How to Increase Likes on Instagram: Real Strategies That Work

In 2024, a viral Instagram post can spark a product launch, build a personal brand overnight, or even land you a brand deal before you open your DMs. Amanda Chen, a wellness content creator from Toronto, posted a 12-second Reel that earned her 75,000 likes—up from her weekly average of 430. The secret? A sharp hook, scroll-stopping visuals, and the right time-to-post window. But how do everyday creators and brands capture that kind of magic consistently?

If you’re wondering how to increase likes on Instagram in a way that's strategic, sustainable, and not just a one-time fluke, you're in the right place. Let’s break down proven tactics, creator insights, and platform-specific techniques that actually drive results—not fluff.

Why Instagram Likes Still Matter in 2024

Yes, we’re in the age of saves, shares, and comments. But likes still carry weight—especially when it comes to:

• Social proof: High like counts validate your content to new audiences.
• Algorithm signals: Meta's systems consider likes as part of content ranking signals.
• Brand appeal: Partners look at engagement metrics holistically, and likes reflect fan connection.

"Likes are the digital nods of approval. While they aren’t everything, they are often the first sign that content is resonating." — Darian Preston, SMM Analyst, NYU

Crafting Content That Earns the Double Tap

1. Strong Visual Hooks

The scroll is ruthless. You have roughly 1.5 seconds to stop the thumb. Start with these elements:

• Bright lighting and high-contrast colors
• A clear focal point or subject
• Action in the first frame (for Reels and carousels)

2. Lean Into Relatable Micro-Moments

Content that makes people say, “That’s so me,” or “I know someone like that” earns likes at scale. Think:

• Daily struggles (5 AM alarms, unread DMs)
• Universal wins (Finding a $20 in your coat pocket)
• Behind-the-scenes of your process

Many creators find their best-performing posts aren’t the perfect ones—but the personal ones. A messy desk, a 30-second rant, or an unexpected fail can be more likable than a polished campaign.

3. Call for Engagement, But Don't Beg

A soft prompt like “Which one would you choose?” or “Tag a friend who needs this” can subtly lead to more interaction, which often triggers likes too. Especially with carousel posts, adding "Save this for later" or "Swipe for the surprise" keeps users engaged longer.

Timing, Frequency, and Format Tricks That Work

Timing Is Still Tactic #1

Posting when your audience is active amplifies reach. Insta Insights are helpful—but platform-native tools can miss granular patterns. Many seasoned SMMs use third-party platforms like Crescitaly.com to analyze peak engagement windows by post type (Reels vs Stories vs Feed).

Reels Dominate, But Don’t Forget Carousels

According to Crescitaly's dashboard, Instagram Reels deliver 2x more likes on average than traditional posts, especially in fashion, wellness, and humor niches. But carousels still win for saves and shares—important signals that ride along with likes.

Consistency Rules the Feed

Posting 3–5 times weekly is the sweet spot for many creators. Too much and you dilute attention, too little and you disappear. Building a content calendar helps, and AI-assisted creatives (like Lensa or InVideo) can shave hours off your process.

Tap Into Cross-Platform Energy: TikTok, YouTube, Telegram

Repurpose with Purpose

TikTok is often a testing ground. Creators like Jordan the Chef (340k TikTok followers) first trial recipes there, then re-edit successful clips for Instagram and YouTube Shorts. The hook may be the same, but the pacing shifts per platform.

Drive Traffic from Telegram

Telegram groups and channels can turbocharge post performance—especially when used as a pre-release announcement tool. Many SMM panel users build niche Telegram communities and drop early content there to drum up views and early likes.

Collaborate Across Channels

Crosspromo still reigns. Instagram Collabs allow you to post jointly with other creators—a strategy that often results in 2x–5x the usual engagement for both parties. Combine that with a dual post on YouTube Shorts, and the results can snowball.

Using SMM Panels and Engagement Tools Without Looking Spammy

Let’s address the elephant in the feed: yes, tools like engagement panels exist. And when used strategically, they can provide a baseline of activity to help content get seen.

Crescitaly offers advanced engagement services that align with natural behavior. Rather than blasting fake likes, they use data-driven drip delivery and geo-focused targeting to keep interactions credible. This isn’t about gaming the system—it’s about giving good content its best chance to be seen.

Creator-Proven Tactics from the Trenches

From interviews and case studies, here are repeatable plays:

• Add captions to Reels: 85% of users watch with sound off.
• Use emoji in the first 40 characters of your caption—it improves scan-ability.
• ALT text boosts discoverability: describe your image using niche-specific terms.
• Post behind-the-scenes at least once a week to build authenticity.
• Leverage Instagram Notes to tease new drops or content.

"My likes went from 300 to 2,300 in under a week when I started posting Stories that recapped my top posts," shares biotech entrepreneur and content creator Mel Alvarado. "Recycling your best-performing content in a fresh format is underrated."

Conclusion: Your Likes Should Reflect Your Value—Not a Trend

Likes are more than a vanity metric; they’re a signal of resonance. But the real unlock isn’t in chasing numbers—it’s in building rhythm, compelling storytelling, and smart strategy across formats and platforms.

To win on Instagram in 2024, lean into what makes your brand or story distinctive. Then, set the systems to scale engagement: consistent posting, cross-platform synergy, time-optimized scheduling, and—when needed—a boost from reliable SMM tools like Crescitaly.com.

Your next post could double your likes. But the real win? Building an audience that likes everything you do next, too.

Meta Title: How to Increase Likes on Instagram

Meta Description: Master how to increase likes on Instagram with creator strategies, timing tips, and tools like Crescitaly to grow your engagement clearly.

Tags: Instagram, SMM panel, TikTok growth, Telegram marketing, YouTube Shorts, creator economy