As of 2025, Instagram has more than 2 billion monthly active users and is a staple platform for creators, brands, and influencers. But with such a crowded feed, many users are beginning to explore alternative growth strategies that don’t involve regular content posting. Yes, it’s possible and even strategic in some cases to build a thriving audience without constantly uploading to your main feed.
The question of how to get followers on Instagram without posting might seem counterintuitive at first. After all, isn’t consistent content the foundation of social media growth? Surprisingly, that’s only part of the equation. Thanks to Instagram’s evolving ecosystem, there are now multiple ways to grow your audience passively or through indirect interactions that don’t rely on traditional posts. If you’re looking to turn that audience into actual business results, here’s how to use Instagram for business.
In fact, Instagram’s introduction of features like Stories, Reels, DM automation, SEO-optimized profiles, and Broadcast Channels has opened doors for more subtle growth techniques. According to HubSpot’s 2024 Social Trends Report, more than 68% of Instagram users said they follow accounts they discovered through interactions comments, DMs, shares not just from seeing posts. That’s a major shift in how people find and connect with others on the platform.
This guide will show you exactly how to gain followers without uploading regular posts, using a combination of profile optimization, interaction, strategic collaborations, and platform-native tools.
Table of Contents
Optimize Your Instagram Profile
Your profile is the first impression most people will have of you on Instagram especially if you aren’t posting regularly. Start by selecting a clear, high-quality profile photo that reflects your brand or personality. Your bio should succinctly explain who you are, what you offer, and what followers can expect from you. Using strong Google Entities like Instagram, engagement, followers, brand, and niche keywords within your bio helps improve both visibility and relevance.
Add a link to your site or Linktree to direct users to your services, content, or offers. Don’t forget to choose the right category for your profile (e.g. Public Figure, Entrepreneur, Personal Blog), and activate relevant call-to-action buttons if you’re a business or creator account. Even without new posts, a well-crafted profile can lead to follows if it sparks interest and clarity.
Engage Through Direct Messages
DMs are one of the most underutilized growth tools on Instagram, especially for users who don’t post content. Direct messages allow you to initiate real, personal conversations with people in your target audience. You can reach out to new followers with a welcome message, reconnect with old contacts, or engage in meaningful conversations within niche communities.
Avoid sending spammy messages. Instead, aim to provide value, such as offering help, asking thoughtful questions, or starting a conversation around mutual interests. You can also use automated DM tools to welcome new followers or invite them to join your Broadcast Channel or check out your Highlights.
The power of DMs lies in the emotional connection they build. When people feel seen and heard, they’re far more likely to follow back and recommend your account.
Leverage Instagram Highlights
Think of Instagram Highlights as the “homepage” of your profile. They let you showcase timeless content at the top of your profile even if you’re not actively posting. You can use Highlights to curate stories around your services, testimonials, FAQs, behind-the-scenes insights, or tutorials.
Design clean and visually branded Highlight covers to create consistency. Each Highlight should have a title that clearly communicates what viewers will see when they click in. This not only enhances brand trust but also gives users a reason to follow.
Highlights are especially useful for creators or entrepreneurs who use Instagram as a lead generation or conversion tool. They allow you to guide users through your brand journey without posting anything new to your feed.
Utilize Instagram Stories
Instagram Stories are quick, interactive, and appear right at the top of the app making them ideal for engagement without formal posting. You can use Stories to share real-time updates, thoughts, polls, questions, and even shoppable links.
Even if you only post Stories once every few days, the algorithm notices this activity and may still show your profile to others via explore or suggested follows. Adding hashtags, location tags, and mentions in Stories can increase their reach significantly.
Try using features like countdown timers for events, quiz stickers for fun interaction, or even link stickers to drive external traffic. You don’t need to produce high-production content raw, authentic, story-based communication often works best.
Participate in Community Engagement
One of the most powerful ways to gain followers without posting is by consistently interacting with other users. Comment meaningfully on posts within your niche, respond to stories, and contribute to conversations in Instagram Live streams.
This form of social reciprocity creates visibility. When your profile appears repeatedly in someone’s notifications, they’re likely to check you out and follow especially if your profile is optimized and clear about what you do.
This tactic works particularly well for accounts building a brand through outreach or those networking within micro-communities like authors, designers, small businesses, or wellness coaches.
Collaborate with Influencers
Even without posting content of your own, you can piggyback on someone else’s reach. Partner with creators or micro-influencers in your niche by sponsoring a giveaway, hosting a Q&A on their Story, or even doing an account takeover.
Influencers already have built-in trust with their followers. A mention or tag from them introduces your profile to hundreds or thousands of potential new followers, many of whom are likely to be in your ideal audience.
When planning a collaboration, ensure the influencer aligns with your voice and audience. The results are significantly better when there’s a clear connection between the two brands or profiles.
Employ Strategic Hashtag Usage
While you may not be posting new content, hashtags can still play a role in expanding your reach. Use hashtags in your bio, Stories, and even comment replies. Instagram’s algorithm indexes these hashtags and may recommend your profile when users explore those tags.
Choose a mix of broad and niche hashtags. Niche ones will connect you with more engaged and relevant audiences. For instance, instead of just #fitness, try #womenshomeworkout or #fitover50.
Also, follow relevant hashtags so you can engage with posts under them. This gives you new ways to connect with like-minded users without uploading your own photos or videos.
Cross-Promote on Other Platforms
If you’re active on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter (X), TikTok, or YouTube, you can direct your existing audience to your Instagram profile. Tell them what they’ll gain by following you whether it’s exclusive content in your Highlights, Story-based tips, or easier DM access.
Embedding your Instagram handle in your website header, blog bio, email signature, and even physical packaging (if you sell products) increases passive exposure. Every touchpoint is a growth opportunity.
In particular, podcast appearances, newsletter mentions, or YouTube shout-outs can drive hundreds of followers with no need to upload a single new post.
Host Giveaways and Contests
Giveaways remain one of the most effective tactics for rapid follower growth even if you don’t have a content-heavy profile. You can partner with other pages or creators to host a giveaway where users must follow your page to enter.
You don’t have to post to promote the contest. You can share it through your Story, in a DM to your current followers, or promote it on other platforms. Just make sure the prize is relevant and valuable to your target audience.
A good giveaway structure includes a clear entry mechanic, a deadline, and a reminder Story the day before it ends. Announce the winner publicly to build trust and social proof.
Join Instagram Broadcast Channels
Broadcast Channels are one of Instagram’s newest features, and they provide a way for creators and brands to communicate directly with their followers in a group message-style thread. Think of it like a private newsletter inside Instagram.
You can use Broadcast Channels to share updates, motivational quotes, early access links, or behind-the-scenes content. Because it’s a passive feed (followers opt-in and receive push notifications), it keeps your brand top of mind even without public content.
Encourage people to join your channel through Stories or your bio. Some creators have grown their followers significantly by offering value only available through their Broadcast Channel.
Leverage Instagram SEO and Profile Searchability
In recent updates, Instagram has made its platform more search engine-like, allowing users to find profiles by searching keywords not just usernames. That means optimizing your Name field and bio with searchable terms is now essential.
Instead of just writing your name, add what you do. For example, “Katie | Skincare Educator” or “Jordan – Real Estate Tips.” Include popular terms your audience might search for in your niche.
Also, create text-rich Highlights and tag locations in your Story content this improves your chances of being recommended in Explore or suggested profiles.
Monitor Analytics and Adjust Strategies
Even if you aren’t posting, Instagram Insights still track useful data about your profile performance. Look at follower growth over time, Story views, profile visits, and DM engagement rates. These metrics help you determine which tactics are working and where to focus more effort.
For example, if Story engagement drops, test new sticker types or content formats. If DMs aren’t converting, rewrite your welcome message or lead magnet.
Regularly reviewing analytics keeps your growth process agile and responsive, so you can double down on what works—even without publishing traditional posts.
Conclusion
Now you know that learning how to get followers on Instagram without posting isn’t just possible—it’s often preferable for certain creators, entrepreneurs, and brands. Whether you’re focused on relationship-building through DMs, optimizing your bio and Highlights, or using new tools like Broadcast Channels and SEO, you have a full toolkit at your disposal.
Instagram has evolved beyond the grid. Growth no longer depends on a perfectly curated feed or daily uploads. Instead, it rewards clarity, connection, and creativity even when it’s behind the scenes.
Pick our Buy Instagram Followers service and implement them this week. The results will follow.
What tactic are you most excited to try? Leave a comment below and let us know we’d love to hear your experience.
FAQ
Can you grow a brand account on Instagram without posting to the feed?
Yes. With the rise of Stories, Highlights, Broadcast Channels, and DM engagement, many creators and businesses grow by leveraging these tools instead of regular posts.
Will Instagram penalize my account for not posting?
No. As long as your account remains active through other forms of engagement (e.g. Stories, comments, DMs), your visibility can still grow.
What is the best feature to focus on if I’m not posting?
Instagram Stories and Highlights are the top features for non-posting accounts. Broadcast Channels and DMs are also excellent tools for community building.
Can SEO really help me get more followers?
Absolutely. Instagram is improving its search function to work more like Google, so adding keywords to your bio, name field, and Highlights can make your profile easier to find.
How long does it take to see results without posting?
Growth tends to be slower but more intentional. Most users start seeing traction within 2–4 weeks of consistent interaction and profile optimization.users start seeing traction within 2–4 weeks of consistent interaction and profile optimization.
