Instagram has become more than just a social media platform—it’s a powerful tool for personal branding, business growth, and creative expression. Whether you’re an influencer, entrepreneur, or someone who simply loves sharing content, growing your Instagram following can open doors to new opportunities.
But here’s the big question: How do you grow your Instagram following in an effective, sustainable way? Should you go the organic route, or is buying followers a good option?
In this guide, we’ll explore the best strategies to build a thriving Instagram audience—both with and without buying followers.
1. Create Content That Stops the Scroll
Instagram is a visual-first platform, and if your content isn’t eye-catching, people will scroll right past it. High-quality photos, engaging videos, and well-designed graphics can make a massive difference.
Tips for creating thumb-stopping content:
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Use bright colors, sharp images, and aesthetically pleasing layouts.
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Incorporate storytelling into your captions and visuals.
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Experiment with different formats like Reels, carousels, and Instagram Stories.
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Stick to a consistent aesthetic that represents your personal or brand identity.
The better your content looks and feels, the more people will engage with it—and engagement is the secret sauce to Instagram growth.
2. Master the Art of the Hashtag
Hashtags are one of the best organic ways to reach new people on Instagram. When used correctly, they can put your content in front of users who are interested in what you have to offer.
How to use hashtags effectively:
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Mix popular hashtags (#instagood, #photography) with niche-specific ones (#foodielife, #fitnesscoach).
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Use Instagram’s search feature to find trending hashtags in your industry.
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Stick to around 15-20 hashtags per post for a good balance.
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Rotate your hashtags to avoid looking spammy.
A solid hashtag strategy can help you land on Instagram’s Explore page, which is prime real estate for growth.
3. Be Social on Social Media
It’s called social media for a reason. If you’re just posting content and waiting for people to follow you, you’re missing out on real growth opportunities.
Here’s how to engage authentically:
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Comment on posts from other creators in your niche.
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Reply to comments on your own posts to encourage conversation.
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Send DMs to new followers thanking them for connecting.
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Collaborate with others through shoutouts or joint content.
Engagement builds relationships, and relationships build followers. The more genuine interactions you have, the more people will be drawn to your page.
4. Leverage Instagram Reels for Explosive Growth
If there’s one Instagram feature that can skyrocket your following, it’s Reels. Instagram’s algorithm favors short, engaging videos, and users love consuming them.
How to make your Reels go viral:
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Jump on trending sounds and challenges.
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Keep videos between 10-30 seconds for maximum watch time.
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Add captions to make them accessible and engaging.
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Show personality—authenticity wins on Reels.
Even a single viral Reel can introduce your account to thousands of new followers overnight.
5. Post Consistently (But Don't Spam)
Consistency is key to Instagram growth, but it’s also important not to overwhelm your audience. Finding the right posting schedule can help you stay on your followers’ radar without being annoying.
Ideal posting frequency:
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Feed posts: 3-4 times a week
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Reels: 4-5 times a week
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Stories: Daily
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Engagement (comments & DMs): Every day
Experiment and see what works best for your audience, then stick to it.
6. Optimize Your Bio Like a Pro
When someone visits your Instagram profile, they are immediately drawn to your bio. If it’s not compelling, they might leave without following.
What makes a great bio?
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A clear description of who you are and what you do.
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A call-to-action (e.g., “Follow for daily travel tips!”).
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A link to your website, shop, or another social platform.
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Emojis or formatting that make it visually appealing.
A strong bio makes a great first impression and encourages people to hit that follow button.
7. Collaborate with Influencers and Brands
If you want to grow faster, collaborating with others is a game-changer. Whether it’s teaming up with a fellow content creator, doing a giveaway with a brand, or joining forces with an influencer, collaborations expose you to new audiences.
Collaboration ideas:
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Host a joint Instagram Live.
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Do a story takeover on each other’s accounts.
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Create content together and tag each other.
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Run a giveaway that requires participants to follow both accounts.
Strategic partnerships can help you gain followers who are genuinely interested in your content.
8. Cross-Promote on Other Platforms
If you’re active on other social media platforms, use them to drive traffic to your Instagram.
Ways to cross-promote:
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Share your Instagram posts on Facebook, Twitter, or TikTok.
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Add your Instagram handle to your email signature.
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Embed Instagram content on your website or blog.
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Encourage your YouTube or podcast audience to follow you on Instagram.
Bringing followers from other platforms can boost your Instagram growth significantly.
9. Consider Buying Followers (The Smart Way)
Buying followers is a controversial topic, but when done correctly, it can be a valuable strategy—especially for new accounts that need a credibility boost.
Viewtiful Day is one service that sells real Instagram followers, helping accounts establish social proof quickly. Unlike bots or fake accounts, their followers are authentic and engaged, making this a smart option for those looking to jumpstart their growth.
However, even if you buy followers, it’s important to pair this with organic strategies to maintain a healthy engagement rate.
10. Track Your Analytics and Adjust Your Strategy
Growing on Instagram isn’t just about posting content—it’s about understanding what works and what doesn’t.
Use Instagram Insights to track:
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Which posts get the most engagement.
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When your followers are most active.
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What type of content performs best.
By analyzing your results, you can fine-tune your strategy and keep growing.
Wrapping Up
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to growing your Instagram following, but by combining organic strategies with smart investments, you can build a loyal audience over time.
Focus on creating valuable content, engaging with your community, and experimenting with different growth methods. Whether you choose to grow naturally or speed up the process with services like Viewtiful Day, the key is to stay consistent and authentic.
With the right strategy, your Instagram following will flourish—one engaged follower at a time.
Author by Roxana A. Sosa
Roxana A. Sosa, a talented writer, blogger, and translator, brings eight years of content creation experience to our team at Viewtiful Day. Specializing in blogs and articles on Marketing, Social Media, and Technology, among other areas, Roxana guides readers through the digital world with clarity and charm. Fluent in both English and Spanish, her work appeals to audiences across the globe. When not crafting compelling content, Roxana dedicates her time to rescuing street puppies and mastering new languages. With Roxana’s expertise, you can navigate the digital landscape with ease, enriched by her insightful writing and her warm, humorous touch.