At Packsia, we’ve seen firsthand that Reels aren’t just trending — they are Instagram right now. With more than half of the time spent on the platform going to Reels, they’re one of the most powerful ways to grow your reach. But what happens when your best-performing video needs an extra push? That’s where boosting comes in.
Boosting an Instagram Reel is a simple way to put a budget behind a post that’s already working. Instead of relying only on the algorithm, you get to control who sees your content and how far it travels. Boosted Reels can show up in the main feed, the Reels tab, Explore page, and even Stories — all places where your next follower (or customer) might be waiting.
Unlike full ad campaigns, boosting is quick, streamlined, and ideal for creators, small businesses, and brands that want visibility without diving into Ads Manager. Below, we’ll walk you through how to boost a Reel step-by-step — plus share insider tips we use at Packsia to help content stand out.
Criteria to Boost an Instagram Reel
Not every Reel is eligible for boosting. Instagram has rules in place to keep promoted content clean, compliant, and engaging. Before you plan your budget, it’s worth double-checking that your Reel fits the requirements. Think of this as your pre-boost checklist to avoid wasted time or rejected ads.
To be eligible for boosting, your Reels must:
- Be less than 90 seconds long
- Use a vertical 9:16 aspect ratio
- Avoid copyrighted music, third-party stickers, GIFs, or filters
- Not be shared to Facebook
- Not be a Trial Reel
How to Boost a Reel in 6 Steps
Boosting a Reel takes just a few minutes, and once you’ve done it once, the process becomes second nature. Here’s a step-by-step guide you can follow the next time you’re ready to give your content a push.
Step 1: Choose your Reel
Start by picking a Reel that’s already performing well. Look for videos with high engagement, strong share numbers, or above-average saves. Boosting amplifies what’s working — not what’s struggling. You’ll find your Reels in your profile grid or in the Reels tab.
Step 2: Tap Boost
Once you’ve selected your Reel, look for the boost option. From the profile grid, you’ll see Boost Post in the corner. From the Reels tab, the button says Boost Reel. Tap it to begin setting up your promotion.
Step 3: Set your goal
Think carefully about what outcome matters most. Do you want more profile visits to grow your follower base? Website traffic to drive sales or signups? Or direct messages to start conversations with potential customers? Your goal determines how Instagram optimizes delivery, so choose based on your broader strategy.
Step 4: Choose your audience
This step is where your targeting comes in. You can let Instagram select a Suggested audience or build your own based on location, age, gender, and interests. If you want maximum flexibility, keep the Advantage+ audience toggle on — it allows Instagram to expand reach if it finds a better-performing group.
Step 5: Set budget and duration
Now it’s time to decide how much you’re comfortable spending. Even small budgets — like $10 a day — can give you valuable insights. You’ll also set how many days the boost runs, usually anywhere from 4 to 10. Instagram will give you an estimated reach so you know what to expect before you confirm.
Step 6: Review and launch
Finally, review your settings. Check your goal, your audience, your budget, and your payment method. Once you confirm, Instagram reviews your Reel for compliance (often within minutes), and your boost will go live.
How Much Does Boosting Cost?
One of the biggest advantages of boosting is that it’s straightforward to budget. Instead of worrying about cost-per-click or complex bidding strategies, you simply choose how much you want to spend per day and how long to run the campaign.
That said, costs can still vary. Factors like the time of year (holiday seasons are more competitive), your selected objective, and how engaging your Reel is will influence the results. Two boosts with the same budget may deliver very different reach — and that’s okay. It’s all part of the testing process.
Pro Tips to Boost Reels Like a Packsia Creator
Boosting is simple in practice, but strategy is what separates average results from exceptional ones. These ten tips will help you approach boosting with more confidence and creativity, so you can stretch every dollar further.
1. Start with audience research
Talk to your followers and customers. Ask what they like about your brand and why they engage. Their answers will spark content ideas that resonate.
2. Trust the algorithm
Instagram has refined its targeting tools. Test suggested audiences alongside your custom targeting — you might be surprised by how well the algorithm performs.
3. Watch your competitors
Look at brands in your niche. Which content formats are they using? What gets the most comments? Borrow ideas, but put your unique spin on them.
4. Pick the right objective
Boosting works best for awareness campaigns. Use it to grow your audience or introduce something new rather than expecting immediate conversions.
5. Think top-of-funnel
Boosting builds visibility. Focus on reach, saves, and shares first. Once you grow your pool of engaged followers, you’ll have more success converting them later.
6. Test three creatives at a time
Keep your audience the same and swap in different videos. This makes it easier to learn which visuals and hooks resonate.
7. Start with $10/day
Don’t overthink your budget. Begin with a manageable amount, then scale once you see results.
8. Use 4–10 day boosts
Short bursts help test quickly, while longer boosts give your content more room to breathe. Anything over 10 days tends to plateau.
9. Boost what’s already performing
Choose Reels that are already showing signs of traction — like saves, shares, or strong comments. Boosting adds fuel to the fire.
10. Keep experimenting
Mix formats: tutorials, trends, storytelling, UGC, and behind-the-scenes clips. The more you test, the faster you’ll learn what clicks with your audience.
Ready to Boost Like a Pro?
Boosting isn’t about spending big. It’s about being intentional with what’s already working and amplifying it to new audiences. With the right creative, a clear goal, and a smart budget, you can extend your reach and grow your brand faster than organic content alone.
At Packsia, we design Reels templates that make your videos look professional from the start. Customize them in Canva, pair them with these boosting strategies, and you’ll be ready to grow like a pro.
