Likes are like a pat on the back — a way of saying “great job!” on Instagram.
True ‘grammers know that a like is worth more than just a finger tap. It’s a sign of appreciation, a way of showing support, and most importantly, a boost to the ego.
And yes, it doesn’t have to cost you a penny.
It just takes a little time, effort, and strategy to get those likes rolling in.
That said, here are 15 ways to get more Instagram likes fast:
#1. Take High-quality Photos
That should be a no-brainer, but it’s still the number one rule. If you want people to like your photos, they must be high quality. That means well-lit, in focus, and composed nicely. Take the time to set up your shots and ensure they look their best before posting.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a start-up, wannabe influencer, or big brand. If your photos are crap, people won’t like them.
The better your photos look, the more likely people will be to like, share, comment, and follow you.
#2. Find Your Aesthetic
People like consistency. When they land on your profile, they should know what to expect from your photos. That’s why it’s crucial to find your aesthetic and stick to it.
Your aesthetic is the overall look and feel of your feed — it’s the colours, filters, angles, and themes you use in your photos.
Some examples of popular aesthetics include:
- Vibrant and colourful
- Moody and dark
- Soft and dreamy
- Sharp and editorial
- Bold and graphic
Think about the kind of vibe you want your feed to give off. Do you want it to be fun and upbeat? Playful and quirky? Serious and luxurious? Once you know the feeling you’re going for, you can start planning your photos around that.
Use similar colours, filters, and themes in your shots to create a cohesive look. And don’t be afraid to experiment until you find a style that suits you.
#3. Post Plenty of Reels
Reels are the newest addition to Instagram, taking the platform by storm. They’re the short, fun videos you create using Instagram’s editing tools.
They’re similar to TikToks, but with a few key differences. For one, they’re native to Instagram, so you don’t need to download a separate app to watch or create them.
They’re also integrated into the Explore page, which means you have a good chance of being seen by new people if your Reels do well.
Since they’re still fairly new, there’s no better time to get in on the action. Instagram loves Reels. Posting them will automatically get you more visibility, resulting in more engagement.
Plus, they’re just really fun to make and watch. So if you’re not already creating Reels, now is the time to start.
#4. Use Instagram Shopping
Instagram Shopping allows you to sell products directly from your Instagram posts and Stories. If you have a product-based business, this is a great way to get more exposure and drive sales.
It’s a social commerce feature that lets you tag and link products in your posts and Stories. When people see a product they like, they can tap on it to learn more and even buy it without leaving the Instagram app.
With this shopping feature, you can turn your posts and Stories into mini storefronts. And the best part is, it’s completely free to use!
To get more likes (and sales), start using Instagram Shopping in your posts and Stories.
Here’s a quick overview of how it works:
- First, you must set up a business profile and connect it to a Facebook Catalog.
- Once that’s done, you can start tagging products in your posts and Stories.
- When people see a product they like, they can tap on it to learn more or buy it.
It’s really that simple. So if you’re not already using Instagram Shopping, be sure to set it up and start tagging products in your posts.
#5. Use Trending Hashtags
Hashtags are a great way to get your photos seen by new people. And one of the best ways to use hashtags is to include a few trending ones in your posts.
They’re perfect for long-form content and excellent for sharing in-depth tips, tutorials, and product recommendations.
Plus, they’re super easy to make! You only need a few photos or videos and some text to get started.
Guides can be about anything, as long as it’s something your audience would find helpful. For example, you could create a guide on:
- Your favourite products
- How to style a particular piece of clothing
- Your go-to beauty routine
- Your favourite places to eat in your city
- The best hiking trails near you
- Your go-to workout routine
The possibilities are endless. So if you want to get more likes, start creating helpful, informative Guides for your followers.
How to Create Instagram Guides
Tap on the plus icon at the top-right corner of your profile page.
Select “Guide”
Choose between the three formats presented: places, posts, and products.
Next, select the type of Guide you want to create:
- For a product guide, tap “Products” and start adding products. You can either search for them or scan the barcodes.
- For a places guide, tap “Places” and start adding locations. You can either search for them or add them manually.
- For a posts guide, tap “Posts” and add photos or videos. You can either search for them or add them from your camera roll.
Follow the in-app prompts to curate your content.
Once you’ve added your products, places, and posts, you can rearrange the blocks, “add a title, change the cover photo, and add titles and commentary to each block.”
Click “next.”
When you’re satisfied with your Guide, tap “Share.”
Published Guides will appear in your followers’ home Feeds, and they’ll be able to like, comment, and share them.
Published Guides are not shared to your profile (yet) — instead, they’re housed in a dedicated Guides tab.
#6. Use the Right Hashtags
Hashtags are a great way to get more eyes on your content. But only if you’re using the right ones.
There are three types of hashtags you should be using:
- Popular hashtags (i.e., hashtags with millions of posts)
- Relevant hashtags (i.e., hashtags that are specific to your niche)
- Branded hashtags (i.e., hashtags that you’ve created for your brand)
For example, let’s say you run a travel blog. In that case, you would want to use popular hashtags like #travel and relevant hashtags like #travelphotography.
You also want to create branded hashtags for your blog and specific campaigns. For example, you could create a branded hashtag like #thetravelingnomad for your blog and a campaign-specific hashtag like #ttnTakeover for an Instagram takeover.
When an Instagram user chooses to follow your hashtag, your post will appear in a stranger’s news feed.
For example, let’s say you use the hashtag #travelphotography. And someone who doesn’t follow you searches that hashtag. If your post appears in the Top 9 grid, there’s a good chance that person will like or comment on your post — and maybe even follow you.
Whether using products, seasonal, or acronym hashtags, the consensus is that you should keep them under 11 hashtags, even though Instagram allows you to use up to 30.
#7. Identify a Few Relevant Users and Tag Them
Tagging relevant users in your photos is a great way to get more likes (and followers).
For example, let’s say you’re a food blogger and post a photo of the meal you just made; if you tag a relevant user — like the brand of olive oil you used or the type of flour you used — people who follow that user will see your post in their news feed.
RedBull — an energy drink company with over 16.3 million followers — is great at tagging relevant users.
For example, in this post, they’ve tagged @kuba_przygonski, a Polish rally driver with over 70,000 followers.
It’s a great way to get your content in front of new people interested in your work.
Of course, you don’t want to tag just anyone. You want to ensure the user you’re tagging is relevant to your niche and that their followers are likely to be interested in your content.
#8. Write Compelling Captions
Your caption is your opportunity to tell a story and connect with your followers on a deeper level.
A great caption will make people want to like and comment on your photo. It will also encourage them to share your content with their friends.
Here are a few tips for writing great captions:
- Use emojis, but use them sparingly
- Write in the first person
- Use calls to action
- Ask questions
- Be personal
- Use humour
For example, take a look at this caption from Gary Vay-Ner-Chuk:
“On this summer morning, there’s a lot of people out there pondering these questions, and I really hope this helps a lot of parents but also everyone who’s thinking about the foundations needed to achieve happiness 💜💜💜.”
This caption is personal and relatable, and it uses humour. It’s the kind of caption that would make people want to like and comment on the photo.
Of course, your caption should also be relevant to the photo you’re posting. Don’t just post a random quote or say something that has nothing to do with the photo. Doing that will only confuse your followers.
Instagram allows you to write captions that are up to 2,200 characters long. That might seem like a lot, but it’s not. You have to be strategic about how you use those characters.
Here are a few tips:
- Use line breaks to break up your caption and make it easier to read
- Use emojis to emphasize important points
- Use calls to action to encourage engagement
- Use hashtags, but don’t overdo it
Most importantly, don’t rush your caption. Take the time to write something thoughtful and engaging.
Here’re a few examples of great captions:
“I’m not a morning person, but this view makes it all worth it. 🌅”
“Had the best time exploring (name of city/town) with my best friend. 10/10 would recommend.”
“Obsessed with this new shirt from (name of the store). I can’t wait to wear it all summer.”
“Sometimes you just need a girls’ night. 💁🏼♀️”
“Just because I’m home doesn’t mean the party has to end. 🎉”
As you can see, these captions are all personal, relatable, and engaging. They’re also short and to the point. That’s what you should aim for with your own captions.
#9. Tag Your Location
Geotagging is a great way to get more likes on your photos.
When you tag your location, your photo appears in the Photos section of that location.
For example, if you tag your location as New York City, your photo will appear in the Photos section of NYC for anyone who searches for that location.
It’s even more helpful if you’re a brick-and-mortar business because it allows people in your vicinity to find you more easily. It helps build a sense of community around your brand.
Just make sure your physical coordinates are accurate. You don’t want to send people to the wrong place!
To geotag a photo:
- Tap the Add Location button
- Type in the name of the location
- Select the location from the list that appears
You can also tag your location when you upload a photo from your computer. Click the “Add Location” button and type in the location’s name.
If you don’t want to tag your exact location, you can also choose to tag a nearby city or town.
#10. Get on the Explore Page
The Explore page is essentially a collection of the most beautiful and entertaining Instagram posts. It’s constantly being updated with new content and personalized for each user.
Brands that show up on the Explore page get a lot of eyeballs on their content — which translates to more likes, comments, and followers.
There’s no surefire way to get on the Explore page, but there are a few things you can do to improve your chances:
- Use popular hashtag
- Use high-quality pictures
- Engage with other users
The idea is to get a high engagement rate and an active community, and Instagram will see you as a valuable content creator and feature your content on the Explore page.
There’s no harm in embracing whatever new feature Instagram rolls out. Notice how reels are everywhere now? Embrace them!
That’s it for now!
If you found this article helpful, don’t hesitate to share it with your friends and followers.
And if you have any questions, feel free to comment below. I’ll be happy to help out where I can. 🙂
#11. Figure Out the Right Time to Post Your Content
While there isn’t a magical time to post on Instagram, certain times work better than others.
The best time to post on Instagram is during peak hours when most people are active on the app.
Which is, uh, kind of obvious.
But what are peak hours?
Well, that depends on your audience.
The best way to figure out the best time to post is to experiment and see what works best for you. Try posting at different times of the day and pay attention to when you get the most engagement.
Once you’ve figured out when your audience is most active, note it and stick to posting during those times.
It’s also important to keep in mind time zones. If most of your audience is in a different time zone than you are, you’ll need to adjust your posting schedule accordingly.
Overall, the best time to post on Instagram is 11 am on a Wednesday.
But, as we said, the best time to post depends on your audience. So experiment and see what works best for you.
#12. Run a Like-to-win Contest
Like-to-win contests are a great way to get more likes on your photos.
It takes a lot of planning and effort to run a successful contest, but it’s one of the simplest ways to rack up engagement.
To run a like-to-win contest:
- Choose a prize that will be appealing to your target audience
- Make sure the prize is relevant to your brand
- Post a photo of the prize on Instagram with all the details of the contest
- Ask people to like the photo and follow your page to enter the contest
- Choose a winner at random and announce it on your page
You can also use a tool like Wishpond to run your contest and choose a winner.
Just be sure to read Instagram’s rules and guidelines before you run a contest. They’re pretty strict about what you can and can’t do.
On the issue of the prize, make sure it is something that your target audience will want. The prize doesn’t have to be expensive, but it should be relevant to your brand.
Don’t give out cash, an iPhone, or anything else that isn’t relevant to what you do.
And finally, make sure the contest is easy to enter. The last thing you want is for people to get frustrated and give up before entering.
Design My Night, a catering company based in London, UK, ran a like-to-win contest and saw a significant increase in engagement.
They gave away two tickets worth 218 pounds for a daring brunch experience that involved dangling in 100ft above the air.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CQLNlZXF1Hp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Here’s the link to the contest.
All people had to do was like the photo, comment below it, and follow their page.
#13. Engage with People Outside your Feed
There are a lot of people who will never see your content unless you engage with them first.
It’s not enough to just post great content — you need to go out and find people who will be interested in it.
The best way to do this is to:
- Like other people’s photos
- Comment on other people’s photos
- Follow other people
Doing this will not only get you more likes, but it will also help you build relationships with other users.
And as we all know, relationships are important in business.
Of course, you can’t just go around liking and commenting on every photo you see. That would be incredibly spammy and quickly get you banned from Instagram.
The key is to be selective and to only engage with users who are likely to be interested in your content.
For example, if you’re a photographer, you should like and comment on photos from other photographers. The same goes for a fashion brand — you should engage with other fashion brands.
You get the idea.
#14. Post-User-generated Content
User-generated content is one of the most effective ways to get more likes on your photos.
It’s simple: you repost photos from your fans and followers and give them credit by tagging them in the photo.
Not only does this help you get more likes, but it also helps you build relationships with your fans and followers.
Of course, you have to ask them for permission before reposting their photo. The last thing you want to do is anger one of your fans by stealing their content without credit.
To find user-generated content, you want to search for relevant hashtags on Instagram and see what comes up.
You can also create your own hashtag and encourage your fans and followers to use it when they post photos related to your brand.
When you a user’s photo, be sure to:
- Give credit to the original poster by tagging them in the photo
- Choose high-quality photos that are in line with your brand’s aesthetic
- Only repost photos that are relevant to your brand
- Make sure the photo doesn’t violate any copyright laws
User-generated content is a great way to get more likes on your photos and build relationships with your fans and followers. Just be sure to give credit where it’s due and only repost high-quality, relevant photos.
#15. Ask Your Fans and Followers for their Opinions
People love to give their opinions, especially when they feel like their opinion is valued.
One of the best ways to get more likes on your photos is to ask your fans and followers for their opinion.
For example, you could post photos of two different products and ask people which one they like better.
Or you could post a photo of a new product you’re thinking about launching and ask people what they think of it.
Asking for people’s opinions is a great way to get more engagement for your photos. It also helps you get valuable feedback that you can use to improve your business.
Just be sure not to overdo it (by asking them for their opinions too often). Otherwise, you run the risk of annoying your fans and followers.
#16. Collaborate with Other Brands or Influencers
If you want to get more likes on your photos, one of the best things you can do is collaborate with other brands or influencers.
For example, let’s say you’re a clothing brand. You could collaborate with a popular fashion blogger and have them take photos wearing your clothes.
Or let’s say you’re a food blog. You could collaborate with a restaurant and have them feature one of your recipes on their menu.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to collaborations. The key is to find a brand or influencer that is relevant to your niche and has a similar audience to yours.
