In today’s digital age, Instagram has become a crucial platform for individuals and businesses to build their online presence and connect with a wider audience. The question of how often to post on Instagram in order to gain followers is a common concern for many users. According to Adam Mosseri, the Head of Instagram, the recommended posting frequency varies based on the size of the account, with the general guideline being to start with a few feed posts and Stories per week and increase the frequency as followers grow. However, it is important to prioritize quality content over quantity. In this article, we will explore the optimal posting frequency for different account sizes and provide tips for increasing your Instagram following.
Recommended Posting Frequency for Nano Accounts (0-10K followers)
Feed Posts
For Nano accounts with 0-10K followers, the recommended posting frequency for feed posts is an average of 2 posts per week. It’s important to maintain a consistent schedule to keep the audience engaged and build trust. Consistency also helps in establishing a brand identity and increasing visibility. However, it’s crucial to focus on quality over quantity, ensuring that each feed post adds value to the audience and aligns with the brand’s messaging and aesthetic.
Instagram Stories
When it comes to Instagram Stories, Nano accounts are recommended to post an average of 3 stories per week. Stories provide a more casual and authentic way to connect with the audience, offering behind-the-scenes glimpses, Q&A sessions, product demos, and interactive polls. The temporary nature of Stories also encourages frequent updates, keeping the audience engaged and active on the platform. It’s essential to utilize features like location tags, hashtags, and interactive stickers to maximize reach and engagement.
Recommended Posting Frequency for Micro Accounts (10K-100K followers)
Feed Posts
Based on current data and analysis, the recommended posting frequency for micro accounts with 10K-100K followers on Instagram is an average of 3 feed posts per week. This frequency allows for consistent engagement with the audience while also ensuring that the content remains high-quality and relevant. It is important to note that as the account gains more followers, the posting frequency tends to increase, indicating a correlation between audience size and content output.
It is crucial for micro accounts to focus on the quality of their feed posts rather than simply striving for a high posting frequency. The trend towards “quality over quantity” in feed posts reflects the shift in focus towards creating more impactful and engaging content. Experimenting with different types of posts, analyzing content performance, and adjusting the posting cadence based on seasonality, campaigns, and content analysis are all valuable strategies for micro accounts to consider.
Instagram Stories
For Instagram Stories, the recommended posting frequency for micro accounts with 10K-100K followers is an average of 4 Stories per week. Instagram Stories provide an excellent opportunity to connect with the audience in a more personal and interactive way. As an account surpasses 100K followers, there is a noticeable increase in the posting frequency for Stories, potentially driven by a desire to build community, drive clicks, and allocate more resources to content creation.
Consistency in posting Stories is important, but the focus should always be on creating engaging and compelling content. Experimenting with different types of Stories, such as behind-the-scenes content, product highlights, and interactive polls, can help micro accounts maintain audience interest and drive engagement.
Additional Considerations
- Align the posting frequency with the brand’s social strategy and goals
- Focus on creating quality content rather than striving for a high posting frequency
- Analyze content performance and adjust posting cadence based on insights
- Experiment with different post types to maintain audience interest
Overall, the recommended posting frequency for micro accounts on Instagram is a balance between consistency and content quality. By following these guidelines and staying attuned to audience engagement, micro accounts can effectively grow their following and maintain a strong presence on the platform.
Recommended Posting Frequency for Mid Accounts (100K-500K followers)
Feed Posts
For mid-sized accounts with 100K-500K followers, the recommended posting frequency for feed posts is an average of 5 posts per week. This allows for consistent visibility on the platform without overwhelming followers with too much content. It’s important to find a balance between staying active and not flooding your audience’s feed with excessive posts. By posting 5 high-quality feed posts per week, you can maintain a strong presence on Instagram while also ensuring that each post receives the attention it deserves.
Instagram Stories
When it comes to Instagram Stories, the recommended posting frequency for mid-sized accounts is 15 stories per week. Stories are a great way to engage with your audience in a more casual and interactive manner. By posting 15 stories per week, you can keep your followers updated on your day-to-day activities, share behind-the-scenes content, and create a more personal connection with your audience. It’s important to take advantage of the various features in Instagram Stories, such as polls, Q&A sessions, and swipe-up links, to keep your audience engaged and interested in your content.
Consistency is Key
Consistency is crucial for sustainable growth on Instagram. By maintaining a consistent posting schedule, you allow your audience to get to know your account and build trust with them. This, in turn, leads to greater engagement with your content. However, it’s important to find a posting cadence that aligns with your social strategy and goals. Experiment with different post types, analyze your content performance, and prioritize creating quality content over posting frequency numbers. Remember that quality over quantity is the key to success on Instagram.
General Guideline for Increasing Posting Frequency
Increasing posting frequency on Instagram can be a strategic way to engage with your audience and attract new followers. However, it’s essential to approach this tactic with careful planning and consideration. The following guidelines offer a comprehensive approach to increasing posting frequency while maintaining quality and authenticity.
Start with a few feed posts and Stories per week
When starting out on Instagram, it’s important to ease into your posting frequency. Begin with a few high-quality feed posts and Stories per week to establish a consistent presence on the platform. This approach allows you to test different types of content and gauge your audience’s response without overwhelming them with excessive posts.
As a nano account with 0-10K followers, aim for an average of 2 feed posts per week and 3 Stories. For micro accounts with 10K-100K followers, consider increasing to 3 feed posts per week and 4 Stories. This gradual increase in posting frequency aligns with organic growth and ensures that your content remains relevant and engaging.
Increase posting frequency as followers grow
As your follower count grows, it’s natural to increase your posting frequency to cater to the expanding audience. The data suggests that as accounts gain more followers, they tend to post more, likely due to increased interest in their content and more resources. However, it’s crucial to avoid overwhelming your audience with excessive posts and instead focus on delivering valuable and meaningful content.
Consider doubling down on community-building and driving clicks via the link sticker on Instagram Stories as your account surpasses 100K followers. This strategic increase in posting cadence demonstrates your commitment to engaging with your audience and providing them with compelling content.
Prioritize quality content over quantity
While increasing posting frequency, it’s imperative to prioritize quality over quantity. The shift towards “quality over quantity” in posting frequency reflects the growing awareness of social media burnout and the importance of delivering valuable content to your audience.
Experiment with different types of Instagram posts, use relevant hashtags, and understand analytics to optimize your posting frequency while maintaining quality and relevance. Engage with your audience through comments, Stories, and collaborations with other creators or small businesses to foster meaningful interactions that contribute to the overall quality of your content and the growth of your Instagram account.
Conclusion
The guidelines for increasing posting frequency on Instagram provide valuable insights for users seeking to optimize their strategy. By starting with a manageable posting frequency, gradually increasing as followers grow, and prioritizing quality content, you can create a compelling and engaging presence on the platform. Remember to find a balance between consistent posting and creating meaningful interactions with your audience to foster sustainable growth and engagement.
Additional Tips for Increasing Instagram Following
Experimenting with different types of posts is crucial for increasing your Instagram following. Carousels, Reels, and Story Highlights are just a few examples of the diverse content you can create to cater to different audience preferences. By offering a variety of content, you can keep your audience engaged and attract new followers who resonate with different types of posts.
Engage with audience in comments and Stories
Engaging with your audience in comments and Stories is essential for building a meaningful community on Instagram. Responding to comments, using interactive stickers and polls in Stories, and sharing behind-the-scenes content can help you understand your audience’s needs and preferences, leading to higher engagement and follower growth.
Collaborate with other creators or small businesses
Collaborating with other creators or small businesses can significantly expand your reach and exposure to new communities. Whether it’s through shared posts, live collaborations, or account takeovers, building relationships with like-minded individuals can lead to mutual follower growth and increased engagement for both parties involved.
Utilize hashtags, write compelling captions, and optimize your bio
Effectively utilizing hashtags, writing compelling captions, and optimizing your bio are essential for increasing your visibility and attracting new followers on Instagram. Hashtags can expose your posts to a larger audience, while compelling captions and a well-optimized bio can make a strong first impression and entice users to follow your account.
conclusion
In conclusion, the frequency of posting on Instagram varies depending on the size of your account. For nano accounts with 0-10K followers, it is recommended to post an average of 2 feed posts per week, focusing on quality content that adds value to the audience. Micro accounts with 10K-100K followers should aim for an average of 3 feed posts per week, while mid-sized accounts with 100K-500K followers should post an average of 5 times per week. It’s important to utilize Instagram Stories and engage with your audience through different features to keep them interested. Increasing posting frequency can be beneficial, but it’s essential to prioritize valuable and meaningful content over quantity. Experimenting with different post types, utilizing hashtags, and optimizing your bio are also crucial strategies for gaining followers on Instagram. By following these recommendations and tips, you can effectively increase your Instagram following and engage with your audience.
