Instagram Reels Tips from Cayla Smith: How to Create Content That Gets Watched & Shared

Instagram Reels has become one of the most powerful tools for digital creators, allowing them to reach new audiences, boost engagement, and stand out in a highly competitive space. Among the creators who have mastered this format is Cayla Smith, better known by her Instagram handle @caylabriii. With hundreds of thousands of followers and a steady stream of attention-grabbing videos, Cayla has proven that she knows what it takes to make content that doesn’t just get views but also resonates with her audience enough to be shared and saved. Her journey as a digital creator is full of insights that aspiring influencers and brands alike can learn from.

One of Cayla’s biggest strengths is her ability to blend entertainment with authenticity. Audiences today crave relatability, and while flashy aesthetics or viral effects can attract attention, it’s genuine personality that keeps viewers engaged. Cayla’s Reels often strike this balance by combining polished visuals with moments of realness—whether through natural expressions, fun interactions, or clever twists on trends. She doesn’t rely solely on filters or gimmicks; instead, she ensures that her personality shines through every video. This makes her content feel less like a performance and more like a connection, which in turn encourages followers to share her videos with friends.

Consistency is another factor behind her success. Many aspiring creators make the mistake of posting sporadically, hoping that one lucky video will go viral. Cayla’s approach, however, shows the power of a steady content rhythm. By posting Reels frequently and staying engaged with her audience in between uploads, she keeps her content fresh in Instagram’s algorithm. This consistency signals to both her followers and the platform itself that she’s an active, reliable creator worth promoting. Over time, this rhythm compounds her reach and makes her content more discoverable on the Explore page and hashtag feeds.

Cayla also demonstrates a strong grasp of trend adaptation. The Instagram Reels landscape moves quickly, with trending sounds, challenges, and formats shifting on a near-weekly basis. Instead of blindly copying trends, Cayla puts her own spin on them. She takes what’s popular and adapts it to her personal style, making the trend feel uniquely hers. This not only helps her videos stand out from the thousands of other creators using the same sound but also reinforces her brand identity. Followers know what to expect from her—something stylish, fun, and distinctly “Cayla”—which makes her content more memorable.

Visual presentation is another area where Cayla excels. Scrolling through her Reels, it’s clear that she invests time into aesthetic cohesion. Lighting, outfit choices, and backgrounds all play a role in how her content feels. Whether she’s outdoors in natural light or filming at home with controlled setups, her videos always look bright, clear, and visually appealing. In a platform as visual as Instagram, quality matters. Viewers are far more likely to share and engage with content that feels polished and pleasing to watch, even if the subject matter is casual.

Another tip that can be gleaned from Cayla’s success is the use of captions and hooks. Instagram Reels are short by nature, which means grabbing attention in the first few seconds is critical. Cayla often uses bold text overlays, clever captions, or immediate action on screen to hook viewers before they have a chance to scroll away. This front-loading of energy keeps audiences engaged long enough to deliver the punchline, aesthetic reveal, or message of the video. The more viewers watch until the end—or even rewatch—the stronger Instagram’s algorithm pushes that Reel to new audiences.

Cayla also understands the social side of Instagram. Her Reels aren’t just one-way broadcasts; they’re conversation starters. By responding to comments, reposting user reactions, or referencing her audience directly, she fosters a sense of community. This interaction builds loyalty, which in turn increases the likelihood that viewers will not only watch her new content but also share it within their own circles. For brands and creators alike, this type of engagement-driven strategy is what separates fleeting viral moments from long-term influence.

Sound selection plays a subtle but significant role as well. Music and trending audio are the backbone of Instagram Reels, and Cayla is adept at picking tracks that complement her content. Whether it’s a viral song that’s dominating the platform or a more niche audio that fits a specific aesthetic, her choices enhance the mood and make the video feel current. Since Instagram often prioritizes trending sounds, her alignment with these helps her reach new audiences who are browsing content under the same audio.

Finally, Cayla’s content highlights the importance of authentic branding within Reels. Many creators chase numbers by jumping on every trend, but Cayla stays true to her personal style and niche. Her followers know her for specific types of content, whether fashion-forward looks, fun edits, or playful spins on trending formats. By staying consistent with her brand, she builds recognition that translates beyond Instagram. Viewers who discover her on Reels are more likely to explore her profile, follow her for future content, and even check out her external platforms.

For anyone looking to replicate her success, the key takeaways from Cayla Smith’s strategy are clear: be authentic, stay consistent, adapt trends to fit your personal brand, prioritize visual quality, and engage with your audience. Reels thrive on relatability, creativity, and interaction, and Cayla has mastered the balance of all three. Her rise on Instagram shows that with the right mix of creativity and strategy, it’s possible to cut through the noise and create content that doesn’t just get views but also gets remembered and shared.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of social media, Cayla’s approach serves as a valuable blueprint. By focusing on sustainable strategies rather than chasing fleeting viral fame, she has positioned herself as a creator whose influence continues to grow. For aspiring influencers, marketers, and digital storytellers, her journey is a reminder that success on Instagram Reels is not about luck—it’s about strategy, authenticity, and execution.