Hey there, Instagrammers! Today we’re tackling a burning question:
How to go viral on Instagram?
With millions of Instagram users, standing out from the crowd can be tough. If you’re looking to boost your follower count, increase engagement, and get your content seen by the masses, this is the guide you want to read. Why?
Today, we’ll share 11 strategies to help you go viral on Instagram. So, sit back, grab a cup of tea, and let’s get started!
What Qualifies As A Viral Instagram Post?
Let’s start by defining what viral content means on this platform.
Simply put, in order for a post to earn viral status, it needs to get significantly more engagement – quickly. That includes likes, comments, shares, and even reposts from other Instagram accounts.
The exact number needed for a post to be considered viral on Instagram depends on various factors – the number of your followers, the type of content, and the timing of the post. However, a post will earn “viral status” on Instagram when it reaches a higher engagement than your other posts.
Let’s say you post content that typically gets around 100 likes, but your latest post gets at least 1000 likes and more views from unique users quickly. In that case, it can be considered a viral post.
Why Would You Want To Go Viral On Instagram?
Going viral on Instagram can bring numerous benefits – namely, it can increase engagement, raise awareness, ensure more exposure, and grow your follower count.
What does it take to go viral, though?
- For example, posting high-quality, visually stunning content can draw attention and make users stop scrolling. Also, collaborating with other Instagrammers and influencers can help your content reach a broader audience.
- Another strategy for making viral content is using popular hashtags relevant to your niche and audience. Using popular hashtags makes your content more likely to be discovered by users interested in similar topics.
- Firstly, it leads to high engagement. Users who enjoy your content are likelier to engage with it, leading to more likes, comments, and shares, which is something that the Instagram algorithm values.
- Secondly, going viral can increase your follower count. When users enjoy your content, they’re more likely to follow your account and engage with your future posts, leading to a long-term increase in followers.
- Thirdly, going viral can boost brand awareness. When your content reaches a larger audience, more people become aware of your brand, which can lead to more customers and sales.
Remember to use Instagram analytics to keep track of key metrics and see how your content performs.
Benefits of going viral on Instagram
Enough about strategies, though; we’ll get to that in a second. Let’s focus on the benefits of going viral on Instagram instead.
- High Engagement
Firstly, it leads to high engagement. Users who enjoy your content are likelier to engage with it, leading to more likes, comments, and shares, which is something that the Instagram algorithm values.
- Increase your follower count
Secondly, going viral can increase your follower count. When users enjoy your content, they’re more likely to follow your account and engage with your future posts, leading to a long-term increase in followers.
- Boosting brands awareness
Thirdly, going viral can boost brand awareness. When your content reaches a larger audience, more people become aware of your brand, which can lead to more customers and sales.
Remember to use Instagram analytics to keep track of key metrics and see how your content performs.
How To Go Viral On Instagram: Tips For Creating Viral Content
If you are frustrated with your lack of engagement on Instagram, fear not – we’ve got some killer strategies to help you go viral and skyrocket your follower count.
Here’s our list of the best strategies for Instagram success:
1. Get To Know Your Target Audience
Who is your audience? What do the people following you like?
- Age
It is very important to know what age your audience is. For example, sometimes little kids with Instagram want to ask you a lot of questions and spam your account. However, even those kids are important for your engagement. So, try to know your audience to be sure of what to post.
- Gender
Take advice, and make your account more gender-neutral. Nowadays, there are a lot of people with different genders, so you don’t want to misgender or mispronounce them. Try to be very polite with this subject, people are very sensitive and a lot of your followers can get offended quickly.
- Location
People from all over the world have different interests. This way, you must know your target audience’s location to share posts that are in their interests. For example, you will have to congratulate your Muslim, Christian, or Buddhist followers, so you must know their celebrations to do that.
- Occupation
The occupation of your followers matters as well. With this information, you will have an opportunity to upload posts that are similar to their interests. This way, your engagement will grow and your followers will be more interested in you.
- Annual Income
If you want to sell your product to Instagram users, you must know what their income is. Try to find out what your followers can pay for your products. This way, you can play with the prices and sell more products than ever.
- Education Level
Knowing your follower’s education level is very important. With this information, you will have an opportunity to talk with your followers in the language they understand. This will make you seem more polite and will gain your engagement.
Start by creating your buyer persona. By understanding their interests and preferences, you can tailor your content to better resonate with them. Don’t be afraid to conduct a poll or survey to gain valuable insights.
Getting to know your audience is key – and what better way to get personal than by engaging with them directly? Respond to comments and direct messages to show that you appreciate their input and value their opinions.
By building a strong connection with your audience, you can boost engagement and create content that’s more likely to go viral. So, go ahead and slide into those DMs – your audience will thank you!
You can also use Instagram’s built-in analytics to understand your audience demographics and interests better. We will devote ourselves to this in our next subheading!
2. Use Instagram’s Built-In Analytics
Next up, let’s talk about Instagram’s built-in analytics.
Instagram’s built-in analytics is a powerful tool to help you understand your audience and improve your content strategy. This awesome tool lets you see your follower count, engagement rate, and top-performing posts.
Plus, it helps you better understand your audience demographics and their interests to help fine-tune your digital marketing strategy. You can see your audience’s age, gender, location, and interests. That can help you tailor your content to your audience and create viral content that resonates with them. Here are some things you must learn about your interactors:
- The age range of followers
- Follower gender
- Follower locations
- The times your followers are most active
- How many likes do you receive for a post
- The number of comments each post gets
- How many impressions a post receives
Know your best time to post on Instagram
Though I said earlier in the post that viral content keeps getting engagement over time, it’s often those initial hours (or minutes!) after it’s been posted that decides whether it’s a success or a complete flop. Exciting content can easily get lost in people’s feeds if you post it at a time when initially few people see it. (You can call it the dark abyss of social media algorithms.)
So, check when your audience is most active (per one of the sections above) and optimize your content calendar for posting when you’re more likely to see results. Here’s what it might look like:
Use Instagram Insights
If you have a business or creator account on Instagram, use Instagram Insights to access data about your audience’s activity. Insights provide information about when your followers are most active on the platform.
Take into account the time zone of the majority of your audience. If your followers are spread across different regions, consider scheduling posts at times that cater to the broader audience.
Generally, the peak activity hours on Instagram are during lunchtime (around 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and in the evening (around 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.) in the local time zone of your target audience. These times may vary, so it’s crucial to check your specific Insights data.
3. Recreate Viral Content
Another great way to go viral on Instagram is to find trends and recreate content that has already gone viral.
For example, if a dance challenge is trending on Instagram, you can create your own version of the challenge and invite your followers to participate.
Of course, you don’t want to create the same content as everyone else. Put your own spin on popular trends and challenges to make your posts stand out from the crowd.
- Create high-quality content that shows your own personality and brand voice and resonates with your audience.
- Mix it up with different types of content – video posts, photo content, carousel posts, and short videos (Reels) – to keep your audience engaged. Oh, and don’t forget to include trending music to increase engagement.
- You can also recreate viral stuff from other social media platforms. Although your primary goal is to create viral Instagram content, sometimes a trend from TikTok and other social networks will be good for your Instagram feed.
So, check out your competitors’ posts on other platforms – like Facebook, YouTube, Snapchat, and TikTok – for some inspiration.
4. Post More Instagram Reels
Don’t forget about Instagram reels, either!
These short, engaging videos with trending sounds are a fantastic way to increase your visibility and reach a wider audience.
If you’re still getting familiar with Instagram Reels, here’s a quick explanation:
Reels are short, engaging videos that can be up to 60 seconds long. To go viral on Instagram, you should post more Reels and experiment with different types of content that will keep your followers hooked.
For instance, you can post tutorials and behind-the-scenes videos or showcase your products or services.
5. Collaborate With Popular Creators in Your Niche
Collaborating with popular creators that have a similar audience can help you achieve your Insta goals.
You can create a joint post, a series of stories, or even a giveaway together. You can also tag other influencers in your viral posts – they might be interested in it – or write them a note explaining why your Instagram post is valuable to them.
Remember that, like any partnership, reaching out to other Instagram influencers requires communication, collaboration, and the willingness to grow and thrive.
6. Engage With Your Audience and Other Creators
Engagement is crucial for building a loyal following list on Instagram!
You should take your time to respond to comments, like and comment on other people’s posts, and join Instagram communities relevant to your niche. Engaging with other accounts will help you create relationships and a sense of community around your profile.
7. Post Consistently To Keep Audience’s Attention
Consistency is key when going viral on Instagram. When you maintain a consistent posting schedule, your followers get excited about your next post. It would be best if you aimed to post on Instagram regularly – every day, if possible. That will help your followers know when to expect new content from you and keep them engaged in the long run.
New, eager fans might lose interest in your content if you post randomly or have extended intervals between posts.
8. Evaluate Your Instagram SEO Strategy
You need to ensure your account is discoverable – which is where Instagram SEO comes in. Optimising your profile and posts can improve your chances of showing up on Instagram’s Explore page and gaining the engagement you need to go viral.
Here are some tips for enhancing your Instagram SEO game:
#1 Fill Up Your Profile and Include a Brief Bio
Be sure to fill out your profile completely and write a clear bio that accurately describes your niche or job. That’s the first thing people will see when they stumble upon your account.
Consider using keywords that people might use when searching for content like yours. That way, you’ll be more likely to appear in their search results.
#2 In Your Captions, Use Keywords and Viral Hashtags
When you write captions, include relevant keywords and popular hashtags related to your post. That will make it easier for people to find your content through searches and hashtags. Plus, it’ll help you connect with your audience and get your content in front of more people.
#3 Make Changes to the Alt Text of Your Posts and Add Keywords
Alt text is the description that appears when someone hovers over your image. Adding relevant keywords to your alt text can improve your chances of showing up in their search results.
Following these Instagram SEO tips can increase your chances of going viral on the platform. And the more engagement you get, the higher the likelihood that a wider audience will see your content – because Instagram’s algorithm will reward you by featuring your posts on the Explore page.
9. Create Your Own Content
- Create content suitable for your audience
Creating original content that resonates with your audience is crucial for standing out in the sea of monotonous Instagram posts. But, let’s face it, coming up with original ideas can be a real challenge.
- Stand out from the crowd
It’s essential to establish your unique and creative voice. Your brand needs to stand out from the crowd and have a personality that resonates with your target audience. Use your voice and style; that’s the key ingredient for viral content.
- Make Your Brand Unique
Step back and brainstorm what makes you and your brand unique. It could be your quirky personality, stunning photography skills, or delicious cooking recipes. Once you’ve identified what makes you YOU, brainstorm how to translate that into engaging and shareable content.
Feel free to experiment with different formats like videos, carousels, or Instagram Reels.
- Look for trending content
Secondly, look for trending topics and hashtags related to your niche. Creating content around trending topics and recent events can help boost your visibility and attract new followers. However, ensure the content is relevant to your brand and fits your overall messaging.
10. Link Posts to Current Events
Nowadays, current events are always very interesting for people. So, your Instagram followers will love to get information about events from you. Once a person sees an event, they will share it with their friends. So, this way, your follower count will grow and you will get more engagement.
Once you post the event, you can advertise your product parallelly. However, make sure that you know everything about what you post. You don’t want to seem problematic or rude to your followers, this will be bad for your engagement.
11. Boost Your Post Reach With Paid Ads
The paid ads are an easy way to boost your account. A higher follower count and engagement rate may give the appearance of increased visibility, as social media algorithms sometimes prioritise content with higher engagement.
Some users believe that a higher follower count serves as social proof, suggesting credibility and popularity. This perception may attract genuine followers who are more likely to follow accounts with a larger following.
Conclusion: Ready To Go Viral On Instagram?
Now that you’ve learned how to go viral on Instagram, are you up for taking your Instagram game to the next level?
Going viral on Instagram isn’t just about luck, though – it takes a strategic approach and a bit of creativity.
First, make sure your profile is complete and interesting. Use high-quality photos, a catchy bio, and relevant hashtags to go viral on Instagram.
Next, leverage the Instagram algorithm – post consistently and at the right time, post Reels and Instagram stories, and engage with your audience. Collaborating with other influencers or brands can also help boost your reach.
Remember to be authentic – people love to connect with real personalities and genuine content. Find your brand voice, and don’t be afraid to show your true self and share your unique perspective.
In conclusion, going viral on Instagram requires a mix of strategy and authenticity. By following these tips, you’ll increase your chances of getting your content in front of a larger audience.
If you’re serious about growing your Instagram account and getting more followers, consider signing up for Flock Social for even more support and guidance.
Ready to go viral on Instagram? Let’s make it happen!
FAQ
How to make a picture go viral on Instagram?
Creating content that goes viral on Instagram involves a combination of creativity, strategy, and engagement. Ensure your photo is visually appealing, well-composed, and high-resolution. Understand your target audience and create content that resonates with them. Write engaging captions that encourage interaction. Use relevant and popular hashtags to increase the discoverability of your content.
Remember that there’s no guaranteed method for making a picture go viral, and it often depends on a combination of factors, including timing, luck, and the platform’s algorithms. Experiment with different approaches, be authentic and stay engaged with your audience.
How to make a post go viral on Instagram
Creating a post that goes viral on Instagram involves a mix of creativity, timing, engagement, and understanding your audience. Collaborate with other users or influencers in your niche. This can expose your content to a broader audience. Tag relevant accounts or use location tags to increase discoverability. Encourage your followers to create content related to your brand or theme. Reposting user-generated content can increase engagement and visibility.
Run contests or giveaways that require users to share your post, tag friends, or follow your account for a chance to win. Use interactive elements like polls, quizzes, and sliders in your Stories to boost engagement. Learn from the data and optimize your strategy based on what works best for your audience.
How many likes does it take to go viral on Instagram?
Instead of focusing solely on the number of likes, consider other factors like the reach, impressions, comments, and shares your post receives. These metrics can give you a better understanding of how well your content is performing and how much it is resonating with your audience.
The Instagram algorithm, engagement rates, and the size of your follower base all play roles in determining how widely your content is distributed. A post with a few thousand likes might be considered viral for a smaller account, while a larger account might need tens of thousands or more to achieve the same level of relative success.
How to go viral on Instagram overnight?
While there’s no guaranteed method to make your content go viral on Instagram overnight, there are some strategies that may increase your chances of rapid visibility. Keep in mind that virality often involves a combination of creativity, timing, and a bit of luck.
Identify and participate in current trends, challenges, or popular hashtags. Keep an eye on Instagram’s Explore page and trending content within your niche. Create visually appealing and engaging content that stands out in the Instagram feed. Take advantage of Instagram’s features like Stories, Reels, and IGTV to diversify your content.
Why is my Instagram not going viral?
Your content may not be visually appealing, engaging, or unique enough to capture attention. Invest time in creating high-quality photos, videos, and captions that stand out in the crowded Instagram feed. Ensure that your content aligns with the interests and preferences of your target audience. Irregular posting schedules or infrequent updates may hinder the growth of your account.
If your content doesn’t generate engagement (likes, comments, shares), it may not be favored by Instagram’s algorithm. Interact with your followers, respond to comments, and actively engage with other users’ content. Relying too heavily on automation tools for likes, comments, or follows can result in decreased organic reach.
How are people going viral on Instagram?
Users who create visually stunning and original content have a higher likelihood of standing out in the crowded Instagram feed. Whether it’s captivating images, entertaining videos, or thought-provoking captions, content that resonates with users and provides value is more likely to capture attention and be shared.
Successful Instagram users often tap into current trends, challenges, and popular hashtags to increase the discoverability of their content. By aligning their posts with trending topics, users can leverage the existing momentum and piggyback on the collective interest within the Instagram community. This strategy not only widens the reach but also aligns the content with what is currently resonating with users.
