Looking to grow your Instagram account and get more followers fast and for free? You’re not alone. With millions of users competing for attention, figuring out how to increase Instagram followers can feel overwhelming. But the good news is, you do not need a huge budget or fancy tools to build a strong, engaged audience. Whether you are a brand, content creator, or small business, the right strategy can help you stand out and grow organically.
From mastering Reels to using smart hashtags, optimising your bio, and collaborating with others, this guide breaks down the most effective tactics to help you gain followers quickly and consistently on Instagram in 2025
How To Increase Instagram Followers in 2025
If you are wondering how to increase Instagram followers in 2025, you are not alone. With constant algorithm changes, new features like Instagram Broadcast Channels, AI-powered content discovery, and a highly saturated feed, growing your Instagram audience now takes more than just posting a pretty picture.
The good news? With the right data-backed strategies, you can gain engaged, loyal, and high-quality followers that help build your business or brand long term.
Whether you are a creator, influencer, or brand, here are 16 powerful tips on how to increase Instagram followers in 2025, along with data, tools, and insider tips to help you stay ahead.
1. Add Reels to Your Content Strategy
Instagram Reels continue to dominate the platform’s algorithm in 2025. According to Meta’s internal reports, Reels generate 36% more reach than other Instagram formats. They are highly shareable and often surface on the Explore page and even to non-followers.
What type of Reels work best in 2025?
- Trend-based content with a personal twist
- Educational how-tos (e.g., “3 tips to solve [X]”)
- Unpolished behind-the-scenes clips
- Relatable and funny daily moments
Pro Tip: Use trending audio within 3–5 days of its popularity and include closed captions, as 92% of viewers watch Reels without sound.
Tool: Use Instagram’s built-in “Reel Templates” to quickly hop on trends with plug-and-play formats.
2. Cross-Promote Across Platforms
Repurposing content is one of the most efficient ways how to increase Instagram followers fast. According to HubSpot’s 2024 Social Media Report, brands that cross-post Reels from TikTok and Shorts to Instagram saw 24% faster follower growth.
Where to repurpose:
- TikTok ➡ Instagram Reels
- YouTube Shorts ➡ IGTV/Carousel
- Pinterest Idea Pins ➡ Reels with a “Pin-worthy” look
Important: Always remove platform watermarks before cross-posting to avoid algorithm penalties.
3. Optimise Your Instagram Profile
Your Instagram profile is like the front door to your digital world, and it is the first thing people see when they discover your account, so it must make a lasting impression. If you are serious about growing your followers in 2025, optimizing your profile is crucial. According to Later, users who have a well-optimised bio are 43% more likely to convert visits into followers compared to those with vague or incomplete profiles.
Key Areas to Focus On:
- Profile Picture: Make sure your profile picture is high-resolution and immediately recognisable. Whether it is a logo for a brand or a friendly headshot for a personal account, the image should reflect your identity clearly. Avoid blurry or overly complex images. A simple, sharp profile picture helps build trust and allows people to identify you quickly in crowded feeds.
- Username: Your username should be simple, memorable, and easy to search. If you are a business, make sure your username reflects your brand name.
- Bio: The bio is where you communicate your purpose and value proposition in just a few words. Is it clear what you offer? Does it resonate with your target audience? Be sure to include keywords related to your niche or industry so people can quickly understand what your profile is about. A great bio also has a clear call to action (CTA)—tell visitors exactly what you want them to do next. For example, “Follow for daily tips on personal finance” or “Shop the latest collection below.”
4. Partner With Influencers and Creators
Influencer marketing is still one of the most effective ways to increase Instagram followers. In 2025, micro-influencers (1k–100k followers) see 60% higher engagement rates than mega-influencers.
Why it works:
- Tap into an existing, loyal audience
- Builds trust through third-party credibility
- Promotes your page organically in the algorithm
Use Shopify Collabs or tools like Aspire or Mavrck to find the right influencers by niche and audience.
5. Build Your Personal Brand
People follow people, not logos. If you are a founder, content creator, coach, or creative, having a personal account alongside your brand can drive serious results.
According to LinkedIn x HubSpot research, 72% of consumers are more likely to trust a brand if its founder is visible and active online.
Show your story, values, mistakes, and personality; it is how to increase Instagram followers organically and authentically.
6. Get Featured on Niche Pages
Niche curation accounts like @discoverearth (travel), @moodygrams (photography), or @girlsbuildingbusinesses (entrepreneurship) can bring massive exposure.
Strategy to get featured:
- Use their branded hashtags
- Tag them in your captions and Stories
- Follow and engage with their latest content
- DM with a clear pitch if applicable
Some of these accounts have 5 M+ followers a single repost can drive thousands of visits to your profile.
7. Use Smart Hashtag Strategies
Instagram hashtags still matter, but they must be strategic. Using 5–15 relevant hashtags per post yields the best engagement in 2025.
Build a system with three types of hashtags:
- Niche-specific (#veganbaker #torontostyle)
- Brand-focused (#MyBrandName #MadeByMe)
- Trending/general (#Inspo #OOTD #SelfCareSunday)
Tools to try: Flick, Hashtagify, or Later’s AI Hashtag Suggestion tool.
Research shows posts with at least one hashtag gain 12.6% more engagement than those without.
8. Post at Optimal Times
On Instagram, your audience’s attention span is short. To make sure your posts reach them when they are most likely to engage, timing is everything. Posting at the right times increases the likelihood of your content appearing in users’ feeds while they are actively browsing. If you post when your audience is online, you are more likely to get their attention, which can lead to more likes, comments, and shares, helping you grow your followers.
Global Best Times to Post:
Research from Sprout Social indicates the following as some of the best times to post globally:
- Tuesdays & Thursdays at 9 AM: These times are ideal for a general audience, catching people as they start their day and are likely to engage.
- Sundays at 6 PM: This time is particularly effective for lifestyle and food brands, as people are often winding down their weekend and checking social media for inspiration, recipes, or relaxation tips.
9. Engage With Your Competitors’ Followers
One of the most effective, yet often overlooked, strategies for growing your Instagram following is engaging with your competitors’ followers. This approach requires some time and effort, but it can be a goldmine when done correctly. By connecting with people who already have an interest in content similar to yours, you can tap into an audience that is likely to appreciate and follow your account.
How to Engage:
Engaging with your competitor’s followers is a strategic way to introduce yourself to a relevant audience. Here’s how to do it:
- Like 2–3 of Their Recent Posts: Start by liking a few posts from your competitor’s followers. This simple action can get your profile noticed. When people see that you have liked their posts, they will often check out your profile, increasing the chances they will follow you back.
- Leave Thoughtful Comments: Don’t just drop generic comments like “Nice post” or “Cool!” Make sure your comments add value or start a conversation. For example, if your competitor posted about a product, you could leave a comment asking a question or providing a thoughtful opinion related to the topic. This shows you’re genuinely interested, not just trying to gain followers.
- React to Stories with Emojis: Instagram Stories are a great way to interact casually. Reacting with emojis is quick but still shows your interest. If your competitor’s followers are engaging with Stories, jump in and add your thoughts in a fun, engaging way. It creates visibility for your account without being overly pushy.
- Follow Users Who Regularly Interact with Your Competitor: If you notice users who consistently engage with your competitor (liking, commenting, or sharing their posts), follow them. These people are already interested in content similar to what you post, making them more likely to check out your profile and follow you back.
10. Collaborate on Giveaways or Co-Branded Campaigns
Giveaways are a powerful and proven method for rapidly increasing your Instagram followers when done correctly. Glossier, a beauty brand known for its minimalist aesthetic and cult-like following. Glossier frequently runs product giveaways in collaboration with influencers and complementary brands, encouraging followers to tag friends, share posts, and follow multiple accounts.
One of their recent giveaways, tied to a product launch, led to a significant surge in follower count and engagement across both the brand’s and their partners’ profiles.
What to include in your giveaway:
- Running a successful giveaway goes beyond just offering a prize. It is about crafting an experience that encourages engagement and drives long-term value. Here’s what to include in your giveaway to maximise your follower growth:
- Ask Users to Follow You (and Your Collab Partner) The foundation of a giveaway is asking users to follow your account (and any collaborating accounts).
- Tag Friends Tagging friends is one of the effective methods to work with Instagram’s algorithm. When users tag others in the comments, it increases the post’s visibility across their followers, amplifying its reach.
- Share the post or story. Sharing the giveaway post or story is another simple yet effective way to spread the word. When users share your content, it’s a signal to Instagram that your post is worth engaging with, and it helps expand your reach to their followers.
- Visit Your Website (For List-Building) One of the overlooked benefits of a giveaway is the ability to build your email list. By directing entrants to visit your website and sign up for a newsletter or register for the giveaway, you can collect valuable leads for future marketing efforts. Use tools like SweepWidget or KingSumo to manage contest logistics.
11. Tag Locations for Local Discovery
Location tags are not just for restaurants or travel accounts; they are a powerful tool for increasing engagement and visibility across Instagram. According to SocialInsider, posts with geotags receive 79% more engagement than those without. Whether you are a local business, a global brand, or a content creator, location tags can help you reach a wider, more relevant audience.
Examples of location tagging:
- Cafés, landmarks, parks
- Events or conference venues
- Your business address
Bonus: Engage with content tagged at the same place, which helps surface your account to new potential local followers.
12. Use Instagram Story Highlights Strategically
Think of Instagram Story Highlights as your mini website right within the Instagram app. Highlights are essentially a permanent archive of your stories, allowing you to curate and organise them by themes, collections, or key messages. Instagram Stories disappear after 24 hours, but Highlights give you a way to preserve your best content permanently.
Visitors often check your Highlights to get a quick sense of your brand or personal style. If done right, this feature can effectively introduce new followers to your story, making them more likely to follow you.
Product demos
- FAQs
- Testimonials
- Press mentions
- Tutorials
Use branded covers and order them based on importance. Highlights are often the #1 place new followers click after visiting your profile.
13. Ask for the Follow (Seriously)
Sometimes, the simplest yet most effective way to increase your Instagram followers is to ask for them. You would be surprised how many people will follow you just because you directly tell them to.
In Reels, Stories, or even carousel captions, say:
“Enjoy this? Follow for more weekly tips.”
“Don’t miss our next drop follow now.”
According to a later 2025 study, posts that included a clear CTA like “Follow for more” had a 28% higher follow rate than those that didn’t.
14. Run Giveaways That Convert
When done strategically, giveaways can bring thousands of real followers in days. But avoid “loop giveaways” or those with prizes unrelated to your niche.
Best-performing giveaways:
- Relevant, niche-specific prizes
- Low entry barrier
- Bonus entries for Story shares or email signups
- Clear call-to-action graphics
Pair giveaways with product launches for max hype and conversion.
15. Share User-Generated Content (UGC)
Social proof is powerful. UGC builds trust, loyalty, and community, all of which lead to long-term growth.
Stats to know:
- 79% of people say UGC impacts purchase decisions
- Posts featuring UGC have a 4.5% higher engagement rate
How to encourage UGC:
- Ask in your packaging (“Share & tag us for a chance to be featured!”)
- Launch a hashtag campaign
- Offer incentives for reviews
16. Go Live to Boost Visibility and Trust
Instagram Lives give your followers notifications and often land you at the top of their feed. Use Lives to:
- Run Q&A sessions
- Reveal new products
- Interview creators or partners
- Host AMAS or “Behind-the-scenes” events
Lives can be saved and repurposed as content. Plus, Lives now support Live Shopping and collab streams, making them even more powerful.
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How To Increase Instagram Followers in 2025 FAQs
Why should I focus on growing Instagram followers in 2025?
Instagram remains one of the most powerful platforms for personal branding, business growth, and community building.
How often should I post?
Ideally, aim for 3–5 feed posts per week, including 2–3 Reels. Post daily to Stories if you can behind-the-scenes content, polls, and Q&As work well. Engagement matters more than frequency, so prioritize quality and connection over just volume.
How does the Instagram algorithm work in 2025?
The algorithm in 2025 prioritizes content that sparks engagement, like comments, shares, saves, and story interactions. It also factors in how long users spend on your content.
