How to Increase Social Media Engagement in 2024
In the bustling streets of Milan, a boutique candle maker named Rosa launched her Instagram shop. With fragrant, hand-poured creations and a beautiful feed, she expected followers to flock. But after a month, her posts barely reached double-digit likes. What was she missing?
Over on TikTok, a 19-year-old covers artist posted a sea shanty that got 2.4 million views overnight—all from a spontaneous upload during his lunch break at university. No hashtags, no promos, no polish. It just hit.
Engagement isn’t about algorithms alone. It’s about the right content, the right timing, and most importantly, a connection. Let’s unpack how to increase social media engagement in 2024 in a way that works—for creators, brands, and every storytelling soul in between.
Understanding What “Engagement” Really Means
Before diving into tactics, let’s define the term. Engagement includes actions that your audience takes on your content: likes, comments, shares, saves, views, DMs, and even link clicks. But beyond metrics, it’s a sign of resonance—it shows whether your message landed.
“You don’t have a community just because you have followers. You have a community when your audience talks back.” — Social strategist Erin Pappas
Platform-by-Platform Playbook
Instagram: The Carousel Comeback
Instagram has seen a resurgence in carousel posts—multi-photo or multi-slide content that people can swipe through. Why? It increases time spent on your post and boosts the algorithm’s love for it.
- Use the first slide as a hook: Make it bold and visual—something that stops the scroll.
- Include value: Think tips, stories, or tutorials that are savable and shareable.
- Pin your best content: Treat pinned posts like a portfolio for new visitors.
Influencers across Europe using Crescitaly.com’s Instagram analytics have noticed a 23% boost in saves when they repurpose old content into new carousels—with minimal editing.
TikTok: Micro-Trends and Sound Strategy
In 2024, TikTok remains the undisputed king of virality. But TikTok’s new For You Page (FYP) leans heavily on audio engagement and community-based trends.
- Jump on audio trends fast: Crescitaly’s dashboard tracks trending sounds by country—this gives creators a first-mover advantage.
- Use the first 3 seconds wisely: Begin with movement or text that hooks instantly.
- Encourage comments: End with a question or provoke discussion in the caption.
“Don’t be afraid to respond to comments with a new video. It doubles your chance of being seen and feels personal.” — Mario Del Toro, TikTok growth consultant
YouTube: Shorts Versus Long-Form—You Need Both
YouTube Shorts are YouTube’s answer to TikTok, and they now account for over 50 billion daily views globally. That’s a tidal wave of attention.
But here’s the secret: use Shorts as a funnel for long-form content. Create 30-second teasers that hint at the full story in your 10-minute video.
- Schedule cross-promotion: Post a Short 6–12 hours before your main video drops to prime interest.
- Use animated subtitles and punchy edits: Shorts are a visual sprint, not a marathon.
- Leverage community posts: Don’t sleep on polls and image posts—they remind subscribers you exist.
YouTube creator analytics from Crescitaly’s advanced panel show a +42% increase in long-form views when creators post three Shorts tied to one long-form theme each week.
Telegram: The Underrated Engagement Goldmine
Telegram may not be the flashiest platform, but for audience loyalty, it’s unmatched. With no algorithmic interference and direct message delivery, engagement here is intentional and high-quality.
Marketers and course creators are using Telegram channels for:
- Exclusive content drops (early access, private links)
- Poll-driven content planning (ask members what video or product they want next)
- Voice and video notes (authentic, off-script moments build trust fast)
“Telegram feels like talking to friends, not broadcasting to strangers. That’s why messages here get opened, not ignored.” — Freya Lucic, European digital coach
Proven Tactics to Win Engagement Across All Platforms
1. Post When Your Audience Is Awake—Not When You Are
It sounds simple, but many creators still post based on their own schedules. Use location-specific analytics tools (like those in Crescitaly.com’s panel) to analyze optimal times by geography.
2. Reply to Comments Immediately
Instagram and TikTok algorithms favor early comment replies. Set a timer for 15 minutes after posting to engage with commenters.
3. Run Flash Polls or Requests
On Telegram and YouTube community tabs, quick polls can spur massive interaction—especially when tied to rewards like shoutouts or sneak peeks.
4. Use “Story Stack” Posting
Post 3–4 Instagram Stories in a row immediately, using different formats—photo, boomerang, poll, and video. This sequence keeps viewers engaged and boosts your relevance in the story feed.
5. Gamify With Hidden Easter Eggs
Bury a theme, emoji, or item in your content and challenge viewers to find it in comments. You'll unlock replies, saves, and replays effortlessly.
Conclusion: Engagement Is a Conversation, Not a Campaign
If there’s one truth about how to increase social media engagement in 2024, it’s this: talk with your audience, not at them. Whether you’re a startup, indie artist, or solo creator, the platforms give you a microphone—but engagement happens when you listen, adapt, and deliver value that resonates.
Looking ahead, Instagram is leaning more into DMs and user-generated content, TikTok is testing AI co-creators, YouTube is pushing interactivity in videos, and Telegram is evolving channels into community hubs.
Your next move? Don’t chase trends—set them. Leverage tools like Crescitaly's integrated SMM solutions to monitor what’s working, test new formats weekly, and condition your followers to expect consistent quality. It’s not about beating the algorithm. It’s about winning attention, authentically.
Meta Title: How to Increase Social Media Engagement in 2024
Meta Description: Proven tactics to boost engagement on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Telegram using strategies, trends, and smart SMM tools.
Tags: Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Telegram, SMM panel, Crescitaly, social media engagement, creator growth