If you came here looking for shortcuts or hacks to growing on Instagram, this isn’t for you.
There is no ‘one thing’ you can do to grow your followers on Instagram. There is no ‘one tip’ I can share with you that is the whole secret behind hacking Instagram’s algorithm.
You have to put in your best, every single day, for at least 2 months. Only then you will reap the benefits of your consistent hard work.
Let me tell you all about what I practised on Instagram religiously to reach 82,700 followers (as of 9 April 2023).
Table Of Contents
How to organically gain followers on Instagram
I posted consistently for 2 months even when the REELS FLOPPED BADLY
I started posting regularly back in November 2022.
I posted a minimum of 2 times a day. Once in the morning around 11 AM and once in the evening around 5:30-6 PM.
I tried very hard to not be discouraged by how the reels and posts were performing. Reels barely touched the 10k mark.
Keeping up with the consistency for 2 whole months, January 2023 changed everything for me.
I gained almost 30k followers in the month of January.
Instagram learns about your account by seeing what type of content you post, how often you post it and how you engage with other users.
I posted quality content consistently, with NO COMPROMISES!
Posting average content consistently isn’t going to help.
Don’t post just for the sake of posting it and continuing the streak.
Put in effort in each post that goes up.
From what I’ve learned through my growth on Instagram, you need any 2 or all of the following things (best case) to grow on Instagram through reels:
- GET A GOOD PHONE: If you are serious about growing on Instagram as a content creator, you need to invest in a good phone. As unfair as it may sound, reels posted via an iPhone do appear sharper and more attractive on Instagram. This was one of the top reasons why I switched to an iPhone last year. I wanted to jump head first and post the sharpest quality possible. Have you noticed how when some reels are played the rest of the screen becomes darker? Those are HDR videos shot on iPhone 14 Pro max.
- CREATE YOUR OWN SIGNATURE STYLE: Yes you can copy others’ work, do what is working for others and get more views than usual. But all that does is get you views, not recognition. Explore your skills and find something that you enjoy creating, something that is uniquely yours.
Also Read: How To Write Aesthetic Text On Reels: SAVE These Ideas
- DON’T IGNORE THE CAPTION: Even though your caption is barely visible on a reel, the one line that shows up plays a huge role. It can and does determine how your reel will perform. Ask a question, share a tip, or write something that will make people share/save your reel.
- USE TRENDING AUDIO: Using trending audio increases the chances of your reel getting more views. It only increases the chances and doesn’t guarantee it. If the video is not up to the mark, the audio can’t help boost it.
- PIN COMMENTS: On every post, pin 3 comments. Instagram will push your content on those 3 users’ home feeds more. Also, be active and reply to the comments you receive. Don’t just post and vanish from Instagram. Be a little generous and head back to their profiles and drop a few comments on their posts too.
What I shoot my reels with for crisp videos
Since I am a Photographer, I own a professional camera that helps in content creation too.
Here’s a list of my gear:
- Sony A7III
- Sony 28-70mm f/3.5 lens
- Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 lens
- Zhiyun Smooth Q3 mobile gimbal
- GoPro Hero 8
- iPhone 13
I connected with my followers and cleared their doubts using stories
People tap through Instagram stories often.
Use it as an opportunity to get personal and candid with your followers.
Along with re-sharing your posts & reels, use stickers to make engaging stories.
Ask people what kind of content they’d like to see on your profile, or urge them to ask just about anything they’d like.
Most of my followers are aspiring Photographers. They mostly have questions about my gear, how to get clients, how to learn to edit etc.
When you help people, they remember you.
Also Read: How To Get Verified On Instagram: The REAL Legit Way
Batch create your content
You won’t be free every single day to edit and finish off new content.
Assign a day or two in a week dedicated to batch-creating content for your profile.
Now you can even take advantage of the scheduling feature on Instagram and ensure that posts go live at the right time even if you’re busy.
Personally, I would suggest posting a minimum of 2 times a day. I try to post 3 times a day because my goal currently is to hit the 100k mark soon 🙂
2 reels and 1 photo post a day.
Choose what you want to post according to your own insights. Check insights of your account to see what kind of posts received higher engagement.
Use insights and don’t spend time thinking about what you should post. Post the kind of thing that is already working in your favour.
I always have 4-5 reels saved in my drafts.
Also Read: How To Add Doodles On Reels: EASY HACK For iPhone Users
What is the right time to post on Instagram?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions in my DMs.
No one time fits all.
The perfect time to post on Instagram is different for each profile.
For this, again, go to your insights and check when the majority of your audience is online.
Ideally, you should post 30-40 minutes before the peak time.
