7 mistakes in Reels that kill reach

If your videos aren't getting views, it's almost always not the algorithm but typical mistakes. Here are the seven most common.

1. A weak hook

The first 2 seconds — a long intro, a logo, "hi everyone." The viewer scrolls before understanding why to watch. The hook should grab immediately.

2. Bad sound

Quiet, with echo, with background noise. Sound is critical for retention — it's often wrongly overlooked.

3. Text overload

So much on-screen text you can't finish reading it. Fewer words, larger, to the point.

4. No idea, just "beauty"

An aesthetic video with no meaning doesn't grab. The idea and hook matter more than the picture.

5. Too long

Sagging in the middle kills completion. Better shorter and tighter than long and sluggish.

6. A subscribe call at the start

Asking for a follow before you've given value. Value first — then the call.

7. One format for everything

Shooting in one style and waiting for a miracle. You need to test different hooks and formats — it's not the first that lands.

Takeaway

Reach is structure and tests, not luck. We produce short videos around the retention mechanic and amplify the best with seeding.