# How to Get More Instagram Followers in 2025

> In 2025, growth on Instagram is less about chasing viral moments and more about building genuine community, sharing value-packed content, and showing up consistently across multiple formats. Whether you're a creator, brand, or side hustler, here are seven strategies to grow your Instagram following this year.

By Codi Foster · Published 2025-06-09

Source: https://www.planoly.com/blog/how-to-get-more-instagram-followers-in-2025

![How to Get More Instagram Followers in 2025](https://planoly-prod.imgix.net/website/blog/assets/23a20cbc62e83b0d89d15169890cbc2f380b645c509dffe6319fc1df8cb11f41.png)

Instagram isn’t what it used to be—and that’s a good thing.

In 2025, growth on Instagram is less about chasing viral moments and more about building genuine community, sharing value-packed content, and showing up consistently across multiple formats. Whether you’re a creator, brand, or side hustler, here are seven strategies to grow your Instagram following this year.

## 1. Ditch the Hashtags, Focus on *Keywords*

[Hashtags are out. Keywords are in.](https://www.instagram.com/p/DKfYabAJh7X/) Instagram has confirmed that hashtags no longer significantly boost reach. Instead, it’s prioritizing keyword-rich content that shows up in search and recommendations. That means your captions, alt text, and even on-screen text should include the actual words your ideal audience is searching for.

**Try this:** Instead of tagging #FitnessCoach, write “I’m a certified fitness coach sharing daily workouts and high-protein recipes” in your bio and captions.

## 2. Create for *Search* and *Recommendations*

Instagram is pushing content to people *outside* of your followers more than ever before. But it’s selective. You need to optimize your content for discoverability.

**What works:**

- [Carousels](https://www.planoly.com/blog/instagram-carousels-are-making-a-comeback) with value-driven, shareable content (especially with saves!)
- Reels that educate, entertain, or spark emotion within 15–30 seconds
- [Hook-first](https://www.planoly.com/blog/20-hook-ideas-for-your-next-viral-post) captions and video intros

**What doesn’t:** Over-edited aesthetic posts with no substance, generic trends without a niche spin, and any content that doesn’t encourage interaction.

## 3. Double Down on *Reels* with a Twist

Reels are still king, but the format is evolving. In 2025, Instagram favors:

- Storytelling > dancing
- Original audio > viral audio
- Educational content > random skits

Instead of relying on a trending sound, focus on Reels that:

- Teach a quick tip\
  Share a relatable story
- Offer a mini transformation (before/after, problem/solution)

**Pro tip:** Use on-screen text for hooks to stop the scroll *and* help with search.

## 4. Turn Your *Comments* and *DMs* Into Content

Instead of treating your comments and messages as a dead end, use them for inspiration!

- Source content ideas (If one person asked, 10 more are wondering!)
- Start conversations ("What do you want to see next?")
- Drive traffic to products or free offers using Auto DMs (Now available in Creator Store!)

**Example**: Turn a simple question—like “Where’s your purse from?”—into a Reel featuring your five favorite summer bags.

## 5. Leverage *Multi-Format* Content

Carousels. Reels. Stories. Lives. Broadcast Channels. DM Automation. Instagram now rewards creators who show up in multiple formats.

Here’s why: Different features reach different people.

Someone might love your carousels but never watch your Reels. Someone else may only engage with Stories. Use each format strategically:

- Reels = reach
- Carousels = saves & shares
- Stories = connection & bts
- DMs/Auto replies = conversion

## 6. Start a *Signature Series*

One of the best ways to grow an audience in 2025 is to start your own [signature series](https://www.planoly.com/blog/how-to-create-a-signature-series)–think of it as your own mini TV show where you add new *episodes* each week! It gives your audience something to look forward to, builds trust, and reinforces your niche expertise.

A signature series could be a total game-changer for your brand. Here’s why:

- Builds familiarity & brand recognition
- Helps with consistency
- Keeps followers coming back
- Sets clear expectations

## 7. Show Up With *Intention*

It’s not about how often you post—it’s about how intentionally you show up. The creators who grow this year treat Instagram like a tool for connection, content, and conversion.

That means:

- Clear value proposition in your bio
- Consistent brand identity (fonts, colors, tone of voice)
- Strategic content pillars that make it easy to follow and binge your content

## TL;DR: How to *Grow* on Instagram in 2025

- Use searchable language, don’t rely on hashtags for reach
- Optimize your Reels with original content and strong hooks
- Repurpose DMs and comments into content
- Show up in multiple formats to reach different audience segments
- Start your own signature series to build trust and keep followers coming back
- Show up with intention, don’t post just for the sake of posting

[![](https://planoly-prod.imgix.net/website/blog/assets/5b0047a80558c704c193adf487b094dae2be60e975caf6d6796dd3b49a4810f7.jpg)](#)