13 Ways to Get More Followers on Instagram in 2025
For years, Instagram has been a powerhouse for creators, brands, and communities. But in 2025, the platform is more crowded and competitive than ever. The old tricks of simply posting a pretty photo with a few hashtags are long gone. Growth today requires a multi-faceted strategy that embraces video, authenticity, and genuine community building.
Chasing a high follower count for vanity’s sake is pointless. The real goal is to attract an engaged audience that genuinely loves what you do—the kind of followers who will like, comment, share, and ultimately become loyal customers or brand advocates.
So, how do you cut through the noise and achieve meaningful growth? It’s time to refresh your strategy. Here are 13 actionable and up-to-date ways to get more followers on Instagram in 2025.
1. Master the Art of the Reel
This isn’t optional anymore. In 2025, Instagram’s algorithm continues to heavily favor Reels. They are the single most powerful tool for reaching new audiences.
How to win with Reels:
- Hook Them Instantly: You have 2-3 seconds to capture attention. Start with a bold statement, a surprising visual, or a question.
- Use Trending Audio and Templates: Tap into what’s already popular. The Instagram app makes it easy to see which songs and formats are trending. Using them can give your content a significant visibility boost.
- Provide Value or Entertainment: Your Reel should either teach something useful (a quick tip, a mini-tutorial) or be genuinely entertaining (funny, relatable, inspiring).
2. Optimize Your Profile for Search (Instagram SEO)
Think of your Instagram profile as a mini-webpage. People are now using Instagram’s search bar to discover new accounts and content, not just hashtags.
How to optimize your profile:
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- Use Keywords in Your Name and Bio: Don’t just put your brand name. Include what you do. Instead of “The Plant Corner,” use “The Plant Corner | Houseplant Tips.”
– Write Keyword-Rich Captions: Describe what’s in your posts using relevant keywords. The algorithm reads your captions to understand what your content is about and show it to interested users.
3. Harness the Power of Collaboration
Instagram’s “Collabs” feature is a growth hack hiding in plain sight. It allows you to co-author a post or Reel with another account, making it visible to both of your audiences simultaneously.
How to use Collabs effectively:
- Partner with Complementary Accounts: Find creators or brands in your niche who aren’t direct competitors but share a similar target audience. A fitness apparel brand could collab with a personal trainer, for example.
- Run Giveaways and Contests: A classic strategy that still works. Partner with another account for a joint giveaway where participants must follow both accounts to enter.
4. Embrace Authenticity and Your Human Side
In a world of AI-generated perfection, users are craving realness. Polished, corporate-style content is less effective than ever. People want to connect with the humans behind the brand.
How to be more authentic:
- Show Behind-the-Scenes Content: Use Instagram Stories to show your workspace, your creative process, or a day in the life. These unpolished moments build trust.
- Talk to Your Audience, Not at Them: Write captions like you’re talking to a friend. Ask questions, share personal anecdotes, and don’t be afraid to be vulnerable.
5. Double Down on Community Engagement
A passive audience is just a number. An engaged community is an asset. The more you interact with your followers, the more the algorithm will favor your content.
How to build community:
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- Reply to Comments and DMs: Make it a priority. When someone takes the time to comment, acknowledge them. This fosters loyalty and encourages more interaction.
– Use Interactive Story Stickers: Polls, quizzes, Q&As, and sliders are easy ways to get your audience to engage directly with your content.
6. Cross-Promote Your Instagram Everywhere
Your Instagram account shouldn’t exist in a silo. Promote it across all your other marketing channels.
Where to promote:
- Your Email Signature: A simple, effective link for every email you send.
- Your Website and Blog: Embed your Instagram feed or add prominent follow buttons.
- Other Social Platforms: Share your best Reels on TikTok (and vice versa) and promote your Instagram on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Threads.
7. Create High-Value, Sharable Content
The “Share” button is one of the most powerful signals to the Instagram algorithm. When someone shares your post to their Story or sends it to a friend, Instagram knows you’ve created something valuable.
What kind of content gets shared?
- Infographics and Carousels: Break down complex information into easy-to-digest slides.
- Relatable Memes or Quotes: Content that makes people say, “That’s so me.”
- Actionable Tips and Checklists: Content that people want to save for later and share with others who would find it useful.
8. Leverage User-Generated Content (UGC)
Encourage your followers to create content featuring your products or brand. UGC acts as powerful social proof and provides you with a steady stream of authentic content to share.
How to encourage UGC:
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- Create a Branded Hashtag: Make it unique and easy to remember.
- Run a UGC Contest: Offer a prize for the best photo or video featuring your brand.
– Feature Your Followers: Regularly reshare the best UGC to your Stories and feed (always with credit!), which encourages others to post.
9. Utilize Instagram Threads
While still evolving, Threads offers a unique opportunity to connect with your audience in a more conversational format. It’s a great place to build your brand voice and drive followers back to your main Instagram profile.
10. Write Compelling, Long-Form Captions
While visuals are key, a powerful caption can stop the scroll and build a deeper connection. Don’t be afraid to tell a story, share a lesson, or provide detailed insights. This turns a simple post into a piece of micro-blogging.
11. Develop a Consistent Visual Identity
In a sea of content, a strong, recognizable brand aesthetic helps you stand out. This doesn’t mean every photo has to look the same, but there should be a cohesive feel. Use consistent presets, fonts, and color palettes.
12. Use AI as Your Creative Co-Pilot
In 2025, AI tools can be incredible assistants. Use AI writing tools to brainstorm caption ideas or hooks for your Reels. Use AI image generators to create unique Story backgrounds or concept visuals. Let AI handle the grunt work so you can focus on the creative strategy.
13. Analyze Your Insights and Adapt
Instagram provides a wealth of data through its built-in analytics. Don’t ignore it. Check your Insights weekly to see which posts are getting the most reach, engagement, and saves. Identify the patterns—is it a certain type of Reel? A specific topic? Double down on what’s working and be willing to adjust your strategy based on the data.
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