How to gain instagram followers: Proven tips to grow your audience in 2025

In today’s fast-paced social media world, Instagram is more than just a platform to share photos, it’s a powerhouse for brands, influencers, and businesses. With over 1.3 billion monthly active users, it's no surprise that building a solid following on Instagram is a top priority for many. Whether you're looking to expand your personal brand, grow your business or become an influencer, increasing your Instagram followers can help you connect with a larger audience and unlock new opportunities.

But growing your Instagram following isn’t as easy as it used to be. Gone are the days when you could simply post a pretty picture and watch the likes (and followers) roll in (sadly life doesn't work like Emily in Paris 🥖). Now, it takes a thoughtful, strategic approach to grow your audience. In this blog, I’ll walk you through some of the most effective tips and strategies to help you gain Instagram followers in 2025.

1. Optimize your Instagram profile for discovery

Before you even start thinking about what content to post, make sure your Instagram profile is optimized. Think of your profile as the front door to your personal brand or business; it's the first thing potential followers see, so it needs to be inviting, clear and reflective of who you are.

Here’s what to focus on:

• Profile picture: Choose a high-quality profile picture. If you're a business, use your logo or something instantly recognizable. For personal brands, a clear headshot with a clean background works best.
• Username and handle: Make sure your username and Instagram handle are easy to search for and reflective of your brand. Avoid using complex symbols or numbers that make you harder to find.
• Bio: Craft a compelling bio that tells people who you are and what you do. Add a CTA (call-to-action) with a link to your website, blog, or a landing page.
• Contact information: Make it easy for people to reach out by adding an email address, phone number, or any other relevant contact information to your profile.

When you have a well-optimized profile, you’re increasing your chances of being found and followed by people who are genuinely interested in your content.

2. Post high-quality, consistent content

If there’s one rule that never changes, it’s that content is king. The quality of your content plays a massive role in gaining followers and keeping them engaged. So, what makes for high-quality content?

• Visual aesthetic: Instagram is all about visuals. Make sure your posts are visually appealing, well-lit, and on-brand. Whether you’re posting photos, videos, or graphics, consistency in style and quality is key.
• Content themes: Keep your content aligned with your niche or industry. For example, if you're in fitness, your audience expects workout routines, healthy meals, and motivational content. Posting random or off-brand content can confuse your audience.
• Captions: Don’t neglect the power of your captions! Use them to tell stories, ask questions, or share insights. The right caption can help you engage with your audience on a deeper level, making them more likely to follow you.

How often should you post? Aim for consistency. You don’t have to post every single day, but try to post regularly enough to keep your audience engaged. Many successful Instagram accounts post between 3-5 times per week.

3. Leverage instagram stories and reels

Instagram isn’t just about static posts anymore. Instagram Stories and Reels have become essential tools for growing your following. These features allow you to show off more of your personality, showcase your brand, and engage with your audience in real-time.

• Stories: Use Instagram Stories to connect with your followers in a more casual and direct way. Share behind-the-scenes looks, ask questions using polls or Q&A stickers, and run time-sensitive promotions. Stories disappear after 24 hours, so they’re great for timely content.
• Reels: With Instagram Reels becoming a dominant force, short-form video content is a must. Reels allow you to reach a much broader audience since Instagram pushes them out to users beyond your followers. Post entertaining, informative, or inspiring Reels that align with your niche to capture attention.

Both Stories and Reels are perfect for boosting engagement, which can lead to more followers.

4. Use relevant hashtags to boost reach

Hashtags are still one of the most effective ways to get your content discovered by new audiences. Instagram allows you to use up to 30 hashtags per post, and while you don’t have to use all of them, using a mix of popular, niche, and branded hashtags can increase your visibility.

• Popular hashtags: These are the high-traffic hashtags that millions of people search for. While it’s tempting to use only these, your content can easily get lost in the sea of posts. It’s good to include 1-2, but don’t rely solely on them.
• Niche hashtags: These are more specific hashtags that align closely with your brand or industry. They have fewer posts associated with them, meaning your content is more likely to stand out.
• Branded hashtags: Create your own branded hashtag that your audience can use when they engage with your content. It helps build community and increases visibility for your brand.

Pro Tip: Use Instagram’s search function to find trending hashtags relevant to your niche. You can also save commonly used hashtags in your notes to easily copy and paste them into future posts.

5. Collaborate with influencers and brands

Collaborations and partnerships are one of the fastest ways to get in front of a new audience. By working with influencers or brands in your niche, you can tap into their follower base, potentially gaining more followers who are interested in your content.

• Influencer partnerships: Partnering with influencers who align with your brand values can introduce you to a larger, targeted audience. Whether it’s a product review, a giveaway, or a joint project, influencer collaborations can lead to significant follower growth.
• Brand collaborations: If you’re a business, collaborating with other brands in your niche can be equally effective. Cross-promote each other’s products or services through posts or joint campaigns to reach new followers.

Pro Tip: Always make sure that any influencer or brand collaboration feels authentic. Partnering with accounts that don’t align with your values can confuse your audience or come off as inauthentic.

6. Engage with your audience

Growing your Instagram following isn’t just about creating amazing content, it’s also about building relationships with your current and potential followers. The more you engage with your audience, the more likely they are to stick around and recommend you to others.

• Respond to comments: Take the time to reply to comments on your posts. Even a simple “thank you” can go a long way in making someone feel valued.
• Engage with other accounts: Don’t just wait for people to come to you, be proactive. Engage with other accounts by liking, commenting, and sharing content within your niche. This interaction increases your visibility and can lead to new followers.
• Host Q&As or polls: Use Instagram’s interactive features like polls, quizzes and Q&As to connect with your followers. This boosts engagement and helps you understand your audience better.

Pro Tip: The Instagram algorithm loves engagement. The more you interact with your audience, the more Instagram will push your content out to a broader audience.

7. Run contests or giveaways

Who doesn’t love winning free stuff? Instagram contests or giveaways are tried-and-true strategies for growing your following. By asking users to follow your account, like your post, and tag friends in the comments, you can quickly generate buzz and attract new followers.

• Offer a desirable prize: Make sure your prize is something relevant to your niche. It could be one of your products, a service, or something your audience would love.
• Promote your contest: Don’t forget to promote your giveaway across your social media channels and partner with influencers or brands for even more exposure.

8. Analyze and adapt your strategy

Finally, to truly grow your Instagram following, you need to regularly analyze your performance and adjust your strategy based on what works. Instagram’s built-in analytics, Instagram Insights, provides valuable data on which posts perform best, your audience demographics, and when your followers are most active.

• Track post performance: Identify which types of content (photos, videos, Reels, etc... ) are resonating most with your audience and focus on creating more of that.
• Study your audience: Insights can tell you more about your audience; what time they’re active, their age range, location and more. Use this information to optimize your posting schedule and content focus.
• Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try new things. Whether it’s testing different post formats, running paid ads, or trying out Instagram Lives, experimenting will help you discover what resonates with your audience.

Conclusion

Gaining Instagram followers doesn’t happen overnight, but with the right strategy, you can build a thriving community of engaged followers. By optimizing your profile, consistently posting high-quality content, leveraging Instagram’s features, and engaging with your audience, you’ll set the foundation for organic growth.

Remember, it’s not just about the numbers; it’s about building a real connection with your audience. Stay authentic, keep experimenting and watch your Instagram following grow in 2025.