Best Ways To Get Instagram Followers in 2024

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Karen Lin

Instagram 101 | Jan 23, 2024

Want More Real Instagram Followers?

In the world of Instagram, followers hold a lot of value and can enhance overall influence. Many brands build their social presence on the foundation of Instagram. They use Instagram marketing to drive traffic, increase sales, and engage with customers.

Feeling unhappy with your Instagram growth because of tough competition and the tricky algorithm is normal. But it’s definitely worth doing things to get more followers. Having a bigger audience means more chances for success.

Are you looking for ways to refine your presence and discover the best ways to get Instagram followers? This blog lays out the top tips to make it a reality.

A man on a couch with his laptop looking at his Instagram follower strategy. 

Best Ways To Get Instagram Followers

If you’re just getting started, you may consider buying followers or using bots. However, these tactics may give short-term results and use up your resources. Instead of using such methods, there are better ways to grow your followers.

Authentic live Instagram followers are ideal since they show you care about your business. Here are some tried and tested ways to build up your Instagram following. 

Optimize Your Instagram Bio

Make your Instagram bio count, as it often serves as the initial point of contact for new visitors. Introduce your identity and services in 150 characters. Create a short and informative bio with keywords to make it easier for others to find you.

Craft Instagram Captions for SEO

A few years ago, Instagram limited the Explore searches to hashtags, usernames, location tags, and profile names. But things have changed, and now you can use keywords in searches. So, creating captions with well-chosen keywords can greatly help others find your content. Adding relevant and descriptive keywords to captions boosts the chances of your content appearing on the Explore page.

Determine Optimal Posting Time

Consistency in Instagram content creation is crucial. Time your posts right to maximize visibility, increase traffic, and attract new audiences. However, it’s essential to identify your unique best time to post. 

Use third-party apps, like Later, to schedule content and get suggestions that are specific to your audience.

Design an Attractive Instagram Feed

Your Instagram profile is like a website, portfolio, and resume in one. A visitor decides whether to follow you within a few seconds and having a good Instagram aesthetic is crucial. 

A person holding an Android phone with an Instagram feed open.

Understanding the Psychology Behind Follower Behavior

Exploring follower behavior on social media platforms, particularly Instagram, uncovers intriguing aspects of human psychology. This allows marketers to use certain strategies to increase follower count. The motivations for people to follow an account are connected to human psychology and social dynamics.

At its core, various psychological factors often influence the decision to follow an account. Trust, credibility, relatability, and a sense of community play pivotal roles. Users follow accounts that align with their interests, values, or aspirations. The content an account shares reflects the user’s identity, contributing to a sense of belonging within a digital community.

The psychological principle of reciprocity also comes into play. When an account interacts with its followers, it establishes a mutually beneficial relationship. Followers support the account by staying engaged and recommending it to others.

The concept of social proof psychology significantly impacts how followers behave on social media. People who come across an account with real followers perceive it as popular and trustworthy. 

Fear of missing out (FOMO) is another psychological aspect that impacts follower behavior. Users are more likely to follow accounts that showcase exclusive or time-sensitive content. This creates a sense of urgency and a fear of missing out on valuable information or experiences.

Understanding these psychological factors enables content creators and businesses to tailor their strategies for attracting and retaining followers. Create content that connects with what your followers care about, building a real audience and showing your brand’s authenticity. Thus, it’s important to understand the psychology behind follower behavior to navigate social media and build a community.

A woman standing and holding an iPad, scrolling through her Instagram followers.

How To Get Instagram Followers Organically

To enhance your Instagram presence and gain followers organically, employ strategic and authentic approaches. Organic growth ensures a genuine audience that is genuinely interested in your content. Here is how to get Instagram followers organically:

1. Create Shareable Content

To reach out to new audiences, create content that people would like to share. You can start with proven formats, like inspirational quotes and informative carousel posts. Memes can also help you reach more people, especially when they relate to current trends in popular culture. 

2. Incorporate Instagram Carousels

Share educational content with your audience using Instagram carousels. Craft these carousels for both education and engagement and use a compelling title to encourage user interaction. Put these educational posts on your Stories and encourage others to share them on their Stories.

3. Collaborate With Influencers,

Connect with influencer marketing, or team up with small businesses for a win-win opportunity. When partnering, make sure your values match and their followers have similar demographics and interests as their target audience. This helps them access new communities and expand their reach.

Consider running a micro-influencer campaign in cases where extensive follower counts are beyond budget constraints. Smaller creators often have a tightly-knit community that trusts their recommendations. This makes them valuable partners for reaching a niche audience.

4. Engage With Followers

Stay engaged with your Instagram audience to understand their concerns, answer questions, and gather content ideas. 

In addition to comments and messages, explore Instagram Stories for more interaction. Instagram offers several features that allow for easy content generation without overwhelming yourself. These features include question stickers, interactive stickers, polls, countdowns, and link embedment.

A man in blue shorts and a white shirt is putting up Instagram stories. 

Leveraging Instagram Features for Follower Acquisition

Leveraging Instagram features strategically can attract potential followers. With diverse built-in tools, it’s essential to understand how to optimize each feature to expand your follower base.

  • Get Instagram Verification

Having a blue checkmark on your Instagram account is a quick way to show credibility. It helps you stand out in searches, prevents impersonation, and can lead to higher engagement.

Verifying your Instagram can help boost growth. Simply buy a subscription through your profile, but make sure to meet Meta’s minimum activity standards for eligibility.

  • IGTV

IGTV provides an excellent opportunity to showcase longer-form content. Make engaging videos to grab users’ attention and encourage them to follow for more valuable content. Use IGTV to share tutorials, behind-the-scenes glimpses, or in-depth discussions about your niche.

  • Instagram Reels

Instagram Reels is a short-form video feature that is gaining popularity rapidly. Reels that align with your business and resonate with your target audience. The discoverability of Reels makes it a valuable tool for reaching new followers interested in your content.

  • Instagram Live

Engage with your audience in real time through Instagram Live. This feature lets you connect directly with followers, answer questions, and share live updates. Promote your live sessions in advance to attract viewers and convert them into potential customers through real-time interactions.

  • Hashtags and Explore Page

Incorporate relevant hashtags in your posts to increase discoverability. Instagram’s Explore page often features content based on user interests, providing an additional avenue for reaching a broader audience. Research popular and niche-specific hashtags to maximize the visibility of your posts and attract new followers.

A person is going Live on his Instagram. 

How To Get More Followers on Instagram Through Third-Party Apps

Are you wondering how to get more followers on Instagram through other means? You are not alone. You can expand your Instagram follower base through third-party apps. These platforms offer unique features and services to boost your follower count and enhance your overall Instagram presence. 

Below are a few top-rated platforms that help you maximize your social profile and, in turn, grow your audience.

1. Path Social

Path Social is a third-party app specializing in organic follower growth. It employs advanced algorithms and targeted strategies to connect your profile with users genuinely interested in your content. The platforms aim to attract engaged followers by leveraging user interests and patterns.

2. Social Viral

Social Viral focuses on a global audience, providing Instagram followers from various parts of the world. Their strength lies in sourcing followers internationally, broadening your audience beyond local borders. The platform boasts a transparent process, ensuring clear procedures without hidden fees.

3. Social Boom

Another reliable platform is Social Boom, which is well-known for purchasing active Instagram followers. Their compliance with Instagram’s policies ensures a safe experience, contributing to improved social credibility and online reputation. SocialBoom.io stands out by prioritizing long-term relationships and delivering significant follower counts. This makes it a dependable choice for those looking to build a substantial, lasting follower base without hassle.

A person is typing on his computer, researching ways to increase his IG followers.

Effective Growth Strategies and Proven Tips To Gain More Followers

You need a growth strategy that works to increase your impact and the number of people who follow you. Even if the platform is always changing, some tried-and-true methods are still essential for long-term success in your local marketing. The following are several tactics to augment your audience:

  • Utilize Instagram Ads

Leverage Instagram’s advertising features to target specific demographics. Paid promotions can expose your content to a broader audience, helping you gain followers who align with your niche.

  • Host Instagram Takeovers

Collaborate with Instagram influencers or individuals in your niche to host Instagram takeovers. This mutually beneficial strategy allows guests to showcase their content to your audience. This, in turn, introduces their followers to your account.

  • Participate in Trend Challenges

Joining popular challenges and trends on Instagram exposes your content to a wider audience. Incorporate trending hashtags and participate in challenges to enhance discoverability and encourage users to follow your account.

  • Enhance Your Instagram Story Highlights

Archiving Instagram Stories in Highlights can extend their life, boost brand recognition, attract new followers, and showcase valuable content.

  • Organize an Instagram Giveaway

Hosting a giveaway is a quick way to get more followers on Instagram. To do it right, know the giveaway rules and make sure they match your growth goals. For instance, ask people to tag a friend, share the giveaway on their Stories, and follow your account. Partnering with a creator or brand with a similar audience can also enhance your giveaway.

Two women are taking a selfie to post on Instagram.

Bonus Insights: Get Noticed Through the Discover Feed

Instagram’s Discover Feed is a powerful tool to grow your audience and gain new followers organically. Here are some additional tips to help you take advantage of this feature and increase your exposure on the platform.

  • Diversify Content Formats

Experiment with various types of content formats, including images, videos, and carousels. The algorithm appreciates diversity, and users are likely to explore and engage with different content types.

  • Optimize Your Instagram Profile

Make sure your Instagram profile is complete and optimized. To improve your Instagram strategies, consider adding a link to your Instagram profile in your email signature. This allows every professional interaction to be a potential connection point for new followers. 

Consider a concise call-to-action, such as “Explore More on Instagram,” with your profile link.

  • Monitor Analytics and Refine Strategy

Regularly review your Instagram Insights to gain insights into the performance of your content. Identify trends, analyze audience behavior, and refine your strategy accordingly. This data-driven approach enhances the effectiveness of your Discover Feed strategy.

  • Tap into User-Generated Content

Capitalize on user-generated content (UGC) by encouraging your followers to create content related to your product and services. UGC strengthens your relationship with current followers. Additionally, it serves as authentic content that can capture the attention of a wider audience through the Discover Feed.

A woman is sitting in front of her computer, recording a Reel on her phone.

Crisis Management on Instagram

Managing crises in the fast-paced social media landscape is more about safeguarding your image. To keep growing your follower count, handle crises transparently and responsively. It’s best to preserve your reputation proactively.

For instance, quick responses to negative comments can demonstrate your commitment to addressing concerns, which can reassure existing followers. Clear and honest communication is key to building trust with your audience during a crisis. 

Crisis management plays a vital role in shaping the user experience. When you pay attention to your followers’ concerns and take corrective measures, it fosters loyalty. This loyalty can increase user engagement and ultimately grow your follower base.

A laptop is open with graphs depicting a brand’s follower growth.

Experience Strategic Growth With Path Social

With your newfound knowledge of the best ways to get Instagram followers, it’s time to implement your plans. Use a social media schedule, create some awesome Instagram posts, and expand your horizons.

As Instagram introduces new features, continue interacting with your existing followers and adapt your social media strategy accordingly. Acquiring a larger Instagram following is just the beginning. Keep it chill, and adjust your approach to maximize your Instagram journey.

Start growing and gaining Instagram followers today! If you’re looking to improve your Instagram strategy or gain more followers, it’s important to seek professional assistance. 

Path Social offers cutting-edge technology and innovative techniques to help you achieve your goals. With our help, you can significantly increase your follower count and build an ideal Instagram profile. So, start using Path Social to build your ideal Instagram profile now.