How to Get a Lot of Followers on Instagram?

I still remember the first time I posted a photo on Instagram believing I would get a lot of followers —it was actually a shaky shot of my cat, who wouldn’t sit still to save my life. To my surprise, it got a few likes from random people, and I felt an odd sense of excitement rush over me. It wasn’t the typical feeling you get from old-school social platforms like Facebook, where your aunt hits “like” on every post just because you exist. Instagram was different—there was this sense of unpredictability, and I found myself wanting more. That was the moment I realized there’s something distinctly rewarding about having a bunch of strangers enjoy your content. Over time, though, I’ve also discovered how the desire to grow a following can poke at our deepest insecurities if we let it run wild.

In this article, I’ll share my clumsy journey and messy insights, along with tips I’ve picked up from other people who’ve either nailed the art of building a following or stumbled quite hard along the way, and how to get a lot of followers on Instagram eventually. I’ll also talk about our basic human cravings for approval, belonging, and self-expression, weaving these ideas into practical advice on how to increase followers on Instagram. Heads up: I’ll be honest about the good, the bad, and the downright cringeworthy. This will be more of a friendly chat than a polished, academic lecture—typos and all.

1. Our Craving for Recognition

Let’s face it: we all want to feel seen. For some, that might mean a pat on the back from a boss, while for others, it might be a hundred likes under a photo. Searching for outside approval is normal, but it can become problematic if we hinge all our self-esteem on it. Personally, I once posted a photo of me throwing together some very messy sushi in my kitchen. My face was red, the lighting was terrible, and the sushi had more rice on the cutting board than on the actual nori sheet. Yet, for some odd reason, that photo got more engagement than my curated shots. I nearly fell off my chair in disbelief when I saw how many people found my culinary disaster relatable.

It’s tempting to chase that feeling of instant approval. We post a silly reel, our phone dings with notifications, and we feel that surge of excitement. But if we rely on it too heavily, we risk letting our identity depend on how many people click that little heart. The key is balancing the thrill of validation with a secure sense of self—easier said than done, trust me!

2. Community Over Numbers

When I first started my Instagram, I used to think followers were just numbers on a screen. It took me a while to realize they’re actually real folks with actual lives and interests. There’s a friend of mine—let’s call her April—who decided to create an art page. She posted her drawings for weeks and got almost zero traction. After she began chatting in the comment section, letting her goofy side show, and explaining the frustrations behind each painting, something amazing happened. She saw new followers trickle in. And it wasn’t just about the count; she was bonding with people who had similar tastes in art. She told me she discovered her creative tribe simply by being open about her process and welcoming conversations.

That sense of connection can be far more motivating than seeing your follower tally tick upward in isolation. If you focus on being real instead of chasing big numbers, you might find yourself building a dedicated circle of people who actually care about what you do.

3. How to Get a Lot of Followers on Instagram (Without Feeling Like a Sellout)

Now, let’s get to the good stuff: how to increase followers on Instagram in a way that won’t make you hate the platform or yourself. I’ve tried a bunch of strategies—some that worked, some that crashed and burned. My biggest lesson was that authenticity tends to win out in the long run. Here are a few tips I’ve picked up along the way:

1. Be Consistent Yet Genuine: If you’re flipping between posting daily and disappearing for a month, people might lose interest. But consistency doesn’t mean you have to churn out forced content. If you only have something real to share once a week, do it once a week.
2. Reply to People’s Thoughts: When someone leaves a comment or sends you a direct message, try to respond thoughtfully. Ask them about their day or how they relate to your post. This human touch goes a long way.
3. Use Stories for Behind-the-Scenes: Polished feeds can look pretty, but sharing behind-the-scenes fiascos on Stories shows your human side. Folks love being let in on the unedited version of your life or your process.

These might seem simple, but you’d be shocked how many people skip these basics. If you’re trying to figure out how to get a lot of followers on Instagram, it’s less about hacking an algorithm and more about building genuine connections (with a little dash of consistency).

4. Making Authentic Friendships

Ultimately, the best way to grow your account is by truly bonding with actual people. If you treat Instagram as a two-way street—where you listen as much as you share—you’ll notice more real relationships forming. Answer folks in the comment section, throw questions at them, and celebrate their achievements.

One time, I tried an experiment: for a week, I ended every post by asking viewers about their own experiences with whatever I was discussing. It was shocking how many people popped into my comment section or direct messages to chat. They told me their stories, their struggles, even their pet peeves. It felt more like hanging out at a local café than using some impersonal app.

Also, authentic friendships can be found through websites like Views4You. Where you buy some followers that soon turns out to be real and loyal engagement.

What is the Formula of Instagram Success?

I won’t pretend there’s a one-size-fits-all formula for Instagram success, because there isn’t. Some folks blow up overnight, while others steadily gain fans over years of diligent posting. But one truth remains: if you can be honest and approachable—showing your trials, your triumphs, and your everyday missteps—chances are you’ll create a space people genuinely want to be part of.

Yes, you want to grow your numbers, and that’s completely fine. But remember that your value doesn’t revolve around little hearts and follow counts. True expansion occurs when you combine consistency, authenticity, and kindness. Along the way, you might make awkward mistakes (like I did with my messy sushi post), but those slip-ups can often be what draws your audience closer.

I hope these insights help you see how to increase followers on Instagram in a way that doesn’t compromise your sanity. Take it from someone who’s tried both extremes: chasing perfection leads to burnout, while being yourself leads to meaningful, sustainable growth. Embrace the glorious imperfections and watch as people gravitate toward the real you. If you ask me, that beats a thousand picture-perfect posts any day.