What to Do to Grow Organically on Instagram

How to Increase Organic Reach on Instagram

Here’s the deal: growing on Instagram organically in 2025 isn’t the same as it was five years ago. Heck, it’s probably not even the same as last year! The platform keeps evolving, algorithms change, and trends come and go. But one thing remains constant it’s absolutely possible to grow without spending a cent on ads.

Imagine this: building a loyal following that genuinely cares about your content, engages with your posts, and even spreads the word about your account. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, it’s totally doable, but you’ve got to know the game. So, let’s dive into what works in 2025.

1. Focus on High-Quality, Relatable Content

First things first: your content is your golden ticket. No amount of hacks or tips can save you if your posts don’t connect with people. Think about this: what makes YOU stop scrolling?

Here’s what’s working now:

• Authenticity over perfection: Raw, unfiltered moments resonate more than overly polished content. People want to see real life, not a highlight reel.
• Short-form videos: Instagram Reels are still hot, and they’re one of the best ways to reach new audiences. Keep them snappy, fun, and value-packed.
• Carousels: These are perfect for storytelling, sharing tips, or diving deep into a topic. Plus, they keep users on your post longer  a win for the algorithm.

Real-life example: Have you seen those posts where someone shares “5 Mistakes I Made” or “10 Ways to Simplify Your Life”? They’re relatable, actionable, and get tons of shares. That’s what you’re aiming for.

2. Know Your Audience Like the Back of Your Hand

Did you know that understanding your audience is half the battle? Seriously, take some time to figure out who they are, what they care about, and what keeps them up at night. Once you know that, creating content becomes a breeze.

How to Nail This:

• Dive into your analytics: Check out Instagram Insights to see who’s following you, when they’re online, and which posts they’re loving.
• Engage directly: Ask questions in your captions, respond to comments, and slide into your followers’ DMs (in a non-creepy way, of course).
• Experiment: Try different types of content and formats to see what sticks. If your audience loves memes, give them memes. If they’re into tutorials, roll with that.

3. Master Instagram’s Features

Here’s a pro tip: Instagram rewards users who use all of its features. Stories, Reels, carousels, Lives, Guides—they’re all tools in your growth toolbox.

Why This Matters:

• Algorithm love: The more features you use, the more Instagram pushes your content.
• Reach new audiences: Each feature serves a different purpose and helps you connect with users in unique ways.
• Keep your followers engaged: Variety keeps things fresh and interesting.

Example: Post a Reel to reach new people, follow it up with a Story to keep your followers updated, and host a Live Q&A to deepen the connection. Boom  you’ve got yourself a strategy!

Learn More About:👉🏽 What is the Ideal Frequency of Posts to Increase Visibility on Instagram

4. Consistency Is Key

Let’s be real: no one’s growing overnight (unless you go viral, and even then, you’ve got to keep the momentum). Consistency is your best friend when it comes to organic growth.

Tips for Staying Consistent:

• Set a schedule: Whether it’s three posts a week or daily Stories, stick to a routine your audience can rely on.
• Batch your content: Create several pieces of content at once so you’re not scrambling last minute.
• Use tools: Apps like Later, Buffer, or Hootsuite make scheduling a breeze.

And don’t stress about being perfect. It’s better to show up consistently with good content than sporadically with great content. Makes sense, right?

5. Engage, Don’t Just Post

Here’s something people often forget: Instagram is a social platform. Posting is just one part of the equation; the magic happens when you engage with others.

How to Build Real Connections:

• Respond to comments: Even a simple “Thank you!” or emoji can go a long way.
• Comment on other accounts: Show love to similar creators or your followers by commenting on their posts.
• Host giveaways: Partner with other accounts for cross-promotion and increased engagement.

This not only strengthens relationships but also boosts your visibility. Social proof, anyone?

6. Leverage Hashtags and SEO

Ah, hashtags. They’re still relevant in 2025, but you’ve got to use them smartly. Instead of stuffing your caption with random tags, focus on ones that actually work for your niche.

Pro Tips:

• Use a mix of popular, niche, and branded hashtags.
• Keep an eye on Instagram’s keyword search feature. Optimizing your captions and bio with relevant keywords helps you show up in searches.
• Refresh your hashtag strategy every month or so. Trends shift, and you don’t want to get left behind.

Example: Instead of just #travel, try #solotravel2025 or #hiddenparadises. These are more specific and help you reach the right audience.

7. Collaborate and Network

Guess what? You don’t have to do this alone. Collaborating with other creators is a fantastic way to grow organically.

Ideas for Collaboration:

• Guest posts: Partner with someone in your niche to create content together.
• Shoutouts: Give another creator a shoutout and ask them to do the same for you.
• Co-host events or Lives: Whether it’s a workshop or a casual chat, Lives are a great way to tap into each other’s audiences.

People love seeing creators team up, and it’s a win-win for both parties. Plus, it’s fun!

8. Track Your Progress and Adapt

Let’s not forget: growing on Instagram is a marathon, not a sprint. You’ve got to keep an eye on what’s working and tweak what’s not.

Tools to Help:

• Instagram Insights: Your go-to for understanding engagement, reach, and follower growth.
• Third-party apps: Tools like Sprout Social or Iconosquare give deeper analytics.
• Feedback from followers: Don’t be afraid to ask your audience what they want to see more of.

Adaptability is key here. Trends change, algorithms shift, and what works today might not work tomorrow. Stay flexible, and you’ll be golden.

Key Takeaways

1. Focus on authentic, high-quality content that connects with your audience.
2. Use all of Instagram’s features  Reels, Stories, Lives, Guides  to maximize your reach.
3. Engage actively with your followers and other creators.
4. Stay consistent and track your progress regularly.
5. Leverage hashtags and optimize for Instagram’s search to get discovered.

FAQ

1. Can I still grow organically on Instagram in 2025?

Absolutely! With the right strategies, you can build an engaged and loyal following without spending on ads.

2. How often should I post?

Consistency matters more than frequency. Aim for at least 3-4 times a week and supplement with daily Stories.

3. Are hashtags still effective?

Yes, but focus on relevant and niche hashtags rather than generic ones.

4. What’s the best type of content to post?

Short-form videos like Reels and relatable, value-driven content perform best in 2025.

5. How long does it take to grow organically?

It varies, but with consistent effort, you can see significant growth within 6-12 months.

6. Should I focus on followers or engagement?

Engagement is more important. A smaller, active audience is better than a large, disengaged one.

7. Is paid promotion necessary?

Not at all! While it can speed up growth, organic strategies are just as effective with patience and effort.

Written by Jamie Carter, a digital marketing strategist and social media enthusiast who loves helping creators grow authentically.