30 Tricks to Get More Instagram Followers in 2026

30 Tricks to Get More Instagram Followers in 2026

Looking for ways to get more followers on Instagram? Then you’ve come to the right place. 30 tricks to get more Instagram followers in 2026

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The COVID-19 pandemic forced people to follow home isolation rules, take it as a disguised opportunity, build and expand your virtual family – 30 proven tips!

Did you know that Instagram is the second most popular social network in the USA?

Moreover, Instagram currently hosts 1 billion active users monthly worldwide, with 120 million users just in the United States!

Yes, you read that right.

What started as a simple photo-sharing application has quickly transformed into one of the most ferocious platforms for businesses and influencers, allowing you to connect with a diverse audience while earning money from it.

In today’s world, where every company and individual creates an account on this platform – how do you stand out from the competition and increase your Instagram followers?

Here are 30 proven tips that, when implemented correctly, will increase your Instagram followers and their reach – and help you achieve your goals on this platform!

instagram-1-billion-users

1. Stick to One Niche

Remember: A niche builds exclusivity!

It helps create strong connections and expand your Instagram family.

Instagram is an exciting platform; every step takes you to a new level.

But there’s a problem because the adrenaline rush from posting new content, gaining new followers, likes and comments reaches astronomical values – you can become distracted from your goals.

To avoid this uncertainty, set a goal for your account and follow it consistently.

For example,

If you’re an Instagram coach whose target audience is social media entrepreneurs, stick to this niche and build your position as an expert on the subject.

Remember:

„Clear purpose = better action plan!“

2. Create a Content Calendar

Here’s the deal: posting random content won’t do any good.

When it comes to Instagram, quantity matters. But it’s important that you create specific and valuable content consistently.

And for that you’ll need a social media content calendar so you can plan and strategically schedule your posts.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Keep your target audience in mind.
Analyze information that will resonate with them and add value to their time.
Dose your content accordingly each week.

Believe us – this is a completely reliable way to gain followers on Instagram organically.

3. Write an Optimized Instagram Bio

Your account’s bio is your CV on social media.

He was the creator of an agreement that converts potential Instagram followers.

The task here is to write a snappy, persuasive copy that clearly states:

• Who are you?
• What do you do? (+ possibly a link to your website)
• What do you offer your Instagram family?
• Give visitors a glimpse of who you are and what you can offer.

A shining example here is Harry Dry @marketingexamples, who effectively highlights his offer on Instagram in just four words.

Instagram-1-billion-users

4. Add an attractive profile picture

In this regard, you can be creative.

Think about how you can best represent your brand on Instagram. Let it be iconic and memorable.

If you’re thinking about how to gain followers on Instagram, choosing an optimized profile picture that complements your account’s name and bio is the right way to go.

Look at these points to get started:

Are you a brand trying to make a connection with your audience?

Post an image of your logo without pixels, overlaid with your brand colors.
Are you an influencer building your brand on the platform?

Post a clear photo of your face.

5. Go big with Reels!

Reels are the real deal in 2026.

They’re a sure way to grow big on Instagram because they attract millions of views, likes, and followers.

Hand on heart, this latest Instagram feature has taken the platform by storm – creators and brands daily post fun, engaging, and educational content.

Why is this important then?

Videos go viral when people share them in their Stories and DM messages, which allows you to gain free Instagram followers.

Reels

Get inspired by Sephora. This cosmetics company regularly releases outstanding Reels: from quick tutorials on how to calm oily scalp at home (with 1 million views and 32.1 thousand likes) to current trend content pieces.

In a 15/30 second timeframe, you can create practically anything and easily increase your Instagram followers!

6. Create carousels for your Instagram followers

Want to learn the secret growth hack that only a few social media experts know? It’s dwell time, the average time users spend on your content.

And that’s exactly what carousels are for.

These ten-page slides motivate users to stay long on your post, which alerts Instagram’s algorithm to frequently display your account in the Explore section to potential followers.

„Instagram growth = satisfying the algorithm“.

7. Work on creative captions

Instagram is a creative tool!

It offers 100% freedom in creating your brand’s identity.

To make the best use of it, you can experiment between short and long captions.

Write ones that catch users‘ attention and motivate them to view your profile. Eventually, they’ll click the blue „Follow“ button.

8. Play with hashtags

The right sets of hashtags = „Instagram followers boosters“.

You can include targeted hashtags in your posts to attract the relevant audience to view your profile and follow you!

Not sure how to get more Instagram followers using hashtags?

Here’s how to do it:

Create two batches and experiment with each one for a month. Then check through the „Insights“ section which ones work, and keep them as your sample set of hashtags.

A successful hashtag strategy typically includes two categories:

• Hashtags for specific posts
• Hashtags specific to the topic

Bonus tip: Did you know that you have space for 30 hashtags in each post? Make sure they are all relevant to your post, and growth will follow.

9. Create Your Personal Hashtag

A personalized hashtag defines exclusivity.

It helps users quickly find your account. So keep it unpredictable and relevant. Make sure you always stand out!

But wait! There’s more:

You can cross-promote your branded hashtags in your stores (both physical and virtual) and other marketing campaigns – leaving a strong mark on your followers and potential supporters.

10. Schedule Your Posts

Did you know there are optimal times to post on Instagram that will increase your growth?

That’s why you need to find out when your followers are active on Instagram and likely to engage.

Keep in mind – this planning can be as specific as 7:00 PM on Saturday or 4:30 PM on Tuesday.

But don’t let that discourage you from growing on Instagram!

You can rely on social media scheduling and posting tools, like SocialPilot, which automatically upload posts at your account’s optimized time, actively contributing to your brand’s growth!

11. Switch to a Business Account

You might be wondering, why a business account?

A business account offers two features:

Insights Section – allows you to track your Instagram performance over the last 7 and 30 days, such as accounts reached, engagement generated, etc.
Contact Button – lets you add an email address and phone number so you can contact your target audience.
As you can see, switching to a business account is a crucial step in getting more Instagram followers.

Don’t underestimate its power!

12. Collaborate with Influencers

We can’t deny that people love influencers and trust products they use.

Here’s what research revealed:

68% of brands prefer influencer marketing on Instagram, and 90% of respondents believe that influencers are strong brand ambassadors.

So yes, collaborating with influencers definitely pays off!

Paid partnerships with influencers, story shout-outs, and influencers who take over your brand account for a day are some ways to quickly increase your Instagram followers.

13. Repost User-Generated Content (UGC)

What is a great medium for building brand authenticity and consumer trust?

Answer: Social proof.

How?

When potential followers observe how other users like your product/service, they are more likely to give you their business.

It’s true; 79% of people say that „user-generated content“ influences their purchasing decision.

Take the example of Grammarly, which regularly posts UGC and successfully drives the number of its Instagram followers.

Grammarly

14. Engage Through Instagram Stories

Users are most active on Instagram Stories today compared to any other platform.

So it makes sense that you should take advantage of this trend!

Use Instagram Story features – polls, questions, quizzes, etc. to increase engagement rate. If your followers enjoy these activities, they will share them further in their community.

Result? More Instagram followers!

15. Increasing Reach in Stories

Looking for a reliable way to get greater reach on Instagram?

It’s through trending hashtags, stickers, GIFs and of course memes. Who could resist a good meme?

Give reasons to spark discussions and healthy debates and start trending further!

For example, New York University used the hashtag #Oscars to promote, discuss and highlight the achievements of its alumna Chloé Zhao in 2026 at the prestigious awards ceremony.

nyuniversity

Interesting reading: 9 epic Instagram Story hacks to set you apart from the crowd!

16. Host Giveaways

Successful brands know how to gain followers on Instagram and attract new audiences to their channel: free products.

Who wouldn’t love (luxury) free gifts?

The excitement of receiving gifts from a celebrity or brand is thrilling. No one would want to miss such an opportunity!

You can run contests with conditions like – „follow us“ and „tag three friends to speed up your chances of winning“.

Moreover, many brands, including startups and influencers, conduct these offers during celebrations or after reaching a certain follower threshold (500 thousand, 1 million, etc.).

realbarbarapalvin

17. Go Live!

Pro tip: Don’t be shy about showing your face!

People love to hear BTS stories and experiences of the people who are responsible for building their favorite brands.

Instagram’s IGTV feature allows creators to engage with audiences in real time.

Here are a few more ideas:

Share event details across all social media platforms.
Go live yourself or invite special guests.
Highlight 2-3 talking points to spark interest and be unique.
This activity will organically increase the number of your Instagram followers!

Interesting reading: 6 tips on how to optimize live videos on Facebook and Instagram

18. Engage your Instagram followers through comments

More comments are a blessing for your Instagram posts!

The key to success is responding to valid comments to build a genuine connection with your audience.

It’s easy – be funny or direct.

Give people a reason to talk about you! This will definitely increase your follower count.

Get inspired by the boss.

This brand focuses on building meaningful and long-term relationships with its followers and radiates a positive brand image for potential followers.

boss

19. Create useful guides

Guides are a relatively new Instagram feature where accounts can collect similar published posts under one virtual roof for easy user access.

This educational effort builds brand authenticity and invites a large number of free Instagram followers.

Here’s a great example:

In an effort to help people affected by the COVID-19 virus, many nonprofits and influencers share Instagram Guides full of links to resources and helpline numbers.

20. Write valuable comments

It’s quite simple.

Regularly drop your likes and comments on posts from your industry to gain attention and increase your organic growth on the platform.

21. Have a clear username

Of course, you need an Instagram username that defines your brand.

But how can people find you if they have to type a flood of characters and numbers to get to your page?

That’s why it’s best to keep it simple. Use lowercase letters and avoid numbers and symbols to be easily discoverable.

22. Show BTS scenes

Who wouldn’t like to watch bloopers, employee bonding videos, or wholesome pet clips?

People love to hear raw behind-the-scenes stories.

It’s a fact: transparency builds relationships.

Do you have an office pet that steals everyone’s hearts? Show its antics!

A favorite colleague moment you share every Friday? Create a film reel!

Post anything „real“ and experience an outpouring of love from your growing Instagram followers!

scrubdaddy

23. Consistency is key

Let’s be realistic: Instagram is a demanding social platform.

And that’s exactly why consistency is key.

Stay active every day through posts, Stories, or Reels and the platform will reward you with increased exposure on the „Explore“ and „Hashtags“ cards – over time it will give you more followers!

24. Leave room for momentary marketing

It takes just one post to go „viral“ on Instagram.

Brands should maintain sufficient flexibility to incorporate moment marketing – it can instantly dramatically increase your number of followers!

Always remember:

„People love trends – give them to them!“

For example: „If you manage to create a trend, you can have it displayed on the internet,

The recent Suez Canal blockage gained growing attention from the creative industry and soon transformed into an opportunity for moment marketing.

See how the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team leveraged the Suez Canal moment!

mercedesamgf1

25. Invest in Instagram Ads

Instagram offers sufficient space for organic growth.

As a brand, however, you must understand the power of Instagram ads and invest a solid portion of your marketing budget in them.

Ads are an effective strategy for leveraging potential followers‘ accounts for:

• Introducing new products
• Offering special discounts
• Access to free resources
• And it gets even better!

The platform offers 100% autonomy in choosing your advertising budget, selecting demographics, and growing key performance indicators (reach, follower growth, sales, etc.).

26. Regular A/B Testing

Curious about how to determine if what you’re doing is working or not?

The simple truth is, you will never fully understand what works and what doesn’t until you A/B test your strategies.

So all you need to do is,

Split your content, hashtags, time, and posting frequency into two groups,
carefully experiment until you crack the code.

27. Give Followers Shout-outs

What would super boost your followers‘ enthusiasm?

Regular shout-outs!

Post screenshots of bold comments, valuable comments on your posts, or impressive contest performances.

Boosting your followers‘ morale will encourage them to participate more.

And the best part is, they’ll also share their highlighted achievements with their friends, growing your Instagram follower community.

28. Link Your Instagram Account to Your Website

Why should you embed your most successful Instagram posts into your website’s source code?

The reason is simple: you highlight visually attractive posts for your users and direct them to your Instagram account.

Guess what that means? You get Instagram followers for free!

29. Share Exclusive First-Hand Information

Launching a new product, releasing long-awaited details, or anything else?

Post the announcement on Instagram first!

Exclusive first-hand information will generate interest and give people a reason to follow you on the platform!

30. Try Shopping on Instagram

A clever tip on how to expand your customer base:

Run your virtual store on Instagram and use strategies to support e-shop sales.

Believe us, marketers have achieved positive results with this marketing and sales technique in the past (greater reach and more followers).

Instagram is your playground!
Working with your account is at your discretion – keep your goals in sight and enjoy the process as you move forward.

By incorporating all the powerful strategies outlined in this blog, you can successfully expand your audience on Instagram.

Another way to improve user engagement is through tools like SocialPilot, which analyze your account’s performance and schedule posts.

And most importantly, be patient. Your potential followers are out there and waiting for you to reach them with the right strategies that will prompt them to click the blue button