How To Get More Followers on Instagram in 2025: 15 Proven Ways to Grow Your Audience

Instagram May 23, 2025 By Pulzzy Team
Grow Your Instagram Followers in 2025

Table of Contents

Introduction: Why Instagram Growth Matters in 2025

In the fast-paced world of social media, Instagram remains a dominant platform, particularly for businesses, influencers, and creatives seeking to grow their brands. As we enter 2025, Instagram has evolved significantly—both in terms of features and audience behavior. With over 1.4 billion active users (Statista, 2025), Instagram is more competitive than ever before. However, growing your followers organically remains a key pillar for establishing credibility, building engagement, and driving conversions.

Today, it’s not just about getting followers; it's about attracting the right followers—those who are genuinely interested in your content. Whether you’re a business aiming to boost your brand’s presence, or a content creator looking to expand your influence, knowing how to grow your Instagram following in 2025 can make or break your success. In this article, we will walk you through 15 effective strategies to not only increase your followers but also engage them meaningfully.

1. Leverage Instagram Reels to Reach a Wider Audience

Instagram Reels have exploded in popularity, with over 20% of Instagram users watching Reels daily (Instagram Insights, 2025). The format’s short, catchy nature has made it the ideal content for viral growth. Reels are not only favored by Instagram’s algorithm but are also an excellent way to showcase your creativity and reach new audiences.

To make the most out of Reels in 2025:

  • Create attention-grabbing hooks in the first 3 seconds to encourage viewers to keep watching.

  • Use trending sounds and hashtags to increase discoverability. According to Hootsuite (2025), posts with trending audio receive 65% more engagement than those without.

  • Keep your Reels informative, entertaining, or visually striking to maximize shares and saves—both of which push your content to a wider audience.

Many creators and businesses have experienced exponential growth through Reels, with one notable example being @fashionista_world, who saw a 50% growth in followers after posting a series of Reels showcasing behind-the-scenes content.

2. Master Instagram SEO: Optimize Your Profile for Discovery

In 2025, Instagram is a search engine in itself. More users are searching for profiles, hashtags, and keywords related to their interests, making Instagram SEO an essential growth strategy. Optimizing your profile for discoverability increases the chances of your account appearing in relevant searches.

Key elements to optimize include:

  • Username and Bio: Include target keywords related to your niche. For example, if you're a fitness coach, your bio should contain phrases like “fitness expert,” “weight loss tips,” or “workout plans.”

  • Alt Text for Images: Utilize alt text for every post. Not only does this improve accessibility, but it also helps Instagram’s algorithm understand what your images are about, potentially boosting your profile's reach.

  • Hashtags: Use a combination of broad, niche, and location-based hashtags. Studies show that posts with 11+ hashtags garner 70% more engagement (HubSpot, 2025).

By enhancing your profile’s discoverability through Instagram SEO, you’ll increase your chances of appearing in both organic and paid search results, helping you attract more followers.

3. Cross-Promote Across Platforms to Amplify Your Reach

The power of cross-promotion is undeniable. Leveraging your presence on multiple platforms (such as YouTube, TikTok, and Twitter) to promote your Instagram content can significantly boost your followers. For instance, TikTok users who shared Instagram links saw a 22% increase in Instagram followers (Social Media Examiner, 2025).

Here’s how to effectively cross-promote:

  • Add Instagram links in your YouTube videos, with direct calls to action (CTAs) encouraging viewers to follow you.

  • Share Instagram posts on Twitter with engaging commentary to direct followers from Twitter to Instagram.

  • Collaborate with influencers across different platforms to introduce your Instagram to their audiences.

Cross-promotion doesn’t just amplify your reach; it also diversifies the content that attracts followers from different platforms, enhancing your Instagram’s visibility.

4. Collaborate with Influencers and Creators for Mutual Growth

Partnering with influencers or other content creators is a tried-and-true way to expand your Instagram following in 2025. Collaborations not only expose your brand to new audiences but also build credibility through association. In fact, 90% of users trust recommendations from influencers more than traditional ads (Influencer Marketing Hub, 2025).

Consider these collaboration strategies:

  • Co-host giveaways or contests with influencers that encourage participants to follow both accounts.

  • Guest posts or Instagram takeovers, where influencers manage your account for a day and engage with their followers.

  • Shoutouts and cross-promotions, especially when working with influencers who share a similar target audience.

For example, @fitlife_influencer partnered with @healthymeals_daily, and together they grew their follower base by over 30% in just one month.

5. Build a Personal Brand to Stand Out in a Crowded Market

In 2025, it’s not enough to just post pretty pictures or generic content. Building a personal brand that reflects authenticity and relatability is essential for sustained follower growth. People follow individuals, not just brands—especially on a platform like Instagram where connection and engagement are key.

To build a strong personal brand:

  • Show your personality: Share behind-the-scenes content, your daily life, and insights into your personal journey.

  • Consistency is key: Whether it’s the type of content, tone, or style, ensure that your brand’s voice is recognizable across all your posts.

  • Share your values: Be transparent about what you stand for. People follow accounts that align with their values, whether it's sustainability, fitness, or mental health awareness.

Successful personal brands—like @garyvee and @chiaraferragni—have created lasting connections with their audiences by embracing their unique personalities and sharing authentic, relatable content.

Being featured on highly-followed Instagram accounts can dramatically increase your visibility. Popular accounts often showcase content from smaller creators and businesses, providing a golden opportunity for exposure. Research by Later.com shows that brands featured on well-known niche accounts experience up to 25% more follower growth.

To get featured:

  • Engage with their content: Leave thoughtful comments, share their posts, and start building a relationship.

  • Submit your content for a feature: Some accounts accept submissions from creators. Look for these opportunities and pitch your best content.

  • Collaborate on a campaign: If you can, offer to co-create content or participate in campaigns that align with their audience.

One example is @nature.lovers, who featured @earth_vibes, resulting in an 80% increase in followers for the latter in just a few days.

7. Target the Right Hashtags to Connect with Your Audience

Hashtags are still one of the most powerful ways to increase your content's visibility. However, hashtag strategy in 2025 goes beyond just using the most popular ones. In fact, according to Hootsuite (2025), posts with targeted and niche hashtags can increase engagement by 20%.

Here’s how to optimize your hashtag strategy:

  • Mix broad, niche, and local hashtags: Include a mix of highly popular hashtags with niche and more specific ones related to your brand.

  • Use branded hashtags: Create your own branded hashtags to encourage your followers to use them, further extending your reach.

  • Research trends: Use tools like Hashtagify or Instagram Insights to stay on top of trending hashtags in your niche.

For instance, @veganfit gained over 5,000 new followers within a week by strategically using niche hashtags related to plant-based fitness.

8. Post at Optimal Times to Increase Visibility and Engagement

Timing is critical when posting on Instagram. If you post when your audience is most active, your content is more likely to be seen and engaged with. According to Sprout Social (2025), the best times to post on Instagram for maximum engagement are between 9 AM and 12 PM and 6 PM to 8 PM (EST), though this varies by audience type and region.

To improve your posting strategy:

  • Use Instagram Insights: This built-in feature shows when your followers are most active.

  • Test different times: Experiment with various posting times to identify what works best for your audience.

  • Consistency: Once you’ve identified the optimal times, stick to a consistent posting schedule.

Brands like @techgadgethub gained a 40% higher engagement rate by posting consistently during peak hours, ensuring their content appeared at the top of users’ feeds when they were most active.

9. Engage Actively with Your Competitors' Followers

Engaging with your competitors’ followers can be a smart way to attract new followers. These users are already interested in similar content, making them more likely to engage with your account. According to a 2025 survey by Social Media Examiner, 33% of Instagram users follow accounts based on regular interactions and engagement with their posts.

Here’s how to effectively engage:

  • Like and comment on their posts: Leave insightful, non-generic comments on posts made by accounts similar to yours.

  • Engage in direct messages: Reach out and build conversations with followers who engage with your competitors’ posts.

  • Follow back and engage: If users interact with your content, make sure to follow back and continue engaging with their posts.

For example, @photography_world grew by 15% in two weeks by engaging with followers of competing photographers, resulting in increased attention from their audience.

10. Run Collaborative Campaigns to Expand Your Audience

Collaborating on campaigns is one of the most effective ways to grow your Instagram following. By working with like-minded creators or brands, you can tap into each other’s audiences and mutually benefit from shared visibility. According to Influencer Marketing Hub (2025), collaborative campaigns result in up to 70% higher engagement rates compared to solo campaigns.

Here’s how to run successful collaborative campaigns:

  • Partner with brands or influencers whose audiences align with yours.

  • Offer value: Whether through exclusive discounts, giveaways, or educational content, ensure the campaign offers something that excites both your followers and your collaborators’ followers.

  • Promote the campaign across platforms: Don’t limit your collaboration to Instagram—extend it to your other social channels to maximize visibility.

A great example is @techguru and @gadgetgeeks running a giveaway campaign together, which led to a 55% increase in new followers for both accounts within a month.

11. Use Location Tags to Attract Local Followers and Build Community

In 2025, location tags have become more than just a way to identify where you are; they’re a powerful tool to attract local followers and build a sense of community. Whether you’re running a local business, attending an event, or simply sharing a new post, location tags can significantly increase your visibility within specific geographic areas.

To use location tags effectively:

  • Tag relevant locations: If you’re posting about a local event, store, or area, make sure to tag the location. This helps you reach people who are nearby and likely interested in your content.

  • Encourage followers to tag your location: If you own a business or host events, ask followers to tag your location when they visit or share their experiences.

  • Use local hashtags: Combine location tags with local hashtags to boost your content’s discoverability within specific communities.

For example, @local_bakery used location tags for each post and experienced a 30% increase in local followers in just one month. The bakery also generated more foot traffic by attracting local Instagram users to their shop.

12. Curate Instagram Highlights to Showcase Your Best Content

Instagram Highlights offer a unique opportunity to keep your best content visible beyond the typical 24-hour lifespan of Stories. By curating your Highlights thoughtfully, you can create a long-lasting and organized portfolio of your most valuable content, making it easier for followers to navigate your profile.

Here’s how to optimize your Highlights:

  • Create themed Highlights: Organize your Highlights into clear categories—e.g., “Products,” “Reviews,” “Behind the Scenes,” or “Tutorials.”

  • Add engaging cover photos: Use attractive and consistent covers for each Highlight to ensure they’re visually appealing.

  • Update regularly: Refresh your Highlights every month with your latest content, ensuring it remains relevant.

Brands like @thetravelblogger saw a 40% increase in profile visits after strategically updating their Highlights to feature popular travel destinations, tips, and sponsored collaborations.

13. Ask for Followers Directly in Your Posts and Stories

Sometimes, the simplest approach can be the most effective. Asking for followers directly in your Instagram posts and Stories can create a clear call to action and increase your follower count. Research shows that posts with explicit CTAs (Call-to-Actions) have up to 20% more engagement compared to those without (Source: Social Media Today, 2025).

To do this effectively:

  • Use engaging CTAs: Phrases like “Follow us for more tips,” “Join the community,” or “Hit the follow button if you agree!” can encourage people to follow you.

  • Incorporate polls and questions in your Stories to spark conversations and create engagement, which can lead to more follows.

  • Leverage user-generated content (UGC): When sharing UGC, invite others to join your community or use a branded hashtag to get more visibility.

For instance, @techsolutions saw a 15% increase in followers in just one week after posting a story asking their audience to follow for exclusive product releases.

14. Boost Engagement and Followers with Giveaways

Giveaways are one of the most tried-and-tested methods for gaining new followers on Instagram. When done right, giveaways can create a buzz around your account and draw in new followers who may not have discovered your profile otherwise. According to Influencer Marketing Hub, Instagram giveaways can lead to up to 80% more engagement and a significant follower boost if executed strategically.

Here’s how to run an effective giveaway:

  • Partner with others: Team up with a brand, influencer, or creator to offer a larger prize, which will increase the visibility of the giveaway.

  • Clearly state the rules: Make sure the requirements for entering the giveaway are simple, such as following your account, tagging friends, and sharing the post in Stories.

  • Offer an appealing prize: Ensure the giveaway prize is valuable to your audience and relevant to your niche.

An example of a successful giveaway is @wellness_vibes, who partnered with @fitness_gear to run a fitness equipment giveaway, gaining 2,000 new followers within three days.

15. Use Instagram Ads to Scale Your Follower Growth Quickly

While organic growth methods are essential for long-term success, Instagram Ads can provide an immediate boost to your follower count. Instagram Ads allow you to target specific demographics, interests, and behaviors, which makes it easier to reach a highly relevant audience. According to AdEspresso (2025), Instagram Ads have an average click-through rate (CTR) of 0.94%, with the potential to generate significant exposure for your account.

Here’s how to use Instagram Ads effectively:

  • Create engaging ad creatives: Your ads should feature eye-catching visuals, compelling copy, and clear CTAs (e.g., “Follow us for more”).

  • Target the right audience: Use Instagram’s advanced targeting options to tailor your ads based on factors such as location, interests, and demographics.

  • A/B test your ads: Run different ad versions to see what works best in terms of engagement and follower acquisition.

Brands like @home_decor_expert used Instagram Ads to promote their latest collection and saw a 150% increase in followers within one month.

Conclusion

Growing your Instagram followers in 2025 requires a combination of strategic planning, creativity, and consistent engagement. From leveraging Reels and optimizing your profile for Instagram SEO to partnering with influencers and running giveaways, the key is to stay active, authentic, and creative. While the path to growth can seem daunting, applying the right strategies will help you build a loyal, engaged following that will be more likely to support your brand in the long term.

Ready to boost your Instagram presence in 2025? Start implementing these proven strategies today and watch your follower count soar!

FAQs

1. How long does it take to gain followers on Instagram with these strategies?

It depends on the consistency and quality of your efforts. While some strategies like giveaways can yield quick results, building a loyal, engaged following typically takes a few months of sustained effort.

2. Do I need a business account to run Instagram ads?

Yes, running Instagram ads requires a business account or a creator account linked to Facebook Ads Manager.

3. How can I track the performance of my Instagram growth strategies?

Use Instagram Insights to monitor engagement rates, follower growth, and the performance of your posts, stories, and ads.

4. Are giveaways the best way to gain followers on Instagram?

Giveaways can be an effective strategy for attracting followers quickly, but for long-term growth, you’ll need to build consistent engagement through content, collaborations, and interactions.

5. Can I use Instagram ads if I have a small budget?

Yes! Instagram offers flexible budgeting options, allowing you to run ads with as little as $5 per day. Start small and scale as you see results.


For a visual walkthrough on it, check out the following tutorial:

source: https://www.youtube.com/@MillieAdrian