Top 25 Ways to Increase Instagram Followers in 2025

In 2025, Instagram is no longer just a social media platform—it has evolved into a powerful gateway for personal branding, digital expansion, and even revenue generation. Whether you are a student showcasing your skills or a professional building a strong personal brand, growing your Instagram followers can unlock valuable opportunities that traditional networking simply cannot match.

However, with increasing competition, the real challenge is: How do you effectively increase Instagram followers and stand out in a crowded space?

Don’t worry—this comprehensive guide covers proven strategies to help you strengthen your Instagram presence, engage the right audience, and turn your profile into a growth engine. Let’s dive in and make Instagram work for you!

Read how social media marketing works and  drives engagement, builds brand awareness, and converts followers into loyal customers—start optimizing your strategy today! 

How to Optimize Your Instagram Page?

Before you focus on “how to increase Instagram followers”, it’s crucial to ensure your profile is fully optimized. A well-structured and engaging Instagram page not only attracts visitors but also encourages them to follow and engage with your content. 

You can take advantage of social media in multiple ways, such as boosting visibility, building brand credibility, and directly engaging with your audience. With the right approach, you’re not just growing numbers—you’re creating a powerful presence that lasts!

The following are the ways that help you optimize your Instagram page effectively:

Creating an Effective Bio

Your Instagram bio is the first thing people notice when they land on your profile. Think of it as your digital introduction—short, crisp, and compelling. A well-crafted bio not only tells people who you are but also gives them a reason to hit that Follow button.

For example, the below is an example of an effective bio,

So, how do you create a bio that stands out and helps you increase Instagram followers? Let’s break it down step by step.

Optimizing Your Profile Picture

Your profile picture is your identity on Instagram. Whether you’re a brand or an individual, make sure your photo is:

High-quality – No blurry or pixelated images.
Recognizable – If you’re a brand, use your logo. If you’re an influencer, a clear headshot works best.
Consistent – Keep the same profile picture across platforms for better recognition.

A well-optimized profile picture adds credibility to your page, helping you attract more Instagram likes and followers over time.

Name

Your display name is searchable on Instagram, so make it work in your favor! Instead of just using your name, consider adding a keyword related to your niche.

For example: On searching "Cristiano" in the Instagram search bar, his official profile "Cristiano Ronaldo | Football Legend" appears at the top.

• Cristiano Ronaldo | Football Icon & Entrepreneur
• Aditi Sharma | Travel & Lifestyle Blogger

This small tweak can make your profile more discoverable and contribute to your goal of learning how to get followers on Instagram organically.

Website Link

Instagram gives you only one clickable link in your bio—so make it count! A strategically placed link can help you drive traffic on instagram , boost engagement, and ultimately increase Instagram followers.

• If you own a website, make the most of your Instagram bio by adding a direct link to your portfolio, blog, or business page. This simple step can help you attract the right audience and increase Instagram followers effortlessly.
• If you don’t have a website, you can still optimize your bio by using social media marketing tools like Linktree. These platforms allow you to include multiple links—whether it’s your latest content, social media pages, or collaborations—all in one place.

Here is a Linktree snippet from upGrad Abroad, featuring multiple links to study abroad programs, admissions support, and expert guidance for aspiring international students.

• If you want to maximize engagement, keep your bio link fresh and updated. Regularly switch it to promote your newest posts, use social media campaigns, or sign-up pages. A well-placed link can drive more traffic to your content and help you grow your Instagram followers effectively! 

This simple yet effective social media marketing strategy ensures that your audience can easily access everything you offer, helping you drive more engagement and conversions directly from your Instagram profile.

Brand Communication

Your bio is your brand’s first impression—make it count! Keep it simple yet engaging, ensuring it communicates who you are and what value you offer. A compelling bio should include:

• A short, catchy description – Define what you do in a way that grabs attention.
• Location (if relevant) – Helps local audiences connect with you.
• Contact details for collaborations – Make it easy for brands or clients to reach out.
• A strong CTA – Encourage actions like “Follow for daily fitness tips!” or “DM for business inquiries.”

For example, 

Jay Shetty | Purpose Coach & Author
Host of #OnPurpose Podcast (500M+ Downloads)
2X NYT Bestselling Author | TEDx Speaker
Global | Inspiring Wisdom & Mindfulness
Follow for daily motivation & life advice!

For inspiration, you can check out the top 10 Instagram followers in your niche and see how they structure their bios.

Crafting a Good Content Strategy

Creating great social media content is the key to growing your audience and boosting engagement. If you're wondering how to increase Instagram followers, having a clear content strategy can make all the difference. From defining your niche to maintaining a consistent brand voice, here’s how you can craft content that attracts the right audience and helps you grow.

Defining Your Niche 

Before you start posting, figure out what sets you apart. Are you a fitness expert, travel blogger, or tech enthusiast? A well-defined niche helps Instagram’s algorithm recommend your content to the right people, making it easier to increase Instagram followers organically.

Example:

• Jay Shetty (Mindfulness & Motivation) – Jay focuses on self-improvement and motivation, creating content around personal growth, relationships, and mindfulness.
• Masoom Minawala (Fashion & Luxury) – She consistently shares content related to global fashion trends, luxury brand collaborations, and style tips, making her niche clear and recognizable.

Target Audience

Knowing who you’re creating content for is just as important as the content itself. Identify their interests, pain points, and the type of content they engage with the most. If your audience relates to your posts, they’ll not only like and share but also hit that Follow button—helping you gain Instagram likes and followers naturally.

Example:

• Ankur Warikoo (Entrepreneurship & Self-Growth) – His content resonates with young professionals and entrepreneurs looking for career advice, financial literacy, and productivity hacks.
• Bhuvan Bam (Entertainment & Comedy) – His audience primarily consists of young adults who enjoy humor, relatable sketches, and storytelling.

Brand Voice

Your brand voice is the personality behind your content. Whether it's informative, humorous, or inspirational, consistency in tone helps in building recognition. Many of the most followed Indians on Instagram maintain a strong, unique voice that resonates with their audience, keeping them engaged.

Example:

• Virat Kohli (Sports & Fitness) – His brand voice is motivational and disciplined, sharing training clips, match highlights, and messages about perseverance.
• Prajakta Koli (MostlySane) (Relatable & Fun) – She engages her audience through casual, humorous content while also addressing social issues with an approachable tone.

Brand Themes

A visually appealing profile isn’t just about aesthetics—it reinforces your identity. Stick to a specific color palette, filter style, or content format that makes your posts instantly recognizable. Want to make it to the top 10 Instagram followers list someday? Start by making your brand visually unforgettable.

Example:

• Flying Beast (Gaurav Taneja) – His Instagram has a blend of vlogging, aviation, and fitness themes with consistent color schemes in thumbnails.
• Diipa Büller-Khosla – Her profile maintains a sophisticated and luxurious aesthetic that aligns with high-end fashion and beauty brands.

Content Formats

Instagram offers multiple content formats—Reels, Stories, Carousels, IGTV, and Lives. Experiment with them all to see what works best for your audience. Video content, especially Reels, is a powerful way to get followers on Instagram fast, as Instagram prioritizes short-form video content in its algorithm.

Example:

• Ranveer Allahbadia (BeerBiceps) – Uses Reels for quick self-improvement tips, Carousels for in-depth knowledge, and Lives for audience Q&A sessions.
• Jannat Zubair – Uses Instagram Reels to showcase dance trends, collaborations, and lifestyle content, making her one of the most followed Indians on Instagram.

Also Read: Top Instagram Post Ideas for Your Business

Latest Trends In Instagram Marketing

Instagram is constantly rolling out new features, from creating reels to interactive stickers in Stories. 

Ignoring these tools can make your account seem outdated. On the other hand, using these features shows that you’re keeping up with trends and willing to experiment, which keeps your audience engaged and excited to see what’s next.

Instagram Stories: A Game-Changer for Engagement

Instagram Stories are a powerful way to keep your audience engaged while boosting visibility. Stories appear at the top of the feed, making them one of the most effective ways to get followers on Instagram and increase interaction.

Using Stickers

Add interactive stickers like questions, countdowns, and emoji sliders to boost engagement. Example: A fitness influencer uses a question sticker to ask, “What’s your biggest challenge in staying fit?”

Polls

Encourage quick interactions by letting followers vote on fun or relevant topics.
Example: A fashion brand posts a poll: “Which outfit do you prefer? Option A or Option B?”

Quizzes

Test your audience’s knowledge or opinions with multiple-choice quizzes.
Example: A travel blogger creates a quiz: “Guess the city: A. Rome, B. Paris, C. Tokyo.”

Swipe-Up Links (For Eligible Accounts)

Direct traffic to your website, blog, or latest content with swipe-up links.
Example: An entrepreneur shares a swipe-up link to their latest blog post on “How to increase Instagram followers.”

Story Highlights

Save your best stories in organized categories to keep important content visible.
Example: A skincare brand has highlights like “Products,” “Reviews,” and “Skincare Tips” for easy access.

Also Read: 50 Creative Instagram Story Ideas in 2024 [To Boost Engagement]

Instagram Reels

Instagram Reels are a social media game-changer for anyone looking to increase Instagram followers and boost engagement. With short, captivating videos, you can showcase creativity, hop on trends, and reach a wider audience.If you want to know how to get followers on Instagram, mastering Reels is a must!

Trending Reels

Leverage viral trends and challenges to increase reach and engagement.
Example: A chef jumps on a trending Reel challenge by showing “10-second meal hacks.”

TEngaging Reels Content

Create visually appealing, fast-paced, and value-driven content that hooks viewers.
Example: A personal finance expert shares “Three investment tips you need to know” in a quick, informative Reel.

TUtilizing Audio

Use trending sounds and music to enhance content discoverability.
Example: A travel vlogger pairs breathtaking landscape footage with the latest trending audio.

TReel Effects

Experiment with Instagram’s built-in effects to create eye-catching visuals.
Example: A makeup artist uses transition effects to showcase a before-and-after transformation.

Text Overlays

Add clear, bold text to communicate key messages, especially for sound-off viewers.
Example: A business coach creates a Reel titled “How to Get More Clients in 2025” with key takeaways displayed as text.

Going Live on Instagram

Live sessions are one of the most effective ways to engage with your audience, boost visibility, and create meaningful interactions in real time. It includes hosting a Q&A, product launch, or behind-the-scenes session, going live can help increase Instagram followers and build a loyal community.

Planning: Setting the Stage for Success

A well-planned live session can make all the difference. Choose a compelling topic, outline key discussion points, and schedule your live at peak engagement hours to maximize reach.

Example: Before a major film release, Alia Bhatt goes live to discuss her experience, share insights, and connect with fans, keeping them invested in her journey.

Promoting: Building Hype Before You Go Live

Don’t just go live—make sure people know about it! Use countdown stickers, teaser posts, and Stories to create buzz and ensure maximum attendance.

Example: Ankur Warikoo, a leading entrepreneur, promotes his Instagram Live sessions days in advance, ensuring his audience is eager to tune in for his business and self-growth insights.

Interacting with Viewers: Making it Engaging and Personal

A great live session feels like a conversation, not a broadcast. Address viewer comments, answer questions, and give shoutouts to make your audience feel valued.

Example: Gaur Gopal Das, a spiritual leader and motivational speaker, makes his live sessions interactive by answering philosophical questions in real time, making every viewer feel heard.

Community Building: Strengthening Your Tribe

Consistently going live fosters trust and builds a loyal following. A strong community not only engages but also helps in organic growth through shares and word-of-mouth.

Example: Ranveer Allahbadia (BeerBiceps) regularly hosts live mentorship and personal development talks, nurturing a dedicated follower base that actively engages with his content.

How to get Followers on Instagram?

As of 2025, Instagram's user base continues to soar, with over 2 billion monthly active users worldwide, and India has the highest number of users, 385.4 billion. Can you imagine? 

Indian users rely heavily on Instagram for recommendations, trends, and influencer content, making it a goldmine for businesses and creators. To increase Instagram followers, focus on consistent posting, engaging content, hashtag strategies, and collaborations.

Using Hashtag Strategy

If you want to increase Instagram followers, using the right hashtags is can be quite transformative for you. A strong hashtag strategy helps your content reach more people, attract engagement, and even land on Instagram’s Explore page. But simply throwing in #love or #fun won’t cut it—you need a smart mix of hashtags that actually work.

Below we have provided you in depth hashtag strategies that you can use gain more instagram followers in 2025.

Relevant Hashtags

Using the right hashtags ensures your content reaches the right audience. Instead of generic tags like #love, go for #FitnessGoals if you're in the fitness niche to increase Instagram followers.

Broad Hashtags

Popular hashtags like #InstaDaily or #PhotoOfTheDay get high engagement but also have tough competition. They help you to get followers on Instagram by improving discoverability.

Niche Hashtags

Targeted hashtags like #VeganFoodLover or #TechInnovations attract a specific audience interested in your content. This is how some of the most followed Indians on Instagram grow their following.

Trending Hashtags

Using trending hashtags like #ThrowbackThursday or viral event-based tags can give your posts an instant boost. Many creators use this strategy to land among the top 10 Instagram followers.

Geotagging for Local Audiences

Want to increase Instagram followers in your area? A smart content marketing strategy includes geotagging, which boosts your visibility in location-based searches. By tagging your city, neighborhood, or popular spots, your content reaches local audiences actively searching for recommendations.

Tagging Your Location

Adding a location to your posts and Stories boosts visibility, helping you get followers on Instagram who are nearby and interested in your niche.For example, tagging a popular coffee shop or a trending travel destination can boost your post’s reach and engagement. This simple step helps you increase Instagram followers by making your content visible to people searching for that location.

Engaging with Local Businesses

Collaborating with local businesses and engaging with their audience is a smart strategy in Instagram marketing for businesses. This builds a community and exposes you to their audience, a smart way for brands and influencers to increase Instagram followers organically.

Cross-Promotion Strategy

If you are looking to grow your Instagram followers for free ? Cross-promotion is the way to go! 

Cross-promotion is the practice of sharing your Instagram content on other platforms like websites, YouTube, emails, and even on different types of social media channels. This not only drives traffic to your profile but also helps you gain Instagram followers faster by tapping into audiences who may not have discovered you otherwise.

Following are the 5 Ways to Promote Your Instagram Page

Website Promotion

If you have a website, make sure your Instagram is front and center. Embed your Instagram feed on your homepage or add a clickable icon that directs visitors to your profile. Many of the most followed Indians on Instagram, like Virat Kohli , the most followed Indian on instagram , use their official websites to drive traffic to their Instagram pages.

Video Promotion

Leverage the power of video marketing on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, or Facebook Reels to drive followers to your Instagram. Add your Instagram handle in video descriptions or on-screen text. For example, fitness influencer Sahil Khan always includes a CTA in his YouTube videos, urging viewers to follow him on Instagram for exclusive content.

Email Marketing

Your email list is a goldmine for potential followers. Add your Instagram link in newsletters, email signatures, and promotional emails. Big brands like Nykaa use this tactic to increase Instagram followers, offering exclusive deals for those who follow them.

Social Media Sharing

Cross-posting your Instagram content on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn can help grow Instagram followers fast. A smart Facebook marketing strategy involves cross-posting Instagram updates to your Facebook page, making it easier for your existing followers to engage with your content.

For example,  Fashion influencer Masoom Minawala frequently repurposes her Instagram posts for LinkedIn, attracting new followers from different platforms.

Collaborations and Shoutouts

Partner with influencers, brands, or friends for shoutouts and giveaways. This is a powerful way to reach a wider audience and boost engagement. For example, food blogger Archit Agarwal collaborates with brands for recipe giveaways, helping him gain thousands of new followers.

Also Read: How to Create a YouTube Channel in 2024 [Step-by-Step Tutorial]

Community Building Methods to Increase Instagram Followers

Building a strong community is one of the most effective ways to increase Instagram followers and boost engagement. When your audience feels connected to your brand, they are more likely to engage with your content, share it with others, and stick around for the long run.

Here’s are the prominent way on how you can create a loyal Instagram community and grow your following.

Engaging with Your Audience

The more you engage with your followers, the more likely they are to interact with your content. Engagement signals to social media algorithm that your posts are valuable, increasing their visibility and helping you gain more Instagram followers.

Responding to Comments, Messages, and Mentions

Replying to comments, DMs, and mentions makes your audience feel valued. A simple acknowledgment or a personalized response can encourage users to keep engaging with your content, which can, in turn, help you get more followers on Instagram.

Example: The most followed Indian on Instagram, Virat Kohli, the most followed Indian on instagram,  regularly interacts with fans through replies and mentions, strengthening his bond with his audience.

Asking Questions

Asking engaging questions in captions, Stories, or polls sparks conversation and encourages more interactions. The more comments and shares your posts get, the more they are pushed to a broader audience.

Example: Brands like Zomato frequently ask witty and relatable questions in their posts, driving massive engagement and helping them gain Instagram likes and followers organically.

Encouraging User-Generated Content (UGC)

Encourage your followers to tag your brand in their posts or use a branded hashtag. UGC not only builds trust but also exposes your brand to a new audience, leading to more Instagram followers.

Example: Apple’s #ShotOniPhone campaign showcases user-generated photography, attracting millions of participants and increasing engagement.

Collaborations and Influencer Marketing

Teaming up with influencers and brands is one of the most effective ways to increase Instagram followers and grow your reach organically. When a social media influencer promotes your content, their followers—who already trust them—are more likely to check out your profile and hit the follow button.

Partnering with Relevant Influencers

Choose influencers whose audience aligns with your niche. Micro-influencers (10K–50K followers) often have a highly engaged audience, making them a great choice for partnerships.

Example: Fashion brands collaborate with influencers like Komal Pandey to reach fashion enthusiasts and gain Instagram followers through authentic recommendations.

Use Different Collaboration Methods

From shoutouts and joint giveaways to Instagram takeovers, there are multiple ways to collaborate and increase your reach.

Example: Brands like Daniel Wellington collaborate with influencers who promote their watches using branded discount codes, helping them grow Instagram followers and drive sales.

Contests and Giveaways

Hosting contests and giveaways is a tried-and-tested method to quickly increase Instagram followers while driving high engagement. The key to a successful giveaway is to make participation easy—asking users to follow your page, like a post, tag friends, or share content can expand your reach exponentially.

Planning and Executing Successful Contests and Giveaways

Giveaways should be simple and easy to participate in, with clear entry rules. Asking participants to tag friends, follow your page, or share your post can help you reach a wider audience.

Example: Nykaa frequently hosts giveaways where users must follow their page, like a post, and tag friends to enter—an effective way to get followers on Instagram quickly.

Setting Clear Goals and Rules

Define what you want to achieve—whether it’s boosting engagement, increasing brand awareness, or hitting a top 10 Instagram followers milestone. Clearly state contest rules, deadlines, and prize details to maintain transparency.

Example: Starbucks runs seasonal giveaways with clear participation rules, encouraging massive engagement and brand loyalty.

Tracking and Optimizing Your Strategy

To truly increase Instagram followers and maximize engagement, tracking your performance is essential. By analyzing data and refining your approach, you can ensure that your content is reaching the right audience and delivering the best results.

Instagram Analytics: Understanding Your Performance

Instagram provides valuable insights that can help you fine-tune your strategy. Regularly reviewing these metrics allows you to see what’s working, what’s not, and how you can improve to get more followers on Instagram.

Here is an example of Instagram analytics, showcasing key metrics such as reach, engagement, follower growth, and post performance with the help of an image.

Key Metrics to Track

• Reach: Understand how many unique users are seeing your posts and how far your content is spreading. A higher reach means better visibility, leading to more Instagram likes and followers.
• Engagement: Monitor likes, comments, shares, and saves to measure audience interaction. High engagement boosts your content’s ranking in the Instagram algorithm.
• Follower Growth: Track how your follower count changes over time and analyze which posts bring in the most new followers.

Refine Your Content Strategy for Maximum Growth

Your content strategy should evolve based on performance insights. Analyzing what resonates most with your audience—

For example, Reels, carousels, or Stories helps you stay relevant and engaging. By continuously optimizing your approach, you can increase Instagram followers organically and keep your audience engaged.

How to Refine Your Content Strategy:

• Analyze Top-Performing Content: Identify which posts get the most engagement and replicate their success.
• Experiment with Different Formats: Try Reels, carousels, and Stories to see what drives the highest interaction.
• Adjust Posting Times: Post when your audience is most active to maximize visibility.
• Optimize Captions & CTAs: Use compelling captions and strong calls to action to encourage engagement.

Best Time to Post on Instagram

Posting at the right time can significantly impact your engagement and reach. According to studies, the best times to post vary by industry, but in general:

• Weekdays between 9 AM - 11 AM tend to perform well.
• Evenings (7 PM - 9 PM) are great for engaging working professionals.
• Weekends see fluctuating engagement based on niche—test and track what works best for you.

A/B Testing: Find What Works Best

A/B testing, also known as split testing, is a method used to compare two versions of content to see which one performs better. This strategy can help you increase Instagram followers by identifying what resonates most with your audience.

Below is a snippet illustrating how A/B testing is conducted, showcasing the process of comparing two variations to analyze user engagement and performance metrics.

Leveraging Instagram Insights for Long-Term Success

Instagram’s built-in analytics tool provides deep insights into audience behavior, demographics, and engagement trends. By tracking key metrics, you can fine-tune your content plan to gain Instagram followers consistently and improve overall reach.

How to Use Instagram Insights Effectively:

• Monitor Engagement Metrics: Keep an eye on likes, comments, shares, and saves to understand what works best.
• Track Follower Growth Trends: Identify which content attracts new followers and adjust accordingly.
• Analyze Audience Demographics: Tailor content to your followers’ preferences based on age, location, and interests.
• Refine Hashtag Strategy: Use Insights to see which hashtags drive the most reach and refine your selection.

You can unlock this skill with us by enrolling in upGrad’s performance marketing courses!

Avoiding Common Mistakes on Instagram: Do’s & Don’ts

In 2025 , the benefits of social media marketing go beyond just numbers—it helps you build a loyal, engaged audience that trusts and interacts with your content, ultimately driving long-term growth.

By avoiding the below mentioned mistakes and following best practices, you can increase your Instagram followers the right way and build a loyal audience. 

Conclusion

Growing your Instagram followers in 2025 is both an art and a well-planned strategy. Every new follower isn’t just a number—it’s a potential connection that can help expand your reach, boost engagement, and open doors to exciting opportunities.

Once you grasp the right tactics, you’ll understand how to increase Instagram followers naturally. Keep experimenting, stay engaged, and watch your Instagram presence thrive.

But why stop at just Instagram? If you're ready to build a powerful social media brand that attracts opportunities, UpGrad’s specialized courses can help you master digital marketing skills and build your social media career  with top employers. 

Book a free counseling call with our experts today and discover how to upskill for success.

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Reference:

https://www.demandsage.com/instagram-statistics/