18 viral Instagram Reels made by beauty spas

These Instagram Reels produced by simple beauty spas are all great examples of how simple ideas, when done right, can go viral.

You will see, and maybe you will be surprised, but it's almost never about showing perfect facials or neatly arranged skincare products. That's too boring for IG users. You need to hook them with something else when they scroll their Reels.

In most of the examples below, they use relatable spa scenarios, funny client-staff interactions, or smart little surprises that feel authentic, even if they're staged. It's enough to make people smile or laugh.

You can learn from them, and also, you should know that if you're stuck on IG and you need us to take a look at your account, we can do it.

The Goplace Check-In Paradox, 3M+ views

In this Reel from Goplace, a luxury 5-star leisure club and spa, we see a customer going through a check-in process where the receptionist repeatedly warns "Don't lose this card" with increasing seriousness.

But, right after, we see the turnstile immediately taking the card when inserted.

The hook here is the expectation subversion. The video builds tension through those repeated warnings about the card's importance, making viewers curious about what will happen. This creates a strong narrative hook that keeps people watching until the end … very good for the “watch time”

It’s one of the classic viral formats we have noticed.

This psychological trigger of setting up rules and then breaking them boosts watch time and retention rate, because viewers become invested in the outcome.

When the card gets "lost" to the turnstile immediately after such warnings, it delivers a perfect comedic punchline that triggers likes and shares.

For your spa, think about using similar expectation-building moments with a surprise twist. Build tension or expectations, then flip the script in a way that's refreshing and unexpected. Make sure it's concise, with good pacing so viewers stay engaged through the payoff.

The Escalating Feast, 0.6M+ views

This one is interesting because it’s not centered around the treatments but the restaurant part of the spa. It’s a good idea because food is very visual on Instagram.

This Reel from Goplace shows a waiter first jokingly presenting just a bowl of miso soup when a customer asks for "Japanese food," then progressively bringing more impressive dishes, ending with luxury Wagyu beef.

The hook is the initial playful deception followed by an escalation of rewards. The waiter's miso soup gag works as a pattern interrupt, immediately piquing curiosity. His quick admission that he's joking prevents viewer frustration while building rapport.

We always see this kind of pattern when we study and decrypt viral content.

Each dish becomes more impressive than the last, creating a dopamine-releasing loop for viewers. This "what's next?" anticipation significantly boosts watch time and retention rate, as viewers want to see how far the escalation goes.

The Scary Laser, 13M+ views

🧨 Read our detailed analysis of this viral content here

This Instagram Reel by LaserAway starts with a strange image — a razor from a first-person view, like it's alive — and turns into a fast, funny horror chase scene. That’s the hook. You stop scrolling because it’s weird. You keep watching because it keeps getting weirder.

The woman in the video acts like the razor is a killer. She runs down the street, throws off her jacket, wraps herself in a towel, and hides in a treatment room — where the “hero” is a calm technician holding a laser hair removal device. The message is clear: ditch the razor, switch to laser. But instead of saying it, they show it as a joke.

This works because it takes a boring, daily problem — shaving — and makes it dramatic. That contrast makes it fun. It also plays with a common emotion: the frustration of shaving over and over. That makes it relatable, so people feel something and want to share it. It’s like saying “ugh, shaving sucks” but in a funny, visual way.

The pacing is fast, the acting is silly, the music adds pressure. These things boost watch time. You want to see how it ends. That helps with retention rate. Plus, it feels like a skit from your feed, not a polished ad, so it fits in naturally with other Reels.

For your restaurant, the lesson is: take a small, shared problem and turn it into a big, silly story. Use a clear emotion (fear, joy, stress) and exaggerate it. Pick a style people recognize — like a horror scene, rom-com, or action movie — and play it out in your space. That makes your content stick, and gets people to rewatch, comment, and share.

The Japanese Head Spa, 1.4M+ views

In this viral Reel from LOCALS, we see a woman receiving a Japanese head spa treatment, immediately posed with the question "Why does every girl in Moscow dream of getting this procedure?"

This creates an immediate curiosity gap and sense of exclusivity that hooks viewers. The Reel then shows you various unique tools and techniques: round massage tools, pink cryospheres, the distinctive "golden arc" shower head, facial massage, scalp peeling, and more.

The novelty of the tools, especially the eye-catching "golden arc," drives virality. We have noticed that people share content that looks different and intriguing. The 12-step process keeps viewers watching to see each new technique, boosting retention rates.

For your beauty spa, highlight your most visually unique tools or techniques. Create curiosity by posing questions that imply exclusivity or high demand, and show a multi-step process that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.

A Viral Waxing Tease, 2.6M+ views

This brief Reel from DALLAS ESTHETICIAN + EDUCATOR shows a close-up of a waxing stick being coated and inserted into someone's nostril, with the text "I think I'm losing my mind" overlaid, but crucially, it cuts off before showing the wax being pulled out.

The unresolved tension is the biggest driver of engagement here.

By not showing the wax pull, it creates a strong curiosity gap that compels viewers to rewatch, comment asking for "part 2," or tag friends.

The extreme brevity (just six seconds) encourages rewatches and high completion rates, which are strong positive signals to the algorithm. The slightly uncommon or uncomfortable procedure acts as a pattern interrupt, stopping the scroll.

For your spa, consider creating short-form cliffhangers that tease a satisfying treatment without showing the final result. This drives engagement through comments and shares as people demand to see the conclusion.

The Allure of the "Brain Detox", 1.4M+ views

This Reel from Jillian Gottlieb opens with "come with me to get a brain detox" at a "hidden gem" spa in Brooklyn, showing various steps of this unique 90-minute treatment targeting neck tension and TMJ issues.

The term "Brain Detox" is the strongest hook here - unusual, slightly medical-sounding but in a spa context. It immediately piques curiosity about what this treatment entails. The creator's vulnerability in admitting she "felt like she was going to cry" adds authenticity.

The Reel is well-paced with quick cuts showing different stages of the treatment, maintaining engagement. The inclusion of practical details like location, duration, and price answers viewer questions proactively, reducing basic information queries.

For your spa content, use intriguing, unique treatment names that create curiosity, then break down the experience step by step with personal reactions that feel authentic and relatable. Include practical details to make the content both aspirational and actionable.

The "Spa Day with Bestie", 1M+ views

This Reel from Katie Alarcon shows two friends enjoying a spa day at AKIRA Spa & wellness, with text overlay stating "You're not stressed, you just need to go to a spa day with your bestie" throughout the video.

The primary driver of engagement is the blend of relatability and aspiration. The text immediately addresses a common problem (stress) and reframes it as simply "missing" a desirable experience. This hooks viewers by validating feelings while offering an appealing solution.

The social connection element is a powerful trigger for shares and comments. Viewers tag friends, DM the video, or comment about wanting to replicate the experience. The pacing creates a mini-narrative from anticipation to enjoyment.

For your spa, create content that frames your services as solutions to common problems and emphasize the social aspect of the experience. Show the progression from arrival to relaxation with a clear before/after emotional state.

Elaborate Hair Spa Ritual, 11M+ views

In this mega-viral Reel from headspasavanna, we see a woman lying in a salon basin with her hair and face covered in pink foam adorned with heart-shaped gems and glitter. A red liquid is poured over her, followed by a scalp massage.

The over-the-top visual presentation is the main hook here. The elaborate setup with colored foam, decorative elements, and the dramatic red liquid pour creates an immediately eye-catching scene that stops scrollers in their tracks.

The text overlay "Don't tell her. Show her. 💌😍🌹" suggests a romantic gesture, adding an emotional layer that drives shares and tags between couples. The changing colored lights underneath the basin add visual dynamism.

For your spa, consider creating visually spectacular setups that go beyond typical treatments. Add unexpected decorative elements, vibrant colors, or dramatic presentation techniques that make viewers stop and stare.

A Japanese Head Spa ASMR Experience, 2.4M+ views

This Reel from SPA CAPILAR JAPONES shows a client receiving a multi-sensory head spa treatment with various tools: chilled glass globes, wooden combs, crystal gua sha tools, and a distinctive circular "halo" shower with colored lights.

The ASMR quality is the strongest draw here, with crisp sounds from different tools being introduced near the microphone before application. The visual of the circular "halo" shower with LED lights is particularly unique and memorable.

The variety of specialized tools maintains curiosity throughout, as viewers wonder what each one does. The steady pacing with each new tool creates mini-hooks that keep viewers watching, boosting retention rates.

For your spa, showcase unique tools and equipment, especially those with distinctive sounds or unusual designs. Layer different sensory elements to create an immersive ASMR-like experience that satisfies viewers' curiosity.

The Synchronized Salon Serenity, 61M+ views

This massively viral Reel from Head Spa Beauty shows multiple clients receiving hair treatments simultaneously, with changing colored LED lights in the basin and careful attention to each step of the process.

The multi-sensory ASMR quality combined with "oddly satisfying" visuals drives engagement. The gentle sounds of water, soft lathering, and visual of smooth, deliberate movements trigger relaxation responses in viewers.

The novelty of the LED-lit basins and the synchronized treatment of multiple clients adds visual interest and social proof. This visual harmony keeps viewers watching, boosting retention rates.

For your spa, consider filming synchronized treatments or services with multiple clients to create visually harmonious content. Incorporate elements like colored lighting that add visual dynamism while maintaining a relaxing atmosphere.

Swiss Serenity, 1.5M+ views

This Reel from Steffi shows a woman in an infinity pool gazing at a stunning mountain vista, with text suggesting "It seems this is the most beautiful SPA in Switzerland..."

The aspirational escapism is the primary driver here. The breathtaking location with snow-capped mountains and clear water immediately transports viewers to a serene, luxurious environment, triggering powerful "wish fulfillment."

The text acts as a curiosity hook by being a suggestion rather than a definitive statement, inviting viewers to form their own opinion. This subtle challenge increases watch time and encourages comments like "Where is this?" or "I need to go here!"

For your spa, showcase your most visually striking features or views. Use text that suggests exclusivity or poses questions that invite engagement. Keep the human element minimal so viewers can easily project themselves into the scene.

A Turkish Bath Escape, 5.5M+ views

This Reel from ɢᴜʟsᴇʀᴇɴ ᴋɪɴᴀʟɪ opens with two women jumping excitedly in front of AMETHYST HOTEL, with text stating "If you can't go to therapy, go to the hamam" and listing the package details and price.

The initial hook is extremely effective - it acknowledges a common need (mental well-being) and offers a tangible, indulgent alternative. This immediately creates relatability while positioning the spa experience as a solution.

The rapid cuts between different activities (foam bath, massage, sauna, pool) maximize information density and keep viewers engaged. The presence of friends enjoying themselves adds social proof and makes the experience feel attainable.

For your spa, frame your services as solutions to common problems like stress or mental fatigue. Use fast-paced editing with multiple activities shown quickly, and include clear price information to make the experience feel accessible.

The Horizontal Hydro-Therapy Experience, 3.1M+ views

This Reel from N I K K I shows a woman trying a Vichy shower, lying on a massage table while multiple water jets rain down on her body, covered by a colorful sheet.

The novelty and curiosity gap drive engagement here. Most viewers have never seen a "Vichy Shower" before, prompting them to watch and discover what it entails. The unusual setup is visually distinct from typical spa treatments.

The creator's authentic reactions, especially her surprised "Ooo it's FREEZING!!" comment about the cold water, make the experience feel genuine and unscripted. This authenticity fosters connection and increases shareability.

For your spa, showcase your most unusual or unfamiliar treatments. Include authentic reactions from clients that break the "perfect spa" portrayal and add human interest. Balance relaxation with moments of surprise to keep viewer attention.

The Indulgent Pedicure Journey, 1.6M+ views

This Reel from Yanny B Nails shows an elaborate, multi-stage pedicure process with specialized tools, products, and techniques including paraffin wax, heated booties, and facial steamers for the feet.

The comprehensiveness of the treatment shown drives engagement. It's not just a quick polish but a multi-stage ritual with each new step adding intrigue. The close-up shots highlight the skill involved and satisfy viewers' desire for detail.

The "oddly satisfying" quality of the meticulous work combined with the transformation narrative keeps eyes glued to the screen. The sheer luxury depicted offers a vicarious experience that feels aspirational yet accessible.

For your spa, break down elaborate treatments into distinct steps to showcase your expertise and attention to detail. Use close-up shots of techniques that are visually satisfying, and show the complete transformation for a satisfying conclusion.

Couples' Spa Day Montage, 1.2M+ views

This Reel from SPA Kamarim shows a couple enjoying various spa treatments together, from hair washing to massages and pedicures, with the text "POV: you and your boy came to relax with us."

The POV framing immediately positions viewers within the narrative, inviting them to project themselves and their partner into this luxurious scenario. This direct address significantly boosts initial hook and retention.

The sequence of activities creates a mini-narrative arc, compelling viewers to watch through to see the "full" experience. The final scene of the couple toasting during their foot soak triggers a sense of "relationship goals" that drives shares between partners.

For your spa, create content that showcases couples or friends enjoying treatments together. Use POV framing to help viewers imagine themselves in the experience, and show multiple services to present a complete package rather than a single treatment.

The Hammam Leaf & Foam Exfoliation, 9.7M+ views

This Reel from Banya No. 1 shows a person covered in an almost comically abundant amount of foam, being scrubbed with leafy branches by a spa attendant.

The visual hyperbole of the excessive foam creates an immediate, strong hook. It's not a standard amount of soap - it's an immersive, cloud-like experience that grabs attention and stops the scroll.

The "oddly satisfying" quality of the rhythmic scrubbing motion combined with the foam manipulation is mesmerizing. The exotic nature of the treatment using leafy branches instead of standard tools piques curiosity and keeps viewers engaged.

For your spa, don't be afraid to exaggerate visual elements for impact. Show treatments that look unusual or use unexpected tools, and capture genuine client reactions to build authenticity and emotional connection.

Nail Salon Serenade, 20M+ views

This massively viral Reel from Herbalnails Spa captures a woman enthusiastically lip-syncing to a Vietnamese pop song during her manicure, looking directly at the camera with expressive joy.

The authentic, infectious joy is the main driver here. Her genuine enthusiasm and uninhibited enjoyment create strong emotional contagion that makes viewers feel good and keeps them watching.

The relatability of the setting (nail salon) combined with the unexpected performance creates a pattern interrupt that generates surprise and amusement. Her direct-to-camera gaze creates a perceived personal connection with each viewer.

For your spa, capture spontaneous, joyful moments that show personality and emotion. Don't just focus on the treatments themselves - the human element and authentic reactions often create the most shareable content.

The "Surreal Spa" Snippet, 0.8M+ views

This Reel from Katherine Palumbo showcases Ontario's "most surreal day spa" with rapid-fire cuts between different unique environments: salt caves with orange lighting, blue-lit caves, green agate saunas, futuristic pods, and red light therapy rooms.

The curiosity gap created by the "most surreal" claim combined with the rapid visual proof drives engagement. Each 1-2 second clip presents a new, intriguing scene, preventing viewer fatigue and creating a constant sense of discovery.

The rapid-fire editing style showcasing diverse and visually distinct environments in quick succession is crucial for high retention. The aspirational quality of these unusual, luxurious spaces taps into desires for novel experiences.

For your spa, use quick cuts between your most visually distinctive spaces or treatments to create a sense of variety and discovery. Make bold, intriguing claims that you then visually substantiate to build curiosity and credibility simultaneously.

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