Gaining followers on Instagram requires a combination of creativity, consistency, and strategy. Here are proven strategies to help you grow your follower base organically and effectively:
1. Optimize Your Profile
Your profile is the first thing users see, so make it attractive and professional:
Profile Picture: Use a clear, high-quality image (logo for brands, face for individuals).
Bio: Keep it concise and engaging; highlight what you offer. Use emojis and a call-to-action (e.g., “Follow for daily tips!”).
Link: Add a link to your website, blog, or Linktree for multiple links.
2. Post High-Quality, Engaging Content
Aesthetic: Maintain a consistent theme, color palette, or style.
Reels and Videos: Instagram prioritizes video content. Use short, engaging reels to attract viewers.
Captions: Write meaningful or witty captions. Include a call-to-action (e.g., “Tag a friend who needs to see this!”).
Frequency: Post consistently (2–4 times per week).
3. Use Hashtags Strategically
Use relevant hashtags to make your posts discoverable. Mix popular and niche hashtags.
Example: For a fitness post, use a mix like #FitnessMotivation (#popular) and #BeginnerWorkouts (#niche).
Research trending hashtags in your niche using tools like Hashtagify or Instagram’s search bar.
4. Leverage Instagram Reels and Trends
Follow and recreate trending reel ideas in your niche.
Keep reels short (7–15 seconds) and engaging.
Add trending music or sounds to boost reach.
5. Engage with Your Audience
Reply to comments and DMs to build relationships with followers.
Like and comment on posts in your niche to increase visibility.
Use interactive stickers (polls, quizzes, Q&A) in stories to encourage participation.
6. Collaborate with Influencers and Brands
Partner with influencers or creators in your niche to tap into their audience.
Host giveaways with brands to encourage followers to tag friends and follow you.
7. Utilize Instagram Stories
Post behind-the-scenes content, updates, or polls in your stories.
Use geo-tags, stickers, and GIFs to make stories fun and interactive.
Highlight your best stories into organized Story Highlights for new visitors.
8. Run Instagram Ads
Use targeted ads to reach specific audiences.
Experiment with different ad formats: photo, video, carousel, or story ads.
Start with a small budget and analyze performance to refine campaigns.
9. Cross-Promote on Other Platforms
Share your Instagram content on other social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.).
Embed your Instagram feed or posts on your website or blog.
Ask your existing audience on YouTube, TikTok, or Pinterest to follow you on Instagram.
10. Post at Optimal Times
Analyze when your audience is most active and post during those times.
Use Instagram Insights (for business accounts) to track audience behavior.
Ideal times generally include:
Weekdays: 11 AM–1 PM and 7–9 PM
Weekends: Morning (9–11 AM)
11. Run Contests and Giveaways
Example of a giveaway:
“Win a free product! To enter:
Follow this account.
Like this post.
Tag 3 friends in the comments.”
This encourages engagement and exposes your account to a wider audience.
12. Use User-Generated Content (UGC)
Share content created by your followers that features your brand or product (with their permission).
Example: Repost customer photos with a branded hashtag like #MyBrandStory.
13. Stay Consistent with Posting
Frequency: Post consistently without overwhelming followers.
Use scheduling tools like Later, Hootsuite, or Buffer to plan and maintain regular posts.
14. Monitor Analytics
Use Instagram Insights to track performance and understand what content resonates most with your audience.
Focus on metrics like reach, engagement, and follower growth.
15. Create Shareable Content
Focus on posts that users want to share with their friends (e.g., memes, motivational quotes, or tips).
Example: Infographics or carousel posts with valuable insights.
16. Leverage Trending Challenges
Participate in challenges related to your niche (e.g., #30DayFitnessChallenge).
Create your own branded challenge to encourage audience participation.
17. Build a Community
Create a unique hashtag for your brand and encourage followers to use it.
Join and engage with communities in your niche to grow organically.
18. Avoid Fake Followers
Avoid buying followers as it decreases engagement rates and credibility.
Focus on growing organically for a loyal and engaged audience.
19. Highlight Testimonials and Reviews
Post testimonials, reviews, or success stories from customers to build trust and credibility.
20. Be Patient and Persistent
Building a following takes time and effort. Consistency, creativity, and genuine engagement will ultimately pay off.
Examples of Success Stories
Gymshark: Grew their Instagram following by posting workout tips, engaging reels, and partnering with fitness influencers.
National Geographic: Shares stunning visuals and stories, engaging millions daily.
Drunk Elephant (Skincare): Uses creative content and interactive posts to boost engagement.
Here are some proven tactics to win followers on Instagram..
Partner With Micro-Influencers To Attract More Followers on Instagram
When it comes to how to get more Instagram followers, you need to create an effective influencer campaign strategy. There is no better way to achieve this without partnering with micro-influencers. Instagram micro-influencers are people who are trusted by their followers and working with them could open you up to a new audience. Of course, micro-influencers have an awesome engagement rate.
Created a Dedicated Hashtag and Cross-Promote It
Branded, dedicated or custom hashtags are a powerful tool to get more Instagram followers. When people interact with your branded hashtag, it would be easier for them to follow you. Branded hashtags are good as they don’t make you sound too promotional. Also, make sure you cross-promote your branded hashtags.
Take Advantage of Video
People love video content and that’s why many brands are embracing the use of long-form video content for IGTV. So, it’s safe to say a video is here to stay. The good thing is that the recent changes allow you to align your Instagram followers with your IGTV content.
Cross-Promote Your Instagram Content on Other Platforms
Chances are that you have other online accounts apart from your Instagram. You can also take advantage of these accounts to get more Instagram followers as well. Your website, YouTube, Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook followers could also follow your Instagram account only when you make them know about it and there is no better way to do this than to cross-promote your content. This could help you gain new followers or those who already follow your other accounts.
Tell Instagram Stories
This unique content type allows you to share intimate photos and videos with your audience that will only remain active for a limited time. You can use Instagram Stories to connect with your followers and to make your content more visible. Many brands use Instagram Stories to host Q&A sessions, to give behind-the-scenes looks at their creative processes, and to share day-in-the-life vignettes.
Consider Instagram Advertising
Instagram advertising is not free, but it can actually become lucrative if your cost to acquire a customer exceeds the amount you spend on advertising. That’s an incredible ROI. It will work out like that every time, but learning how to advertise effectively on Instagram could help you garner more followers – and, more importantly, more customers.
Here are some effective strategies to win followers on Instagram:
1. Optimize Your Profile
Clear Username: Choose a memorable and relevant username.
Compelling Bio: Write a concise bio that explains who you are and what you offer. Include keywords and emojis.
Profile Picture: Use a high-quality image that represents your brand or personality.
2. Create High-Quality Content
Visual Appeal: Use high-quality images and videos. Maintain a consistent aesthetic that reflects your brand.
Engaging Captions: Write interesting captions that encourage interaction. Ask questions or include calls-to-action.
3. Post Consistently
Regular Schedule: Establish a consistent posting schedule to keep your audience engaged. Aim for at least a few times a week.
4. Use Relevant Hashtags
Research Hashtags: Use a mix of popular and niche-specific hashtags to increase visibility.
Limit the Number: Stick to around 5-10 relevant hashtags per post.
5. Engage with Your Audience
Respond to Comments: Engage with followers by responding to their comments and messages promptly.
Like and Comment: Interact with posts from accounts in your niche to increase visibility and build relationships.
6. Leverage Instagram Stories and Reels
Use Stories: Share behind-the-scenes content, polls, and questions to engage followers.
Create Reels: Utilize Reels to tap into trending content and reach a wider audience.
7. Collaborate with Others
Influencer Partnerships: Collaborate with influencers or brands in your niche to reach their audience.
Shoutouts: Participate in shoutout exchanges with other users to grow your follower base.
8. Promote Your Account
Cross-Promotion: Share your Instagram handle on other social media platforms, your website, and email newsletters.
Run Contests or Giveaways: Encourage people to follow you for a chance to win something valuable.
9. Utilize Instagram Ads
Promote Your Posts: Consider using Instagram Ads to reach a broader audience and gain followers.
10. Monitor Analytics
Track Performance: Use Instagram Insights to monitor which content performs best and adjust your strategy accordingly.
11. Stay Authentic
Be Yourself: Authenticity resonates with audiences. Share your personality and genuine experiences.
12. Stay Updated on Trends
Follow Trends: Keep an eye on current trends and challenges to create timely and relevant content.
By consistently applying these strategies, you can effectively grow your Instagram following and build a strong, engaged community.