Have you noticed that your Instagram posts are reaching fewer people?

You are not alone! Many users face this problem. But why is that? Let’s look at the main reasons:

• 🤖 Algorithm changes

Instagram is constantly adjusting its algorithm to show users relevant content. This means that not all of your followers will automatically see your posts. Instead, the algorithm decides who will see which content based on interactions and interests. If your posts receive fewer likes or comments, the algorithm classifies them as less relevant and shows them to fewer people. 

🏁 Increasing competition 

Instagram is constantly growing, with millions of new posts being shared every day. This increase in content means it’s harder to stand out. Even if your content is high-quality, it’s competing for users’ attention with a flood of other posts.

• 📱 Changed user behavior

The way people use Instagram has changed. Formats like Reels and Stories are gaining popularity, while traditional feed posts are declining. If you’re not taking advantage of these new formats, you could be missing out on potential reach.

• 🚫 Shadowbanning 

Have you heard of shadowbanning? This is when Instagram silently makes your content less visible, often without you noticing. This can happen if you violate community guidelines or overuse certain hashtags.

• 📉 Declining engagement

Studies show that engagement on Instagram has declined in recent years. Fewer likes, comments and shares mean that the algorithm rates your posts as less relevant, which in turn reduces reach.

Do you now understand better why your Instagram reach is decreasing? Don’t worry, there are strategies to counteract this!

🎥 Short-form videos dominate

Reels and stories are the key to success on Instagram. To increase your reach, you should regularly post short, creative videos that quickly capture users’ attention. Use current music trends, use text overlays and tell an exciting story in just a few seconds. If you don’t have reels in your content yet, you should definitely try them out. Make sure to make your reels and stories as authentic as possible and always include a clear call to action, e.g. “Swipe Up”, “Like”, “Comment your opinion”. Also take the opportunity to test the videos in different formats to see what works best with your target group.

🌟 Authenticity counts more than perfection

Users want to see real insights and not just perfectly staged images. Be authentic, be yourself! Share behind-the-scenes insights or moments when you don’t look perfect or make mistakes. This strengthens the connection with your followers and ensures more interactions. You can also do story shoutouts or collaboration posts with other influencers or brands that authentically match your profile. This way you can support each other and offer your followers more real, unadulterated content. Make sure that you only collaborate with brands or influencers that reflect your values ​​and style.

🛍️ Social commerce is booming

Shopping through Instagram is an increasingly popular way for brands to sell their products directly. Use Instagram Shopping and link to your products in your posts and stories. Make sure the product photos are attractive and professional. You can also create story highlights dedicated specifically to your products to keep your product range constantly visible. Additionally, you can share exclusive offers or discounts with your followers to encourage shopping.

🤖 Artificial Intelligence and AR in use

Augmented Reality (AR) and AI offer exciting opportunities to enhance your content. Use AR filters to add an extra dimension to your stories. Many brands and influencers create their own filters that increase engagement. You can also use AI-powered tools to create content that is specifically tailored to your target audience. This saves time and increases the creativity of your posts.

🤝 Community building is the focus

Building an engaged community is crucial to sustainably increasing your reach on Instagram. Interact with your followers regularly, respond to comments and DMs, and be active in the community. A good way to strengthen the community is to collaborate with other accounts that have similar interests or target audiences. Collaborative posts in which you give each other shoutouts are a great way to promote both accounts. Also organize competitions or challenges that motivate your followers to become active and identify with your account. Discover our instagram organic growth service.

Tips for offline actions and story shoutouts

If you have a store, you can directly encourage your visitors to post and repost via Instagram Stories. One way is to offer incentives like discounts or small gifts when they post a story about your store and tag you. You can also create a special hashtag for your customers to use. If you’re hosting an event or special promotion, actively encourage your visitors to take photos or videos and tag you. Make sure it’s visible and easy for your customers to interact with your Instagram account, for example by having eye-catching signs or QR codes that lead to your profile.

🎥 Use Reels and Stories effectively

Reels and Stories are the most successful formats on Instagram for quickly increasing reach. If you share creative, entertaining or educational reels, they can be seen by a wide audience. Take advantage of trends, but make sure your content fits your profile and remains authentic.

Example: Imagine you run a cafe. Share a behind-the-scenes reel where you show the preparation process of a popular dish or give your customers a special moment while enjoying their coffee. 

Tip: Experiment with different Reel lengths – shorter, concise videos (under 15 seconds) tend to get more engagement. Include calls to action in your Reels, like “Tag a friend who loves this too!” or “Leave a comment if you want to try it!”

⏰ Post at the right time

The timing of your posts affects how many people see them. Analytics has shown that the best time to post on weekdays is between 3pm and 6pm to get maximum engagement.

For example, if you sell products, post offers or discounts during these times to achieve the highest engagement rate.

Tip: Use Instagram Insights to get to know your own audience better and analyze when they are most active. Schedule your posts with tools like Later or Buffer to make sure you post at the right time.

#️⃣ Use relevant hashtags

Hashtags help you make your posts accessible to a larger audience. They allow you to make your content visible in specific niches.

Example: If you are a fitness coach, use hashtags like #FitnessMotivation, #HomeWorkout or #TrainHard. Use less saturated hashtags to achieve better visibility.

Tip: Create a list of 10-20 relevant hashtags for your niche and change them regularly to reach new audiences. Hashtags like #InstaGood or #Love are too general and often offer less targeted reach. Also avoid too many hashtags – between 7 and 10 is ideal.

🤝 Interact with your community

Instagram prefers accounts that actively interact with their community. Respond to comments and messages promptly and involve your followers in your content.

For example, if someone comments on your post, respond with a personal message or ask a question that encourages further interaction. You can also add polls or questions to your stories to increase engagement rates.

Tip: Start regular Q&A sessions or small giveaways to further encourage interaction. When your followers feel seen, they will stay active and support your account.

📊 Analyze your performance

Instagram Insights is an invaluable tool for finding out which content is performing best and how you can optimize your strategy.

For example, if you see that certain Reels or Stories perform particularly well with certain music or in a certain format, use that approach for future posts.

Tip: Don’t just pay attention to the number of likes, but also to interactions – comments, shares and saved content are particularly valuable for organic growth. Experiment with different content formats and analyze what your target group values ​​most.

Bonus tip: Use cooperative postings and shoutouts

Another very effective method to increase your reach is cooperative postings or mutual shoutouts with other users. Search specifically for accounts in similar niches and suggest a collaboration. A shoutout for shoutout (S4S) is an easy way to expand your network.

Example: You can enter into a collaboration with another fitness coach and introduce each other in your stories. Or you can organize a joint challenge and ask your followers to share their experiences using a specific hashtag.

Offline tip: If you have a store, you can encourage your customers to take photos of their purchase or experience and tag them. Offer incentives like discounts or small gifts in exchange for Instagram posts to generate more visual content and promote your store.

With these proven strategies and small adjustments, you can significantly increase your Instagram reach and grow your presence on the platform this year!

which content is well received. Do you know which posts have the best performance? Data-based decisions optimize your strategy. Instagram Insights.. ->

Are you already using these strategies? They can help you take your Instagram presence to the next level in 2025!