How Can You Get More Likes on Instagram? 10 Easy Ways

Posted on 16th May, 2025.

TL;DR (The Short Version)

Gaining likes on Instagram is just as important as followers and can boost you in the algorithm.
Ways to boost your likes include posting engaging captions, posting at the right time, buying engagement, and running giveaways and competitions.
Read on for more tips!

While getting more Instagram followers is a great goal, having lots of followers without engaging on your posts and stories won't get you those coveted brand deals. You need to work on more than just your follower count.

Likes are one of the biggest indicators of your popularity on the app, and while Instagram’s algorithm has evolved to focus more on meaningful interactions, likes still matter, particularly when it comes to first impressions, credibility, and content reach.

So, how do you boost your like count quickly and effectively? Let's get into it, with our top tips for success.

1. Keep it Authentic

These days on social media, authenticity is key. People are much more likely to engage with natural-style content than anything overly polished. Give your audience an insight into your real life, and don't only post perfect content. The occasional embarrassing story goes a long way!

2. Post Engaging Captions

While a good post takes you 80% to a like, a great caption can swing it. Need inspiration? We've got tons of ideas on our blog, from travel Instagram captions to selfie captions for that perfect pic.

3. Buy Engagement

Purchasing engagement is the most effective way to give yourself a headstart with paid likes. By buying engagement, you can boost your profile quickly, which also means the algorithm pushes it out to more Instagram users.

4. Post at the Right Time

Timing can significantly impact how many people see and interact with your Instagram posts. Even if you have the best photo or caption, posting when your audience is inactive can cause your content to get buried under a wave of other posts. Instagram’s algorithm favours content that gets engagement early on, so posting when your followers are most active helps you earn more likes, faster.

People tend to be most active during weekdays, before and after the school/work day, and bear in mind the time zone your audience is in to ensure they'll see your content.

5. Engage With Others

Instagram is a social platform, and engagement is a two-way street. If you want more likes, you need to actively participate in the community. This means liking, commenting, saving, and sharing other people’s content, especially those in your niche or follower circle. You could even create a group with fellow aspiring influencers in your niche and agree to engage with each other's content.

6. Post Reels

Instagram Reels are one of the most effective tools for increasing your reach and engagement. The algorithm tends to favour short-form video content, making Reels more likely to appear on the Explore page or in non-followers’ feeds. To get more likes, create visually engaging, fast-paced videos that align with trending audio or challenges.

7. Run Giveaways and Competitions

Many giveaways and competitions require you to follow creators and like their post. By hosting your own, you can amass a huge number of likes simply by throwing one of these competitions or giveaways.

You can also ask participants to tag friends or share the post, which increases reach and exposure. Keep the rules simple and the entry barrier low to maximise participation. Collaborating with other creators or brands on a giveaway can also introduce your account to a broader audience.

8. Micro-Niche Your Content

Instead of trying to appeal to everyone, focus on a specific micro-niche where your content can resonate deeply with a targeted audience. Whether it's “minimalist home decor” instead of just “home decor” or “vegan keto recipes” instead of just “healthy eating,” being hyper-specific builds a loyal following that is more likely to consistently like and engage with your posts.

You don't even need to do this permanently - just for a few weeks you can niche down within your niche for an influx of new followers.

9. Use Comment Triggers

While likes are crucial, comments are other forms of engaging are important, too. To encourage comments, use comment triggers in your caption. These are prompts that encourage your audience to respond, such as asking questions, encouraging tag-a-friend actions, or using fill-in-the-blank phrases. For example, a caption like “What’s your go-to comfort food? 🍝👇” invites people to comment, which signals to the algorithm that your post is engaging and worth promoting.

10. Mimic Successful Posts - With Your Own Twist

Take inspiration from popular creators in your niche, without copying them, of course. Doing competitor research and putting your own twist on similar content can help you replicate their success.

Don’t copy outright, instead, add your brand’s personality or a fresh angle to make it original. For example, if a behind-the-scenes video did well, try one with a humorous twist or deeper storytelling. This strategy lets you build on proven success while keeping your content authentic.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I increase likes on Instagram?

To increase likes on Instagram, focus on creating high-quality, engaging content that resonates with your target audience. Use visually appealing images or videos, write compelling captions, and post consistently at optimal times. Our tips above will boost your likes count easily, resulting in improved standing in the algorithm.

Why am I getting no likes on Instagram?

If you're getting little to no likes, it could be due to a few key factors, such as low-quality or inconsistent content, poor timing, lack of engagement with others, or content that isn’t resonating with your target audience. It’s also possible your posts aren’t optimized for the algorithm, for example, not using relevant hashtags or not encouraging interaction. Review your content analytics to identify what’s underperforming, and experiment with new formats like Reels or carousel posts to spark more interest and engagement.

How can I get 1000 likes on Instagram?

Getting 1000 likes on a post takes a mix of strategy, consistency, and audience understanding. Use trending sounds or formats in Reels, write captions that encourage comments, and collaborate with others to tap into new audiences. Running giveaways or featuring user-generated content can also boost visibility. Most importantly, be patient and consistent since growth tends to build momentum over time.

Buying likes is one easy and quick way to get to 1000 likes while you wait for your organic strategy to kick in!

While gaining followers is important, don't overlook the importance of having a high like count. By using our tips and continuing to post high-quality engaging content, you'll gain more likes and work your way up the algorithm.