14 New Ways to Get More Instagram Followers – Easy Guide (2026 Update)
Many people are looking for new ways to get more followers on Instagram in 2026. With the algorithm now prioritizing retention and searchability over simple likes, maintaining a solid following requires a strategic pivot.
Growth in 2026 is about community depth, not just vanity metrics.
Instagram stands out as a powerful platform for individuals and businesses alike. With its visual appeal and vast user base, Instagram provides an excellent opportunity to connect with your audience, promote your brand, and share your story. One key challenge, however, is to grow your follower count organically. In this article, we’ll delve into exciting and innovative methods to gain more Instagram followers while enhancing your engagement and overall presence.
Here are 14 New Ways to Get More Instagram Followers that will make sure your account doesn’t fall behind.
The algorithm now heavily favors “Original Content” over reposts. If you are aggregating other people’s content, your reach will be throttled. Focus on creating unique, face-forward content to win.
1. Optimize Your Profile for Search Results (Instagram SEO)
It used to work like this: if users searched for at-home workouts, they would only find posts with that hashtag. Now, even when the #atHomeWorkout is not in a post’s caption or name, it should show up on search engine results because posts will be matched to searches by captions and bios rather than hashtags alone.
Action Step: Treat your Bio like a landing page. Include keywords like “Fitness Coach” or “Vegan Recipes” in your Display Name (not just your handle), as this field is searchable.
2. Post Quality Content That is Relevant
Post high-quality content that is relevant to your followers. This will allow you to get more followers on Instagram because it’s the type of posts they’re looking for. They can also share your posts with their friends who are interested in similar things.
In 2026, “Quality” means high-resolution (4k) video and clear audio. Blurry or low-light content is immediately skipped by users accustomed to high production values.
3. Learn to Use Instagram Reels (The Reach Engine)
Instagram Reels are the primary way to share your content with non-followers. It’s essentially a set of images or video clips that play automatically in one continuous video. You can use these videos as an easy way to showcase your best work without having to create or post individual posts.
4. Use Your Platform to Spread Diversity and Inclusivity
Diversity is important- not only because of the people who are represented but also for those who have never been given a chance to see themselves in a position of power. To get more followers on social media networks like Instagram, you need to use your platform wisely by spreading diversity and inclusivity through posts about these topics. Building a safe, inclusive community fosters intense loyalty.
5. Be Consistent – Don’t Go Weeks Without Posting
Post at least once a day! This will allow you to have more followers because of the increased frequency with which users can view your account. More views mean more potential followers- and more followers mean more potential opportunities to make money off it! Use an Instagram scheduler app such as Later, Buffer, or Meta Business Suite.
6. Leverage Long-Form Video (Formerly IGTV)
Note: While the standalone “IGTV” app has been retired, the concept lives on through long-form video uploads.
People are using Instagram as a viewing platform for deeper content. With video uploads now allowing up to 60 minutes, it is an opportunity for you to create your own series (like a mini-podcast or tutorial series) and gain more followers who value depth over quick entertainment.
7. Use More Than One Platform (The “Octopus Strategy”)
There are many other social media platforms out there, such as Facebook, Twitter (X), TikTok, and YouTube Shorts, which can all be used to promote your Instagram account and get more followers. Always leave a link to your Instagram account on those platforms. Repurposing your Reels to TikTok and YouTube Shorts is the fastest way to double your reach without double the work.
8. Use Your Words (Micro-Blogging)
It’s not enough to just post a photo or two; if you want to get more followers and engagement on your account, you need to write more extended captions that tell an entire story about what’s going on in the photo. Instagram SEO scans your captions for keywords. A caption like “Healthy breakfast” is weak. A caption like “High-protein vegan oatmeal recipe for weight loss” is strong and searchable.
9. Engage With Your Followers via Live
If you are looking to get more followers on Instagram, you should try going live. When people go live, they can interact with their audience and answer questions in real-time. It can be tricky to get followers on Instagram if no one knows who you are, but going live once or twice a week will allow your account to grow quickly.
Viral challenges are a fun way to get more followers on Instagram. There are tons of these online that you can do for free, and they’re all guaranteed to get more likes on your posts! Look at the “Add Yours” sticker in Stories—participating in these chains can expose your profile to thousands of new users.
11. Create Your Own IG Stories Filter (AR Effects)
Keep things fresh and new by creating your filter using Spark AR Studio. Once people start using it, your username appears in the top left corner of their stories (“Filter by [Your Name]”), acting as a massive free advertisement for your profile.
12. Collaborate with Other Accounts (Collab Posts)
Collaborating is done by liking, commenting, and sharing each other’s posts to gain exposure for both accounts. This way, both accounts gain followers at the same time! Specifically, use the “Invite Collaborator” feature before publishing a post. This makes the post appear on both profiles’ grids, sharing the likes and comments counts instantly.
13. Use the Power of Memes
Use memes in any way you can think of. Either repost popular ones or, better yet- create your own relevant to your niche. Make sure you understand the joke behind it before using it! Memes are highly shareable, often ending up in group DMs, which is a powerful signal to the algorithm that your content is valuable.
14. Most Importantly- Be Authentic!
In the long run, nothing will make you gain followers more than being authentic and relatable. If you talk with honesty about your struggles or dreams, people will be drawn to you! The “perfectly curated” feed is dead. The “dump” aesthetic—showing raw, unfiltered life—is trending.
Advanced Strategies for 2026 Growth
Leveraging Broadcast Channels
Instagram Broadcast Channels are a “one-to-many” messaging tool. It allows you to send updates directly to the inboxes of your most loyal followers. Why does this help growth? It keeps your engagement high. When your core fans engage with your broadcast, the algorithm is more likely to show your public posts to non-followers.
Leveraging User-Generated Content (UGC)
When your followers become active contributors to your content, it builds a sense of community and involvement. Encourage your audience to create content related to your brand, products, or services. Share user-generated posts on your profile, giving credit to the creators. This acts as social proof and encourages others to follow you.
Hashtags play a pivotal role in increasing your content’s discoverability. However, using generic hashtags can lead to your posts getting lost. Instead, use a mix:
| Tier | Example | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Broad | #Fitness | General categorization for the algorithm. |
| Niche | #KetoRecipesForBeginners | Targeting specific search intent. |
| Community | #MyBrandSquad | Building your own tribe. |
Collaborative Giveaways: Partnering for Success
Collaborative giveaways involve partnering with other Instagram users or brands to host joint contests. Participants are required to follow all accounts involved, increasing your visibility among the partner’s followers. Ensure that the giveaway aligns with your brand values and appeals to your target audience to avoid “ghost followers” who unfollow immediately after the contest ends.
Instagram Shopping: Seamless Buying Experience
If you’re a business, Instagram Shopping is a game-changer. This feature allows you to tag products in your posts, enabling users to make purchases directly through the platform. The convenience of shopping within Instagram can attract potential customers, and by extension, potential followers who are interested in your offerings.
Analyze and Adapt (The Data Loop)
Regularly analyze your Instagram Insights to gain insights into your audience’s behavior. In 2026, pay attention to “Retention Rate” on Reels (how long people watched) and “Shares”. These are the two most important metrics for viral growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can I expect to see results from these strategies?
Results may vary depending on factors such as your current follower count and consistency. However, with Reels and Collab posts, users often see spikes in engagement within 2-4 weeks of consistent application.
Do I need to invest in paid advertising to gain more followers?
While paid advertising (Boosted Posts) can help, it’s not a requirement. Organic growth via Reels and SEO is highly effective. However, running a small ad campaign for a top-performing post is a great way to accelerate growth.
Can I use a combination of these strategies?
Absolutely! The best accounts use a “content mix”: Reels for growth, Stories for connection, and Carousels for education.
How can I track the effectiveness of these strategies?
Use the “Professional Dashboard” in the app. Look specifically at “Accounts Reached” and filter by “Non-Followers” to see if your growth strategies are working.
Ready to Grow?
Don’t just read—execute. Pick 3 strategies from this list and apply them this week.
Reels are the hell platform to get more followers I know people who are famous only by posting reels. Then the situation of the content creators like us?
I don’t know how to post my content in reels because Reels allows us to make videos only for 1 minute how will I explain those concepts in one minute. Will you help me out?
Thanks