Looking to improve your Instagram game in 2020?
Even though the algorithm can hit hard these days, there’s still plenty of things you can do to build both an engaged following and a feed you’re proud of.
Before we jump into some of the best Instagram growth tips for 2020 though, let’s address the elephant in the room…
Can you really grow on Instagram in 2020?
Instagram has changed immensely over past five years.
With the introduction of the Instagram algorithm and the end of the true chronological feed, it’s certainly become more difficult for accounts to stand out from crowd and gain new followers.
That being said, there’s definitely still room for growth on the platform.
Not to mention, brands are still wildly obsessed with advertising through Instagram — so if you’re an influencer who makes part of your living off of sponsorships, sorry but you’re stuck with the platform for now!
Check out the following Instagram tips and tricks below to make sure you’re still on the right track to grow your account in 2020.
How to Dramatically Improve Your Instagram Game in 2020
1. Create a Cohesive Feed
Nowadays, it’s hard to get away without having a cohesive Instagram “theme”.
Planning out your photos ahead of time and editing them all in a similar manner goes a long way in attracting new followers to your account, because it creates a flow and overall desirable visual aesthetic (thus encouraging people to want to see more of your photos, and consequently hit that follow button!).
Use an free app like UNUM to plan out your feed before posting, and make sure your photos flow prior to hitting publish.
You may also want to invest in Adobe Lightroom and a few presets to help with photo editing.
Presets are essentially “filters” you can use in Lightroom, but they’re completely customizable even after you apply them.
There are so many options in Lightroom beyond the standard photo editing tools you get in editing apps, which is why I choose to edit many of my photos on my computer within this program.
However, I also love the Tezza app as well and use that to jazz up many of my iPhone shots for a quick and hassle free post.
2. Post During Peak Times
Though Instagram isn’t organized on a purely chronological basis anymore, it’s still important to publish new content at peak times.
This gives your new posts the best chance succeed, because you know hypothetically there should be a higher number of your following active on Instagram during that time and likely to interact with your post (which then prompts the algorithm to push out your post out to even more of your followers who may not have seen it otherwise).
I use the UNUM app to determine what times to post to Instagram, as it shows your best times to post based on your average likes and comments — not just how many of your followers are online.
Engagement is your bread and butter on Instagram, so you’ll want to post during the time period that your followers are the most active on the platform.
3. Take Advantage of Your Analytics
In addition to using apps like UNUM to determine the best time to post, you’ll also want to dive into your Instagram analytics as well.
You do need to have a business account to access these insights, so make sure you sign up for that if you don’t already have one.
From there, you can analyze all kinds of things, like each individual posts’ reach, impressions, and more.
4. Jump on New Instagram Trends ASAP
There’s no denying that Instagram has become saturated over the past several years.
It’s no surprise — many people want to share their lives and their passions, and it’s all possible thanks to the various social media platforms we now have access to!
That being said, one of the best ways to stand out on Instagram in 2020 is to jump on Instagram trends as soon as they develop.
When Instagram releases a new feature, they want to encourage people to start using it and creating that new type of content.
They’ll even go so far as to push your post above others if you’re using a new feature.
For example, one of the latest developments on Instagram is “Reels”.
You’ll see tons of these short videos popping up on your explore page, and because it’s a new feature this is the perfect time to jump in and start creating your own while “Reel” posts aren’t oversaturated.
You’re more likely to be discovered if you’re hopping on a new Instagram trend or feature, and you’ll never know if you might just end up going viral if you don’t try it out.
5. Share More Behind the Scenes & iPhone Shots
One of the biggest changes in Instagram over the past few years has been a gravitation towards behind the scenes content and iPhone shots.
Many professional content creators and bloggers initially upped their game after Instagram grew in popularity, posting a seemingly endless string of editorial, looks-like-it-belongs-in-a-magazine style shots.
Their feeds were not just cohesive; they were all but perfect.
That being said, many Instagram users have now stated that they prefer iPhone shots as opposed to professional photographs, because they like seeing more realistic, day-to-day content.
Make sure you switch things up from time to time, and don’t be afraid to post an on-the-go photo every now and then.
After all, that’s why they named it Instagram back in the day!
6. Don’t Stress Your Follower Count
Last but not least, don’t stress your follower count in your quest to grow your Instagram in 2020.
While it may sound counterintuitive, obsessing over numbers is likely to kill your creative vibes and ruin the platform for you (trust me, I’ve heard this from plenty of creators!).
The truth is, the Instagram algorithm isn’t exactly user friendly, and sometimes you can’t find a rhyme or reason as to why a specific post didn’t perform as well as you had expected.
Instagram is just one social media platform of many, and I always remind my fellow blogging/content creating friends — you do not own your Instagram account.
You cannot control the algorithm, if your account gets banned, if Instagram decides to shut down tomorrow, etc.
In fact, that’s why I highly suggest starting a blog.
It’s one of the only platforms you truly own and have control over.
I actually make the majority of my blogging income from my actual blog too, not through sponsorships on Instagram.
While Instagram remains an important tool and is something we can hardly ditch as content creators in 2020, it’s just as important to be attuned to the reality of social media as it is to have a successful, prosperous Instagram account today.
What are your favorite Instagram tips and tricks?
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