Increasing Instagram engagement is crucial for anyone from influencers to brands and casual users. Engagement measured by likes, comments, shares, and saves shows how well your content resonates with your audience. With Instagram now boasting over 2.11 billion monthly users, standing out in the feed requires smart strategies. Recent data show engagement is getting harder: average post engagement hovered around just 0.50% (down 28% year-over-year). In this post, we’ll share the latest stats on Instagram engagement rates and the algorithm, plus proven tips on how to increase Instagram engagement for your content. By following these insights and tactics backed by recent research you can boost your reach and make more meaningful connections on the platform.
According to industry research, content format greatly affects engagement. For example, Sprout Social reports that in 2024 the average influencer post had a 1.8% engagement rate, with Reels leading at ~2.08%. In contrast, single images averaged only ~1.17%. Other benchmarks find carousels perform best (0.55% on average) and Reels deliver vast impressions and comments. On the platform side, Instagram’s algorithm now uses multiple recommendation engines (for Feed, Stories, Reels, etc.). It prioritizes what keeps each user watching based on interests, relationships, and recency rather than arbitrarily favoring videos over photos. The bottom line: in 2025 there’s no single hack, but rather a mix of tactics (great visuals, hashtags, interactive features, etc.) needed to thrive. Read on for latest Instagram stats and actionable tips.
Latest Instagram Engagement Stats and Trends
- 2.11 billion users: Instagram has over 2.11 billion monthly active users, so even a 1% increase in engagement can mean thousands of new interactions.
- Engagement is dropping: Overall engagement rates are declining (Instagram saw a 28% drop to ~0.50% on average) as the platform gets crowded.
- Top formats: Short videos and carousels generate the most engagement. Sprout Social found Reels posts hit ~2.08% engagement. Socialinsider shows carousels average ~0.55%, edging out Reels (0.50%) and images (0.45%). Smaller accounts often see 20%+ view rates on Reels.
- Instagram algorithm: The platform uses different algorithms for Feed, Stories, Explore, and Reels, focusing on user interests and interactions. Importantly, Instagram doesn’t inherently give extra weight to Reels vs. photos, though data suggest videos often get wider reach.
- Stories impact: IG Stories remain very effective. In fact, 58% of people say they’ve become more interested in a brand after seeing it on Stories. Meanwhile, Reels are viewed over 140 billion times daily, and over half of users watch Reels weekly.
- Posting benchmarks: By industry, average Instagram engagement (likes+comments relative to followers) ranges from ~3% to 4% for top sectors. Hootsuite reports agencies around 3.4% and education around 4.2%. A rate above 2–3% is generally strong, while under 1% is low.
Table of Contents
Post high-quality content
Always post the highest-resolution images your camera allows. Research shows that Reels and carousels (multi-image posts) get much more engagement than ordinary single photos. In practice, this means investing time in strong visuals: well-framed photos, consistent color palettes, or dynamic video editing. Remember Instagram’s own advice: “authenticity and transparency are key to building sustainable engagement.” Share content that resonates (e.g. behind-the-scenes, product demos, or lifestyle scenes) and make it visually appealing. When followers consistently enjoy your visuals, they’re far more likely to like and comment, telling Instagram’s algorithm your posts are worth promoting.
That said, if you’re looking for a more passive approach, here’s a guide on gaining Instagram followers without posting that explores engagement-focused growth strategies beyond the feed.
Use Reels
Short-form video is Instagram’s fastest-growing format. Sprout Social data confirms Reels drive the highest engagement (about 2.08% for influencer Reels in 2024). This makes sense: Reels are played over 140 billion times daily, and over half of all users engage with at least one Reel every week. To leverage this, create fun, informative, or inspiring Reels regularly. Use trending audio or challenges, and make sure your message is clear even without sound. A tip from Instagram’s own head, Adam Mosseri, is to add a hook in the first few seconds to grab attention, since many users scroll quickly. Keep Reels concise (15–30 seconds), and include relevant hashtags in the caption (which the platform still indexes). By consistently posting engaging short videos, you’ll likely see more reach and interaction with your content.
Be consistent
Consistency means both in quality and timing. Aim to post regularly (for example, several times a week) rather than only sporadically. Instagram suggests not to flood followers’ feeds with back-to-back posts instead, space out your content through the week. It’s better to post one great photo each day than five at once. Use Instagram Insights or tools like Hootsuite to find when your followers are most active; posting at peak times can significantly increase engagement rate. For instance, Buffer’s analysis of millions of posts found timing matters: content shared at certain times consistently performed better. Try different schedules and measure the results. Above all, maintain a steady content strategy so your audience knows when to expect new posts. Consistency also builds trust: when followers see you delivering valuable content regularly, they’re more likely to stick around and engage.
Ask questions and encourage interaction
To spark comments and shares, ask your audience questions in captions. Phrasing like “What do you think?” or “Double tap if you agree!” invites action. You can also invite opinions: e.g. “Which outfit should we choose for our next photoshoot?” or “Tell us your favorite in the comments.” On Instagram Stories, use interactive stickers (polls, Q&A, emoji sliders) to encourage taps and replies. Research from Instagram’s Creator account highlights this: “Interactive stickers on your Instagram Stories polls, questions, sliding scale rankings are a simple way to get your followers to engage with you.”. When you pose a question, you’re giving followers a reason to respond. And remember to respond back! The more you reply to comments and DMs, the more your community will want to keep engaging. Each interaction (a comment or message) tells Instagram’s algorithm that your content is interesting, which can boost its visibility.
Optimize Stories
Instagram Stories appear at the top of users’ feeds and can greatly boost visibility. For example, 58% of people say they became more interested in a brand after seeing it on Stories. Make the most of Stories by using them daily and highlighting your best moments. Use stickers like polls, quizzes, countdowns, or question boxes to directly involve viewers. For instance, a quick poll (“Yes or No?”) can increase tapping and sharing. Incorporate relevant hashtags or location tags in your Story’s corner Instagram still indexes these for search – which can make your Story discoverable in the explore section. Also, utilize the unique formats: a fun boomerang, a behind-the-scenes video, or tagging another user. The embedded image above shows an example of optimized Stories in action: interactive elements like polls make Stories far more engaging. Overall, treat Stories as mini-ads for your content. By consistently posting intriguing, interactive Stories, you keep followers engaged between your regular feed posts and signal to Instagram that your content keeps people watching.
Go Live
Going live on Instagram is a powerful way to increase engagement. Live videos send notifications to followers, so your audience gets a real-time alert. Use Lives to host Q&A sessions, product demos, or just chat directly with your followers. Live content tends to receive lots of comments in real time as viewers tune in. Importantly, Instagram says that posting Stories or Live videos does not hurt your feed ranking. In fact, using a variety of features makes it more likely your content appears in different parts of the app (Feed, Stories, Explore, etc.). So don’t hesitate to try Instagram Live. Schedule them (so people know when to join), interact live with comments, and save the video to your profile afterward (as an IGTV or post) so those who missed it can still view and engage. Live sessions often deepen followers’ connection to you, which in turn increases engagement on your profile over time.
User-generated content
Encourage your community to create and share content related to your brand. Re-posting user-generated content (UGC) such as customers wearing your product or fans using your service not only fills your feed with authentic material but also strengthens trust. UGC often feels more relatable to followers and can boost social proof. In fact, Instagram is a leading platform for influencer and UGC marketing: experts note that collaborating with creators who have engaged followers is key to expanding organic reach. Run a hashtag contest, feature fan photos on your Story, or create a branded filter; all these tactics invite followers to contribute content. When you share their posts (with credit), those users will likely comment, tag friends, and keep engaging. The algorithm favors posts that generate genuine connection, and UGC is inherently authentic. In short, turn your followers into content partners this spreads your reach and builds community loyalty.
Collaborate with others
Partnering with other accounts whether influencers, complementary brands, or popular friends can expose your content to new audiences. A simple collaboration, like an Instagram Live with a peer or a “takeover” where an influencer posts on your account, generates excitement and interaction. Influencer marketing stats highlight that Instagram is the top social media platform for collaborations. Kolsquare’s research shows Instagram’s algorithm rewards partnerships with creators who have active followings. In practice, plan joint content: e.g., interview a creator on Reels, co-host a giveaway, or do a shout-out. When followers of both parties like and comment, the algorithm sees high engagement and pushes the post further. Even simple cross-promotion (shout-outs in Stories) helps. Remember to add both users’ tags and ask each other’s audiences to “follow for more.” Collaborations turn followers from one community into potential fans of the other, boosting engagement across both accounts.
Use Hashtags strategically
Hashtags can still help your posts get discovered by people interested in specific topics. Instagram has changed hashtag usage recently (you can no longer follow hashtags, for example), and it even said hashtags aren’t the primary ranking signal. That said, relevant hashtags provide important context. Kolsquare notes that Instagram algorithms do consider “relevant hashtags in captions” as signals about your content. Everyone’s trying to figure out how to find the best hashtags for Instagram that actually get your posts seen by the right people. Use a handful (3–5) of targeted tags that match your niche, location, or campaign. Avoid generic or overly competitive tags where your post would get lost. Instead, pick some niche tags (e.g. #sustainablefashion, #NYCfood) along with broader ones. And don’t forget branded hashtags (unique to your brand or campaign). Hashtags also make it easier for users searching on the app to find your posts. In short: don’t stuff dozens of tags, but thoughtfully add a few relevant ones. They won’t instantly skyrocket your engagement, but they increase content strategy reach over time.
Respond to DMs and comments
The simplest way to encourage more engagement is to be responsive. When someone comments on your post or sends a message, reply promptly. Even a quick “Thanks!” or a personalized answer makes followers feel valued. According to Instagram experts, “the more you interact with your fans, the better”. Instagram’s algorithms reward such two-way engagement. In other words, every reply or like you give a commenter helps strengthen that connection and signals Instagram that your account is active and engaging. Make it a habit: check your notifications daily and thank people for their feedback or questions. You can also invite followers to DM you for exclusive content or shout-outs. Active conversations in comments and DMs build a loyal community and often encourage others to jump in (e.g. others answering questions in the thread). In the end, an engaged audience begets even more engagement so start conversations and keep them going.
Ongoing Process
Growing your Instagram engagement takes a combination of smart strategy and genuine community-building. The key takeaways are clear: create high-quality content, embrace short-form Reels and Stories, post consistently at optimal times, and actively involve your audience (ask questions, reply to comments, use CTAs). Also, tap into broader networks by collaborating or leveraging user-generated content. As you implement these tactics, you’ll likely see your engagement rate improve. If you’re also looking to expand your audience, check out our guide on How to Grow Instagram Followers Organically for more in-depth strategies that pair perfectly with your engagement efforts. Remember to monitor what works use Instagram Insights to identify your best posts and refine your approach also pick one of Our Instagram Service to boost your digital presence.
FAQ
How can I increase Instagram engagement?
There’s no one-size-fits-all trick, but you can significantly boost engagement by combining several strategies. If you’ve been wondering how to increase Instagram engagement, start with posting visually appealing content and using interactive features. For example, share high-quality photos or carousel posts, and regularly post Reels (which tend to get the most comments). Ask questions in your captions or Stories (Instagram recommends using polls and stickers to drive engagement). Engage back: reply to comments and DMs quickly to build real connections. By consistently applying these tips and adjusting based on your analytics your audience will interact more with your content over time.
What is a good Instagram engagement rate?
A “good” engagement rate varies by industry and follower size. As a benchmark, Sprout Social reports the average Instagram post gets around 1.8% engagement. Hootsuite data shows some sectors (like education or finance) average about 3–4%. More important than hitting a certain number is improving your own rate. If you consistently get above 2–3%, you’re in a healthy range. If you fall below 1%, experiment with new tactics (different formats, captions, posting times). In any case, watch the trends on your account: even a small percent increase can mean a lot of extra likes and comments on each post.
How often should I post to improve engagement?
Focus on quality over quantity. Instagram itself advises against posting too many things at once. It’s better to spread posts out over the week than to upload a bunch in one day. Many accounts find a schedule like 3–5 posts per week to be sustainable while keeping the audience interested. Check your Instagram Insights to see when your followers are most active posting during those peak hours can boost the immediate engagement. Also, maintain a consistent pace: followers will expect content regularly. For example, if you commit to posting on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, stick to that schedule so followers know when to check back.
Do hashtags really help increase engagement?
Relevant hashtags can still help people discover your posts, but their power has changed. Instagram announced that hashtags aren’t a top ranking signal anymore, so stuffing posts with generic tags won’t magically increase your reach. Instead, use a few targeted hashtags that accurately describe your post (niche and location tags work well). Kolsquare notes that Instagram algorithms do look at “relevant hashtags” in captions as context. In practice, include maybe 3–5 specific hashtags that your ideal audience might search for. This helps your post show up in those search results or explore pages. Over time, thoughtful hashtag use (combined with great content) can draw new engaged followers to your profile.
Are Reels better than photos for engagement?
Instagram’s algorithm doesn’t automatically favor videos over photos both can succeed. However, real-world data shows that Reels often get wider reach and more interaction. For example, Sprout Social found Reels had the highest engagement (2.08%) compared to single images. Reels are pushed heavily in the Explore and Reels tabs, so they’re great for attracting new viewers. That said, posts and carousels should not be neglected: they keep your current followers interested. A balanced content strategy is best: use Reels a few times a week to grow visibility, and supplement with eye-catching photos/carousels to engage your base.
Why is my Instagram engagement rate dropping?
Several factors can lower engagement rates over time. The platform has become more crowded, so users have more content vying for their attention. Algorithm changes have also tightened reach for some content. One study found overall engagement on Instagram fell by 28% year-over-year. To counter this, focus on what resonates with your audience. Engage more with users (reply to comments, use interactive features) and try new formats like Reels. Also reassess your hashtag and posting strategy. Even small changes (e.g. adding a story poll, or posting at a different time) can help reverse a decline. Tracking trends on your own account will help you adapt before rates drop too far.
