Instagram followers. The holy grail of social media, the digital clout currency we’re all chasing. Whether you’re a small business, a scrappy startup, or just a human with a dream, growing your IG followers is the key to unlocking bigger opportunities, more sales, and a lot of double-tap love.
But let’s get real: there’s a right way and a wrong way to grow your follower count. Buying followers? That’s like cheating on a test — you’ll get the grade but learn nothing. Real Instagram followers? Now we’re talking. These are the folks who engage with your posts, share your stuff, and maybe, just maybe, buy your products or services. So, how do you do it? How do you grow a follower base that matters?
Let’s break it down, one no-BS strategy at a time.
1. Create Magnetic Content That Screams “Follow me!”
First things first: your Instagram account needs to be a vibe. Nobody wants to follow a snooze-fest. To grow your follower count, you’ve got to post stuff that people can’t scroll past.
People don’t want curated perfection anymore — they want realness. Show your messy desk, behind-the-scenes fails, or your dog photobombing your product shoot. Authenticity = trust, and trust = followers who stick around. Your Instagram profile shouldn’t be “giving bot.”
Hit the right mix, though:
- Educational posts: Share how-tos, tips, or industry secrets.
- Entertaining posts: Memes, relatable reels, and funny stories win.
- Aspirational posts: Show off the dream life your followers want.
Your Instagram followers want to be educated, entertained, and inspired — give them all three, and watch your follower count grow.
Use carousel posts to engage
Carousel posts — those swipeable multi-image formats — are engagement gold. They encourage users to linger on your content longer, signaling the Instagram algorithm to boost your visibility. Include how-to guides, step-by-step processes, or behind-the-scenes sequences to create valuable posts people can’t resist swiping through.
2. Optimize Your Instagram Bio Like a Pro
Your Instagram bio is your elevator pitch. It’s the first thing people see when they stumble upon your account, so make it count.
You need a clear value proposition. Tell people exactly why they should follow you. Example: “Helping creators grow their IG followers and cash in on social media.”
Want to turn viewers into potential followers? Give them a CTA. Example: “Follow for daily tips on growing your IG account.”
Pro tip: Use your one link wisely. Whether it’s your website, a product page, or a lead magnet, make sure it’s relevant and updated.
3. Hashtags are the Sprinkle, not the Cake
Relevant hashtags help users find your Instagram content but won’t magically flood your account with followers. Use them strategically.
Do’s and don’ts of hashtags:
- Do: Use a mix of popular and niche hashtags. Think #socialmedia, #realinstagramfollowers, and #catsoninsta if relevant.
- Don’t: Stuff your posts with 30 random hashtags. Keep it classy.
4. Spin the Instagram Reel: Short, Sweet, Viral
Instagram Reels are your ticket to the Explore page and a ton of new IG followers. The Instagram algorithm loves this format, so lean in.
How to reel them in:
- Keep it short: 15 seconds is the sweet spot.
- Add text overlays: Stop the scroll with snappy text.
- Tap into “Trending Sounds”: Instagram’s algorithm will bless your video if you hop on trending audio.
Reels are also perfect for showing off your human side. Whether it’s a “day in the life” or a behind-the-scenes fail, keep it fun and relatable.
5. Engage Like Your Account Depends on it (Because it Does)
Instagram followers don’t just fall from the sky. You’ve got to earn them. One of the best ways? Genuine engagement.
What “engagement” actually means:
- Respond to every comment.
- Slide into DMs (in a non-creepy way). Answer questions, thank followers, or start conversations.
- Comment on other accounts’ posts. Make your brand visible by adding value to conversations.
Host Live sessions
Instagram Live sessions are an underrated way to connect with followers. Answer questions, showcase your expertise, and build real-time connections. Lives create a sense of urgency and excitement, boosting engagement.
6. Collaborate With Influencers and Brands
Partnering with a big Instagram influencer or complementary brands can skyrocket your reach and follower count.
How to choose the right partner:
- Look for influencers with engaged Instagram followers (not just high numbers).
- Find brands that target the same audience but don’t directly compete with you.
Collaboration ideas:
- Contests: “Follow us and [influencer] to win!”
- Takeovers: Let an influencer run your account for a day.
- Shoutouts: Tag each other in posts or Stories to share audiences.
7. Post When Your Audience is Actually Online
Timing matters. Instagram followers won’t see your posts if you’re posting at 3 a.m. unless your audience is owls.
How to find your best time to post:
- Use Instagram Insights to see when your followers are most active.
- Test different posting times and track results.
- Experiment until you crack the code.
- Check out this Hootsuite report.
8. Never, EVER Buy Followers
Buying followers might seem like a simple way to boost your Instagram account, but it’s a trap. Fake followers = zero engagement, and zero engagement = your account will sink in the algorithm’s eyes.
Instead, focus on attracting real Instagram followers who actually care about your content. Not only will they engage with your posts, but they might even convert into customers.
9. Run Contests and Giveaways People Want to Enter
Nothing gets people to hit “Follow” faster than the promise of free stuff.
Contest ideas:
- “Follow us, tag a friend, and share this post to win [amazing prize].”
- Run a photo contest where participants share a picture with or of your product and tag your account.
Sprout Social’s recent report includes creative contest ideas that drive engagement.
Pro tip: Make sure your prize is relevant to your audience. Giving away a PS5 might attract followers, but those gamers probably won’t stick around if you’re a wellness brand.
10. Keep Your Instagram Account Fresh and Active
Nobody follows a ghost town. Consistency is key when it comes to growing your follower count.
How to stay active without losing your mind:
- Batch content: Plan and create a week’s worth of posts in one sitting.
- Schedule posts: Use tools like Buffer or Later to keep your Instagram account alive while you’re busy.
- Recycle content: Got a killer TikTok? Turn it into an Instagram post. Repurpose like a pro.
11. Tap into Instagram automation
Automation tools like Manychat can simplify your life and boost your follower count.
How Automation Helps You Grow IG Followers
- Automated replies: Respond to comments and DMs instantly.
- Keyword triggers: Start conversations with followers who use specific keywords.
- Instagram Story mentions: Automatically thank people who mention your brand.
Automation doesn’t replace human interaction but makes scaling your engagement possible.
12. Post content that interests your target audience
Whether it’s product sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes interviews, or video/photo combos for your Instagram story, consistently posting content that resonates with your followers will elicit more comments, shares, and likes. Give them something to laugh at, learn from, or drool over.
And don’t act like your content ideas live in a vacuum. Stalk your competitors. Yep, I said it — snoop! See what they’re doing, figure out why it works (or doesn’t), and steal the vibe, not the content. Your goal? Post stuff that makes your followers feel like you’re in their heads — whether it’s memes, insider jokes, or content so good they have to tag their friends.
Growing Instagram followers takes work
There’s no magic wand for follower growth. You’ve got to show up, engage, and post content that makes people want to stick around. The good news? With these strategies, you’re not just growing your Instagram account; you’re building a community of real Instagram followers who actually care.
But if you want to speed things up, signing up for a free Manychat trial couldn’t hurt!
