll in!
7. Highlight User-Generated Content
Want your audience to really feel involved? Feature their content in your Reels! You can ask your followers to share their own experiences, results, or creations, then highlight the best ones in your next Reel. This not only encourages participation but also builds community loyalty.
User Interactive Challenge:
Tell your audience to tag you in their posts for a chance to be featured in your next Reel!
8. Host a Quick Contest or Giveaway
Everyone loves freebies! Announce a quick contest where viewers have to interact with your Reel to enter. For example, they can comment, tag a friend, or even create their own Reel in response to yours.
Pro Tip:
Make the rules simple and easy to follow—people are more likely to participate if it doesn’t take too much effort.
9. Create a Reel with Reaction Prompts
Encourage viewers to react to a certain situation or trend. For example, if you’re reacting to something funny, you could say, “Tag someone who needs to see this!” or “Comment with your reaction emoji below!”
User Interactive Tip:
Choose a reaction prompt that feels natural and fun to your audience. It’s a great way to foster engagement without overcomplicating the ask.
10. Encourage Duets or Collabs
Instagram now allows users to remix Reels, much like duets on TikTok. Create a Reel that invites viewers to remix it and collaborate with you. Maybe you start a funny skit or a dance routine that they can add to!
User Interactive Challenge:
Record a Reel today inviting your audience to remix it! Leave room for them to add their part, and watch the fun unfold.
Bonus Tip: Use Trending Music and Sounds
Music plays a massive role in Reels’ virality. Always use trending songs or sounds to boost your Reel’s reach. Pair that with interactive content, and you’re golden!
User Interactive Tip:
Next time you hear a viral sound, think of how you can turn it into an interactive Reel. Share your ideas in the comments!
Conclusion: Now It’s Your Turn!
Interactive Instagram Reels are one of the best ways to build an engaged community, increase your reach, and have fun with your audience. Start incorporating these strategies today, and watch your engagement rates soar!
Try creating an interactive Reel using one of these ideas today, and drop your Instagram handle in the comments—we’d love to check it out and support you!