Introduction

Building a following on Instagram can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re just starting out. The good news is that Instagram’s recent changes have made it easier for smaller accounts to gain traction. Understanding the new algorithm and using AI tools can help you create engaging content that attracts more viewers. This guide will outline important strategies to grow your Instagram presence and help you eventually monetize your content.

Understanding the New Instagram Algorithm

Instagram has shifted to an interest-based algorithm. This means:

• Follower count doesn’t matter: You don’t need a ton of followers to succeed. Instead, Instagram primarily looks at how users engage with your current posts.
• Focus on trending topics: Pay attention to what your competitors are posting that gets significant engagement. This means you will need to closely monitor the performance of their posts.

To effectively utilize this strategy:

1. Create a List of Competitors: Keep track of 5 to 15 accounts in your niche.
2. Daily Monitoring: Check their posts every 24 to 48 hours.
3. Record Engagement Data: Note which topics are performing well. Use an Excel spreadsheet or a digital note for tracking.

By understanding what is currently popular in your niche, you can create content that is more likely to go viral.

Proper Keyword Placement

After determining the popular topics, proper keyword placement is crucial. Use keywords effectively in these five areas:

1. On-screen text: Include keywords in the hook of your video.
2. Description: Make sure to incorporate relevant keywords in your post description.
3. Hashtags: Use targeted hashtags that are relevant to your post.
4. Voiceover: If you’re using voiceovers in your videos, mention the key topic here as well.
5. Comments: Engage your followers by prompting them to comment using your target keywords.

These placements will help Instagram understand your content, making it easier for the algorithm to show your posts to interested viewers.

Enhancing Your Hooks

A strong hook is essential. Start by using AI tools to improve your opening lines. For example:

• If your competitor’s post is titled “Three Ways to Make Money on Amazon,” rephrase it into more appealing hooks like “Three Easy Steps to Print Money in 2025.”
• You can ask tools like ChatGPT to suggest alternatives that will capture your niche audience’s attention.

By perfecting your hooks, you capture interest instantly, increasing the chances of your post going viral.

Ideal Video Length

Two specific video lengths will help you optimize your content:

• 5–7 seconds: Great for memes or short content.
• 20–30 seconds: Ideal for more in-depth topics.

Avoid content longer than 90 seconds, as Instagram does not favor it right now. Test both lengths to see which performs better for your audience.

Utilize the New Testing Feature for Reels

Instagram offers a new testing feature for Reels that allows you to share your content with non-followers first. This means you can:

• Test different hooks, lengths, and formats of your videos.
• Receive early feedback and determine which content performs well.

By focusing on this testing process, you can refine your content before sharing it with your followers, ensuring better reach and engagement.

The Power of Memes

Don’t underestimate the impact of memes. They are engaging, shareable, and require less time to create. Posting memes regularly can help you gain traction quickly. Aim to post memes five times a week to see significant audience growth.

Following this strategy not only entertains your current audience but also attracts new followers through shares and tags.

Conclusion

Going viral on Instagram in 2025 may seem daunting, but with the right strategies, it can be done. Employ the interest-based algorithm to your advantage, utilize effective keyword placement, enhance your hooks with AI, monitor video lengths carefully, test content features, and embrace the power of memes. With dedication and creativity, you can expand your reach on Instagram and achieve the level of success you desire. Start implementing these strategies today!