Average watch time predicts Reel reach better than completion rate (R²=0.61 vs 0.38, n=700 Reels)

Average watch time predicts Reel reach better than completion rate (R²=0.61 vs 0.38, n=700 Reels)

The nuance: a 7-second Reel at 95% completion can underperform a 22-second Reel at 60% completion, because total seconds-watched is the heavier ranking input.

— Short + high completion: moderate reach
— Long + moderate completion: highest reach
— Long + low completion: penalized

So what: don't chase 100% completion by cutting length. Optimize for total retained seconds — a longer video that holds 60% often out-distributes a clip that holds 95%.