Instagram likes were one of the first social metrics created to indicate post performance, but even in 2022, they remain one of the most essential of them. The posts with the most likes get shared more often, boast higher engagement rates and, for Instagram influencers, affect brand sponsorship opportunities.
The problem is that Instagram's algorithms can make it difficult for new users to start gaining enough popularity on the platform to start collecting likes and boosting post performance. This article will focus on ways to get more Instagram likes that can help to alleviate that problem for marketers and influencers alike.
1. Give the Post a Healthy Head Start
The best way to get lots of likes on an Instagram post is to start out with at least a few. Users can shop online for 100% verified Instagram likes, views, and follows to help their new posts get a healthy head start. As long as they work with companies that follow the platform's terms and conditions, it won't cause any trouble.
2. Find a Target Audience
As of 2021, there are officially over two billion active Instagram users. There's no way to appeal to all of them, so content creators shouldn't try. Instead, they should find a target audience that will be most interested in viewing posts, interacting with them and, most importantly, liking them. Be sure to create both profiles and posts with that target audience in mind.
3. Test Different Types of Content
Instagram used to be exclusively a platform for sharing pictures. Now, it's far more multi-dimensional and offers a greater range of opportunities to experiment with different content types. Testing a variety of content helps creators determine what their audiences like the most and has the added benefit of keeping content fresh. Over time, creators can start shifting their posts to meet the preferences of viewers and prioritize the types of content that get the most likes.
4. Write Engaging Captions
Instagram captions need to be engaging to garner more likes for even the best images. While a beautiful picture can grab viewers' attention, modern Instagram users expect more. Use captions to share stories, thoughts, and feelings, and be sure to make them personal. Captions also offer a fantastic opportunity for encouraging engagement.
5. Post Consistently
To reach target audiences, content creators need to post when they are most likely to be active on Instagram. There's no set rule for when the best time is to post new content. It varies based on content type, target audience, and niche. This is another example of an appropriate time to use testing to determine what's most effective. Try posting similar content at different times and on different days to see which posts get the most likes.
6. Try Out Like-Based Contests
For business owners, sales and giveaways can be great opportunities to increase Instagram engagement. Like-based contests have become quite common among popular brands, but smaller businesses can use the same strategy. Try running a like-based photo contest that requires contest participants to like the post and follow the account. Setting a low barrier to entry can help to boost engagement, so don't get too demanding with contest requirements.
7. Create a Tagging Strategy
Using tags appropriately is one of the easiest ways to draw attention to a new post. Just keep in mind that spam tagging posts won't help. Content creators need to be selective. Good tagging strategies involve tagging brands that are mentioned in the post, tagging locations, or asking friends to tag people they think might enjoy it.
8. Jump on Board with Trends
This tip only applies to brands with audiences who understand pop culture and use social media enough to recognize trends, but using current memes can be a great way to get more likes. Just keep in mind that jumping on board with viral content will only work with certain audiences. Some users find it more alienating than engaging.
9. Include a Call to Action
There's nothing wrong with asking users to like a post in the caption. In fact, including an explicit call to action can boost engagement on a post significantly, but only if it's done right. Make sure the CTA is relevant to the post, not random.
Jump-Start an Underperforming Instagram Post
Newcomers to Instagram shouldn't expect their posts to go viral overnight. It takes some serious creative efforts to get the likes, views and follows required to get the platform's algorithms to prioritize a post. Try using the tips above to jump-start underperforming content and don't expect miracles overnight. It takes some time to start attracting organic engagement.

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Brand Voices