Instagram remains one of the most popular social media platforms, but with millions of users posting daily, it can be challenging to stand out. Fortunately, there are a few Instagram hacks that can help you grow your following and boost your engagement. Here are five tips that you might not know, but will definitely need!

1. Use Instagram’s “Save” Feature to Boost Visibility Did you know that when users save your posts, Instagram’s algorithm interprets this as a sign of valuable content? The more saves your posts get, the more likely they are to appear on the Explore page. Encourage your followers to save your posts by creating content that offers value, like tutorials, tips, or inspiring quotes.
2. Leverage the Power of Carousel Posts Carousel posts—those that allow you to swipe through multiple images or videos—are one of the most engaging post formats on Instagram. They keep users swiping, which increases the time they spend interacting with your post. This can signal to Instagram that your content is highly engaging, helping it get more visibility in the feed and Explore page.
3. Post When Your Audience Is Most Active Timing is everything on Instagram. If you post when your followers are most active, you increase the likelihood that your content will be seen. Use Instagram Insights (available for business accounts) to find out when your audience is online and schedule your posts accordingly for maximum engagement.
4. Engage with Your Followers Early and Often Engagement is a two-way street. Instagram values interactions, so if you want to get noticed, make sure you’re actively engaging with your audience. Respond to comments, reply to DMs, like and comment on your followers’ posts, and create interactive stories (polls, quizzes, questions) to prompt conversations. The more you engage with your community, the more likely they are to engage with you in return. Not only does this build a loyal following, but it also signals to the algorithm that your content is interesting and worth sharing.
5. Use Hashtags Strategically – But Don’t Overdo It Hashtags are still a powerful way to increase the discoverability of your posts, but the key is to use them strategically. Rather than using the same set of popular hashtags in every post, tailor your hashtags to your specific content. Research niche hashtags that are relevant to your post’s theme, and mix popular ones with less competitive ones. For example, if you’re posting about healthy recipes, use a combination of broader tags like #HealthyEating and more specific ones like #PlantBasedRecipes. Avoid overloading your posts with hashtags—Instagram allows up to 30, but studies show that posts with 5 to 10 hashtags tend to perform best.

Final Thoughts

Growing your Instagram following in 2024 isn’t just about posting pretty pictures—it’s about creating content that resonates, engaging with your audience, and leveraging Instagram’s tools and algorithms to your advantage. Whether you’re a business, influencer, or content creator, implementing these five hacks can give your Instagram strategy a serious boost.

Consistency is key: keep experimenting with your content, track your performance, and adapt your strategy based on what works. With these Instagram tips, you’ll be on your way to attracting more followers and increasing engagement in no time!