Want to boost your Instagram followers? You’re definitely not alone! With over 1.4 billion people scrolling through Instagram, standing out and building a following can feel like a massive challenge. But don’t worry—by using the right strategies and tools, you can grow your audience faster than you might think. If you’re looking for a legit way to jumpstart your growth, purchasing real and active followers can help.
This guide is packed with over 20 practical, human-tested tips and tricks to help you attract real, engaged Instagram followers. Let’s dive in!
The Best Ways to Build Your Instagram Following
1. Boost with Real Followers with authentic Platform
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2. Post More, Stress Less
Instagram loves active accounts, and the more you post, the better your chances of getting noticed. Consistency is key, but who has time to be glued to their phone all day? That’s where a tool like Paly comes in. It lets you plan and schedule posts in advance, so you can batch-create content and set it to go live at the perfect times. This way, you’re free to work on Stories, Reels, or live your life while keeping your feed buzzing.
3. Run a Fun Instagram Contest
Nothing gets people excited like a good contest! Giveaways are a fantastic way to spark likes, shares, and follows. Just make sure your entry rules are crystal clear. Want to reach new people? Try these ideas:
- Tag-a-friend: Have them tag a buddy for a chance to win.
- Follow-to-win: Following your account gets them in the game.
You can also get creative with caption contests or photo challenges to collect user-generated content you can share later. Pick a prize people will love, create an eye-catching post, and spread the word with a unique hashtag. Please share it on all your social channels and even embed it on your website with a tool like Sweep Widget. Need more Inspo? Check out our full contest guide or list of giveaway ideas.
4. Focus on What Your Audience Loves
You don’t have to guess what content clicks with your followers. Switching to a business account gives you basic insights, but tools like Pallyy dig deeper, showing you, which posts, captions, or formats get the most love. Use that info to shape your content plan—whether it’s more Reels or punchy captions—and keep testing to see what keeps your audience hooked.
5. Make Your Bio Pop
Your bio is your first impression, and it’s gotta grab attention. In just a few words, tell people who you are or what your brand’s about. Toss in some emojis that match your vibe to make it fun and approachable. If you’re adding a link, keep it clean with a link-in-bio tool so it’s easy to click without looking like a jumbled mess.
6. Play Around with Posting Times
Timing is everything on Instagram, but there’s no universal “best time” to post. It depends on where your followers are and when they’re online. Skip the generic advice and use a tool like Pallyy to track how your posts perform at different times. Test out various schedules for feed posts, Stories, and Reels to find your sweet spot.
7. Shout Out Your Instagram Elsewhere
Got a following on Facebook, Twitter, or another platform? Don’t be shy—share your Instagram handle with them! Even if your audience is small, it’s worth posting on Instagram regularly. Sweeten the deal with Instagram-only discounts or contests to get people to check you out.
8. Hashtags Are Your Friend
Hashtags are like a megaphone for your content, helping it reach new eyes on the Explore page or within your niche. Search Instagram to find ones that are trending, or peek at what other accounts in your space are using to draw in the right crowd.
9. Create a Grid That Wows
Your Instagram grid is like your shop window—new visitors will check it out first. Make it look sharp and cohesive to reflect your brand. Some folks go all out with matching colors or themes, but if that’s not your style, make sure your top posts aren’t blurry or off-brand. A clean, intentional grid can seal the deal for new followers.
10. Write Captions That Spark Conversation
Sure, photos catch eyes, but captions keep people engaged. A thoughtful, longer caption can encourage comments and shares, which helps your post reach more people. Try asking a question, encouraging friend tags, or throwing in emojis for extra flair. With a 2,200-character limit, play around with short and long captions to see what your audience vibes with.
11. Tag Locations for More Reach
If your post is tied to a specific place—like a cool café or an event—add a location tag. It helps your content pop up for users searching that spot, expanding your audience. If you’re a business, tag your location every time to draw in local customers looking for what you offer.
12. Jump into Hot Topics
Want to get noticed? Join conversations about what’s trending—whether it’s a big event, a fashion craze, or a viral meme. Use the right hashtags to make your posts easy to find, and you might land on the Explore page or get shared by a bigger account.
13. Pin Comments to Keep the Chat Going
Instagram lets you pin up to three comments per post, keeping them front and center. Pick ones that spark discussion to get more people talking, or pin your comment to add extra context to your caption.
14. Connect with Your Niche
Growing your following means being active in your community. Follow accounts in your niche, leave thoughtful comments on their posts, and chat with their followers. Start with five creators, engage genuinely, and you’ll attract people who are into the same stuff you are. It’s also a great way to set up future collabs.
15. Team Up with Other Creators
Collaborations are a goldmine for reaching new audiences. Get to know influencers in your niche, then pitch ideas for joint content, like a funny Reel or a Story takeover. Make sure you both tag each other to share the love and the followers.
16. Go Live to Connect
Instagram Live is a fun way to chat with your audience in real time. You can schedule it, add a title, or even raise funds for a cause. Plan something interactive, like a Q&A or a game, to draw in viewers and make new fans feel connected to you.
17. Hop on the Reels Bandwagon
Reels are Instagram’s secret weapon for discoverability—they get pushed hard by the algorithm. Scroll through the Reels feed to spot trends, use popular audio or filters, and create clips that people can’t help but share.
18. Use Your QR Code Offline
If you’ve got a physical space like a store or restaurant, put your Instagram QR code everywhere—on business cards, menus, or even your phone for networking events. One scan takes people straight to your profile, making it super easy to gain followers. Please find it in your profile settings and share it far and wide.
19. Say No to Fake Followers
It might be tempting to buy 10,000 followers for cheap, but don’t do it. Fake followers don’t engage, hurt your credibility, and can get your account flagged or banned by Instagram. Stick to real growth for real results.
20. Tag People Who Matter
Tagging someone in your post notifies them and boosts your reach. Tag collaborators, brands, or relevant accounts, but keep it genuine—random or excessive tags can come off as spammy.
Wrapping It Up
There you have it—20 ways to grow your Instagram in 2025! It’s a busy platform, but with these strategies, you can cut through the noise and build a loyal following. Keep experimenting, stay consistent, and have fun with it. Want more tips for Instagram or other platforms? Check out our guides on TikTok, Facebook, and more.
