18 Actionable Strategies to Increase Reach On Instagram

Remember the good old days when Instagram posts showed up in chronological order? Back then, boosting your reach was as simple as posting at the perfect time.

Fast forward to now, and Instagram’s algorithm has completely changed the game. It’s no longer just about timing – it’s about strategy.

Getting your content in front of the right audience is now more like a battle. We have seen many creators and business owners complain about this.

So, in this guide, we’ll be sharing 18 proven strategies to help you increase your reach and make your Instagram presence stronger than ever. Just keep reading to see all you need to do!

 

What Exactly Does Reach Mean on Instagram?

Let’s break it down – Instagram reach is all about how many unique people see your posts, profile, or campaign.

It’s not just about how many times your content is viewed, but how many individual eyeballs are on it.

Reach is a valuable metric because it doesn’t just tell you how far your content is going – it also gives you insights into who’s seeing it.

Instagram lets you track the demographics of your audience, like their age, location, and more.

There are two types of reach to keep in mind:

• Organic Reach: This is when Instagram’s algorithm does the heavy lifting, showing your content to users who might find it interesting.
• Paid Reach: This happens when you sponsor your posts with Instagram ads, boosting their visibility to a targeted audience. You’ll notice these posts have a “Sponsored” tag or call-to-action label.

How is It Different from Instagram Impressions?

While the two may look similar, they are not actually the same.

While reach measures the number of unique people who see your content, impressions track the total number of times your content is viewed – regardless of whether it’s by the same person multiple times.

For example, if one user views your post three times, that counts as one reach but three impressions.

Reach focuses on the size of your audience, while impressions highlight how often your content is being revisited or consumed.

Both metrics matter, but they tell different stories about how your content is performing.

 

How Do I Know I Have a Good Instagram Reach?

What counts as “good” Instagram reach? Well, it depends on your follower count and the type of content you’re posting.

According to a study by Statista, they categorized the average reach based on the number of followers an account has:

• Smaller creators (500 – 2,000 followers) typically reach around 292 people with in-feed posts, 114 via Stories, and a whopping 1,600 through Reels.
• Creators with 2,000 – 10,000 followers see an average reach of 964 for posts, 244 for Stories, and 3,400 for Reels.
• Larger accounts (10,000 – 50,000 followers) reach about 4,400 through posts, 698 via Stories, and a massive 16,800 with Reels.

For brands, a general benchmark suggests reaching 34% of your followers through posts and around 7.5% via Stories.

The point is that Reels dominate when it comes to extending your reach, no matter the size of your account. If your numbers align (or exceed) these averages, you’re on the right track.

If not, it might be time to revisit your content strategy and explore ways to better engage your audience.

But don’t worry, in the latter section of this guide, we will talk about some proven strategies that can help you increase your reach on Instagram.

But Why Is Instagram Reach Declining?

If you’ve noticed your Instagram reach dropping, you’re not alone. Here’s a quick look at the main culprits:

• Increased Competition: With millions of users posting daily, standing out has become tougher than ever.
• Algorithm Changes: Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes engagement and relevance, meaning your content needs to tick those boxes to stay visible.
• Reels Saturation: While Reels offer incredible reach, the sheer volume of Reels being uploaded makes it harder for individual videos to shine.
• Seasonality: Your audience’s activity can vary by season or holidays, impacting how many people see your content.
• Inconsistent Posting: If you’re not posting regularly, the algorithm might de-prioritize your content, reducing its visibility.
• Hashtag Strategy: Overusing irrelevant or overly generic hashtags can hurt your content’s discoverability instead of helping it.

 

How to Increase Reach on Instagram: 18 Easy and Practical Strategies

#1: Post at the Right Time

Timing still matters, even though Instagram’s feed isn’t chronological anymore. The algorithm loves fresh content, so posting when your followers are most active gives your post a better chance of being seen and engaged with.

Why does this work?

High engagement early on signals to Instagram that your post is popular. This encourages the algorithm to show it to even more users.

So, when is the best time to post on Instagram? This will depend on your audience and the type of content you post.

You can use Instagram Insights to figure out when your audience is online the most. Experiment with posting at those times to maximize visibility and jumpstart that engagement snowball effect.

To make the most of this, you can imbibe the habit of scheduling your posts. Since you know the time you will likely get the most engagement, schedule your Instagram post to go live during those times.

OnlySocial allows you to easily schedule your posts and watch the engagement pour in. It’s easy to use and comes with a bunch of interesting features that will take away all the stress of managing your Instagram profiles and experience true growth.

 

#2: Create Reels That Spark Engagement

Reels are the engagement champions on Instagram, but the magic lies in how people interact with them. I mean how much comments, saves, and shares your Reels get.

So, if you are looking to increase reach on Instagram, consider posting Reels that cause people to engage by commenting, sharing, or saving the Reels.

Get More Comments

Ask your audience to share their thoughts or their favorite part of the Reel. CTAs like “What’s your opinion?” or “Tag a friend who needs to see this!” work wonders.

You can even run giveaways that encourage people to comment.

 

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A post shared by Michaela Fong | IG & content marketing (@smallbizbabescommunity)

Boost Saves

Create Reels packed with valuable content – like tips, tutorials, or lists your audience would want to refer back to later. Think: “How-to” videos or resource-packed guides.

Increase Shares

Relatable, funny, or aesthetically pleasing Reels are perfect for shares. People love sharing content that entertains or educates their friends. Experiment with humor, memes, or stunning visuals in your niche.

Remember; Reels with strong engagement signals are more likely to land on the Explore page and reach new audiences. So, give your best to this.

 

#3: Cross-Post Your Content

Cross-post your content to other platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or even Tumblr is another way to extend your Instagram reach.

Instagram makes this simple with built-in cross-posting features. But remember, not all your posts need to be cross-posted. Keep some content exclusive to Instagram to maintain its uniqueness.

Also, be mindful of optimization – what works for Instagram captions and hashtags might need tweaking for other platforms.

Thoughtfully cross-posted content can introduce your Instagram page to new audiences across your other social channels.

4. Hook Your Audience in the First 3 Seconds

Instagram users scroll fast – really fast. If you don’t grab their attention immediately, they’re gone. That’s why the first three seconds of your Reel or video post are the most important.

Forget the generic “Hey everyone!” intros. Instead, jump straight into value or intrigue to make people stop scrolling. Try hooks like:

• “This one trick will change how you [do something your audience cares about].”
• “Struggling with [problem]? Here’s how to fix it in 3 steps.”
• “Most people make this mistake when trying to [achieve a goal].”
• “Did you know [shocking fact]?”

The secret? Tease a valuable insight and deliver on it. Curiosity-driven hooks keep viewers engaged, and this will help increase watch time and boost reach.

 

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A post shared by AdviceWithErin | Career & Life Advice (@advicewitherin)

 

#5: Keep People Swiping on Carousels

Instagram loves content that keeps people on the app longer, and swiping through multiple slides does just that. That is why you need to consider Instagram carousels.

To keep engagement high, structure your Carousels like a story with a hook, middle, and a satisfying ending. Here’s how:

• Start with a compelling first slide. Make it visually striking and include a bold statement or question.
• Make each slide flow seamlessly into the next. Think of it like a page-turner – you want your audience itching to see what’s next.
• Try these Carousel formats:
  • Step-by-step tutorials
  • Before/after transformations
  • Storytelling with text and visuals

The more slides someone swipes through, the better your post performs. So, make it irresistible!

 

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A post shared by Lina | Tatreez Storyteller & Thobe Maker (@linasthobe)

#6: Use a Mix Speaking-to-Camera and Trending Audio

There’s no denying that trending sounds and topics boost reach. But relying on trends alone won’t build long-term engagement. So, consider mixing trending audio with original, face-to-camera content.

Here’s how to find trending sounds:

• Use Instagram’s Trending tab when uploading a Reel (if available to you). This will show you 50 of the most popular songs on the app right now.
• Scroll your Reels feed – sounds with an upward arrow are trending.
• Follow @creators on Instagram for weekly trend updates.

But don’t stop there! Speaking directly to the camera builds trust and connection.

Marketing consultant Ankita Chawla suggests a 60:40 ratio – 60% original content, 40% trends. Why? Because trending sounds grab attention, but original content builds relationships.

The best creators use both – so add your own personality, insights, and storytelling to stand out.

 

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A post shared by Robert Zivkovic (@robert.zivko)

 

#7: Claim Your Instagram Account on Pinterest

If you’re not cross-posting your Instagram content to Pinterest, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity.

Pinterest is a visual search engine, meaning your content has a much longer lifespan compared to Instagram.

By claiming your Instagram account on Pinterest, you:

• Get access to analytics showing how your Instagram content is performing on Pinterest.
• Ensure proper content attribution – Pinterest links directly back to your Instagram, driving traffic your way.
• Create a seamless, consistent brand presence across platforms.

The process takes seconds but can massively increase the reach of your Instagram posts.

Plus, since Pinterest favors inspirational, high-quality visuals (just like Instagram), it’s a perfect match for repurposing your content.

#8: Repurpose Instagram Content for Your Blog

Why let your high-quality Instagram content sit in a feed and disappear when you can double its impact?

If you have a blog, use your Instagram photos to enhance your posts, making them more engaging and visually appealing.

It’s a smart way to:

• Drive Instagram traffic from your blog readers.
• Improve your blog’s aesthetic (goodbye, boring stock photos!).
• Get more mileage out of the content you already created.

Brands like ANNA have done this brilliantly by using Instagram photos to complement their fashion-based blog posts.

This tactic works for any niche. Whether you’re a travel blogger, fitness coach, or product-based business, incorporating your Instagram content into your blog creates brand synergy and boosts visibility.

 

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A post shared by ANNA (@shopatanna)

 

 

9. Write Captions That Keep People Engaged on Reels

The first three seconds of your Reel hook people, but your caption is what keeps them engaged and makes your content searchable.

Should Reels captions be short or long? It depends:

• Short captions work well because Reels viewers are there for the video, not to read a long essay.
• Longer captions, however, provide extra context, boost searchability (since Instagram reads caption text for SEO), and keep viewers on your post longer.

To strike the right balance, start with an attention-grabbing line, use line breaks to improve readability, and add relevant keywords to improve discoverability.

A well-crafted caption can make or break your Reel’s engagement. So don’t just post and hope for the best. Take the time to write something worth reading.

 

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A post shared by Composite bonding, Invisalign, Smile Makeovers (@dr.catarinagoncalves)

 

#10: Share Your Reels in Instagram Stories

One of the easiest ways to boost your Instagram Reels’ views is by sharing them in your Stories.

Not everyone will see your Reel in their feed, but Stories offer another chance to put your content in front of your audience.

Plus, every time someone watches your Reel from your Story, it counts as a view, helping push your content further.

To make your Reel more engaging in Stories, add a poll, question sticker, or a fun caption to encourage interaction.

The more people engage, the better Instagram’s algorithm will rank your content, increasing its chances of being seen by a wider audience.

 

#11: Use a Mix of Content in Carousels

Carousels don’t have to be just text or images – mixing different content types can make them far more engaging.

A combination of photos, videos, and graphics keeps users swiping and interacting longer, which tells Instagram your post is worth showing to more people.

Morgan Starr-Riestis, a holistic wellness therapist, does this effectively by combining on-brand headlines, tweets, and memes in her Carousels. This makes her posts relatable and engaging, encouraging more shares and saves.

 

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A post shared by Morgan Starr-Riestis | Holistic Therapist + Business Coach (@mind.psy.guidance)

If you’re creating educational content, try blending text-based slides with visual storytelling. This balance keeps your audience interested while delivering valuable information in an easy-to-digest format.

 

#12: Keep Carousel Designs Clean and Simple

While a strong brand aesthetic is important, overly designed Carousels can sometimes reduce shareability.

Many Instagram users prefer to share posts that are visually simple and easy to read.

Trivarna Hariharan proves that clean design can be incredibly effective. She doesn’t post Reels, yet her minimalist text-based Carousels have helped her grow to over 191,000 followers.

Her secret? Simple backgrounds, readable fonts, and a clear message that resonates with her audience.

 

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A post shared by Trivarna Hariharan (@trivarnahariharan_poetry)

If your goal is to make your Carousels more shareable, avoid overly complex branding.

Stick to a clean, readable layout that puts the focus on your message rather than flashy design elements.

 

#13: Spotlight User-Generated Content (UGC)

If you want to increase engagement and reach, start sharing user-generated content (UGC). When you feature content from your audience, they’re more likely to reshare it with their own followers, introducing your brand to a wider audience.

Big brands like GoPro have mastered this strategy. Their Instagram feed is filled with stunning, action-packed shots taken by their customers. Seeing others featured inspires more users to post their own epic content, hoping to get recognized by the brand.

 

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A post shared by GoPro (@gopro)

 

#14: Use Interactive Stickers on Stories and Reels

Instagram loves engagement, and interactive stickers are an easy way to get people involved in your content.

Available on both Stories and Reels, these stickers invite users to participate rather than just passively watch. The more interactions your content gets, the more Instagram’s algorithm will prioritize it.

Here are some stickers you can use:

• Poll Sticker: Give followers a fun “this or that” choice to encourage quick engagement.
• Quiz Sticker: Test your audience’s knowledge or opinions with multiple-choice questions.
• Emoji Slider Sticker: Let users express how they feel on a sliding scale – perfect for gauging reactions.
• Add Yours Sticker: Encourage followers to contribute their own photos or videos based on your prompt.
• Question Sticker: Invite users to ask you something or respond to a topic.
• Hashtag & Location Stickers: These boost discoverability, helping your posts appear in Search results and the Explore feed.

Interactive stickers turn passive viewers into active participants, giving Instagram a reason to push your content to more people.

 

#15: Run Contests and Giveaways

Nothing grabs attention on Instagram like a contest or giveaway. People love free stuff, and well-planned giveaways can skyrocket your reach.

The best giveaways encourage engagement by making entries tied to actions that help spread your content. Some common contest rules include:

• Following your page (which boosts your long-term reach).
• Tagging a friend (which introduces new people to your content).
• Sharing your post on their Story (which expands visibility beyond your current audience).

The more people interact with your giveaway, the more Instagram recognizes it as high-value content and pushes it to even more users.

 

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A post shared by UGC creator (@ugc_review_)

 

#16: Let Your Instagram Stories Expire

Posting non-stop Stories throughout the day might seem like a great way to stay visible, but it can actually hurt your reach.

Instagram tends to prioritize fresh content, and if your first Story of the day doesn’t grab attention, views can drop significantly for the rest.

A smart way to reset your reach is by letting your Stories fully expire before posting new ones.

If you notice your Story views declining, take a break – let Instagram clear out your previous content before uploading a new batch.

 

#17: Collaborate with Creators Who Share Your Values

Collabs are one of the fastest ways to tap into a fresh audience and boost your visibility. But for it to work, you need to partner with creators whose content and values align with yours.

A great example of this is Emily Durham and Blake Johnston, who teamed up to create a hilarious Instagram Reel about interviewing a “finance bro.”

Their audiences overlap, their comedic styles complement each other, and their collaboration felt natural and entertaining.

 

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A post shared by Emily Durham (@emily.the.recruiter)

Collabs aren’t just for influencers – small businesses can also benefit.

Partnering with creators for product reviews, Instagram Lives, or account takeovers can help you reach new potential followers without feeling overly promotional.

 

#18: Turn Your Best-Performing Posts into Ads

If you have a post that’s already performing well, why not use it as an ad?

Instead of starting from scratch, boost a post that has already resonated with your audience to extend its reach.

Instagram’s ad platform allows you to target highly specific audiences based on location, interests, and behaviors.

This means you can reach people who are most likely to engage with your content without wasting your budget.

 

So, How Are You Increasing Your Instagram Reach?

Now that you have these proven strategies at your fingertips, it’s time to put them into action.

Are you resetting your Stories, collaborating with creators, or boosting high-performing posts as ads? Test out different tactics, track what works best, and keep refining your approach.

Instagram’s algorithm keeps evolving, but one thing stays the same – engagement is key.

So start experimenting, stay consistent, and watch your reach grow!

Let us know in the comments – what’s been working for you?

 

 

FAQs

Which is better: Instagram creator or business account?

It depends on your goals. A Creator account is best for influencers, artists, and public figures who want access to Instagram’s advanced insights and music library while keeping a personal feel.

A Business account is ideal for brands and companies that want to run ads, access e-commerce features, and integrate with third-party tools.

If you plan to sell products or promote services, a Business account is the way to go.

Does adding text to my Instagram Stories increase reach?

Yes! Adding text, captions, or stickers can increase watch time and engagement, which helps boost reach.

Many users watch Stories with the sound off, so having readable text ensures they still get the message. Instagram also tracks how long users interact with a Story, so anything that keeps them engaged – like text overlays – can work in your favor.

How often should I post on Instagram to boost reach?

Consistency is key. For optimal reach, aim for:

• Reels: 3–5 times a week
• Feed posts (carousels or single images): 3 times a week
• Stories: Daily (but don’t spam – quality over quantity!)

Posting too little can hurt your visibility, while over-posting can overwhelm your audience. Find a rhythm that keeps you active without burning out.

Which type of content should I prioritize?

Instagram currently favors Reels due to their high engagement rates, but don’t ignore Carousels and Stories. Here’s a general rule:

• Use Reels for maximum discoverability.
• Use Carousels to encourage swipes and saves.
• Use Stories to keep your existing audience engaged.

A balanced mix of these will help you reach new audiences while maintaining engagement with your current followers.

Does purchasing a verification badge on Instagram increase reach?

No, being verified does not directly increase your reach.

However, having a blue checkmark can improve credibility and encourage more users to engage with your content.

If people trust your account, they’re more likely to interact with it, which can indirectly help boost visibility.

What about hashtags: how do they affect my reach?

Hashtags still matter, but quality is more important than quantity. Instagram recommends using 3-5 targeted hashtags rather than stuffing your posts with 30.

Choose a mix of niche hashtags related to your industry, trending hashtags when relevant, branded hashtags to create a community around your content.

Is it normal for my Instagram reach to keep fluctuating?

Yes, fluctuations in reach are completely normal. Instagram’s algorithm constantly updates, user behavior shifts, and even seasonal trends affect visibility.

If you notice a dip in reach, don’t panic – analyze your content performance, experiment with different formats, and stay consistent.

Engagement may go up and down, but what matters is maintaining a long-term strategy that keeps your audience engaged.