How to Grow Instagram Followers in 2024

TL;DR

To grow on Instagram in 2024, focus on creating reels for maximum reach, as they are the most effective at attracting new audiences. Carousels, however, offer the highest engagement rates, making them ideal for nurturing existing followers. Stories remain essential for maintaining connection with your community. Overall, prioritize quality over quantity in your posting strategy.

Transcript

Hello. Hello. Welcome back to the freelance Friday podcast today. I've got some new Instagram data to share with you because let's be honest over the past year or so, Instagram has, uh, given a lot of us. Headaches, confusion. And I want to set the record straight and talk about what's actually working on Instagram today, this moment, this data com... Read More

Key Insights

• Reels are the most effective format for reaching new audiences, with a reach rate of 37.87%.
• Carousels have the highest engagement rate at 10.15%, making them ideal for community engagement.
• Stories are the most used format by brands, with 71.9% of accounts utilizing them.
• Instagram reach has declined for all formats compared to 2023, but engagement rates have remained stable.
• Smaller accounts benefit the most from posting reels, with a 32% increase in reach.
• Posting frequency does not correlate with higher reach; quality content is more important.
• The best time to post on Instagram is universally at 8 p.m., with Wednesdays and Fridays being the best days.
• Engagement does not always correlate with success; users may retain content without engaging.

Questions & Answers

Q: How to increase reach on Instagram in 2024?

To increase reach on Instagram in 2024, focus on creating reels, as they have the highest reach potential. Smaller accounts, in particular, can benefit significantly from posting reels, with a potential reach increase of up to 32%. Ensure your content is high quality and engaging to attract and retain new audiences.

Q: What is the most engaging Instagram post format?

Carousels are the most engaging Instagram post format, with an average engagement rate of 10.15%. Their storytelling capability and the ability to include up to 20 slides make them highly engaging and savable, which contributes to their high engagement rates compared to other formats like reels or stories.

Q: Why is Instagram reach declining in 2024?

Instagram reach is declining in 2024 due to increased competition and algorithm changes. Despite the decline in reach across all post formats, engagement rates have remained stable, indicating that while fewer people may see posts, those who do are still interacting with the content at similar or higher rates than before.

Q: When is the best time to post on Instagram?

The best time to post on Instagram is at 8 p.m. universally, as this is when the majority of users are online. Additionally, Wednesdays and Fridays have been identified as the best days to post, providing the highest likelihood of your content being seen and engaged with by your audience.

Q: How do stories contribute to Instagram growth?

Stories contribute to Instagram growth by maintaining and nurturing connections with your existing audience. They are not typically used for discovery but are crucial for community engagement and interaction, allowing for two-way communication and behind-the-scenes content that strengthens relationships with followers.

Q: What is the impact of posting frequency on Instagram reach?

Posting frequency does not have a direct correlation with increased Instagram reach. The data suggests that while posting more frequently has become common, it does not necessarily lead to higher reach. Instead, focusing on the quality of content and understanding audience preferences are more effective strategies for increasing reach.

Q: How can small accounts grow on Instagram?

Small accounts can grow on Instagram by leveraging reels, which have shown the most significant reach increase for accounts with 500 to 2000 followers. Consistently posting high-quality reels can help attract new followers. Once a base audience is established, incorporating carousels and stories can further engage and grow the community.

Q: What are the best practices for Instagram in 2024?

Best practices for Instagram in 2024 include focusing on high-quality content over quantity, utilizing reels for reach, and using carousels for engagement. Posting at optimal times, such as 8 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays, and maintaining a strong presence through stories are also recommended. Understanding and adapting to algorithm changes is crucial for success.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Reels are essential for reaching new audiences on Instagram, offering the highest reach rate at nearly 38%. While engagement on reels is lower, they are crucial for audience growth. Carousels, on the other hand, provide the highest engagement, making them ideal for nurturing existing followers. Stories remain a key format for maintaining community connection.

• Instagram's reach has generally declined across all content types compared to 2023, but engagement rates have remained stable or improved slightly. Smaller accounts see the most benefit from reels, with significant increases in reach, while larger accounts may experience a slight decline.

• Posting more frequently does not necessarily lead to higher reach, emphasizing the importance of content quality over quantity. The best time to post is at 8 p.m., with Wednesdays and Fridays being optimal days. Engagement does not always equate to success, as users may retain content without interacting.