It’s storytime with StoryLab! Difference is, this story is a real reel. See what I did there? Today we take you on a ride to the most viewed Instagram reels of all times with a tourist guide twist elaborating on the when, where and \why. Pretty historic vibes right?

Our first stop is at BTS! No, not the band’s concert! But the Behind the Scenes of Epic Worlds, a unique cinematic project filmed entirely with a Galaxy S23 Ultra! And who is the author of this reel that got over one billion views? You guessed it! It’s Samsung Mobile! Now aside from being filmed in multiple locations and even used green screen shooting, the project features Wednesday Adams’ best friend, or the one and only Emma Myers, a fan favourite! The option of seeing Emma once again in the supernatural world, alongside the different shooting angles, from close-ups, wide shots and out of this world transitions gave the reel an unexpected twist and a hypnotising feel that led the viewers to experience the “WOW” effect. The colouring transitions from strong white and Sci-Fi blue to the old fashioned black and white to the sheriff’s era of yellow and brown give the eyes a treat and a non-boring track of images and actions that push the viewer to fall in love. The final shot reveals the fact that this is an ad, which comes as a shock as it made the viewer jump from a movie to another in less than 2 minutes, highlighting the strength of the device and pushing the community to take the reel on the viral spiral that made this project the most watched reel of all time! 

Now what’s a road trip without some sightseeing? Our next destination are the Keralamkundu Waterfalls where Muhammad Rizwan shot his 548 million viewed reel! Pretty iconic goal for a 7 second video don’t you think? While Rizwan has been a freestyle football shooter on Instagram for a while now, this reel was the make of his career. A football casually arcs into the Keralamkundu Waterfalls, leaving his friend shocked and wet! This reel shows realistic goals, not superhuman powers, not super skilled people, just a regular guy in Pakistan shooting his shot. The goal in the waterfall represented hope in the eyes of the viewers, realistic hope. People were so amazed by the random nature of the actions in the video that they wanted to help Rizwan show his skill using the most organic way possible, Reel views! In the comments, people are aiming, as we speak, to help him reach 1 billion views as they believe that he deserves to go international, reach the leagues. His simple video made people come together for a humanitarian cause: help people from third world countries get the same opportunities a person from a first world country would get, for the same skill – Equal opportunities. While Instagram is obviously an entertainment platform, a lot of the viewers did show in their comments their desire for equal opportunity of fame for Rizwan who, without trying, created a movement on his page that is reaching beyond his geolocation. Are you ready to sign on the #LetsMakeRizwanFamous petition?

I know I said there is no BTS the band but is that J-Hope taking over the third spot with Samsung Mobile’s campaign? OMG, yes it is! But this round, it’s served with a splash of stardom courtesy with his strong selfie game, featuring the S23 Ultra Camera. That’s the pull of celebrity charm, not just a beacon in the Asian pop culture but a global icon, whose smile that is an instantly recognizable, disarmingly charming grin – has become almost as legendary as his dance moves. So, what does Samsung do? They snag this smile that’s launched a thousand tweets and link it right to their camera technology, capturing not just images but the hearts of millions. Result? A staggering 330 million views and counting. This campaign isn’t just about promoting a phone; it’s about immortalizing a moment, leveraging J-Hope’s effortless appeal to spotlight how the ordinary becomes extraordinary with the right tech. It’s not about the glitz or unreachable stardom; it’s about that relatable moment of joy, captured perfectly, making everyone part of J-Hope’s world. In the swirl of social media, as fans rally with views, we’re not just watching an ad; we’re joining a movement, echoing the sentiment: if J-Hope can light up the world with a smile, maybe, just maybe, we can too. The message is: are you ready to join the wave?

It’s getting dark and what’s the nighttime without a little moonlight? Rolling in at number four, we’ve got Samsung Mobile AGAIN? Can you believe it? But hold on, it’s not just about the phone this time—it’s about a celestial spectacle right at your fingertips. The campaign was a simple but stellar invitation: “Capture your night skies and post with Galaxy”. Turns out, many folks are starry-eyed for the cosmos, and Samsung handed them the universe in a pocket-sized marvel. The allure of snagging night sky photos that rival NASA’s own snapshots had everyone buzzing. Can you imagine holding a device that lets you peek at the moon’s craters in high-res, as if you were floating right beside it in space? That’s the S23 Ultra for you. Viewers couldn’t resist; they leaped at the chance to transform their phones into a window to the stars, pushing those views past 298 million. Mesmerizing? Absolutely. But more than that, it’s empowering. It’s like, with the right technology, even the sky isn’t the limit anymore. 

If you look out the window, you will spot Khaby Lame, the king of silent commentary and relatable life hacks, sliding into spot number four with a chuckle and a nod to everyday mishaps in his viral Iron in the electric port reel. Clocking a fast 298 million views, this video isn’t just a laugh fest; it’s a gentle reminder about the very real fear of “Did I unplug the iron?”, a question that haunts many of us as we step out the door. With his trademark deadpan expression and a simple gesture, Khaby turns a common household worry into a moment of global connection, reminding us of the tiny oversights that can lead to big troubles. Beyond the humor, there’s a layer of crucial awareness about safety, melding CSR with viral content in a way that only Khaby can. This reel isn’t just entertainment; it’s a public service wrapped in comedy, making it an international sensation. Who knew forgetting to unplug an iron could resonate so widely? Leave it to Khaby to make the mundane memorable and safety advice a source of smiles worldwide!

Can you hear “Carol of the Bells” outside? Because I see Aurélien Froissart playing his notes right into the sixth spot with a heartwarming twist that melted hearts worldwide, being “The CUTEST thing ever happened”. With 296 million views and counting, this reel captures a moment of pure, unscripted joy: a 9-year-old girl approaches the pianist and asks him to play the song, violin in hand. What happens next is nothing short of magical. She joins in, her small fingers dancing across the violin with surprising skill, transforming a simple performance into an enchanting duet. The chemistry between the young violinist and Aurélien, coupled with the sheer unexpectedness of her musical prowess, turns this into an internet sensation. This reel isn’t just about music; it’s about the delightful surprises that life can throw our way, capturing a moment of pure talent and shared joy that resonates with millions globally. The expertly timed close-ups and seamless transitions in the video hint at meticulous staging, but whether orchestrated or genuine, the interaction between the young violinist and Aurélien showcases a stunning display of impromptu collaboration. The reel’s charm lies in the young girl’s skilled violin play, her soft, precise movements contrasting with the crowded, lively background, creating a magical moment that resonates with viewers around the world. This delightful performance not only showcases incredible talent but also reminds us of the joy and surprise that spontaneous music can bring into our lives.

Is it just me or is that Khaby Lame again cruising into the seventh spot lane with a burst of unexpected humor? In his unique take on daily oddities, in the reel “Not all kids are funny.” that gathered a robust 272 million views, Khaby doesn’t just tickle the funny bone; he throws a spotlight on the unpredictable antics of children. In the scene, Khaby is driving when he encounters a child on a bike with his mother. As he offers a friendly wave, the child, in pure uninhibited childlike manner, responds with the less-than-charming third finger. This brief yet hilarious montage captures the unfiltered, spontaneous reactions that only children can get away with, turning a potentially awkward moment into a relatable, laugh-out-loud scenario. Khaby, with his signature expression of exaggerated bewilderment, manages to highlight the humor in these everyday exchanges without a single word. The reel not only serves as an ironic comedic short but also as a reminder of the innocent, though sometimes shocking, honesty of kids. Who knew a simple drive could deliver such a memorable and universally amusing moment? Trust Khaby to transform a routine day into viral comedic gold.

These roadtrip magazines have got it all wrong! Who says trending has to be all about hot and sexy? Not Shivanjali Porje, that’s for sure! As she steps into the eighth spot with her reel “Blink & Express” she’s flipping the script and making waves with a surprisingly adorable twist. Oh yes, she’s taken a trend that usually turns heads for its sexual appeal and transformed it into a pure, playful expression of innocence, courtesy of her youthful, baby-like features. And the result? A viral success with 260 million views! Shivanjali shows us that kids can own these trends too, without any hint of a sexual overtone, keeping it fun, attractive, and oh-so-classy. She’s redefining what it means to be trendy by proving that the charm of innocence can be just as compelling as any adult allure. This isn’t just a trend; it’s a delightful reinterpretation that’s captured hearts across the globe, making everyone a part of Shivanjali’s world. In the whirlwind of social media, as fans pour in with likes and shares, we’re not just watching another viral video; we’re witnessing a movement that celebrates youthful innocence with an adorable twist. The stage is set, the trend is alive, and yes, innocence has never looked so good!

Can you spot the cosmic reaction? It’s Mars versus Venus, because who said couple banters couldn’t hit the viral charts? Rohit Sharma proves otherwise, sliding into the #9 spot with his riotous reel, “I am So Sorry”. The name is sad indeed, but the content is far from it and extremely funny. His girlfriend theatrically threatens to toss his treasured sneakers into the abyss, countered by him holding her beloved lipstick hostage, poised for destruction. She stages a feigned throw and an actual ruin, but just as the lipstick meets its fate, the sneakers turn out to be safe and sound, leading to the boyfriend’s dramatic, heartfelt dive into an apology. This hilarious situation reflects not just the playful, sometimes ridiculous lengths couples go to in their everyday get-on-your-nerves episodes, but also the differing priorities that can spark such confrontations. With 254 million views, this reel resonated widely, tapping into the universal theme of relationship dynamics with a humor that’s as relatable as it is entertaining. The swirl of social media was quick to embrace this spectacle, not just as a laugh-out-loud moment but as a relatable slice of couple life, making everyone chuckle and perhaps nod in recognition. 

Oh dear, I love him, but we have seen a lot of him today. It’s Khaby Lame again but this time, he is wrapping up our ratings with his reel “Learn” that had everyone hitting replay, racking up 249 million views! In his signature style—wordless yet overflowing with expression—Khaby delivers a parody that hits right at the heart of social media absurdity. He mimics a lady comically squeezing through a rather spacious hallway, a perfect poke at the sometimes laughable lengths people go to for Instagram fame. This reel isn’t just a simple mockery; it’s a witty commentary on the often surreal portrayal of everyday life on social media. Khaby’s straightforwardness contrasted with the exaggerations of the original act, serves as a reminder of how ridiculous social media behaviors can appear when stripped down to their essence. His approach—silent but dripping with satire—has not only won him virality but also a permanent spot in the ranks of social media influencers whose content does more than entertain; it resonates and reflects. So, as we wrap up this list, are you ready to rethink your next Instagram post? Maybe, just maybe, Khaby’s got us all learning a little more about the simplicity of reality versus the complexity of pretense. 

And there you have it, folks—the grand tour of Instagram’s most epic reels that have captured the imagination and hearts of millions worldwide. From cinematic adventures to impromptu musical duets and the hilariously relatable antics of everyday life, each reel brings its own flavor to the vast landscape of social media entertainment. These snippets aren’t just fleeting moments of fun; they’re windows into the creative souls of their creators and a testament to the power of visual storytelling that resonates across diverse audiences.

So, as we park this road trip right here, ask yourself: What’s your next reel going to be? How will you capture the essence of your moment and maybe, just maybe, find yourself on the next top ten list? Lights, camera, action—let the reels roll and may your creativity shine as brightly as the stars in those viral night skies. Until next time, keep filming, keep sharing, and who knows? Perhaps your story might just be the next big reel to take the world by storm!