Instagram was first launched in October 2010 by Kevin Systrom.
On its first day, it collected 25,000 users.
Today, it has over 2 billion users and is listed as the fourth most used social media site.
While being taken over by Facebook’s parent company may have helped Instagram, the real secret to its success is the ability to innovate and adjust according to the times.
The following Instagram Reels statistics are a perfect example of this and why it is likely to remain one of the most popular channels.
Key Statistics
- Nearly 2.5 billion people use or watch reels every month
- Reels was first launched in brazil
- The biggest use of reels is in india
- Instagram is the second most popular app downloaded during the first quarter 2022
- 87% of generation z see Instagram reels & tik tok as the same thing
- The most popular Instagram reel has been viewed 286 million times
- Reels are 22% more popular than standard videos
- Reels allow you to use 8% of your screen, compared to tik tok
- 61% of generation z intend to use Instagram reels instead of tik tok
- Original reels do better than reposted Instagram videos
The Most Important Instagram Reels Statistics in 2025
1. Nearly 2.5 Billion People Use Or Watch Reels Every Month
Almost all Instagram users will watch Reels at least once a month.
It’s hard not to, the videos are short, enticing, and often amusing.
Because Instagram is rapidly approaching 2.5 billion users it’s fair to say that Reels are getting roughly the same number of hits per month.
Instagram statistics confirm this to be the case as Reels are becoming their most popular feature.
It’s worth noting that 60% of Instagram users are aged between 18-34, making it predominantly a young person’s platform.
That makes it the perfect place to create and upload a Reel if you wish to target this age audience.
(Instagram)
2. Reels Was First Launched In Brazil
Instagram was created and launched in San Francisco.
However, the release of Instagram Reels was done in Brazil. This was a sound business decision.
Brazil is known as a country of music and video lovers.
As such, this type of social media platform is very appealing. Add to this the fact that TikTok has a minimal presence in Brazil, and it’s the perfect place to launch.
The tactic worked. Instagram Reels were an instant hit and this encouraged users in other countries to follow suit.
Today, Instagram Reels is available in 150 countries across the planet.
(Instagram)
3. The Biggest Use Of Reels Is In India
Although Instagram Reels were launched in India, today the most popular place for posting and watching these short videos is India!
A recent survey showed that there are over 230 million Instagram Reels users in India.
The US takes second place but isn’t even close with 159 million users.
Brazil slots into third place with 120 million and is the only other country with over 100 million users.
Indonesia, Russia, Turkey, Japan, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and Germany complete the top ten list.
(Statista)
4. Instagram Is The Second Most popular App Downloaded During The First Quarter 2022
Instagram has been popular since its release and is one of the most downloaded apps in the world.
In fact, during the last quarter of 2021, Instagram became the most downloaded app in the world.
Unfortunately, it lost the title in the first quarter of 2022, dropping back into second place.
To add salt into the wound, first place was taken by Instagram Reels direct competitor, TikTok.
By the end of 2022 TikTok had been downloaded 672 million times, Instagram reached 548 million.
The third place was taken by WhatsApp with 424 million.
However, the statistics show that Instagram Reels isn’t just popular and here to stay, there’s a good chance it will take back the top spot.
(Statista)
5. 87% Of Generation Z See Instagram Reels & TikTok As The Same Thing
TikTok did short videos first, meaning that Instagram Reels is the contender for the throne.
That makes it interesting that the majority of Generation Z see Instagram Reels and TikTik as the same thing.
In essence they are similar, although Reels offers a greater array of features and editing possibilities.
That could tip the balance in its favor in the future.
(TikTok)
6. The Most Popular Instagram Reel Has Been Viewed 286 Million Times
Posting a video to Reels doesn’t guarantee it will be watched. Naturally, your small group of followers will see the video.
However, if you want to get big viewing numbers you’ll need a public account and a large selection of followers.
It takes time to build large follower numbers and gain the recognition that ensures Reels will be watched millions of times. It is possible.
Current:y, the most viewed video on Instagram Reels was posted by Khaby Lane.
He has 78.6 million followers and the video has been viewed 286 million times.
Khaby Lane is known for his TikTok videos which silently mock life-hack-style videos, especially those that are needlessly complicated.
He applied the same formula to Instagram Reels.
His most popular Reel simply shows him checking an iron repeatedly to ensure it is unplugged. It’s based on a fear of unexpected electric shocks and is highly amusing.
(Instagram)
7. Reels Are 22% More Popular Than Standard Videos
The primary reason Reels are more popular is that they are short.
This allows people to watch them quickly regardless of where they are.
It’s a great way to lift your spirits when the day isn’t going well without getting yourself into more trouble.
Of course, the fact that Reels has its own section on the main Instagram page does make them easier to find and watch.
In contrast, standard videos are mixed in with photos.
This higher level of engagement means anyone serious about creating a following on Instagram and potentially generating an income needs to be posting Reels.
(Instagram)
8. Reels Allow You To Use 8% Of Your Screen, Compared To TikTok
This may not seem like an important fact but it can make a serious difference to what you see.
The additional 8% is added to the width of the video image, helping you to see everything that is happening and how it affects the overall video.
Instagram achieves this by eliminating the right sidebar which you see on TikTok.
It’s moved to the bottom and can be hidden.
(Conviva)
9. 61% Of Generation Z Intend To Use Instagram Reels Instead Of TikTok
This statistic is effectively a warning to TikTok.
They may currently be the most downloaded app but there is a steady increase in the number of Generation Z users switching to Instagram Reels.
There’s a good reason why they are doing this. Reels offers more editing options.
More importantly, signing up for Instagram gives you access to standard Instagram postings as well as short videos.
That’s a lot more scope and potential audience than TikTok.
In short, TikTok is going to need to up its game if it wants to stay at the top.
(Statista)
10. Original Reels Do Better Than Reposted Instagram Videos
Because Instagram Reels are the same format as Instagram videos it is very easy to reformat an existing video and repost it in the Reels.
However, a recent survey showed that you’ll get an impressive 22% higher level of engagement from original content compared to reposting standard videos, or even those from TikTok.
The problem is viewers know the video has been reposted and this gives them a poor impression of your account.
Not only may they have seen the content before, but it also tells them that you are going through the motions rather than being passionate about your videos.
That’s a good reason to switch to another account.
(Conviva)
What Are Instagram Reels?
You’ve probably already heard of Instagram reels.
But, for those that haven’t it’s a relatively new feature which allows you to post short-form videos.
The approach isn’t new, YouTube and TikTok have been promoting short-form videos for years.
The basics are simple, keep your video short and to the point, it’s likely to garner more views.
Instagram Reels allows you to record your own 15-second video, you can also edit existing video if you wish.
The video can be enhanced with sounds and other effects, and then uploaded to Instagram.
Your followers will be able to see your videos and comment on them.
Naturally, if you have a public Instagram account anyone will be able to see them.
You should bear that in mind when creating the videos.
If you’ve already got an Instagram following then using Instagram Reels makes sense, it prevents you from needing to build a following on a different platform.
You should note that Instagram Reels are similar to Instagram Stories.
The key difference is that Reels has a bigger selection of editing tools, allowing you to control the effects and even the speed of the video.
Reels can be shared with everyone while Stories can only be shared with followers.
But, Reels insists on video content, you can’t include pictures.
Getting Started With Instagram Reels
Using Instagram Reels is surprisingly straightforward but, if you haven’t got one, you will need an Instagram account first!
Once you’ve created the account and logged in simply go to the camera and look for the Reels option at the bottom of your screen.
Tapping this opens the editing tools, allowing you to adjust your video, add music, and even include special effects.
Simply choose the right option:
Audio
Select this and choose a song to play in your video. It can be from the Instagram Reel library or you can create your own music while recording your Reel.
AR Effects
This provides you with a comprehensive array of special effects. You’ll need to look through them to decide which best suits your needs.
Timer
The timer is useful when you’re recording your short video. It gives you a short countdown before the video recording starts and you can set how long to record for.
Speed
Instagram Reels allows you to speed up or slow down your video. It can really help when presenting it to ensure it flows smoothly.
Future Potential
Instagram Reels has the potential to dislodge TikTok as the leader of short-video posts. However, it needs to be developed further to reach its full potential.
Currently, TikTok provides instant and easy access to their short form videos.
It’s not as straightforward with Instagram reels.
This issue will need to be addressed in order for Instagram influencers to make the most of what Reels has to offer.
Then, it will provide a very real threat to TikTok dominance.
Summing Up
The most obvious takeaway from these Instagram Reels statistics is that this type of video is the most desirable format.
It is significantly different to Stories and standard posts, making it a useful addition to the Instagram platform.
The key to its success will be in how it matures.
While Reels has only been available for a couple of years, it has already dominated social media platforms, making it a valuable addition to any social media marketing profile.
It seems likely that Instagram Reels will be around for years to come, it’s a good idea to embrace it today.