How to Get More Followers on Instagram

The best things in life are free, but when it comes to Instagram followers and gaining their trust, you have to put in the work. People can spot you from miles away when you're lying or trying to win followers through fake tactics. If you want to build your brand, authenticity is key, and you must live up to your followers' expectations. One lousy word and your whole IG page gets ruined.

And let's not forget that there's the risk of censorship and getting banned as well. So, how do you get more Instagram followers the legit way? How do you make sure you get everything right? And how do you plan and schedule your posts so that you can see increases in your traffic, sales, and engagement? In this guide, we'll give you the complete breakdown. Let's get started.

Tips on How to Get More Followers on Instagram in 2025

Here are the best tips on how to get more followers on Instagram. Try them out (they will work for you):

1. Know Your Why

Unless you're Justin Bieber or Kim Kardashian, just know that word of mouth isn't usually enough when building an Instagram page. The theme of your business is significant. It doesn't matter whether you're starting an Instagram influencer page, creating a brand, or just wanting to connect with followers and get to know more people. You have to be thoughtful of your Instagram marketing strategy. 

One of the best ways to gain followers on Instagram is to start with a clear action plan. Getting more Instagram followers is a great starting point, but you also need to know the reason why:

• Why exactly do you want more followers?
• What do you hope to accomplish? 
• What can people gain from you by giving your IG account a follow?

The answers to these questions are key to gaining more traffic.

2. Identify Your Ideal Followers 

When you start your IG page, the first step is identifying your target audience and their demographics. Where do your ideal followers live? What do they do for work? How do they use Instagram? What are their pain points and challenges? 

You must identify those kinds of followers and ensure your vision aligns with their philosophies. If you can start here, you will be able to craft compelling content that can connect with them, which means they are most likely to give you a follow. It will also help you consistently deliver content and keep your followers engaged in the long run.

You don't have to be a genius or the most creative influencer when creating content. The key to making good content is to ensure consistent brand stories and maintain your aesthetic. Your followers should recognize your brand identity. 

So, work on crafting a unique personality and look. It should be recognizable at first glance. A good example is Athlean X. He starts his fitness videos similarly; the lighting and camera angles are similar, and the shots are consistent. 

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His fitness explainer videos are presented similarly. His tutorials are well structured, so people follow him because of his good fitness advice. You will notice patterns like this for every big Instagram account. They do the right things more often and avoid the wrong ones. Refrain from crowding your content with clutter. Keep it simple, keep it you, transition smoothly, and maintain consistency.

3. Design an Aesthetic Instagram Feed Grid

One of the best ways to catch attention is to create a visually aesthetic Instagram grid. Your Instagram photos must be high-quality and visually engaging, and they should also work well together when laid out.

Look at this Instagram shoutout page and how it laid out the content. Monos is another excellent example of a luggage company that features a main feed with a beautiful minimalist aesthetic. There are many creative ways to do this, and if you run out of ideas, you can work with an Instagram graphic designer or a layout designer.

4. Focus on YOUR Instagram SEO

Instagram SEO is one of the best ways to improve visibility and reach. If you get your Instagram SEO strategy right, the chances of your account showing up on the Explorer pages increase significantly. This strategy involves keyword research and optimizing your Instagram bio and content to match those keywords.

There are many hot Instagram SEO techniques you can use. You can use some paid tools like SEMrush to do deep SEO research. But when it comes to the basics, authority and value are key. You should also optimize according to audio, places, reels, and hashtags.

Your Instagram SEO should make it easier for the algorithm to scrape your content and locate your account. However, if your SEO tactics are wrong, you could risk getting shadow-banned, so you must be careful.

Your Instagram bio should provide context for human visitors and bots returning search results. When choosing a handle and profile name, include terms people search for in accounts like yours. Your brand name is more likely to be found if it is catchy and well-known.

Try our business name generator and get an Instagram SEO name in a few minutes. Also, add alt text to your pictures and videos. This will make the content accessible to those with visual impairments. Instagram can also better understand what's in the content and rank it accordingly. It will also make it relevant to specific search queries and make your account more straightforward to find.

5. Master the Art of Writing Engaging Captions

Captions are the gateway to interaction. Think of them as your conversation starter. Good captions pull people in, while bad ones push them away. Here are a few examples:

Good Captions:

• "Had a latte this morning that tasted like a hug in a cup. What's your go-to coffee order? ☕❤️"
• "Lost track of time binge-watching The Office. Who else relates? 🕰️ #NetflixAndProcrastinate"
• "Turned my side hustle into a full-time dream. How are you chasing your goals this year?"

What makes these captions suitable? They spark emotions, ask questions, and use a personal tone. They feel human.

Bad Captions:

• "Coffee. Life. Work."
• "Today was nice. #blessed"
• "Check out my new post."

Why do these fail? They need to be more generic and compelling and give the audience no reason to engage. Brainstorm captions by asking: What emotion or action do I want to evoke?

A tip: Avoid copying captions from big accounts. Instead, find inspiration, tweak the tone, and make it uniquely yours.

6. Watermark Your Content to Protect Your Brand

A watermark is your digital signature. But placement is crucial. Here's how to do it right:

• Where should you place watermarks? Ideally, in a corner that doesn't distract from the content but is hard to crop out. For photos, try the bottom right. For videos, integrate the watermark subtly in transitions.
• Playing with opacity: Keep the watermark visible but not overpowering. A 30-50% opacity often works well.
• Hidden watermarks: Some brands, like luxury fashion houses, embed faint logos within textures to deter theft while maintaining aesthetics.

Tools like Canva let you customize size, font, and transparency to match your branding. Pro tip: Rotate your watermark design occasionally to keep content fresh and unpredictable.

7. Use Memes and Shareable Infographics

Have you ever laughed at the “Why is no one talking about this?” meme template? Memes like these thrive because they're universally relatable. 

Here are a few trending examples:

• “Spongebob’s Imagination” meme brands use to highlight outlandish product ideas.
• “Leonardo DiCaprio Laughing” meme, often shared during relatable moments of triumph.

Pair memes with shareable infographics. For example, a fitness brand could post “5 stretches to relieve back pain” with a fun meme about work-from-home struggles. This mix of humor and value grabs attention while staying relevant.

8. Host Q&A Sessions to Build Engagement

Engagement is a two-way street, and Q&A sessions put your audience in the driver’s seat. Use the “Ask Me a Question” sticker in Instagram Stories to let followers ask anything.

Ideas for Q&A sessions:

• Personal: “What inspired you to start your brand?”
• Industry tips: “Best strategies for growing an IG account?”
• Fun: “What’s your guilty pleasure Netflix show?”

Repost interesting questions to your Stories with detailed answers. This builds rapport and encourages followers to look forward to more sessions.

9. Ride the Wave of Trending Topics Without Losing Authenticity

Jumping on trends is a great way to amplify your reach, but staying authentic is essential. Trending topics like Dalgona Coffee or “How It Started vs. How It’s Going” can attract attention, but not every trend fits every brand.

How to Spot Relevant Trends:

• Use Instagram's Explore page to see what’s popular.
• Follow hashtags like #TrendingNow or #ViralChallenge in your niche.
• Analyze whether a trend aligns with your brand. A travel account can join a sunrise photography trend, but participating in a viral dance challenge might feel off-brand.

Example of Smart Trend Usage:

• A pet supply store could create a “How It Started vs. How It’s Going” post showing a puppy’s growth journey using their products.

Balance Virality and Relevance: Trends can help you stand out, but overusing them may dilute your brand. Stick to a 70/30 rule: 70% evergreen content and 30% trend-driven.

10. Make the Most of Instagram Stories to Engage Daily

Instagram Stories are perfect for connecting with your audience daily. Their 24-hour lifespan encourages spontaneous, authentic content. Here’s how to make them count:

Ideas for Stories:

• Use polls (“Which product do you love more? A or B?”) for quick feedback.
• Share behind-the-scenes clips like packaging orders or team brainstorming sessions.
• Post countdowns for product launches or special events.

Close Friends Strategy:
Offering exclusive content to your Close Friends list, like discounts or sneak peeks, builds loyalty. Access can be charged if the value is clear (e.g., a $5/month VIP subscription for exclusive tutorials).

Example: A bakery could create a list of Close Friends for loyal customers to share new recipes before anyone else.

11. Collaborate with Influencers for Authentic Growth

Teaming up with influencers can introduce your brand to new audiences, but authenticity is key. Choose influencers who genuinely align with your values. 

Finding the Right Influencers:

• Use platforms like Upfluence or search Instagram manually. Look for micro-influencers (10k-50k followers) with niche audiences but high engagement rates.
• Check for authenticity by analyzing their comments and follower interactions.

Example of Collaboration:

• A fitness influencer could showcase your eco-friendly yoga mats in their workout routines. A giveaway (“Win this yoga mat set! Follow me and [your brand].”) could amplify the partnership's reach.

Pro Tip: Avoid over-reliance on paid promotions. Combine organic shoutouts and genuine partnerships to maintain credibility. You can ask OrangePeanut for more advice on teaming up.

12. Create a Hashtag Strategy That Works Like a Charm

Hashtags are more than just tags—they’re your ticket to discoverability. Here’s how to maximize their impact:

Types of Hashtags:

• Popular Hashtags: Broad terms like #FitnessGoals or #OOTD attract large audiences but face high competition.
• Niche Hashtags: Specific terms like #SustainableFashion or #MinimalistDecor connect with targeted audiences.
• Branded Hashtags: Encourage followers to use your custom hashtag, like #MadeWithXYZ.

How to Use Hashtags:

• Mix 5-10 hashtags, balancing popular and niche tags.
• Rotate hashtags for different posts to avoid shadowbanning.
• Analyze which hashtags drive engagement using tools like Hashtagify.

Example of a Branded Hashtag in Action:
A skincare brand could create #GlowWithXYZ and encourage customers to post before-and-after shots using their products.

13. Plan and Schedule Posts to Stay Consistent Without Stress

Consistency is the backbone of Instagram success, and planning posts ensures you stay on track. A content calendar simplifies this process:

How to Plan Your Content:

1. Create a monthly content calendar with themes like “Motivation Monday” or “Throwback Thursday.”
2. Use scheduling tools like Planoly or Buffer to automate post times.
3. Leave space for real-time content like trend participation or breaking news.

Example Content Mix:

• Inspirational posts: A quote with your product in the background.
• Educational posts: Tips or tricks related to your niche.
• Interactive posts: Polls or Q&A in your captions.

Prevent Burnout: Plan for one “off” week every quarter where you post only Stories or repurpose existing content. This keeps your creativity fresh and avoids fatigue.

14. Run Contests Without Breaking the Bank or Losing Control

Contests are exciting, but poorly managed ones can lead to overspending or follower mistrust. Here’s how to get it right:

• Avoiding Cheaters: Cheating is common in online contests, especially with bots or fake accounts. Use tools like Gleam or Woobox to verify entries and ensure participants meet the criteria, such as following your account or tagging genuine users. Monitor suspicious activity, such as an influx of fake profiles or repetitive usernames.
• Setting a Budget: The prize value depends on your niche. A $50-$100 giveaway, like a gift card or product bundle, works well for smaller accounts. Larger accounts might offer prizes worth $500-$1000, similar to influencers like MrBeast, who invest heavily in high-stakes giveaways to drive engagement. Start small and scale up as your account grows.
• Simple, Transparent Rules:
  • Good Rules: “Follow our account, like this post, and tag two friends in the comments to enter—one entry per user. The contest ends on [date]. The winner will be chosen randomly.”
  • Unrealistic Rules: “Tag 20 friends, share your story daily, and make a TikTok video about our brand.” High entry barriers deter participation.
• Entry Barriers and Deadlines: Keep entry requirements manageable while ensuring genuine interest. Setting a deadline of 5-7 days keeps momentum high and prevents the contest from dragging on.
• Frequency: Run contests quarterly or during key events (holidays, product launches). Overdoing it can dilute excitement, but consistent contests build anticipation.

15. Metrics That Matter: Track, Analyze, and Optimize

Success on Instagram requires tracking the right metrics and adjusting your strategy accordingly. Here’s what to monitor:

• Key Metrics:
  • Engagement Rate: Look for consistent likes, comments, and shares. A high engagement rate (3-6% for most industries) indicates you resonate with your audience.
  • Follower Growth: Focus on steady increases. Sudden spikes may signal bots or ineffective paid promotions.
  • Website Clicks: Track clicks to see if your posts and bio links drive traffic.
• Combining Metrics: Analyze metrics together for a holistic view. For example, tweak your call-to-action if engagement is high, but website clicks are low. Combine follower growth with engagement to identify genuine interest versus vanity metrics.
• Data Collection and Tools:
  • Use Instagram Insights for basic metrics.
  • Tools like Hootsuite, Later, or Sprout Social provide deeper analytics.
  • For website tracking, integrate Google Analytics to see where traffic originates.
• How to Know You’re Doing It Right: Positive trends across metrics mean your strategy is working. Plateaus or declines highlight areas for improvement. Review data regularly to identify patterns and adjust your approach.

16. Transform Ideas Into Scroll-Stopping Instagram Reels

Reels are the secret weapon for maximizing reach and engagement. But how do you make yours stand out? Here’s the blueprint:

• Keep Them Snappy: Short attention spans demand concise content. Reels should hook viewers in the first 3 seconds. Start with action—a splash of color, a bold move, or a question.
• Make Them Visually Striking: Use vibrant lighting, unique angles, and smooth transitions. For example:
  • Before: A shaky phone recording of a café.
  • After: A stabilized pan shot of the café’s neon sign, a close-up of latte art, and a wide-angle view of the cozy interior.
• Add Value: Think about your audience. What problem can you solve, or what emotion can you evoke? A travel brand might showcase “5 Hidden Gems in Paris” with cinematic transitions like:
  • Slow zoom-ins on iconic landmarks.
  • Drone shots for sweeping vistas.
  • Match cuts between similar shapes (e.g., an archway transitioning to the Eiffel Tower).
• Research and Plan:
  • Browse trending audio on Instagram for inspiration.
  • Analyze competitor reels to see what works.
  • Sketch a storyboard before filming to visualize transitions and flow.
• Concrete Examples:
  • A fitness brand could create a “5-minute morning stretch” reel with transitions like:
    • Snap cuts syncing stretches to upbeat music.
    • Overlays with step-by-step instructions.
  • A beauty influencer could demo a skincare routine with:
    • Time-lapses for product applications.
    • Text overlays highlighting benefits.

Your reels should be immersive and dynamic, leaving viewers with the urge to save, share, or follow. Pin your best reels for instant visibility and long-term engagement.

14. Boost Visibility with Location Tags and QR Codes

Location tags and QR codes are underrated tools for expanding your Instagram reach. These features help you connect with local audiences, increase discoverability, and attract new followers.

Using Location Tags Strategically
Location tags do more than pinpoint where you are—they make your posts visible to anyone searching for that location.

• Local Visibility: If you run a café in Brooklyn, tagging “Brooklyn, NY” or your exact café name ensures that locals and visitors searching for nearby spots can find you.
• Event Promotion: Hosting an event? Tag the venue in Stories and posts to attract attendees. For example, a fitness trainer hosting a workshop could tag the gym location to reach potential participants.

Creative Examples:

• A fashion boutique could tag iconic city landmarks during outdoor photoshoots, like “Central Park, NYC,” to draw in tourists browsing Instagram.
• A food truck could tag festival locations to connect with event-goers looking to eat.

Mastering QR Codes for Engagement
QR codes offer a seamless way to connect followers with your Instagram profile or specific content.

• Where to Use Them:
  • Add QR codes to product packaging, linking directly to your Instagram.
  • Place codes on flyers, posters, or menus to encourage in-store visitors to follow you.
  • Include them on invoices or receipts for online orders, offering a follow-up incentive like a discount on their next purchase.
• Unique Ideas:
  • A spa could print QR codes on appointment cards, directing clients to Instagram Stories with skincare tips.
  • A bookstore could include QR codes on bookmarks, linking to reels showcasing author interviews or book recommendations.

Combining Location Tags and QR Codes
Maximize impact by blending both tools. For instance:

• A restaurant could tag their location in Stories showing a new dish and include a QR code on menus for diners to follow their account.
• A tourist attraction could use QR codes on on-site signage to direct visitors to Instagram reels featuring behind-the-scenes views.

Pro Tip for Tagging and QR Code Success:
Keep location tags relevant to your content—don’t tag random spots just for visibility. Always test QR codes before deploying to ensure they work smoothly across devices.

Conclusion

Building an Instagram account that thrives takes dedication and time, but every small step counts. Whether you’re starting or looking to grow further, these tips give you the tools to stand out. Start by defining your goals and creating authentic content that resonates with your audience. From there, experiment with trends, hashtags, and captions to find what works best for you.

Remember, consistency and patience are key. Success doesn’t happen overnight, but the rewards—a loyal audience, increased visibility, and exciting growth opportunities—are worth the effort. Stay motivated, keep refining your strategy, and enjoy the journey of building your brand.

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