Struggling to figure out how to get more followers on Instagram? You’re not alone. Whether you’re a small business owner trying to attract customers, a social media manager aiming to grow your client’s IG presence, or an influencer dreaming of the next big collaboration, gaining followers can feel like riding a bicycle uphill.
But here’s the thing—you’re not in this alone. Katelyn Rhoades, an Instagram expert with over 170K followers, has helped countless businesses and creators turn their profiles into unstoppable growth machines. Her Instagram Masterclass is packed with actionable strategies and insider tips designed to help you crack the code on follower growth.
In this guide, we’ll give you a sneak peek of 30 proven strategies you can start using right away. From leveraging the Instagram algorithm to mastering content ideas and engagement hacks, you’ll be ready to level up your profile in no time.
Ready to grow? Let’s get started!
30 Ways to Get More Followers on Instagram
1. Stick to One Niche
Remember, a niche builds exclusivity—and exclusivity builds trust.
When you stick to one niche, you create a strong identity that attracts the right audience who truly value your content.
But let’s be real: the excitement of posting new content and gaining followers can often distract you from your goals.
Maybe you’re into the fitness niche and you saw a new trend in the Beauty space, and you create and post a Reel on that. It won’t help you grow. Instead, it will send a wrong signal to your audience and the algorithm, thus reducing your reach and dropping engagement.
Here’s how to avoid that:
- Outline your account’s purpose.
- Create content that reinforces your expertise within your niche.
- Stay consistent with your theme.
For example, if you’re an Instagram coach targeting social media marketers, focus on providing actionable tips and industry insights. Become the go-to expert for your audience.
Here’ a tip for you: Clarity drives action. Define your purpose, and your follower count will follow.
2. Create a Content Calendar
Here’s the deal: Posting random content is a recipe for inconsistency.
To truly grow on Instagram, you need a strategy—and a content calendar is your secret weapon. It helps you stay organized, plan ahead, and deliver consistent value.
Here’s how to start:
- Understand your audience: What kind of content excites them?
- Plan recurring themes: For example, ‘Motivation Monday’ or ‘Throwback Thursday.’
- Batch your content: Dedicate a day each week to create posts for the coming days.
Katelyn Rhoades, CEO of Enfluence Marketing Agency, suggests, “Themed content days help your audience anticipate and engage with your posts, building excitement for what’s coming next.”
3. Write an Optimized Instagram Bio
Your account bio is your social resume–its what your followers see first.
A bio is a deal-maker to convert potential Instagram followers.
The challenge here is to write a crisp, compelling copy that clearly states:
- Who are you?
- What do you do? (+ website link, if applicable)
- What do you offer to your Instagram family?
Give your visitors a sneak peek of what you are and what you have to offer.
A stellar example of Instagram Bio here would be Harry Dry’s @marketingexamples, who, in four words, highlights his Instagram offer effectively.
Add a link in your bio using Instagram’s Link in bio feature or use tools like Linktree to connect followers to your website, products, or other platforms.
If you get short of ideas for your Instagram bio, here are some Instagram bio templates that you can use to get started.
4. Add an Attractive Profile Picture
You can get creative with this.
Think about the best way you can represent your brand on Instagram. Let it be iconic and unforgettable.
Because if you’re wondering how to get followers on Instagram, picking an optimized profile picture that complements your Instagram account name and bio is the way to go.
Look at these points to get started:
Are you a brand trying to establish a connection with your audience?
- Post a pixelated-free picture of your logo, superimposed on your brand colors.
Are you an influencer building your mark on the platform?
- Post a clear headshot of your face.
5. Go Big With Reels!
Reels are the way to go in 2025.
They’re the sure-shot Instagram followers hack, a way to grow big by attracting millions of views, likes, and followers.
Hands down, this latest Instagram feature has taken the platform by storm – with creators and brands posting funny, attractive, and educative content daily.
So why does this matter?
Reels posted at optimal times have a higher chance of going viral when people share them on their stories and DMs, allowing you to get free Instagram followers.
Take inspiration from Sephora. The beauty company rolls out excellent Reels periodically, from quick tutorials on how to soothe oily scalp at home (with 1M views and 32.1K likes) to current trending content pieces.
You can practically create anything you want in the 15/90-second time frame and quickly grow your Instagram followers!
If we take the example of Sephora, we can’t ignore the fact that their consistency influences their online success a lot. To boost your Instagram followers, trick is to be regular. If you are not consistent with your posting, you won’t be able to hold on to your audience for long.
How to be consistent with your Instagram posting while keeping up with all content types and managing multiple pages?
Instagram scheduler by SocialPilot is an all-in-one answer for all your Instagram needs. Publish Reels, Stories, and Posts regularly on multiple accounts by scheduling them in advance so they’ll be posted without a hitch. Manage it all from an integrated dashboard and get rid of all the fuss!
6. Create Carousels for Your Instagram Followers
Want to learn a secret growth hack that only a few social media experts know? It’s dwell time, i.e., the average user time spent on your content.
And that’s exactly what carousels are for.
These 10-page slides motivate a user to stay on your post for long, thus alerting Instagram’s algorithm to frequently feature your account in the Explore section of potential followers.
How to make Instagram carousels work:
- Share step-by-step guides or tips across multiple slides.
- Hook your audience with the first slide and deliver value till the end.
“Instagram Growth = Satisfying the Algorithm.”
7. Work on Creative Captions
Captions are the unsung heroes of Instagram. They’re your chance to tell a story, ask questions, or spark engagement.
Write copies that intrigue users and motivate them to check out your profile. They will ultimately hit the blue ‘follow’ button.
“Your captions should tell a story or pose a question that encourages engagement. A well-crafted caption can turn a simple post into a conversation starter and build a deeper connection with your audience,” Katelyn suggests.
Experimenting with your captions will help you find what resonates best with your audience and keep them engaged.
Right hashtag sets = ‘Instagram follower boosters’.
You can include targeted hashtags in your posts that attract the relevant audience to check out your profile and give you a follow!
Not sure how to get more followers on Instagram with hashtags?
Here’s how you should use Instagram hashtags:
- Step 1: Create two sets of hashtags (post-specific and niche-specific).
- Step 2: Test both sets for a month.
- Step 3: Stick to the ones that drive the most engagement.
Tip: Do you have a mix limit of 30 hashtags in each post? It doesn’t mean you have to use all of them. Use as much relevant for your post, and growth shall follow.
9. Create Your Personalized Hashtag
A personalized hashtag defines exclusivity.
It helps users locate your account quickly. So, keep it quirky and relatable. Make sure you always stand out!
But wait! There’s more:
You can cross-promote your branded hashtags in your stores (physical or virtual) and other marketing campaigns – leaving a solid imprint on your followers and potential followers.
10. Schedule Your Posts
Did you know there are the best times to post on Instagram to increase your growth?
That’s why you need to figure out when your Instagram followers are active and likely to engage.
Keep in mind – this scheduling could be as specific as 7:00 PM on Saturdays or 4:30 PM on Tuesdays.
But don’t let that keep you from growing on Instagram!
You can rely on Instagram automation tools like SocialPilot that automatically upload posts at your account’s optimized time, thereby actively contributing to your brand’s growth!
11. Switch to a Business Account
Curious why switching to a Business Account matters? Here’s the scoop.
A Business Account unlocks powerful features like:
- Insights: Track your performance over 7 and 30 days to see metrics like reach, engagement, and follower growth.
- Contact Button: Add your email or phone number to make it super easy for potential customers to reach you.
But that’s not all. With a Business Account, you can also:
- Run Instagram ads for targeted growth.
- Showcase product catalogs for eCommerce integration.
Pro Tip: Not sure how to switch? Check out our guide on Instagram Business Accounts for step-by-step instructions.
12. Collaborate With Influencers
We cannot deny the fact that people adore influencers and believe in the products they use.
Here’s what a survey revealed:
- 68% of brands prioritize influencer marketing on Instagram.
- 90% of marketers say influencers build trust for their brands.
But don’t just work with any influencer. Choose someone:
- Aligned with your brand values.
- With an engaged audience that matches your target market.
Katelyn Rhoades advises, “Influencer collaborations amplify your reach and credibility. Paid shoutouts, co-branded posts, or even letting influencers take over your account for a day can drive massive follower growth.”
Need help finding influencers? Check out our influencer marketing guide.
Struggling to manage and maximize the impact of influencer collaborations?
Working with influencers is a powerful way to expand your reach, and Instagram Collaborative Posts in SocialPilot lets you co-author posts and Reels, making them visible on both profiles for maximum exposure. Easily invite up to three collaborators, share content credits, and manage all posts in one place. Streamline your strategy and grow your follower base effortlessly.
13. Repost User Generated Content (UGC)
What is a great medium to build brand authenticity and consumer trust?
Answer: Social proof.
How?
When prospective followers observe other users enjoying your product/service, they’re more likely to give you their business.
It’s true; 79% of people state that “User Generated Content” influences their buying decisions.
Here’s how you can get started:
- Encourage followers to tag your brand in posts.
- Regularly share their content (with proper credit) on your profile.
Take inspiration from Grammarly, which frequently reposts UGC, showing how real users benefit from their software.
Pro Tip: Pair UGC with branded hashtags to build community.
14. Engage Through Instagram Stories
Instagram Stories are where the action is—don’t miss out.
Why they matter:
- Users engage more with Stories than posts.
- Polls, quizzes, and questions make followers feel involved.
Here’s how to maximize engagement:
- Use interactive features like polls, Q&A stickers, and quizzes.
- Share behind-the-scenes content to build authenticity.
- Highlight user contributions, like resharing their mentions of your brand.
At last, you need to use Stories consistently to stay top-of-mind for your followers.
15. Use Cross-Promotion to Boost Reach
Want to reach a wider audience the quickest way? Leverage the power of cross-promotion.
Here’s how:
- Collaborate with Other Accounts: Partner with complementary brands or influencers to co-create content that introduces your profile to their followers.
- Share Across Platforms: Promote your Instagram content on other channels like Facebook, LinkedIn, or even your email newsletter.
- Tag Relevant Accounts: When posting, tag other users or brands involved in your content to encourage them to share it with their audience.
For example, A local bakery could collaborate with a coffee shop to create a joint post showcasing a “perfect pairing” of pastries and coffee, tagging each other to boost reach.
Start with one partnership or cross-promotion campaign and measure the impact on your reach and follower count. Consistency is key here!
16. Host Giveaways
Successful brands know how to get Instagram followers and pull a new audience to their feed: free products.
Who doesn’t like free (luxurious) gifts?
The thrill of getting gifts from a renowned figure or brand is exhilarating. No one would want to miss that chance!
You can host contests with conditions like – “give us a follow” and “tag three friends to expedite winning probabilities”.
What’s more, many brands, including start-ups and influencers, conduct these offers during festivities or after hitting a particular follower mark (500K, 1M, etc.).
17. Go Live!
People love real-time interaction—it’s authentic and engaging.
Here’s how to ace Instagram Live:
- Plan talking points (e.g., a product launch or Q&A session).
- Promote your Live in advance on Stories and posts.
- Collaborate with a guest to reach their audience too.
Katelyn Rhoades suggests, “Going Live creates personal connections with your audience and builds trust, which is key for follower growth.”
18. Engage Instagram Followers via Comments
More comments are a blessing to your Instagram posts!
The key is to respond to valid comments to build a real connection with your audience.
It’s easy – be witty or direct.
Give reasons for people to talk about you! It will definitely boost your follower count.
Take inspiration from Boss.
The brand ensures to strike meaningful and long-lasting relationships with its followers and radiates a positive branding image for potential followers.
19. Create Useful Guides
Guides are a relatively new Instagram feature, where accounts can collect similar published posts under one virtual roof for easy user access.
This educative effort builds brand authenticity and invites a large number of free Instagram followers.
Here’s a great example:
In an attempt to assist people affected by the COVID-19 virus, many non-profits and influencers are sharing Instagram Guides packed with resource links and helpline numbers.
20. Drop Valuable Comments
Don’t underestimate the power of dropping comments on other accounts where your audience usually hangs around.
Here’s what to do:
- Target industry-relevant posts.
- Leave insightful, value-adding, and conversation sparking comments (not generic ones like “Nice pic!”).
- Engage consistently to stay visible.
This builds awareness and can lead curious users to check out your profile.
21. Have a Clear Username
Naturally, you need an Instagram username that defines your brand.
But how can people find you if they need to type a barrage of characters and numbers to get to your page?
That’s why it’s best to keep it simple. Use lowercase alphabets and avoid numbers and symbols to get discovered easily.
For example, @cleanbeautyco is clear, concise, and memorable.
22. Show BTS Scenes
Who doesn’t love to watch bloopers, employee bonding videos, or wholesome clips of pets?
People love to listen to raw behind-the-scenes stories.
It’s a fact: transparency fosters relationships.
Do you have an office pet that steals everyone’s heart? Show his tactics!
A favorite colleague moment shared every Friday? Create a Reel!
Post anything ‘real’ and experience overflowing love from your rising Instagram followers!
23. Consistency Is the Key
Instagram rewards consistency.
And that’s exactly why you need to show up regularly.
Be active every day (atleast 3-4 times a week) through posts, Stories, or Reels, and the platform will love you back with increased exposure on the ‘Explore’ and ‘Hashtags’ tabs – gifting you more followers over time!
24. Keep Room for Moment Marketing
All it takes is one post to go ‘viral’ on Instagram.
Brands should keep enough flexibility to incorporate moment marketing – it can skyrocket your followers instantly!
Always remember:
“People love trends – give it to them!”
For example,
The recent Suez Canal transfix received rising attention from the creative industry and soon turned into an opportunity for moment marketing.
Take a look at how the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team capitalized on the Suez Canal moment!
25. Invest in Instagram Ads
Instagram offers ample room to grow organically.
But as a brand, you need to understand the power of Instagram ads and invest a plumpy slice of your marketing budget towards it.
Ads are an effective strategy to tap potential followers’ accounts for:
- Introducing new products
- Offering special discounts
- Access to free resources
And it gets better!
The platform offers 100% autonomy to choose your ad budget, select your demographics, and enjoy rising KPIs (reach, followers growth, sales, etc.).
26. A/B Test Regularly
Are you wondering how to gauge whether your efforts are working? The simple truth is that you will never fully understand what is effective and what isn’t until you A/B test your strategies.
So, all you need to do is:
- Batch your content, hashtags, posting time, and frequency in two groups.
- Experiment meticulously until you crack the code.
“Regularly A/B test your Instagram strategy with different content formats, posting times, and hashtags to identify what resonates most with your audience. A/B testing is crucial for refining your strategy and achieving optimal results.” – says Katelyn Rhoades.
27. Give Shout-Outs to Followers
What would supercharge your followers’ enthusiasm?
Periodic shout-outs!
Post screenshots of sassy comments, valuable comments on your posts, or impressive performance in contests.
Boosting your followers’ morale encourages them to participate more.
And the best part is that they will also share their featured achievement with their friends, giving you a growing Instagram follower community.
28. Link Your Instagram Account to Your Website
Why should you embed your top-performing Instagram posts into your website’s source code?
The reason is simple: it will highlight visually appealing posts to your users and direct them to your Instagram handle.
Guess what that means? You get Instagram followers for free!
Are you launching a new product, disclosing a much-awaited detail, or anything else?
Release the announcement on Instagram first!
Exclusive first-hand knowledge piques interest and provides reasons for people to give you a follow on the platform!
30. Try Instagram Shopping
A nifty tip for growing your customer base:
Host your virtual Instagram store and use strategies to promote your eCommerce sales.
Trust us, marketers in the past have recorded positive results (more reach and followers) by enabling Instagram Shopping to showcase their products directly on the platform.
Instagram Is Your Playing Field!
Your account is at your discretion to work with – keep your goals in sight and enjoy the process as you move forward.
By incorporating all the power-packed strategies listed in this blog, you can successfully grow your audience on Instagram.
Another way to improve user engagement is through tools like SocialPilot, which gives you the power to schedule posts, reply with social inbox, and analyze your Instagram account performance.
And most importantly, be patient. Your potential followers are out there, waiting to be approached with the right strategies that will incentivize them into hitting the blue follow button!
