How to Grow on Instagram (According to Instagram) in Mid 2025

Growing your presence on Instagram is never static — and 2025 brings new strategies, features, and algorithm shifts that every creator and business should know. This post unpacks Instagram growth tips straight from Instagram’s latest insights, with practical actions you can take today. Discover how to master the Instagram algorithm, create viral content, and leverage AI tools like Curayto to sharpen your strategy. Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

1. Understanding the Instagram Algorithm in 2025

2. Are Hashtags Still Relevant?

3. How to Create Engaging Content That Gets Shared

4. Optimizing Instagram Features: Reels, Carousels, Photos, and More

5. Competitor Analysis: Why It Matters for Instagram Growth

6. AI for Instagram: Using Curayto to Supercharge Your Growth

7. FAQs: Everything About Instagram Growth in 2025

8. Actionable Instagram Growth Tips for 2025

Understanding the Instagram Algorithm in 2025

Instagram’s algorithm has always felt like a moving target. But in 2025, transparency is higher than ever. Fresh insights reveal exactly what matters when you hit 'post.'

Key Algorithm Signals

• Shares are Golden: Shares per reach are now the most powerful signal. When someone sends your post via DM or shares it to their Stories, the algorithm pays attention. This means creating content that viewers want to share is non-negotiable.

• Post-by-Post Evaluation: Instagram evaluates every new post on its own. Just because one underperforms doesn’t mean the next will flop — unless your account is restricted for guideline violations. Check your account status regularly to avoid unknown penalties.

• Caption Editing Doesn’t Affect Ranking: Edit your captions without fear. It won’t tank (or boost) your post in the feed.

• Evergreen Content Persists: Most engagement still happens in the first 48 hours, but evergreen posts can find new life for weeks — especially through recommendations to non-followers.

• No More Shadowban Myths: Instagram has again denied "shadowbanning." If reach declines, it's not from secret penalties, but likely from changes in how people interact with your posts.

Quick Reference Table: Algorithm Do’s and Don’ts

Action	Impact on Reach
Posts getting shared	Strong positive signal
Editing captions after publishing	Neutral, no positive/negative effect
Deleting older content	Potentially reduces long-term reach
Posting content against guidelines	Risk of account restriction
Experimenting with new content	Encouraged to stay relevant

Quote from Adam Mosseri (Head of Instagram):

“One of the most important signals we use in ranking is sends per reach... if users share your content, the algorithm takes notice.”

Bottom line: For growth, aim to spark shares and experiment often. Don’t let algorithm worries freeze your creativity.

Are Hashtags Still Relevant?

This question lingers in every Instagram growth playbook. Hashtags once ruled discovery, but the game is changing in 2025.

What Instagram Says Now

• Hashtags Aren’t Vital for Reach: Hashtags may help some users find your content, but they don’t directly boost reach in the main feed or Explore.

• Quality > Quantity: Using a few, highly relevant hashtags trumps stuffing your posts with many generic ones. Only select hashtags that truly match the content.

• Search and Explore Dominate Discovery: Most users find new accounts through Explore or search, not hashtags.

Do’s and Don’ts for Hashtags (2025-style):

• DO: Use specific, niche hashtags where people actively search.

• DO: Focus on the intent behind each hashtag — community or topic-based tags work best.

• DON’T: Spam 20-30 hashtags hoping for magic reach. It doesn’t work.

• DON’T: Use unrelated or banned hashtags — this can harm your post’s discoverability.

Example:

If you run a vegan recipe page, try #VeganQuickMeals or #PlantBasedDinner, not just #food or #recipe.

How Curayto Can Help

Curayto provides smart, AI-powered hashtag recommendations that stay up to date with trending, niche-specific tags. This lets you always use hashtags that actually drive discovery, not just noise.

How to Create Engaging Content That Gets Shared

In 2025, there’s one universal truth: shareable content spreads further. But what makes content “shareable”?

What Instagram Recommends

• Evoke Strong Emotion: Content that makes followers feel awe, excitement, or curiosity gets shared the most. If you can make people feel something, they’ll want others to experience it too.

• Niche Down: Highly specific, community-focused content (think: “for apartment plant parents” vs. “for everyone who likes plants”) tends to encourage private sharing, which holds major weight in the current algorithm.

• All Shares Count: Whether a post gets shared as a DM or on a public Story — both types matter for reach.

• Visuals and Formats: Eye-catching images, bold text, surprising facts, or quick how-tos are more likely to be shared.

Case Study: Viral Carousel Post

A designer posts a carousel showing five tiny apartment hacks. Followers DM it to friends moving to new cities. Shares soar, and Instagram pushes the post further in Explore. The “shareability” snowballs.

Tips for Boosting Shares

• Use a surprising question as your first slide/caption.

• Spell out a "wow" stat or truth.

• Invite comments or stories — higher engagement often leads to more shares.

• Create “saveable” resources: checklists, infographics, cheatsheets.

Supercharge Ideas with Curayto

Stuck on content ideas? Curayto’s AI analyzes trending topics and successful competitor posts. Generate ready-made, shareworthy concepts or organize ideas by audience segment. Spend less time guessing, more time creating.

Optimizing Instagram Features: Reels, Carousels, Photos, and More

Instagram loves its own new toys — and so does your audience. In 2025, knowing which formats to focus on is essential.

What Features to Use (and How)

• Reels: Over half of all engagement comes from Reels. Instagram encourages creators to post around 10 Reels a month for maximal visibility.

• Carousels: Carousels provide multiple opportunities to show up in someone’s feed. If a viewer skips the first slide, Instagram may auto-show the next slide later.

• Stories & Stickers: Use “Add Yours” stickers. Instagram boosts Stories with interactive stickers — try it and watch your impressions rise.

• Notes: Perfect for starting conversations with your current followers, not for reaching new ones. Use Notes to spark DMs or community Q&As.

Table: Instagram Features & Their Growth Impact

Feature	Primary Audience	Reach Potential	Pro Tip
Reels	Public/Followers	Very High	Target 10+ per month
Carousels	Followers/Explore	High	Use 5+ slides, diversify topics
Stories	Followers	Medium (for engagement)	Use “Add Yours” or Poll stickers
Notes	Followers (community)	Low (new reach), High (engagement)	Share updates, start conversations

Curayto’s Edge

Track which features and formats work best in your niche using Curayto’s competitor analysis and content breakdown tools. Why guess, when you can analyze what’s actually driving engagement?

Competitor Analysis: Why It Matters for Instagram Growth

You can learn a ton just by observing what top accounts are doing right, and sometimes what they’re missing.

Steps for Strategic Competitor Analysis

• Identify 3-5 Top Accounts in your niche.

• Track Their Posting Patterns: How often do they post? What content types get the most likes, shares, or comments?

• Analyze Post Timing: When do their top posts go live?

• Spot Winning Ideas: What posts get shared most?

• Review Hashtag Strategies: Which tags appear repeatedly?

Sample Competitor Analysis Table

Competitor	Best Performing Content	Most Used Hashtags	Typical Post Times	Notable Strengths
@HomeCafe	DIY kitchen reels	#coffeelover, #kitchendecor	9am, 7pm	Tutorial Reels
@RecipeGuru	Recipe carousels	#quickmeals, #familyfood	11am, 8pm	Step-by-step Carousels

Curayto: AI-Powered Instagram Competitor Analysis

Curayto can help you:

• Monitor competitor profiles and alert you the moment they post.

• Track competitor growth, engagement rate, and trending subjects.

• Break down their best-performing posts, so you can see what works (and what to try yourself).

Stay a step ahead with actionable data, not just gut feel.

AI for Instagram: Using Curayto to Supercharge Your Growth

Let’s face it — Instagram gets more competitive every year. Curayto uses advanced AI to give creators the edge. Here’s how it works (when it really counts):

What Curayto Can Do for You

• Instant Profile Analysis: Curayto provides personalized, data-driven insights about your account—no spreadsheets, no guesswork.

• Content Idea Generation: Get AI-suggested post and Reel ideas, tailored for your audience and what’s working right now.

• AI Chat Assistant: Need a catchy caption, trending hashtags, or strategic feedback? Curayto’s chat has you covered — in real time, based on your goals.

• In-Depth Post Breakdown: Drill into your most successful posts to repeat (and beat) past wins.

• Smart Hashtag Recommendations: Stop wasting time on random hashtags. Use niche, highly relevant tags that AI predicts will work.

• Reel and Trend Tracking: Identify what’s blowing up across Instagram—before it goes mainstream.

• Growth Recommendations: Get actionable steps for improving content, post timing, and more, all personalized to your page.

• Content Calendar: Visualize, plan, and schedule posts efficiently. Organize all your ideas and campaigns in one place.

Example Use Case: Savvy Creator Workflow

1. Start the week with a Curayto content audit.

2. Analyze a few competitors for inspiration.

3. Use the AI chat to brainstorm a fresh Reel idea.

4. Get hashtag suggestions and a draft caption.

5. Plan the post in Curayto’s content calendar and track results.

Result: No more “what should I post?” panic. Consistent, optimized output.

FAQs: Everything About Instagram Growth in 2025

How often should you post on Instagram for best growth?

Instagram recommends consistency and quality. For Reels, aim for around 10 per month. For carousels and Stories, focus on delivering value over sheer quantity.

What’s the best time to post on Instagram now?

Timings depend on your audience — use post analytics to discover trends, or let tools like Curayto analyze and recommend optimal windows.

Are Instagram Growth tools considered safe?

Yes, as long as they comply with Instagram’s terms. Curayto uses AI-powered, data-driven insights rather than automation tricks, so it stays within guidelines.

Do likes or comments matter more in 2025?

Shares remain the most important, but genuine likes and comments still signal value to the algorithm. Encourage engagement naturally.

Can deleting old posts hurt Instagram reach?

Yes. Evergreen content can perform well weeks after posting. Deleting unnecessarily can mean you miss out on continued reach.

Actionable Instagram Growth Tips for 2025

Let’s condense everything into a playbook you can act on today:

• Design Content for Sharing: Every post should aim to evoke a reaction strong enough to get shared.

• Mix Up Content Types: Prioritize Reels, diversify with Carousels, and experiment with Stories and Notes for follower engagement.

• Analyze Competitors Regularly: Track what works for others, especially those leading in your niche.

• Leverage AI for Smart Growth: Use Curayto to analyze, ideate, and organize content — not just save time, but to outpace the competition.

• Be Consistent but Flexible: Stick to a regular posting schedule, but don’t be afraid to pivot if trends shift.

• Monitor Post Performance Over Time: Some posts gain late traction. Don’t delete them prematurely.

Pro tip: Stay curious. The Instagram landscape is always evolving — experiment often, get feedback, and double down on what drives shares and real conversations.

Ready to grow smarter, not harder? Try data-driven Instagram with Curayto. It’s like having an AI growth strategist in your pocket, every day.

Want more deep dives on Instagram trends, content hacks, or growth stories? Bookmark this guide and come back often — in the volatile world of social media, those who learn fastest, win.

Link to Instagram Blog for creators --> https://about.instagram.com/blog/creators