Short Answer

Instagram does not allow users to sort Reels by views, likes, or comments. However, creators can use third-party tools like ViewRank to rank Reels on any public profile by performance metrics directly on a desktop.

What Instagram allows:

• Viewing view counts, likes, and comments on individual Reels

• Sorting your own content inside Creator Insights (limited)

What Instagram does NOT allow:

• Sorting Reels by views

• Sorting Reels by likes or comments

• Ranking competitor Reels by performance

• Viewing top-performing Reels on other profiles

On public profiles, the Reels tab is shown in chronological order only.

Why Sorting Reels by Performance Matters

Sorting Reels is not just about curiosity — it’s about strategy.

Each metric tells a different story:

• Views → Reach & algorithmic distribution

• Likes → Content appeal

• Comments → Engagement & audience connection

When you can rank Reels by these metrics, you can:

• Identify what content actually worked

• Stop copying random ideas

• Make informed content decisions

Without sorting, creators are guessing.

Common Workarounds (And Why They Fail)

Many creators try alternatives:

• Manual scrolling

• Guessing popularity visually

• Screenshots and spreadsheets

• Tracking only likes instead of views

These methods fail because:

• ❌ They don’t scale

• ❌ They’re inaccurate

• ❌ They miss true top performers

• ❌ They waste time

Sorting needs to be automated and objective.

The Best Way to Sort Instagram Reels by Views, Likes, and Comments

Because Instagram doesn’t offer sorting, creators use browser-based tools that work directly on Instagram’s interface.

The most effective tools:

• Analyze publicly visible data

• Don’t require API access

• Reorder Reels visually for research

One such tool built specifically for this workflow is ViewRank.

Step-by-Step: How to Sort Reels Using ViewRank

Here’s the complete process:

1. Install the ViewRank Chrome extension

2. Open Instagram on desktop

3. Visit any public Instagram profile

4. Click the Reels tab

5. Open the ViewRank panel

6. Choose how to sort:

   • Views

   • Likes

   • Comments

7. Select how many Reels to analyze:

   • Last 50

   • Last 100

   • Or all available Reels

The Reels are instantly reordered, showing the highest-performing content first.

When to Sort by Views vs Likes vs Comments

Understanding when to use each metric is key.

Sort by Views when:

• Researching viral reach

• Studying algorithm-favored content

• Finding formats that scale

Sort by Likes when:

• Evaluating audience approval

• Comparing creative quality

• Testing visual or emotional appeal

Sort by Comments when:

• Measuring engagement depth

• Studying discussion-driven content

• Analyzing community interaction

Most advanced creators use all three, depending on the goal.

Best Use Cases for Sorting Reels

Sorting Reels by performance is useful for:

• Competitor research

• Viral format discovery

• Content audits

• Trend validation

• Client analysis (for agencies)

• Content planning calendars

This turns Instagram from a guessing game into a research platform.

Is Sorting Reels Safe and Allowed?

Yes — when done correctly.

Tools like ViewRank:

• Do not collect passwords

• Do not post, like, or comment

• Do not access private data

• Work only with publicly visible information

They function as analysis tools, not bots.

Final Thoughts

Instagram shows content — but it doesn’t explain performance.

Sorting Reels by views, likes, and comments gives creators clarity, not assumptions. It reveals what works, what repeats, and what’s worth recreating.

For creators, managers, and agencies who rely on results, performance-based sorting is no longer optional — it’s foundational.