general

How to Increase Engagement on Social Media in 2024

Crescitaly Staff

Crescitaly Staff

— 4 min read

In January, a little-known indie artist went viral on TikTok—her follower count spiked by 400%, and she landed a distribution deal, all because she posted a 12-second clip of her walking through a vineyard while her unreleased track played in the background. No talking, no CTA. Just timing, context, and community connection.

This isn’t a fluke—it’s the new normal. Brands, creators, and marketers are all waking up to a truth that platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Telegram are emphasizing now more than ever: Engagement is the heartbeat of social media growth.

But while the algorithm favors authentic interaction, achieving consistent, high engagement still feels like decoding a riddle. So let’s break it down.

Why Engagement Is Outpacing Follower Counts

Ten thousand followers with minimal interactions is no longer impressive. In fact, the average engagement rate on Instagram hovers around 0.98%, according to recent industry data. TikTok skewers higher—around 5.38%—but repeat views rarely happen without personalization.

"Social media success isn't just who sees your content—it's who interacts with it."

This is why platforms are adjusting their algorithms to prioritize:

  • Watch time (YouTube Shorts, TikTok)
  • Comments and replies (Instagram Reels, YouTube Posts)
  • Direct shares and saves (especially Instagram saves)
  • Stickiness inside private channels (Telegram groups and bots)

To grow, your content must invite engagement—not just passive views. Let’s explore how to engineer that connection.

Microform = Mega Engagement: The Rise of Short-Format Content

Instagram Reels + TikTok: Powering the Feed

Here’s the truth: Static posts still matter, especially for branding. But short-form video is where engagement explodes. According to Crescitaly’s analytics dashboard, accounts that consistently post Reels 3–4 times per week see a 2.4x increase in comments and shares over those that post just once per week.

Key to success is embracing storytelling and speed. Try this structure in 15 seconds:

  • Hook: Visual or action that catches attention in the first 2 seconds
  • Reveal: Share a trick, opinion, or punchline quickly
  • CTA: End with a soft prompt like “Save for later” or “What do you think?”

YouTube Shorts as Your Funnel Top

YouTube Shorts are no longer an experiment. They now have their own dedicated placement in the app—and they're hooked into Google’s search machine. This means Shorts can feed subscribers to your longer-form content, boosting total watch time and increasing engagement through playlists and pinned comments.

Don’t be afraid to cross-post the same vertical video on TikTok, Reels, and Shorts, adjusting only the overlays and captions to fit the platform’s vibe.

Interactive Tools That Drive Authentic Engagement

Polls, Questions, and Quizzes on Instagram Stories

Instagram Stories still convert—when used interactively. Features like:

  • Polls to take audience temperature
  • Question boxes for user-sourced content
  • Sliders to gauge sentiment on new products or posts

These tools prompt low-effort but meaningful interactions, which signal relevance to the algorithm. The more taps, the more reach.

Telegram Bots and Group Mechanics

Telegram’s boom hasn’t just been among crypto heads—it’s now the go-to for community-centric creators and brands. Engagement doesn’t come from broadcast, it comes from two-way communication:

  • Using Telegram bots for feedback loops (e.g., polls tied to new content drops)
  • Hosting live chats during product launches
  • Creating premium access groups for superfans

With tools like Crescitaly's advanced panel, you can automate some of these engagement tactics without sounding robotic, including scheduling group posts and syncing engagement drivers across Instagram and Telegram.

Timing, Pacing, and Content Cadence

Many marketers underestimate how pacing affects algorithm favor. It’s not just what you post, but when—and how often—you show up.

Here’s a platform breakdown with ideal posting strategies:

  • Instagram: 3-5 Reels/week, 3 Stories/day, 1 Feed post/week
  • TikTok: 1-3 videos/day during target audience hours
  • YouTube Shorts: 2-3 per week; pin comments and revisit popular ones monthly
  • Telegram: Daily touch points (polls, alerts, reposts), especially during product cycles

Pro Tip: Use the first comment or pinned message (on YouTube/Telegram) to extend engagement. Ask a provocative question or link to a related piece of content.

The Role of Community in Driving Reach

Engagement isn’t traffic. It’s trust. One strategy that’s working for brands and creators alike is the use of micro-community content loops.

What’s a Content Loop?

It’s when one form of content feeds into another across platforms and formats. Example:

  • Step 1: Post a hot take Reel on Instagram
  • Step 2: Use feedback to host a debate in Telegram
  • Step 3: Create a YouTube Short that summarizes both sides of the debate
  • Step 4: Invite users to comment with their own thoughts (engagement loop)

The most successful creators on Crescitaly are using this flow to turn passive viewers into returning community members—and brand buyers.

Conclusion: Don’t Chase Engagement—Design for It

Here’s the irony: The more authentic your content feels, the more algorithm-friendly it becomes. Social media platforms in 2024 reward creators who build trust, match intent with format, and spark two-way communication.

To put this into action, focus this month on three things:

  • Conduct an audit of your last 15 posts—what got real interaction?
  • Choose one new engagement tool (poll, Telegram bot, Shorts comments) to test
  • Start a repeatable content loop across two platforms

Using trusted platforms like Crescitaly.com can help you streamline scheduling, optimize post timing, and access insights usually hidden in native apps.

Ultimately, the brands and creators thriving in 2024 aren’t following the algorithm—they’re partnering with it by prioritizing people, feedback, and context-first content. That’s real engagement. And it’s entirely within reach.

Meta Title: How to Increase Engagement on Social Media

Meta Description: Discover proven 2024 strategies for increasing engagement on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Telegram with actionable examples and tools.

Tags: Instagram, SMM panel, TikTok growth, social media tips, creator marketing, engagement strategy, Telegram marketing, YouTube Shorts

Read more