How to Hack the Instagram Algorithm: Get More Followers Now
You’ve created an Instagram profile to share highlights of your life and connect with friends and family. But gaining followers and increasing visibility is challenging when competing with over 1 billion monthly active Instagram users. The algorithm powering Instagram’s feed favors certain types of posts and accounts to keep people engaged. Understand how the algorithm works, and you can hack it to gain more followers and expand your reach. With some simple strategies and consistency, you’ll be well on your way to becoming an influencer. Ready to take your Instagram to the next level? Here are the key steps to mastering the Instagram algorithm and gaining more followers. buymalaysianfollowers
Optimize Your Instagram Profile to Attract Followers
Optimize Your Instagram Profile
To attract more followers on Instagram, you need an optimized profile. Here are the key steps to take:
- Choose a memorable username. Pick something simple but unique to your brand or niche. Include keywords that people may search to find you.
- Craft an engaging profile photo. Use a high-quality, eye-catching image that represents your brand. Show your face if promoting yourself. Ensure the photo is sized correctly for Instagram (currently 110 x 110 pixels).
- Write an informative bio. Keep your bio to 2 short sentences that describe what you do and your value to followers. Include relevant keywords and a call to action like “Follow for more!”.
- Use relevant hashtags. Include a mix of popular and niche hashtags in your posts to make them more discoverable. But don’t overtag – use 6-8 hashtags per post. Check what hashtags your competitors and influencers in your industry are using.
- Post high-quality content regularly. Aim for 1-2 posts per day to stay active in the Instagram community. Post a variety of content like photos, short videos, Stories, IGTV, etc. Engage with followers by liking and replying to their comments.
- Run contests and giveaways. Offer something of value to your followers like a free product or service. Ask people to follow you, like and comment on your posts to enter. This boosts engagement and gets more eyes on your profile.
- Collaborate with influencers. Work with influencers in your industry to get in front of their engaged audiences. Do Instagram takeovers, get featured in their posts or Stories, or run a contest together. Make sure any influencer you partner with shares your values and vision.
With an optimized profile and strategy, you’ll build an authentic following of people truly interested in your brand or message. Stay consistent and keep improving to hack the Instagram algorithm and gain new followers.
Post Shareable and Engaging Content Regularly
To gain more followers on Instagram, posting engaging and shareable content consistently is key.
Post Frequently
Posting at least once per day, ideally 2-3 times, will keep your profile active and in the feeds of your current followers. Staying top of mind with frequent posts also increases the likelihood of new followers discovering your profile.
Share a Variety of Content
Post a mix of content types – photos, short videos, Stories, IGTV videos, etc. Followers appreciate diversity and different content types have varying levels of engagement. For example, video content typically receives high engagement.
Use Popular Hashtags
Research popular hashtags in your niche and include a few relevant ones in your posts. This makes your content more discoverable to new potential followers browsing those hashtags. But don’t overtag – use 3 to 5 well-chosen hashtags per post.
Engage With Your Followers
Like and reply to comments from your followers. This shows them you value their engagement and are listening. It also keeps your posts active longer, allowing more new followers to discover them.
Post at Optimal Times
The best times to post are when the highest percentage of your target followers are on Instagram. This varies by account, so analyze your own follower activity to determine your optimal posting times. In general, avoid posting in the middle of the night when most people are sleeping.
Run Contests and Giveaways
Contests and giveaways are highly engaging and shareable. Followers will tag their friends to enter, exposing your account to new potential followers. The prize doesn’t have to be expensive, but should be relevant to your brand and audience. By consistently posting engaging and shareable content at optimal times, using popular hashtags, and interacting with your followers, you’ll gain more followers in no time and keep them coming back. Success on Instagram requires dedication, but the reward of an ever-growing, dedicated audience can be well worth the effort.
Use Relevant Hashtags to Increase Discoverability
To increase your discoverability on Instagram and gain more followers, using relevant hashtags is key. Hashtags allow people to find your content by searching for or following specific hashtags. The more relevant hashtags you use, the more likes and followers you can gain.
Find Popular Hashtags in Your Niche
Do some research to find popular hashtags that relate to your account’s theme or niche. Some tips:
- Search for hashtags on Instagram and see which ones are most used. The most popular hashtags will have the highest number of posts.
- Check what hashtags your competitors or influencers in your industry are using. See what’s trending and working for them.
- Use a hashtag generator tool to discover related hashtags. Then evaluate which ones seem most relevant and popular.
- Start with more general hashtags, then get more specific. For example, #travel, #adventure, #hiking, #YosemiteNationalPark.
Use a Mix of Popular and Niche Hashtags
Using a combination of very popular hashtags (1M+ posts) along with mid-range (100K-500K posts) and niche hashtags (under 100K posts) is the most effective strategy. Popular hashtags will give you the most exposure, while mid-range and niche hashtags are less saturated so your post has a better chance of ranking at the top.
Include Hashtags in Your Caption and Comments
You can include up to 30 hashtags per post, but aim for 8 to 12 highly relevant hashtags. Put 3 to 5 hashtags in your photo caption, then add additional hashtags in the first comment on your post. This looks more natural and less spammy to users.
Check Your Hashtag Performance and Adjust
See which hashtags are driving the most engagement (likes, follows, saves) for your posts. Then focus on those and drop any underperforming hashtags. Track new hashtags and replace them if they aren’t delivering results. Consistently optimizing your hashtags is key to mastering the Instagram algorithm. With regular use of relevant hashtags, you’ll increase your visibility in searches and the Instagram explore page. Keep experimenting to find the best mix of hashtags for gaining new followers and boosting your Instagram growth.
Collaborate With Influencers and Brands in Your Niche
To boost your follower growth, collaborate with influencers and brands in your niche.
Reach Out to Micro-Influencers
Micro-influencers, those with 10,000 to 100,000 followers, often have high engagement rates. Contact influencers with a similar style and audience to propose a collaboration. Offer to tag them in your posts or create content featuring their product in exchange for them mentioning you to their followers. Start with influencers slightly larger than your current following, then work your way up as your own following grows.
Partner With Brands
Brand partnerships are mutually beneficial. Reach out to brands with a comparable size and esthetic to propose cross-promoting each other. For example, offer to feature their product in your posts in exchange for them reposting your content or including links to your profile. These types of collaborations expand your reach to new audiences and add credibility. However, be selective about the companies you partner with, as their image can impact your own.
Host a Giveaway
A giveaway is an easy way to gain exposure from multiple influencers and brands. Contact companies with products or services your followers would enjoy and ask if they would like to donate something for a giveaway. In exchange, you will promote them to your followers and require entrants to follow all participating profiles. The chance to win a valuable prize motivates many people to follow, like and comment, increasing visibility and engagement for all parties involved.
Cross-Promote on Each Other’s Accounts
With another influencer or brand, cross-promote by posting about each other and linking to the other profile. For example, they could post a photo of you using their product and link your profile, while you post a photo featuring them or their brand and link back to them. Cross-promotion introduces you to new audiences and is a simple way to gain more followers from each other’s networks. Collaborating with influencers and brands is an efficient strategy to expand your reach and gain more followers. Build relationships, help promote others, and your own following and credibility will grow in turn. With consistency and by providing value to your partners and followers, you can hack the Instagram algorithm and achieve greater success.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, building an engaged Instagram following comes down to creating content that resonates with your target audience and using the platform’s features to your advantage. Stay active in the community by liking and commenting on posts from others in your niche. Keep your content fresh by posting regularly and using relevant hashtags to increase visibility. Run contests and giveaways to increase engagement. The Instagram algorithm favors accounts that generate interaction, so put in the work to build real connections with your followers. With time and consistency, you’ll gain more followers and become an influencer in your industry. The key is simply to start – open an account, post your first photo, and begin engaging with others. You have nothing to lose and an opportunity to gain valuable exposure. What are you waiting for? Start hacking the algorithm today.