Why Can’t I Boost Reels on Instagram?

Instagram Reels have quickly become a favorite feature for users to create and share short, engaging videos. As businesses and influencers seek to leverage this platform for broader reach and engagement, the desire to boost Reels as ads has become more common. However, many users encounter challenges when trying to boost their Reels.

This article will delve into the top reasons why you might not be able to boost your Reels on Instagram and provide some guidance on how to navigate these issues.

Are you ready? Let’s dive in.

1. Reels Shared to Facebook Cannot Be Boosted as Ads

One of the primary reasons you might not be able to boost a Reel is if it has been shared to Facebook. When you share a Reel from Instagram to Facebook, it gets formatted and distributed according to Facebook’s guidelines. This cross-platform sharing introduces complexities that currently prevent the Reel from being eligible for boosting on Instagram.

To avoid this issue, consider keeping your Reels exclusive to Instagram if you plan to boost them. This exclusivity ensures that the content remains within Instagram’s ecosystem, making it simpler to comply with their advertising policies.

2. Copyright Music Restrictions

Instagram provides a vast library of music that users can incorporate into their Reels. However, using copyrighted music can complicate the boosting process. When you use music that is copyrighted, Instagram’s algorithms detect this and often restrict the content from being promoted as an ad.

To boost Reels with music:

• Use Royalty-Free Music: Choose music from Instagram’s royalty-free library or other sources of royalty-free music.
• Check Music Usage Rights: Ensure that the music you are using does not have restrictions that prevent it from being used in ads.
• Original Sound: Consider creating Reels with your original sound or music that you have explicit rights to use in advertisements.

3. Reels with Third-Party Content

Similar to the issue with copyrighted music, Reels that include third-party content can face restrictions. This third-party content can be in the form of video clips, images, or music that you do not own the rights to. Instagram’s policies are strict about promoting content that could infringe on intellectual property rights.

To ensure your Reels are eligible for boosting, use content that you have created yourself or have explicit permission to use for commercial purposes.

4. Community Guidelines Violations

Instagram has stringent community guidelines designed to keep the platform safe and enjoyable for all users.

If your Reel violates any of these guidelines, it cannot be boosted. Common violations include:

• Hate Speech or Symbols: Content that promotes hate speech or symbols is prohibited.
• Violence and Threats: Any form of violence or threats in your Reels will prevent it from being boosted.
• Nudity and Sexual Content: Instagram restricts the promotion of nudity or sexually suggestive content.

Always review Instagram’s community guidelines before creating Reels you intend to boost. Ensuring that your content aligns with these guidelines will increase your chances of successfully boosting your Reels.

5. Format and Aspect Ratio Issues

Instagram Reels have specific format and aspect ratio requirements. If your Reel does not meet these specifications, it might not be eligible for boosting. The ideal aspect ratio for Reels is 9:16, and they should be recorded in vertical format. Additionally, ensure that the resolution and quality of the video meet Instagram’s standards.

Before uploading your Reel, double-check that it adheres to these technical requirements to avoid any issues with boosting.

6. Age Restrictions and Audience Targeting

Sometimes, the age restrictions and audience targeting settings can affect your ability to boost a Reel. If your content is not suitable for all age groups, Instagram might restrict its promotion. Additionally, if your targeting parameters are too narrow, it might be challenging to boost your Reel effectively.

When setting up your boost, make sure your target audience is broad enough to meet Instagram’s advertising policies and that your content is appropriate for the intended audience.

7. Account Issues

Your Instagram account status can also impact your ability to boost Reels. Issues like account verification, shadowbanning, or previous violations of Instagram’s policies can prevent you from promoting your content. Ensure your account is in good standing and complies with all of Instagram’s policies.

Regularly review your account settings and status to identify and resolve any issues that might affect your advertising capabilities.

8. Pending Ad Reviews

Every boosted post on Instagram goes through a review process. If your Reel is pending review or has been rejected, it will not be boosted. This review process ensures that all promoted content adheres to Instagram’s advertising policies and community guidelines.

If your Reel is under review, be patient. If it gets rejected, review the feedback from Instagram and make the necessary adjustments to comply with their guidelines.

9. Budget and Bidding Issues

The budget and bidding strategy you set for your boost can also affect its success. If your budget is too low or your bid is not competitive enough, your Reel might not get boosted as intended. Ensure that you set a realistic budget and bidding strategy that aligns with your campaign goals and Instagram’s recommendations.

Regularly monitor your campaign performance and adjust your budget and bidding settings as needed to optimize the boost.

10. Instagram’s Evolving Policies

Lastly, Instagram’s policies and features are continually evolving. What might be permissible today could change tomorrow. Staying updated with Instagram’s latest guidelines and features is crucial for ensuring your Reels can be boosted.

Follow Instagram’s official blog and updates to stay informed about any changes in their advertising policies or new features that might affect your ability to boost Reels.

What to Do if You Posted a Reel and Can’t Boost It?

If you’ve posted a Reel on Instagram and find that you can’t boost it, don’t worry—there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the issue. While the quickest solution might be to upload the Reel again, trying the following steps first can save you time and effort.

1. Switch from Business to Creator Account

One of the first things you can try is switching your Instagram account type. Sometimes, issues with boosting Reels can be resolved by changing your account from a Business to a Creator account. Here’s how you can do it:

How to Switch to a Creator Account:

1. Open Instagram: Go to your profile and tap the three horizontal lines in the top right corner.
2. Settings: Tap on ‘Settings.’
3. Account: Scroll down and select ‘Account.’
4. Switch Account Type: Tap on ‘Switch to Creator Account.’
5. Follow the Prompts: Instagram will guide you through the steps to switch your account type.

Switching to a Creator account can sometimes unlock additional features and provide more flexibility for boosting your content.

2. Avoid Picking Sound from the Platform

Using music directly from Instagram’s library can sometimes lead to restrictions on boosting due to copyright issues. Instead, consider using apps like Capcut to generate royalty-free audios. This ensures that the music you use is free from any restrictions that might prevent you from boosting your Reel.

How to Use Capcut:

1. Download Capcut: Install the Capcut app from your app store.
2. Create a New Project: Open Capcut and start a new project.
3. Add Your Video: Import your video footage into the project.
4. Add Royalty-Free Music: Use Capcut’s library of royalty-free music to add to your video.
5. Export: Once you’re satisfied with your edits, export the video and upload it to Instagram.

By using royalty-free music, you reduce the risk of running into issues related to copyright, making it easier to boost your Reel.

3. Ensure Your Video Doesn’t Have a Watermark

Videos with watermarks from other platforms, like TikTok, can sometimes cause issues when trying to boost Reels on Instagram. To avoid this, make sure your video is free from watermarks. If you’ve already created a video with a watermark, you can use tools to remove it.

How to Remove Watermarks from TikTok or Instagram Videos:

Using Snapinsta App:

1. Download Snapinsta: Install the Snapinsta app from your app store.
2. Copy Video Link: Go to TikTok or Instagram and copy the link of the video you want to download without the watermark.
3. Paste the Link in Snapinsta: Open Snapinsta, paste the copied link, and download the video.
4. Save Without Watermark: The app will download the video without the watermark, which you can then re-upload to Instagram.

Removing watermarks ensures that your content looks clean and professional, and avoids any potential issues with Instagram’s boosting policies.

Conclusion

Boosting Instagram Reels can significantly enhance your reach and engagement, but it comes with certain challenges and restrictions. By understanding and addressing the common issues such as copyright restrictions, community guidelines, technical specifications, and account status, you can increase your chances of successfully boosting your Reels. Always stay updated with Instagram’s evolving policies to ensure your content remains compliant and eligible for promotion.

If you encounter issues, consider the troubleshooting steps outlined above before opting to re-upload your Reel.

If you’re up to level up your Reels our social media team is simply AMAZING. Let’s have a chat!