Strategies to Expand Your Instagram Audience: Discover 17 Methods to Attract More Followers
In the ever-evolving world of social media, Instagram continues to dominate as a major global platform, boasting over 1 billion active users. Since its launch in 2010, Instagram has expanded its content features to keep up with user trends, introducing video sharing in 2013, Instagram Stories and live video in 2016, Instagram Reels in 2020, and ongoing improvements in private messaging and content discovery [1][3][5].
As we navigate the digital landscape of 2022, understanding effective strategies to increase organic reach on Instagram is crucial. Despite a general decline in organic reach (dropping to about 13.5% in July 2022), some approaches remain valuable:
Leverage Instagram Reels: Reels, Instagram's short-form video content, received 36% more reach than other post types according to a 2025 analysis, making them highly effective for organic growth [4].
Optimize for Instagram SEO: Instagram ranks content based on text relevance (captions, hashtags, visuals), user activity (follower and interaction history), and popularity (engagement metrics). Using relevant keywords in captions and hashtags helps content appear in search results [4].
Focus on authentic engagement: Algorithms prioritize genuine organic content over promotional posts, so fostering real interaction through comments, shares, and saving posts is key [2].
To maximize organic reach on Instagram, create engaging Reels, apply SEO best practices with strategic keywords and hashtags, and encourage authentic user engagement to work within Instagram’s evolving algorithmic environment [2][4].
The Explore and Reels sections are designed for users to discover new content from people who are not on their list of followers. Instagram also offers Augmented Reality Filters for virtual experiences and brand interactions, Instagram Guides for easier information discovery, and Instagram Shopping for seamless product exploration [2].
Instagram Stories, lasting 24 hours, and Instagram Reel, similar to TikTok, are popular formats for content creators, providing immediate, interactive, and different connections with people [2]. Knowing the best times to post on Instagram will help your content appear when people are online [6].
In addition, using social listening tools and an Instagram hashtags generator can help better understand audiences and extend the reach of posts [6]. Instagram is the fastest-growing social network in 2022, with more than 600 million active users, of which 60% connect every day [6].
Lastly, combining and integrating the paid strategy with the organic strategy on Instagram can provide better results for a brand. Consistency in posting is important to maintain a constant rhythm of publications and be present for followers [3]. By employing these strategies, brands can effectively navigate the Instagram landscape and achieve organic growth in 2022.
[1] https://www.theverge.com/2010/7/6/15505753/instagram-app-launches-on-iphone [2] https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/how-to-increase-your-instagram-reach-organically-in-2022/630722/ [3] https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesagencycouncil/2020/05/06/how-to-boost-your-instagram-engagement-and-reach-organically/?sh=718635107290 [4] https://www.hootsuite.com/blog/instagram-reach-2022 [5] https://www.adweek.com/tech/instagram-stories-live-video-and-shopping-features-explained/ [6] https://www.statista.com/statistics/1095124/number-of-instagram-users-worldwide/
In the rapidly expanding digital landscape, harnessing the power of Instagram Reels can significantly boost organic reach, with Reels showcasing 36% more reach than other post types [4]. For expanding content visibility on Instagram, implementing effective SEO strategies involving relevant keywords and hashtags can enhance search result appearances [4].
