Top 10 Most Viewed Reels on Instagram (All-Time Viral List)
Instagram Reels has completely transformed how people consume short-form content. From global celebrities and sports icons to emotional storytelling and brand collaborations, some Reels have crossed hundreds of millions, and even billions, of views, setting new records on the platform.
In this article, we break down the Top 10 Most Viewed Reels on Instagram, explaining what made each one go viral and why audiences across the world couldn’t stop watching.
Whether you're a creator, marketer, or just curious about internet-breaking content, this list shows what truly works on Instagram Reels.
Why These Instagram Reels Went Viral
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Before diving into the list, here’s what most of these record-breaking Reels have in common:
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Celebrity power (global stars like Deepika Padukone, Lionel Messi, and Ed Sheeran)
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Emotional storytelling (family bonds, inspiration, or humor)
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Strong brand collaborations (Hilton, Mastercard, Samsung, BGMI)
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Short, impactful visuals that hook viewers in the first 2 seconds
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Mass sharing across platforms, boosting reach beyond Instagram
Top 10 Most Viewed Reels on Instagram (Ranked)
1. Deepika Padukone – Hilton: “It Matters Where You Stay.”
- Views: ~1.9 Billion
- Category: Celebrity Brand Promotion
This record-breaking Reel features Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone as Hilton’s global ambassador. The Reel blends luxury travel, cinematic visuals, and emotional storytelling, making it the most viewed Instagram Reel of all time.
Why it went viral:
Star power + premium production + global travel appeal = massive worldwide reach.
2. Hardik Pandya – BGMI: “Take the Shot.”
- Views: ~1.6 Billion
- Category: Gaming Collaboration
Indian cricket star Hardik Pandya teamed up with Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) for this high-energy gaming Reel. The mix of sports, gaming culture, and youth-driven marketing helped it explode online.
Why it worked:
Cricket fandom + mobile gaming community = unstoppable engagement.
3. BGMI – Flex Your New Phone
- Views: ~1.4 Billion
- Category: Emotional Gaming Story
This Reel tells a heartwarming father-son story tied to gaming and mobile phones. Instead of flashy visuals, it focused on emotions, something that resonated deeply with viewers.
Why it worked:
Relatable storytelling + emotional connection = high shares and replays.
4. Lionel Messi – Mastercard Partnership
- Views: ~1.2 Billion
- Category: Sports Brand Promotion
Football legend Lionel Messi appears in this global Mastercard campaign. With Messi’s massive international fanbase, the Reel gained instant traction across continents.
Why it worked:
Global sports icon + trusted brand + clean storytelling.
5. Sajid Shaikh – Samsung Collaboration
- Views: ~1.1 Billion
- Category: Tech Promotion
This creative Samsung Reel showcased smartphone features stylishly and engagingly. Its smooth transitions and practical appeal helped it gain massive traction.
Why it worked:
Tech curiosity + visually satisfying content.
6. Lionel Messi – Mastercard (Second Viral Reel)
- Views: ~1 Billion
- Category: Sports Branding
Messi appears again in another Mastercard Reel that crossed the billion-view milestone. Few creators—or athletes—have managed this feat twice.
Why it worked:
Brand consistency + Messi’s unmatched global popularity.
7. Anthony Butenyi – Corrupted Trombone Practice
- Views: ~936 Million
- Category: Comedy & Music
This funny, slightly surreal trombone Reel stood out among celebrity-heavy content. It proves that pure creativity can still compete with star power.
Why it worked:
Humor + unexpected twist + universal appeal.
8. Ranveer Singh – BGMI Celebrity Promotion
- Views: ~877 Million
- Category: Gaming & Celebrity
Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh’s energetic personality, combined with BGMI’s gaming visuals, made this reel a hit among younger audiences.
Why it worked:
High energy + celebrity presence + gaming trend.
9. BGMI – Gameplay Viral Reel
- Views: ~840 Million
- Category: Gaming Content
A fast-paced, action-packed gameplay Reel that hooked viewers with exciting moments and smooth visuals.
Why it worked:
Short attention span-friendly + visually intense content.
10. Ed Sheeran – “Symmetry” Featuring Karan Aujla
- Views: ~772 Million
- Category: Music Collaboration
This musical Reel brought together Ed Sheeran and Punjabi artist Karan Aujla, creating a global fusion that resonated across cultures.
Why it worked:
Cross-cultural music + global fanbases.
What Creators Can Learn from These Viral Reels
If you're aiming to grow on Instagram Reels, these top-performing videos reveal some clear strategies:
- Hook viewers in the first 2 seconds
- Use emotion, not just visuals
- Leverage trends, celebrities, or cultural moments
- Keep it short, clean, and replayable
- Focus on storytelling, not just promotion
The Top 10 Most Viewed Reels on Instagram prove that viral success isn’t limited to just influencers or entertainers. Brands, gamers, musicians, and everyday creators can all reach massive audiences with the right mix of emotion, creativity, and timing.
As Instagram continues to push short-form video, breaking into this elite list may become harder, but these Reels offer a perfect blueprint for what truly captures the world’s attention.
Disclaimer:
The information in this article about the Top 10 Most Viewed Reels on Instagram is based on publicly available view counts, media reports, and platform tracking data available at the time of writing. View numbers on Instagram are dynamic and may change over time due to continued views, removals, or platform updates. Rankings and details may vary as Instagram does not publish an official, continuously updated list of most-viewed Reels. Readers are encouraged to verify current figures directly on Instagram or through official creator and brand accounts.
