How to Get People to Share Your Content on Instagram: More Shares Equal More Engagement

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Karen Lin

Instagram Tips | Feb 15, 2024

Want More Real Instagram Followers?

Want to build a strong and looming presence on social media for your business? If so, you should know how to get people to share your content on Instagram. Today’s Instagram content shares are like yesteryear’s word-of-mouth hype. It’s organic publicity that speaks volumes about a brand’s authenticity and value. Therefore, can help rake in more followers and higher engagement.

If you want to keep gaining followers and sustain your growth on Instagram, aim to score high on post shares. This should be one of your Instagram business goals. To get people to share your content on social media it must reach your target audience and be relevant/useful. These tasks are already difficult individually, so accomplishing both means double the challenge. Add this how-to guide to your content strategy arsenal to help your posts spread far and wide through shares.

Instagram logo representing how to get people to share your content on Instagram.

How Do You Share a Post on Instagram?

First things first, you’ve got to figure out how to share your content. Why? Because it’s one of the first steps in how to get people to share your content on Instagram. If you are putting it out there on the platform, and it appeals to others, they’ll want to share too. In the meantime, you can only repost to your IG stories. However, you can also screenshot and post to your feed. Curious how do you share a post on Instagram? Well, in a few easy steps, you’ll be on your way to sharing all the content you want. 

  1. Once you decide what want to share, check to see if the owner allows the content to be shared. Tap on the paper airplane. If the content is sharable publicly, you’ll see the “add post to my story” option. If it’s not sharable, you’ll only be able to share to friends via direct messages. 
  2. If the content is sharable, tap on the “add post (or reel) to my story” option. 
  3. You’ll be able to make edits to add a caption, stickers or music. You can also add a link to your Instagram story
  4. Tap on “your story” and then the white arrow at the bottom of your screen. 
  5. The content is now shared to your Instagtam stories.

Keep in mind that Instagram stories are only active for 24 hours. For non-video content posts, you can screenshot and share them on your Instagram feed. Don’t forget to caption and add relevant hashtags for more reach and engagement. Last, make sure your settings allow visibility into your Instagram accounts. You might have limited access to who views your Instagram posts. However, you can hide posts from certain followers to keep things private

Someone holding a pen writing the word audience representing social media content strategy.

One of the Best Ways to Get More People to Share Your Content: Have a Content Strategy

Think you got Instagram’s algorithm and the tricks for how to get people to share your content figured out? Maybe not. The platform likes to pull the rug from under you and change the rules of the game constantly. But there are best practices that continue to be effective despite algorithm updates and evolving social media trends. We have put together a list of the best ways to get more people to share your content. These tips help you optimize your content strategy for high post shareability.

Someone holding their phone taking a photo of the beach for Instagram content.

How to Get People to Share Your Content on Instagram: Create Share-Worthy Content

This is always a given but it also bears repeating. How to get people to share your content is more about the value your content delivers to your audience. Ultimately, your content’s shareworthiness will be decided by your audience. These types of posts almost always get shared and populate on the Instagram algorithm:

  • Posts that make people smile or laugh
  • Inspiring or heart-warming posts
  • Beautiful images overlaid with quotes that promote positivity and wellness
  • Timely infographics
  • Posts promoting awareness for a cause or movement
  • Posts that inspire nostalgia

While using the aforementioned ideas for inspiration, remember when creating shareable and interesting Instagram content always stay on-brand. If you must jump on the latest trending bandwagon, make sure it’s relevant to your business. Additionally, users love when you create content that is original. This helps maintain your credibility.

The word "caption" spelled out in Scrabble tiles.

How to Get People to Share Your Content on Instagram: Write a Scroll-Stopping Caption

Users view a blur of images as they quickly scroll through their Instagram feeds. How to get people to share your content, really depends on your content. Try posting a photo or video with a caption that stops them in their tracks. Captions are also useful when posting to your Instagram stories.

Your caption must seal the deal and convince your audience to hit the share button. It could be a witty remark, a thought-provoking statement, or a positive sentiment. Captions are especially important when you post videos. Captions make video posts easily accessible even when the videos are muted. Don’t forget to include popular hashtags and a strong call to action. Once you capture your audience’s attention add a well-written caption. This ensures your post is worth their time and a share.

Someone holding a cell phone recording video to share on social media platforms.

How to Get People to Share Your Content on Instagram: Prioritize Content Formats

Creating content in formats that are preferred by users is another way how to get people to share your content. Beautiful images are a dime a dozen on Instagram. Give your audience something different by posting short video tutorials. Try a behind-the-scenes clip or even a bite-sized video ad for your brand. These content formats hold the viewer’s attention longer. 

Carousel Instagram posts are another popular format as viewers have to stop scrolling to view your photo series. Infographics allow you to present a collection of data in a more appealing and easily digestible visual.

The longer you’re able to hold your audience’s attention, the better. You’ll have a greater opportunity to convince them to share your content. So make sure to provide quality content they’ll want to post to their walls and share with their followers. Give them something new, interesting, surprising, or educational in a format that breaks the monotony of still visuals.

Someone on their laptop checking out a blog post to keep up with the latest trends.

How to Get People to Share Your Content: Keep Up With the Latest Trends

Thanks to the fast-paced “turnover” of information on social media, most trending topics have a limited lifespan. Wondering how to get people to share your content on Instagram? Don’t get left behind with outdated content. Stay up-to-date on the latest trending hashtags (particularly within your niche/industry), memes and issues. Accounts with the most followers on Instagram are a great source for the latest trends.

When riding a popular wave to score shares, remember to create trend-based content appropriate for your brand and audience. Not sure what are the latest trends for your niche? Look no further than your recommended IG feed. The Instagram algorithm will highlight what’s trending for your brand based on what you’ve been researching. 

iPhone with 5:19 displayed representing time user generated content should be shared on social media.

How to Get People to Share Your Content on Instagram: Nail Your Timing on the Head

One of the best ways to get people to share your content is to get your timing right. You won’t get people to share your Instagram content if your timing is off when posting. This is one of the common reasons why posts get minimal or even zero engagement. Plus, more engagement is better for the Instagram algorithm.

It will take trial and error to determine the best times to post your content and reach your target audience. Keep an eye on your posts’ performance through Instagram Insights. You’ll see when your target viewers are most active and when your posts get the most engagement. Do some research to find out the recommended best times for your industry and audience type. Experimenting with how to get people to share your content? You’ll need to maximize your content’s reach and visibility by posting at the right times. Getting your timing right increases the likelihood that it will get shared.

Help wanted sign signifying increasing social media sharing by asking other users.

How to Ask Someone to Share Your Post on Instagram

You can get people to share your content on Instagram by simply asking them to do it. Start with a strong call to action as part of a promo for your business. This is the first step to take when deciding how to ask someone to share your post on Instagram. 

Something as simple as, “If you liked this post, please share!” Or, “Please like and share this post to spread #positivevibes!” can make a world of difference.

Creating content specifically for an awesome and limited-time promo that requires sharing the post almost always delivers amazing results. Regularly schedule Instagram contests and other special offers. In turn, your followers will always be on the lookout for another opportunity to score cool stuff. As a result, you can always expect to get tons of shares.

If you’re wondering how to get people to share your content on Instagram, start with these basics. Over time you’ll watch your follower count grow as well as your engagement reach.

Influencers taking a selfie for user generated content to share in an Instagram post.

How to Get More Shares on Instagram: Enlist the Help of Influencers

Not all shares are created equal. Some influencers’ shares are better than your average user’s or compared with other influencers. When your content is shared by an influencer, you can reach a much larger audience. Plus, you’ll gain an abundance of followers who are genuinely interested in what you have to offer. So if you’re wondering how to get more shares on Instagram? Enlist the help of influencers. 

Ideally, you should choose an influencer within your niche/industry who has a higher follower base than you. Make sure they’re getting a decent level of engagement on their posts. Sharing your content can be the first step towards building a productive and long-term collaboration with an influencer. Here are some tips to help you cultivate a mutually-beneficial relationship with an Instagram influencer. It’s also a noteworthy way how to get people to share your content on Instagram. 

  • Ask the influencer if you can tag them in your post. The post should give them good enough “publicity.” Even if you have a smaller follower base, they’ll want to repost it. 
  • Share their content and add an engaging caption. Do this several times to get them to notice you. Like and comment on their posts regularly, as well. 
  • Get straight to the point and ask them to share your content. Send them a DM to introduce your brand. You can also suggest the possibility of a collaboration.
  • Ask the influencer if they would be interested in creating content together. It can be through an interview if they’re an expert on something related to your business. Or, do a  video or joint live stream where you will talk about a topic that’s related to your industry.

Three women looking at cell phone viewing user generated content to share.

Why You Should Care About Shares

For digital ad campaigns, one way that success is measured is through the number of shares. Not all posts that go viral, however, actually deliver value or can be considered quality content. If you want to increase your follower count and engagement organically you need tools. One of which is learning how to get people to share your content on Instagram. But, it should be for the purpose of achieving your growth goals on the platform. This means people should want to share your content because it has value.

If your post gets hundreds of shares, you should also get an increase of new followers and engagement. If you need a boost in followers, try a service that will automatically start you with 1000 free Instagram followers. Once you have a follower base, shares are sure to follow suit. Your post shares should benefit your overall metrics. To achieve this, your content should not only be share-worthy but also be aligned with your Instagram business goals.

Post shares are an important indicator of success. Especially, if one of your key business goals on the platform is brand awareness or community engagement. A multitude of shares also indicate an effective content strategy. On the other hand, minimal shares often mean poor content quality, poor timing and/or an uninspired overall content strategy.

Tablet surrounded by social media sharing icons such as hearts and thumbs up.

Knowing how to get people to share your content on Instagram can take your business farther up the growth ladder. The tricky part is figuring out what piques your core audience’s attention. Be sure to check your Instagram insights to ensure your content equates to follower growth and shares. Once you figure it out, you can keep creating the kind of high quality content that they’ll eagerly share. 

Organic growth on Instagram may oftentimes feel like an uphill battle. Despite your best efforts to create amazing content, you may not see the numbers you should be getting. Getting noticed on Instagram is usually the problem. The solution you need may be a growth partner with reliable experience in Instagram growth strategies, like Path Social. Take advantage of Path Social’s advanced AI targeting algorithm and in-house team of experts and start growing and gaining Instagram followers today!