How to Research Reel Topics Before You Film (Step by Step)
Most reels that flop were never researched. The creator had an idea, filmed it and hoped. Reel topic research flips that: before you film, you check which reels in your topic are already getting views and why. This guide shows how to do it in about 20 minutes.
What is reel topic research?
Reel topic research means looking at the reels that are already doing well in your topic before you make your own. You are not copying them. You are learning what your audience responds to right now: the hooks, the length, the format and the angle.
It answers three questions:
- Which topics in my niche are people watching right now?
- What do the best reels in those topics have in common?
- What can I make that is similar in format, but different in idea?
Step 1: Write down 5 search words
Think like your audience, not like a marketer. Write the words they would type into Instagram search. For a home baker that might be eggless cake, birthday cake ideas, cake decorating, brownie recipe and home bakery. Keep them short, 1 to 3 words each.
Step 2: Find the top reels for each word
Search each word in Instagram, open the Reels tab and scroll the first 20 to 30 results. Look for reels with far more views than the creator has followers. That gap usually means Instagram showed the reel to new people, which is what you want to learn from.
Doing this by hand takes time, because the search results change and views are hidden behind each reel. Reel Research on Pixtale does this step for you: type a topic and it shows the most viewed reels for it, with views, likes, comments, length, captions and hashtags in one list.
Step 3: Note what the winners have in common
For the top 10 reels in a topic, write down the same few things for each. A simple sheet is enough:
| What to note | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| The first line (spoken or on screen) | The hook decides if people stay. Patterns repeat. |
| Length in seconds | Shows how long your audience will watch for this topic. |
| Format | Tutorial, list, before and after, talking head, POV. |
| Views compared to followers | A big gap means the reel reached new people. |
| Hashtags | Which tags show up again and again on the winners. |
| Posting date | A topic that is winning this week matters more than one that won last year. |
After 10 reels you will usually see a pattern, for example that most winners are under 20 seconds and open with a result before showing the steps. That pattern is your brief.
Step 4: Find your angle
Now pick one topic and make it yours. Keep the format that works, change the idea. Some ways to find an angle:
- Narrow it. "Cake decorating" becomes "cake decorating without any tools".
- Localise it. Your city, your language, your prices.
- Answer the comments. Read the comments on the top reels. Unanswered questions are ready-made ideas.
- Disagree, politely. If you know a better way, show it.
Step 5: Write 3 hooks before you film
Write three different first lines for the same reel and pick the strongest. If you are stuck, our list of 40 reel hooks gives you starting points.
Step 6: Plan a week, not a reel
One research session should give you ideas for a week or more. Turn your best topic into 3 reels with different formats: a tip, a behind-the-scenes clip and an answer to a question from the comments. Our reel ideas generator can help fill gaps.
Step 7: Check your own results
Research tells you what works for others. Your own numbers tell you what works for you. After two weeks, compare your reels by views, comments, shares and saves. Keep the formats that win, drop the ones that don't, and research again. A free Pixtale analysis shows your top reels and posts side by side.
Mistakes to avoid
- Copying a reel exactly. Use the pattern, not the content. Copied reels rarely do as well, and it isn't fair to the creator.
- Researching only huge accounts. Small accounts with reels far above their follower count teach you more.
- Using old winners. Filter for recent reels. What worked a year ago may not work now.
- Researching forever. 20 minutes, then film. The research is only useful if you post.
Do it faster with Reel Research
Pixtale's Reel Research finds the most viewed reels for any topic and shows the views, captions, hashtags, length and creators behind them. The Free plan gives you 1 new topic a day with the top reel and its hashtags. Individual gives you 3 topics a day and Enterprise 6, with the full list of top reels and an AI playbook of hooks and caption templates. If you only need one topic, you can unlock the full topic report with one small payment.
FAQ
What is reel topic research?
Looking at the reels that are already getting views in your topic before you film your own, so you can learn the hooks, length and formats your audience responds to right now.
How do I find trending reel topics in my niche?
Write down the words your audience searches, check the top reels for each in Instagram search or in Pixtale Reel Research, and look for recent reels with far more views than the creator has followers.
How many reels should I study before filming?
About 10 recent top reels per topic is usually enough to see a pattern in hooks, length and format.
Is it OK to copy a viral reel?
Use the format and the lesson, not the content. Make your own version with your own idea, footage and voice.
Is there a free reel research tool?
Yes. Pixtale Reel Research gives free accounts 1 new topic a day with the top reel and its hashtags. Paid plans add more topics and the full list of top reels.
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