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Instagram continues to be one of the most powerful platforms for personal branding, business growth, and influencer marketing. With over 350 million users in India alone as of 2025, standing out on Instagram can be challenging but not impossible.
10 Tips to Increase Followers on Instagram
If you’re looking to increase followers on Instagram, whether you’re a business, content creator, or just starting out, these 10 expert tips will help you build an engaged, authentic following.
1. Optimise Your Instagram Bio
Your bio is your Instagram business card. It should immediately tell users who you are and why they should follow you.
- Use a clear profile picture (preferably a logo or headshot).
- Add a catchy, value-driven description (e.g., “Helping 10k+ small businesses grow digitally”).
- Include keywords related to your niche.
- Use a single, trackable link (Linktree or your website).
Example: @yourstory_com uses “India’s no.1 platform for startups” in their bio, instantly establishing authority.
2. Create High-Quality, Shareable Content
Content is king. People follow accounts that provide value, entertainment, or inspiration.
- Use high-resolution images and clean editing.
- Create carousel posts for informative content.
- Keep captions engaging and conversational.
- Focus on niche-specific content — fitness, fashion, finance, etc.
Stat: According to Instagram India insights (2024), carousel posts get 1.4x more reach than single image posts.
3. Leverage Instagram Reels
Reels are dominating Instagram’s algorithm. They offer massive reach and discovery potential.
- Keep Reels under 30 seconds for higher retention.
- Use trending sounds and hashtags.
- Add text overlays and captions for mute viewers.
- Include a call-to-action (CTA) like “Follow for more tips.”
Real Example: @beerbiceps (Ranveer Allahbadia) uses Reels to mix knowledge + entertainment, resulting in millions of views per post.
4. Use Hashtags Strategically
Hashtags help you get discovered by people searching for topics you cover.
- Use 20-30 hashtags per post (Instagram allows up to 30).
- Mix broad (#entrepreneur) and niche (#delhibusinesscoach) tags.
- Avoid banned or spammy hashtags.
- Create a branded hashtag to build community (e.g., #BossWallahTips).
Pro Tip: Posts with relevant hashtags receive 12.6% more engagement.
ALSO READ – 10 Best Hashtags for Instagram for Likes and Followers in 2025
5. Post Consistently and at the Right Times
Instagram rewards consistency. The more frequently and consistently you post, the more your followers grow.
- Post at least 4–5 times per week.
- Use Instagram Insights to track your audience’s active hours.
- Schedule posts using tools like Buffer, Later, or Meta Business Suite.
Best Times to Post (India – 2025)
- Morning: 9 AM – 11 AM
- Evening: 6 PM – 9 PM
6. Engage Authentically with Your Audience
Instagram’s algorithm boosts profiles that actively engage.
- Reply to comments and DMs within 24 hours.
- Like and comment on your followers’ posts.
- Host Q&A sessions on Stories.
- Use polls, quizzes, and “Ask Me Anything” stickers.
Why It Works: Engaged followers are 4x more likely to share your content and recommend your page.
7. Collaborate with Influencers and Brands
Cross-promotion is a fast and effective way to increase your Instagram followers.
- Partner with micro-influencers (10k–100k followers) in your niche.
- Co-host Instagram Lives or Reels.
- Run giveaways or contests together.
Example: A Bangalore-based D2C skincare brand grew from 5k to 50k followers in 4 months by collaborating with 20 micro-influencers.
8. Run Targeted Instagram Ads
Ads can be a great way to boost visibility when used alongside organic strategies.
- Use “Engagement” or “Followers” as campaign objectives.
- Target by age, interests, behaviour, and location.
- Start small ₹500–₹1,000 per day.
Note: Always A/B test different creatives and captions to find what works best.
9. Host Contests and Giveaways
Contests encourage people to follow, like, and share your page for a chance to win something.
- Keep the rules simple: Follow + Like + Tag 3 friends.
- Offer something valuable (vouchers, free services, shoutouts).
- Announce winners transparently to build trust.
Tip: Collaborate with another brand for double the reach.
10. Analyse, Learn & Adapt
You can’t grow what you don’t measure. Use Instagram Insights regularly.
Track these metrics:
- Follower growth rate
- Post reach & engagement
- Best performing content
- Stories completion rate
Adapt your content strategy every month based on this data.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Trying to Increase Followers on Instagram
Even with the best strategies, many users make mistakes that hurt their growth. Avoid these:
- Buying followers: Leads to fake engagement and risks account bans.
- Inconsistent posting: Confuses followers and hurts algorithm reach.
- Using banned or irrelevant hashtags: Can shadowban your content.
- Over-promotion: Too much selling pushes people away. Follow the 80/20 rule 80% value, 20% promotion.
- Ignoring analytics: Without tracking, you’re just guessing what works.
ALSO READ – 10 Easy Tips on How to Get 10k Followers on Instagram
Key Takeaways
- Focus on consistently creating high-quality, relatable content.
- Use trending features like Reels, Lives, and Stories to boost visibility.
- Collaborate with influencers and brands to widen your reach.
- Hashtag strategy and posting timing matter more than most think.
- Paid promotions work best when backed by organic growth tactics.
Learn more about social media skills here to unlock new growth opportunities
Need Expert Guidance?
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Conclusion
Growing your Instagram isn’t just about numbers, it’s about building a loyal, engaged community. By combining creativity with consistency and strategy, you can increase followers on Instagram effectively in 2025. Start with one or two of the tips above and gradually implement all for long-term success.
And remember, quality > quantity. One loyal follower is better than ten inactive ones.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How often should I post to grow my Instagram followers?
- At least 4–5 times a week is recommended for steady growth.
2. Do hashtags still work in 2025?
- Yes, when used correctly. Combine trending, niche, and branded hashtags.
3. Are Instagram Reels more effective than posts?
- Yes, Reels get 2x more reach and engagement due to Instagram’s current algorithm.
4. How many followers do I need to start earning from Instagram?
- Even with 1,000 followers, you can earn via brand deals or affiliate links if your audience is engaged.
5. Should I buy Instagram followers?
- No. Fake followers harm engagement rates and can lead to account penalties.
6. What’s the best time to post on Instagram in India?
- Morning (9 -11 AM) and Evening (6 – 9 PM) based on active user behaviour.
7. Which is better: micro or macro influencers for collaboration?
- Micro-influencers often deliver better engagement and trust within their niche audience.
8. Can I grow on Instagram without showing my face?
- Yes. Many meme pages, product brands, and content creators grow without personal visibility.
9. Do Instagram ads help in gaining real followers?
- Yes, if targeted well and supported by quality content.
10. How do I convert followers into customers?
- Build trust through value-driven content, engage frequently, and use CTAs directing them to your products/services.
