10 Best Tips on How to Get More Likes on Instagram

Getting likes on Instagram isn’t just about posting great photos—it’s about understanding how the platform works. Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes engagement, meaning posts with more likes get shown to more people. But many users, from brands to influencers to everyday posters, struggle to get consistent engagement, even when their content is high-quality.

The good news? There are proven ways to increase your likes without resorting to fake engagement or spammy tactics. This guide breaks down 10 powerful and distinct strategies to help you boost visibility, interact with the right audience, and create posts that people genuinely want to like.

Key Takeaways

• Visibility is key – Use relevant hashtags, location tags, and Instagram’s algorithm-friendly features like Stories and Reels to increase exposure and attract more likes.

• Engagement works both ways – Actively interact with Instagram followers, respond to comments, and collaborate with influencers or brands to expand your reach and boost engagement.

• Quality content wins – High-quality photos, compelling captions, and a well-optimized Instagram account make your posts more appealing, encouraging users to like and engage with your content.

1. Use Trending Hashtags to Boost Visibility

Hashtags are one of the easiest ways to get more Instagram likes. They help categorize your content and make it discoverable by people interested in similar topics. But not all hashtags work the same way—using the right ones can connect your posts with the right audience.

To find relevant hashtags, use tools like Google Trends, Instagram’s search bar, and niche research tools to see what’s trending. Avoid generic, oversaturated tags like #love or #instagood—millions of posts use them daily, making it hard to stand out. Instead, focus on targeted hashtags that match your content and audience.

Hashtags should feel natural and relevant to your post. Stuffing unrelated hashtags might attract views, but it won’t get you meaningful Instagram engagement.

2. Post at the Right Time for Maximum Engagement

Timing plays a huge role in getting more likes on Instagram. Posting when your audience is most active increases the chances of your Instagram content being seen and engaged with. The best times to post depend on general usage trends:

• Weekdays: 7–9 AM and 6–9 PM (before and after work or school).

• Weekends: 1–3 PM (when people scroll more casually).

But these are just guidelines. For a personalized posting strategy, use Instagram Insights or tools like Hootsuite to track when your followers are online.

Consistency is just as important as timing. Posting regularly keeps your social media platforms active, making your audience more likely to engage with your posts over time.

3. Create High-Quality, Scroll-Stopping Photos

A great photo can stop someone mid-scroll, while a poor-quality one gets ignored. Since Instagram is all about visuals, high quality content is essential for getting more likes. Good lighting makes a big difference—natural light often works best because it keeps colors looking rich and vibrant. Composition matters, too. Following simple photography rules, like the rule of thirds, can create balanced, eye-catching shots.

Editing can enhance a photo, but overdoing it can make it look artificial. Using photo editing apps can help refine your images, but a subtle touch-up is all you need to keep things looking polished without losing authenticity. AI-powered tools like Foxy AI can simplify content creation by generating high-quality, customizable visuals without the need for expensive photoshoots.

Another important factor is size. Instagram optimizes Instagram photos at 1080 pixels wide, and using the right aspect ratio ensures your images display correctly. A 4:5 format works well for regular posts, while 9:16 is best for Stories. Keeping a consistent aesthetic across your feed makes your profile more visually appealing, encouraging people to engage with your content more often.

4. Write Engaging Captions That Spark Interaction

A great photo grabs attention, but a well-crafted caption keeps people engaged. Captions add personality to your posts, making them more relatable and shareable. Instead of just describing the image, use your caption to start a conversation or tell a story.

Different caption styles work for different types of posts. A personal story draws readers in, a playful question invites responses, and a simple call to action encourages likes and shares. Asking something as simple as “What’s your go-to coffee order?” can get people talking in the comments.

The length of your caption also matters. Short and witty captions work well for memes or casual posts, while longer captions are great for storytelling or educational content. If you’re sharing something personal, don’t be afraid to expand on it.

Captions should feel natural, not forced. And while emojis can help set the tone, overusing them can make text harder to read. Keep it clear, engaging, and true to your voice.

5. Leverage Instagram Stories & Reels to Increase Post Visibility

Instagram gives Stories and Reels priority placement, making them essential for boosting engagement. Stories appear at the top of followers' feeds, keeping your Instagram users engaged throughout the day, while Reels get pushed to more people through the Explore page, increasing your chances of going viral.

Why Instagram Stories Matter

Stories are perfect for keeping your audience engaged. They disappear after 24 hours, which creates a sense of urgency, encouraging people to check them before they’re gone. Since they show up at the top of the screen, they’re hard to miss. Features like polls, Q&As, and emoji sliders also make them interactive, giving followers an easy way to engage with your content. Sharing your latest post content in Stories is another smart move—it increases visibility and reminds followers to check out your feed.

How Reels Expand Your Reach

Short-form videos have taken over Instagram, and Reels are one of the best ways to attract new followers. Unlike regular posts, Reels are prioritized by the algorithm, meaning they can keep gaining traction long after they’re uploaded. Since they also appear on the Explore page, they give your content a better chance of being discovered by people who don’t follow you yet. This makes them a powerful tool in social media marketing, helping brands and creators expand their reach beyond their current audience. If you're looking for effective Instagram tips, consistently posting engaging Reels is one of the best ways to increase visibility and drive more engagement.

Making the Most of Stories and Reels

Resharing posts in Stories helps direct traffic to your feed, while stickers, text overlays, and captions make them more interactive. With Reels, the first few seconds are crucial—grab attention early to keep viewers watching and boost engagement.

6. Engage with Your Audience to Build Loyalty

Getting more likes isn’t just about posting great content—it’s also about interacting with your followers. Engagement works both ways. When you actively like, comment, and respond to others, they’re more likely to return the favor. Instagram’s algorithm notices this activity and rewards accounts that build genuine connections.

A simple way to boost engagement is by replying to comments on your posts. When people see that you’re responsive, they feel more inclined to interact with your content again. Taking it a step further, engaging with your Instagram followers’ posts—liking their photos, leaving thoughtful comments, or reacting to their Stories—helps strengthen those connections.

Starting conversations is another powerful way to increase engagement. Asking questions in captions or Instagram Stories encourages people to share their thoughts. Even lighthearted debates, like whether pineapple belongs on pizza, can drive a surge in comments. The more active and engaged your audience is, the more visible your posts become, leading to more likes and interactions over time.

7. Collaborate with Influencers & Brands for Exposure

Working with influencers and brands is one of the fastest ways to increase your reach on Instagram. When you collaborate with someone who already has an engaged audience, their followers get exposed to your content, increasing the likelihood of more followers and interactions. A well-matched partnership also adds credibility, making people more likely to trust and engage with your posts.

There are different ways to collaborate. Shoutout exchanges involve tagging each other in posts or Stories, helping both accounts gain exposure. Sponsored content is another option, where brands pay influencers to feature their products, bringing more attention to both parties. Joint giveaways are highly effective as well, encouraging users to like posts and follow accounts for a chance to win.

Choosing the right influencer is key. A smaller account with high engagement is often better than a large one with inactive followers. Tagging brands in your posts can also work in your favor—many companies reshare user-generated content, putting your post in front of a much larger audience.

8. Run Giveaways & Like-Based Contests for Quick Engagement

Giveaways are one of the easiest ways to get more likes and expand your audience. People love free stuff, and when a contest is simple to enter, Instagram engagement skyrockets. A well-planned giveaway attracts new followers, encourages likes, and spreads your content to a wider audience.

For maximum results, set entry rules that increase interactions. Requiring participants to like the post, follow your account, and tag friends in the comments not only boosts engagement but also introduces your content to new users. The more people tag their friends, the further your reach extends.

Choosing the right prize is important. It should be relevant to your audience—beauty products for a beauty page, tech gadgets for a tech-focused account. A custom hashtag can help track entries and make your giveaway more recognizable. Partnering with other creators or brands increases exposure, allowing both audiences to benefit from the contest. When done right, giveaways bring in engagement that lasts beyond the event itself.

9. Optimize Your Profile & Bio for First Impressions

Your Instagram profile is the first thing people see when they visit your page, and it can make or break whether they engage with your content. A well-optimized profile encourages new visitors to stay, follow, and interact with your posts, increasing the chances of getting more likes.

A strong bio should be clear, concise, and to the point. It should quickly tell visitors who you are and what your content is about. Adding a call-to-action, like “DM for collabs!” or “Check out my latest post below,” helps guide people toward engaging with your page. Since Instagram allows only one clickable link, tools like Linktree can help direct followers to multiple destinations.

Your profile picture also matters. Whether it’s a logo or a personal photo, it should be high-quality and instantly recognizable. Story Highlights are another way to keep important content visible beyond 24 hours. A simple, easy-to-remember username also makes it easier for people to find you, so avoid unnecessary numbers or symbols that make it harder to search.

10. Use Location Tags for Increased Local & Global Reach

Adding a location tag to your Instagram posts is a simple but effective way to increase visibility. When people search for a specific place—whether it’s a city, a restaurant, or an event—they can discover posts tagged in that location. This increases the chances of your content being seen and liked by users who share an interest in that area.

To maximize engagement, tag locations that are relevant to your audience. If you’re posting about food, tagging a popular restaurant helps attract users searching for recommendations. If you’re sharing travel content, adding the city name makes your post more likely to appear in local searches. Pairing location tags with geo-specific hashtags, like #NYCphotography or #LAeats, further improves discoverability.

Studies show that posts with location tags receive 79% more engagement than those without. They not only help attract likes from people in the area but also from travelers, bloggers, and brands looking for local content, making them a valuable tool for growing your audience.

Conclusion

Getting more likes on Instagram isn’t about luck—it’s about strategy and consistency. Every successful account follows key principles to keep their engagement high, and now you have the same tools to do the same.

To maximize reach, use hashtags and post at the right times so your content appears when people are most active. High-quality photos paired with engaging captions make your posts stand out, while Stories and Reels keep your audience interested. Actively interacting with followers, collaborating with influencers, and running giveaways help expand your visibility, and a well-optimized profile ensures new visitors stay and engage.

Success doesn’t happen overnight, but testing different strategies and staying consistent will bring results. Engagement works both ways—the more you interact with others, the more likes you’ll attract. Keep refining your approach, stay active, and watch your Instagram presence grow.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many hashtags should I use per post for the best results?

Using 5 to 10 well-researched hashtags works best. Instagram allows up to 30, but too many can look spammy. Focus on a mix of trending, niche, and branded hashtags for maximum reach.

What’s the best time to post on Instagram for more likes?

The best times vary by audience, but generally, weekdays from 7–9 AM and 6–9 PM work well. For weekends, 1–3 PM tends to get higher engagement. Checking Instagram Insights can help you find your specific peak times.

How do I get more engagement on my posts?

Consistently reply to comments, engage with followers’ posts, ask questions in captions, and use interactive features like polls in Stories. The more engagement your content gets, the more likes it will attract.

Do Instagram Reels really help increase likes?

Yes! Reels get priority in the algorithm and are more likely to appear on the Explore page, making them a great way to attract new viewers and boost engagement.

Should I buy likes to grow faster?

No, buying likes hurts your engagement rate because fake accounts won’t interact with your future posts. Organic growth through quality content and engagement leads to real, long-term success.