How to Increase Real Engagement on Social Media in 2024

Two weeks ago, an Italian chef with only 3,000 Instagram followers posted a 30-second video of his grandmother kneading pasta dough with jazz music playing in the background. Within 72 hours, the post had racked up 2.1 million views, 250k likes, and tens of thousands of shares across TikTok and Telegram. No paid boost. No celebrity shoutout. Just real engagement powered by smart social media strategy.

In the era of algorithm tweaks, AI content, and increasing user fatigue, one thing still reigns supreme: genuine, real engagement. But how do brands, creators, and marketers actually cultivate it? Let’s break it down.

Why Real Engagement Beats Vanity Metrics

It’s tempting to chase follower counts or post views. But likes and views without interaction are like applause with no standing ovation — they feel good momentarily, but they don’t build long-term value.

Real engagement means:

• Comments that spark conversations
• DMS with questions, reactions, and feedback
• Shares to stories or direct sends to friends
• Saves, reactions, and replays (on video-based platforms)

"Vanity metrics keep you visible; real engagement keeps you valuable." — Social Media Report 2023

So how do you cultivate that real value? By tailoring your strategy to how communities are interacting today.

What's Actually Working in 2024?

1. Platforms Rewarding Real Interaction

Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Telegram have all shifted emphasis in the past year:

• Instagram’s algorithm now gives more reach to posts that generate DMs and saves.
• TikTok’s For You Page weighs watch duration and replays more heavily than likes.
• YouTube Shorts pushes creators who cater to returning viewers and subscriber growth, not one-off virality.
• Telegram communities expand rapidly when users forward content from channels where they're actively engaging.

In short, the platforms are silently encouraging depth over breadth. And creators who adjust now are reaping the results.

2. Micro-communities Are the New Macro Strategy

Forget mass appeal. Engagement is rising fastest in niche communities — think vegan motorcyclists on Telegram, sci-fi book reviewers on TikTok, or DIY restoration channels on YouTube.

Platforms are optimizing discovery for micro-audience pockets. That means you can grow faster and more authentically by narrowing your niche than trying to speak to everyone.

Proven Tactics to Drive Genuine Engagement

1. Strategically Use SMM Panels to Kickstart Growth

SMM panels can seem like a dark art — but used wisely, they’re rocket fuel. For example, Crescitaly.com helps creators get an initial boost of visibility, positioning content to go further organically.

According to Crescitaly's dashboard data across over 10,000 users, posts with early engagement (within the first hour) perform up to 6x better in impressions compared to those that ramp slowly.

Here’s how that works in practice:

• Use an SMM panel to send early saves or story reactions to newly posted Instagram content.
• Promote a Telegram channel with real subscribers to enhance organic referrals when content is shared.
• Jumpstart a YouTube short with high-retention views to signal value to the algorithm.

The key? Don’t fake engagement — manufacture visibility that sparks the real thing.

2. Turn Comments into Threads, Not Checkmarks

Are you replying with emojis or starting micro-conversations?

Comment replies are one of the strongest predictors of algorithmic boosts on both Instagram and TikTok. When you turn every comment into a two-way exchange, you effectively double engagement per post.

Tip: End every post with a question ("Have you ever tried this?" or "What am I missing here?") to invite responses.

3. Leverage Telegram's Engagement Potential

Telegram is quietly becoming the secret weapon for loyal engagement. While other platforms often surface your content to strangers, Telegram gives you direct communication with an opted-in audience.

Here's how brands and creators are tapping into it:

• Daily or weekly content drops in niche broadcast channels
• Polls and reaction-based feedback to inform next posts
• Incentives like secret links or gated content for active members

When you combine Telegram with Crescitaly’s targeted growth tools, you can scale a community that actually talks back.

Content That Converts Scrolls Into Connections

Want to boost engagement? Make content that’s worth engaging with. That means:

• Looped videos that replay and double your average watch time
• Mini-series on Reels or Shorts that reward following and sharing
• Stories with polls, sliders, or countdowns (especially on Instagram)
• Behind-the-scenes content on Telegram to deepen loyalty

Repurpose content in platform-native formats. A TikTok hook doesn’t always land on YouTube Shorts — observe what works natively, then remix thoughtfully.

Building Toward Engagement That Lasts

Boosted metrics can create discovery, but real engagement builds community. The smartest creators in 2024 aren’t asking “How do I go viral?” — they’re asking, “How can I spark lasting conversations?”

TikTok and Instagram will keep rewriting their rules. YouTube may experiment with AI-generated clips. Telegram will likely become more monetized. Through all of that, one thing will stay consistent: communities grow when creators connect intentionally.

So whether you’re a brand strategist, niche channel owner, or solo creator looking to deepen your audience connection, lean into engagement that’s real, collaborative, and valuable — both to you and your followers.

And remember: Visibility opens the door, but connection keeps people coming back.

Final Takeaways

• Double down on comments, saves, and DMs — not just likes or views
• Use SMM panels like Crescitaly to ignite early traction, not fake growth
• Engage in micro-communities with niche-first content strategies
• Balance native content formats across platforms — don’t rely on one
• Make Telegram a core strategy for deep connection and direct communication

2024 is the year of meaningful interaction. Don't just create content. Build conversations.

Meta Title: Increase Real Engagement on Social Media in 2024

Meta Description: Learn how to increase real engagement on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Telegram using proven strategies and tools.

Tags: Instagram, SMM panel, TikTok growth, social media engagement, Crescitaly, Telegram marketing, YouTube Shorts