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Instagram Growth Strategies

The best ways to achieve Instagram growth have changed a lot in the last year as the platform has pivoted hard towards video – especially Reels.

In this post, we’ll look at how to build an Instagram growth strategy that brings in new followers and keeps them around for the long haul.

1. Use Instagram Reels

Instagram itself says, “Reels is the best place to grow creatively, grow your community, and grow your career.”

Instagram users currently spend about 20% of their time on the app watching Reels, and it’s still the fastest growing format. If you only have time to make one change to your social strategy to prioritize growing your Instagram account, this is it.

For everything you need to know about creating quality Instagram Reels, check out our blog post on using Instagram Reels for business.

2. But not only Instagram Reels… for now

Instagram also says, “Sharing across formats (like Reels, Stories, Instagram Video, etc.) can help you find new followers and expand your reach.”

It’s interesting they don’t actually mention main feed photo posts at all here – likely because photo posts are the least likely to get your content in front of new eyeballs, since they’re limited to your followers with no native option to repost.

But the distinction between in-feed video and Reels looks to be in flux. Instagram is currently running a test where all Instagram videos become Reels for some users.

It’s more indication that Reels will be an increasingly important way to achieve Instagram growth moving forward. But for now, keep using a mix of formats with a focus on video.

3. Post regularly

Bringing in new followers is only one half of the equation for Instagram growth. The other half is keeping existing followers around so your total follower count keeps rising. That requires a steady flow of valuable content that keeps users engaged without overloading their feeds.

The last insight we have on this from inside Instagram comes from Creator Week in June 2021, when Mosseri said a “healthy feed” is a “couple posts a week, a couple Stories a day.”

4. Focus on high-value accounts in your niche

Instagram’s in-feed recommendations (aka the Instagram algorithm) are based on a number of signals.

A simple one to focus on is “other people they follow.” Following and engaging with accounts in your niche will signal the algorithm that you’re part of that niche.

Focus on some quality engagement with high-value accounts in your field. If you can get their attention so that they follow you back, that’s an even greater signal to the algorithm that people who follow them might be interested in you, too.

5. Engage with your audience

Reels can bring new viewers your way, but it’s your job to turn them into long-term followers. Again Instagram weighs in: “The easiest way to turn casual followers into fans is by liking, replying, and resharing their responses.”

Engaging with your fans by responding to comments increases the odds that you will get even more comments. People are much more likely to engage with you if they can see that you’ve taken the time to respond to people who have commented before.