How Can I Increase My Followers on Instagram: 10 Proven Strategies for 2025

Growing your Instagram following requires specific, proven tactics that work with the platform’s current algorithm. Consistent posting generates five times more engagement than irregular posting, while delivering 36% more reach compared to standard posts. The platform now sees over two billion monthly users engaging with Reels, which earn 22% more engagement than regular videos. These statistics matter because 79% of marketers actively use Instagram to promote their businesses, making follower growth essential for monetising your account and boosting sales.

1. Optimise your Instagram profile

Your Instagram profile serves as the first impression for potential followers. Each profile element directly impacts discoverability and conversion rates — optimising these four key areas creates the foundation for sustainable follower growth.

Choose a clear username and profile picture

• Keep usernames simple and searchable — Select names that are easy to spell and remember. Skip special characters or random numbers that complicate search discovery.
• Maintain brand consistency across platforms — Use identical usernames on all social media channels. This strengthens brand recognition and helps followers locate you elsewhere.
• Match your actual brand name — Your Instagram handle should be your business name or a close variation. Direct name matching helps potential followers find you through brand searches.
• Upload recognisable profile images — Businesses should use logos as profile pictures. Personal brands work best with professional headshots. Instagram recommends 150 x 150-pixel square images, which display as circles.

Write a compelling bio with keywords

• Maximise your 150-character limit — Instagram bios restrict you to 150 characters total. The first three lines appear before users click “more” — place critical information upfront.
• Include strategic keywords — Relevant keywords help Instagram categorise your account and improve search discoverability. Chefs should include “vegan recipes” or “food blogger” — match terms your audience searches.
• Add location details — Brick-and-mortar businesses and service providers should specify locations. This helps local customers discover your account through geographic searches.
• Provide clear contact methods — Make it simple for potential clients and collaborators to reach you beyond direct messages.
• Add specific call-to-actions — Tell profile visitors exactly what to do next — follow your account, visit your website, or check your latest product.

Add a clickable link using Linktree or Linkpop

Work around Instagram’s link restriction — Instagram allows only one clickable link in your  (newer accounts get up to five). This limitation frustrates brands promoting multiple destinations.bio

Create centralised link hubs — Services like Linktree and Linkpop convert single URLs into multiple destination branches. Linktree directs followers to five different links from one compact URL.

Link tools provide key benefits:

• Connect Instagram followers to other platforms
• Direct audience to purchasable content for monetisation
• Access analytics showing which content drives engagement
• Customise landing pages matching your brand identity

Setup takes minutes — Sign up at linktree, customise your page theme and destinations, then paste the Linktree URL into Instagram’s bio website field.

Use a consistent visual theme

• Develop unified feed aesthetics — Your Instagram feed extends your brand personality.
• Visitors see multiple posts simultaneously — ensure they work together cohesively.
• Build instant brand recognition — Consistent colours, fonts, and visual elements strengthen brand recall. This makes your content immediately recognisable in feeds.
• Apply design tools systematically — Platforms like Canva offer templates to maintain visual consistency across posts. Use these to standardise your content appearance.
• Establish clear posting patterns — Curate feeds with unified purpose, goals, and themes. This demonstrates a commitment to building a consistent brand presence on Instagram.

2. Use Reels to maximise reach

Instagram Reels delivers unmatched visibility on the platform. The format generates 22% more interactions than regular video content and receives six times the reach of Instagram Stories — despite brands posting Stories five times more frequently than Reels.

Why Reels outperform other formats

• Algorithmic priority: Instagram prioritises Reels in its feed algorithm, giving them greater visibility compared to other content types
• Platform dominance: Reels now accounts for over 50% of all time spent on Instagram, making it the most engaging format available
• Extended viewing duration: Longer Instagram Reels (over 90 seconds) generate more than double the median video views compared to TikTok videos
• Massive interaction volume: Instagram Reels generate over 2 billion monthly interactions, outperforming all other video content types across social platforms

Tips for creating viral Reels

• Optimise video length strategically: Keep Reels under one minute for better performance. Research shows longer Reels (over 90 seconds) earned 8,372 median views compared to shorter formats
• Master the 3-second hook: The opening moments determine everything. Start with an intriguing question, dramatic visual, or immediate burst of energy
• Deliver clear value: Ask yourself, “What value will this video provide?” before posting. Focus on educational, informative, inspiring, entertaining, or relatable content
• Maintain production quality: Use proper lighting and high-resolution visuals. Instagram deprioritises Reels that are blurry, contain borders, or appear recycled from other apps
• Include on-screen text: Since 69% of videos are watched without sound, captions or text overlays ensure your message reaches silent viewers

Using  and challenging trending audio

• Find trending sounds: Check Instagram’s built-in leaderboard for the top 50 trending songs. Look for the upward arrow icon — Instagram’s indicator that audio is trending
• Select strategic audio: Sounds with fewer than 15,000 videos offer better ranking opportunities than those with over 100,000 videos
• Monitor cross-platform trends: Audio trending on TikTok typically appears on Instagram approximately two weeks later
• Stay brand-relevant: Participate only in trends that align with your brand — avoid jumping on popular trends just for visibility
• Sync with beats: Synchronise video transitions with music beats for a more satisfying viewer experience

Remix and Sequence features explained

• Remix functionality: Similar to TikTok’s Duet feature, Remix lets you create videos alongside another user’s Reel in various layouts
• Layout customisation: Choose from green screen, horizontal/vertical split-screen, or reaction view options
• Sequence feature: Your clip plays after the original finishes, rather than simultaneously — perfect for responding to content
• Strategic usage: Use Remix for reacting with the original video (side-by-side), and Sequence for responding to the original video (sequential play)

Master Reels now — the platform’s shift toward video content gives early adopters a significant advantage in visibility and engagement. Those who delay adapting to this format will find themselves competing for attention in an increasingly crowded space.

3. Post at the best times for engagement

Smart timing can make or break your Instagram posts. Even excellent content gets buried when posted during low-activity periods. The Instagram algorithm prioritises recency, meaning newer posts appear higher in feeds — but only if people are actually online to engage with them.

How to find your audience’s active hours

• Start with time zones — Know where your followers live. Audience location directly impacts when people scroll through Instagram.
• Study behavioural patterns — Working professionals check Instagram during commutes (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM) and lunch breaks, while younger audiences engage more during late evening hours and weekends.
• Focus on weekday patterns — Tuesday through Thursday between 11 AM and 1 PM consistently show higher engagement rates across most account types.
• Test weekend timing — Saturday mornings around 10 AM perform well, but avoid Sunday late afternoons — consistently the worst time for engagement.
• Track your results — Test different posting times over several weeks and measure engagement rates to identify your audience’s specific patterns.

Using Instagram Insights for timing

Navigate to your profile → tap the menu (≡) → select “Insights” under Professional dashboard.

• Access follower activity — Tap “Total Followers” and scroll to see when your audience stays most active online
• Toggle between days — Review daily variations to spot consistent patterns across the week
• Adjust timeframes — Use up to 90 days of data to identify longer-term audience behaviour trends
• Analyse content performance — Match your best-performing posts with their posting times to refine your strategy further

Scheduling tools to automate posting

Quick engagement after posting signals content value to Instagram, potentially extending your reach beyond immediate followers. The rewards posts that generate interaction within the first hour of publishing.

4. Use hashtags and keywords strategically

Hashtags still work as powerful discovery tools on Instagram in 2025.  significantly boosts your content’s visibility and helps you gain more followers — the key lies in knowing exactly how to use them effectively.

How hashtags improve discoverability

• Content categorisation — Hashtags organise your content into searchable categories, making it visible to users interested in specific topics
• Search functionality — When users search for or follow particular hashtags, your hashtagged content appears in their results, putting you in front of potential new followers
• Increased engagement — Posts with hashtags receive noticeably more engagement than those without, generating up to 12.6% more engagement
• Community connection — Hashtags connect you with larger conversations and communities, especially during trending topics or events
• Explore page visibility — Well-chosen hashtags can propel your content onto Instagram’s Explore page, introducing your posts to users who’ve never seen your profile before

Mixing niche and popular hashtags

• Balance is key — Instagram experts recommend using a mix of popular and niche hashtags to maximise reach while targeting specific audiences
• Popular hashtag challenges — Using only widespread hashtags (like #love or #food) puts your content at risk of getting lost among millions of similar posts
• Niche hashtag advantages — More specific hashtags (like #veganrecipes instead of just #food) target a more engaged audience and increase your chances of higher interaction
• Optimal hashtag quantity — While Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, using between 3-5 highly relevant hashtags is now considered ideal. However, some data suggests 8-12 hashtags per post might work better
• Relevance over quantity — Prioritise hashtags that truly match your content — irrelevant hashtags attract the wrong audience and can lead to poor engagement

Instagram SEO: captions, alt text, and bio

Instagram now relies heavily on language context in its search algorithms. Simply using hashtags is no longer enough — you must also weave relevant keywords into your captions, alt text, and bio to maximise discoverability.

5. Collaborate with influencers and creators

Influencer partnerships offer one of the fastest paths to Instagram growth in 2025. Research shows that 67% of consumers trust those appear honest and unbiased. This authenticity factor allows you to tap into established audiences who already trust the creator’s recommendations.

Finding the right influencer match

• Define your target audience first — Identify exactly who you want to reach before searching for influencers. This ensures you’ll partner with creators whose followers match your ideal customers.
• Prioritise values alignment over follower count — Look for influencers whose content style and brand mission naturally align with yours. Authenticity drives better results than large numbers.

Use systematic discovery methods:

• Search relevant hashtags and niche-specific terms
• Explore Instagram’s Explore page for content in your industry
• Check who engages frequently with your existing content
• Analyse competitors’ influencer partnerships for potential collaborators
• Consider strategically micro-influencers — Creators with 10,000-50,000 followers often deliver higher engagement rates and better value than celebrity influencers.

Types of collaborations that work

How to run a successful collab campaign

• Grant creative freedom — Most creators succeed because of their unique style and perspective. Since 39% of influencers rate creative control as crucial when considering brand partnerships, minimal restrictions typically produce better content.
• Set clear expectations upfront — Provide specific guidelines while allowing creative space. Include campaign goals, timelines, deliverables, and compensation details from the start.
• Structure fair compensation — Use hybrid models that combine flat fees with performance-based commissions, as most creators prefer this approach.
• Track relevant performance metrics — Measure success through engagement rates, click-throughs, conversions, and ROI. This data helps refine future collaborations and demonstrates your investment’s value.
• Build ongoing relationships — Research shows longer collaborations yield better results. Treat influencer partnerships as sustained relationships rather than single transactions for maximum follower growth impact.

6. Run giveaways to attract new followers

Giveaways work as one of the fastest ways to grow your Instagram following. Accounts that run contests see up to 70% faster follower growth compared to those that don’t. Contest posts earn roughly 64 times more comments and 3.5 times more likes than regular content.

Giveaway formats that drive engagement

• Like, comment, and follow entries — The simplest format requiring minimal effort from participants while maximising participation. Users enter by interacting with your post and following your account.
• Tag-a-friend entries — Users tag friends in comments to enter. This works as an excellent growth strategy since each tag notifies potential new followers about your account.
• Product launch promotion — New product releases provide perfect opportunities for contests. Create excitement around launches while expanding your follower base simultaneously.
• Brand partnerships — Collaborate with another brand to extend your reach automatically. The contest gets exposure to both your followers and your partner’s audience.

Rules and legal considerations

• Avoid purchase requirements — Requiring purchases to enter reclassifies your giveaway as a lottery in many jurisdictions, which requires special licensing.
• Clarify winner selection — Specify exactly how winners will be chosen (random draw vs. judging criteria) to maintain transparency.

Promoting your giveaway effectively

• Pre-announce strategically — Schedule at least two pre-announcement posts a week before your contest launch to build anticipation.
• Use multiple formats — Create attention-grabbing Reels to promote your giveaway. Videos work best for social visibility in 2025.
• Cross-promote across platforms — Share your giveaway on your website, email newsletters, and other social media accounts to maximise reach.
• Consider optimal timing — Launch on high-engagement days (Tuesday through Thursday mornings between 8-11 AM) for maximum visibility.
• Create a dedicated hashtag — Develop a unique hashtag for your giveaway to track entries and increase discoverability.

Keep giveaways short (3-5 days maximum) to maintain excitement. Announce winners publicly (with their permission) to demonstrate authenticity and keep the contest fresh in your audience’s minds — even for those who didn’t win.

7. Share user-generated content (UGC)

 (UGC) offers an authentic way to grow your Instagram following in 2025. UGC refers to any content—photos, videos, reviews, or testimonials—created by your users rather than your brand. This approach provides powerful social proof that can dramatically accelerate your Instagram growth strategy.

What is UGC, and why does it work

UGC functions as modern word-of-mouth marketing. Research shows 92% of consumers trust UGC more than traditional advertising. This trust factor exists because:

• Builds authenticity: Unlike polished brand content, UGC feels genuine and relatable to potential followers
• Creates social proof: Shows real people enjoying your products or services
• Fosters community: Sharing follower content makes them feel valued and connected
• Scales content creation: Provides fresh material without constant in-house production

How to encourage UGC from followers

• Create a branded hashtag: Develop a unique, memorable hashtag that followers can use when sharing content about your brand
• Ask directly: Sometimes the simplest approach works best—explicitly invite followers to share their experiences
• Run UGC contests: Host competitions where users must share posts featuring your product or hashtag to win prizes
• Offer incentives: Provide rewards such as discounts, free products, or public recognition for UGC contributions
• Ask questions: Use questions or polls in your captions that prompt followers to share their thoughts or photos

Best practices for reposting UGC

Sharing UGC does more than fill your content calendar—it transforms followers into active community members. When people see their content featured on your profile, they become brand advocates who naturally encourage others to follow you. Remember that 76% of consumers say they trust content from “average” people more than content from brands themselves, making UGC an invaluable tool for authentic Instagram growth.

8. Engage with your audience consistently

Building on Instagram requires more than posting great content — active engagement creates the foundation for sustainable follower growth. Consistent interaction transforms casual viewers into loyal community members who actively promote your account to their networks.

Replying to comments and DMs

• Respond within hours: Quick comment responses demonstrate attentiveness and can result in 75% of customers becoming brand loyal based on positive experiences. Set specific times during your day to check and respond to all interactions.
• Write meaningful replies: Simply liking comments doesn’t build relationships —  create genuine connections. Ask follow-up questions, share related experiences, or provide helpful information that extends the conversation.
• Prioritise direct messages: Users sending DMs often have immediate questions or collaboration interests, making these crucial touchpoints for customer service and business development. Treat DMs as priority communications.
• Engage proactively: Don’t wait for followers to find you — actively comment on posts from potential clients, engage with relevant hashtags, and interact with accounts in your niche to expand your reach.

Using polls, Q&As, and stickers in Stories

• Make Stories interactive: Interactive stickers convert passive viewers into active participants, with each interaction boosting your content’s visibility in Instagram’s algorithm. Use these tools strategically to increase engagement.
• Host Q&A sessions: Question stickers enable direct conversations with followers through “Ask Me Anything” formats, creating authentic discussions that strengthen community bonds.
• Deploy simple polls: Ask quick questions like “Coffee or tea?” that require minimal effort but maintain viewer engagement. These micro-interactions keep your audience active and invested.
• Show authentic moments: Stories provide perfect opportunities for informal interactions — share behind-the-scenes content, ask questions, and reveal the human side of your brand to increase relatability.

Creating a community, not just a following

• Foster safe environments: Create judgment-free spaces where followers feel comfortable sharing thoughts and experiences openly. This vulnerability builds stronger emotional connections with your audience.
• Include audience input: Involve your community in decisions ranging from product development to content ideas, creating stronger loyalty and investment in your brand.
• Prompt discussions: End posts with specific questions that encourage followers to share opinions and experiences in comments. This simple tactic consistently increases engagement rates.
• Engage beyond your profile: Community building extends past your account — interact with other brands, comment on trending content, and participate in conversations to showcase your personality to new audiences

9. Cross-promote your Instagram on other platforms

Promoting your Instagram profile across other platforms dramatically increases your follower count. This helps you leverage existing audiences elsewhere to grow your Instagram presence.

Where to share your Instagram handle

• Social media platforms: Promote your Instagram on TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X by mentioning your handle in posts or bios
• Website footer: Add Instagram icons in your website footer with hyperlinks to your profile
• Product pages: Many e-commerce websites highlight Instagram content directly on product pages
• Dedicated landing pages: Create specific pages showcasing your Instagram campaigns with clear follow CTAs

Embedding Instagram on your website

Embedding your Instagram feed on your website offers multiple benefits:

• Shows fresh, dynamic content that makes your site feel regularly updated
• Provides social proof through authentic user content
• Automatically updates with new posts, saving you maintenance time
• Creates a two-way promotion system where website visitors find your Instagram and Instagram users visit your site

Using email signatures and newsletters

Email remains an underutilised channel for Instagram growth:

• Include Instagram icons in employee email signatures
• Add Instagram handles to marketing emails with compelling visuals
• Create specific CTAs in newsletters, inviting subscribers to follow your account
• Share exclusive Instagram content previews in emails to drive traffic to your profile

10. Track performance and adjust your strategy

Measuring your Instagram growth ensures you focus energy on tactics that actually work. Without proper tracking, you’re essentially flying blind — unable to distinguish between strategies that drive real follower growth and those that waste your time.

Using Instagram Insights effectively

• Access your analytics: Navigate to your profile, tap the hamburger menu (≡) in the top right, then select “Insights”
• Choose relevant timeframes: Select custom date ranges within the past 90 days to identify performance trends and patterns
• Filter your content library: Sort posts by content type and performance metrics to spot which formats generate the most engagement
• Review Story performance: Swipe up on individual Stories to view completion rates, exits, and interaction data

Key metrics to monitor

Tools for deeper analytics and reporting

Instagram’s built-in Insights provide basic data but limit you to 90 days of historical information. For serious growth tracking, consider these third-party options:

• Sprout Social: Connects multiple social platforms and automatically calculates engagement rates across all your accounts
• Social Status: Features separate dashboards for organic content, paid ads, and competitor analysis
• Metricool: Delivers comprehensive metrics on individual post performance and detailed audience demographics

Regular performance analysis helps you identify successful content patterns, optimise posting schedules, and allocate resources toward strategies that genuinely increase your follower count. Track your metrics weekly, then adjust your approach based on actual data rather than assumptions.

Key Takeaways

Master these proven strategies to transform your Instagram presence and build a thriving community of engaged followers in 2025.

• Optimise your profile completely – Use clear usernames, compelling bios with keywords, and consistent visual themes to create a professional first impression that converts visitors into followers.
• Prioritise Instagram Reels for maximum reach – Reels generate 22% more engagement and 6x the reach of Stories, making them essential for visibility and growth.
• Engage authentically with your community – Respond to comments quickly, use interactive Story features, and build genuine relationships rather than just broadcasting content.
• Cross-promote strategically across platforms – Leverage your existing audiences on other social media, websites, and email to drive Instagram growth through multi-channel promotion.
• Track performance and adjust tactics – Use Instagram Insights and third-party analytics to identify what works, then double down on successful strategies while eliminating ineffective ones.

Conclusion

Instagram follower growth depends on executing proven strategies consistently rather than hoping for viral moments. The ten methods above work because they align with how Instagram’s algorithm actually prioritises content in 2025.

Start with profile optimisation — your username, bio, and visual consistency create the foundation for everything else. Move next to Reels creation, since this format delivers the highest reach potential on the platform. Add strategic hashtag use and optimal posting times to amplify your content’s visibility.

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