10 Strategies to go viral on Instagram
In general, an Instagram post that receives over 100,000 likes and 1,000 comments is considered viral. However, achieving virality depends on factors such as your audience, number of followers, and the level of engagement compared to your account’s averages.
Here are some tips to increase the likelihood of your content going viral on Instagram:
01. Tailor your content
Understand your audience’s preferences by analyzing which posts they engage with the most on Instagram. Use Instagram Insights to gain insights into their likes and demographics. Consider using tools like Hootsuite and Iconosquare for deeper analysis.
02. Stand out
Create unique content that offers a fresh perspective, such as exclusive news, personal stories, or creative interpretations. Use captivating captions and a consistent visual style to accompany your posts. Experiment with hashtags to expand your reach.
Look for ways to surprise your audience and track engagement signals like likes, comments, and shares to gauge success. By following these tactics, you can increase your chances of creating viral content on Instagram.
03. Explore trends responsibly
Utilize Instagram analytics and the Explore page to discover viral trends within your niche. Put your own spin on trending content to make it unique.
For example, if a popular food video is trending, consider showcasing your own cooking process with quick tips. Always give credit to the original creator that inspired your content.
04. Choose a niche
Focus on a specific niche that aligns with your interests rather than a scattered approach. Define your target audience and brainstorm content ideas to establish themes and relatability.
Opt for a niche that reflects your passion, find unique angles to set yourself apart from competitors, and avoid oversaturated topics.
05. Follow trends
Stay updated on current trends favored by Instagram’s algorithm, such as the ‘work from home’ trend. Incorporate trending hashtags in your niche to boost visibility. Use tools like Hashtagify for trending hashtag suggestions and explore the Explore page for popular topics.
Monitor trends on other social media platforms for inspiration and cross-promotion opportunities.
06. Promote user-created content
Encourage user-generated content to increase engagement and potentially make your posts go viral. User content acts as social validation, boosting visibility and engagement. Utilize Instagram tools to interact with your audience, but focus on building a community and fostering participation among your followers.
07. Post strategically
Understand your audience’s peak activity times on Instagram to boost engagement. Post strategically at these optimal times using insights from analytics tools or past performance data. Tailor your posting schedule to match your audience’s online behavior.
08. Utilize Instagram features
Effectively Explore Instagram’s various storytelling tools like Reels, Stories, and Live sessions to maximize your content’s reach. Reels offer engaging short videos with trending audio and effects for discoverability.
Customize Reels with attractive covers and captions to captivate your audience. Stories are great for sharing casual, behind-the-scenes content with a 24-hour lifespan.
While Stories may have lower virality potential, they enhance engagement and allow for content experimentation. Use Instagram Live for instant follower connections, complemented by Stories and countdown timers to announce broadcasts.
Creator accounts can utilize broadcast channels to interact directly with followers and maintain their interest in future content, as these channels are visible to all Instagram users.
09. Collaborate with influencers
Partnering with influencers can help you reach a wider audience and boost your visibility. Use Instagram’s Creator Marketplace to connect with influencers, understand their viral strategies, and potentially collaborate with them.
Consider working with nano-influencers (around 10K followers) and micro-influencers (15K-75K followers) for highly engaged communities.
10. Strategic posting on Instagram
Consistency is key to maintaining engagement on Instagram. Post regularly to establish reliability with your followers and align with the platform’s algorithms. Avoid excessive posting to prevent audience fatigue and focus on quality over quantity.
Success on Instagram takes time, so be patient and prioritize content quality. Use Instagram’s scheduling tools to manage post frequency effectively.
