Suppose you realize all the pieces there’s to learn about social media’s veteran picture and video platform?
We will assure there are many Instagram options and hacks you in all probability don’t learn about but that may sharpen your technique (and attain) to the nines.
From viewers engagement to content material administration, 5 entrepreneurs — together with Hootsuite’s very personal social workforce — are spilling 40 of their finest practices and out-of-the-box hacks that may change the way in which you thrive on the ‘gram.
So, seize a snack and prepare to take notes.
Bonus: Obtain a free guidelines that reveals the precise steps a health influencer used to develop from 0 to 600,000+ followers on Instagram with no price range and no costly gear.
Profile optimization hacks
1. Add key phrases to the identify area
Social Media Guide and Private Model Professional, Courtney Johnson’s tried and true Instagram profile optimization tactic is one thing she calls the “place energy stack.”
“Don’t simply be ‘John Smith’ — be ‘John Smith | Enterprise Gross sales Playbooks’,” Courtney says.
Supply: @edgykatrina on Instagram
“By stacking your identify along with your particular area of interest, you flip your profile identify itself right into a searchable key phrase.”
2. Add contact info
With an Instagram Enterprise profile, having a customer or follower attain out is as simple as the press of a button.
Supply: @cafe_paperhill on Instagram
Actually. Making the change helps you to add your e mail tackle, telephone quantity, and tackle — no extra character rely required.
3. Pin an introduction put up
Hootsuite’s Social and Influencer Advertising Strategist, Eileen Kwok, says one technique to convert curious guests into loyal followers is to rethink the way in which you utilize pinned posts.
“Whereas most manufacturers pin necessary social posts — like a latest marketing campaign — to the highest of their Instagram feed, treating pinned posts because the ‘introduction’ to your profile is a chance to take issues a step additional,” Eileen says.
Supply: @chizobauwakwe on Instagram
It’s the proper storm: placing a ‘face’ to your model’s identify, all whereas serving Instagram customers the need-to-knows they’re in search of.
4. Embrace a call-to-action
A stable Instagram bio will drive followers to carry out an motion.
Whether or not it’s trying out your newest product drop or filling out a survey, this implies together with a transparent and particular call-to-action (CTA).
You too can use Instagram’s Motion Buttons to encourage much more profile clicks, like: Order meals, Ebook now, Get quote, Reserve, View store, or Be taught extra.
5. Use a hyperlink in bio instrument
Whereas Instagram now permits for as much as 5 bio hyperlinks, you may maintain your most necessary pages clear and tidy with Hootbio.
This fashion, you may direct customers to a number of locations from a single hyperlink, with out having to continuously replace your Instagram.
Content material creation hacks
6. Use an extraction framework
Planning a content material calendar with sufficient posts to succeed in your objectives is usually a robust act — particularly for groups of 1.
When doubtful, level to Courtney’s “content material nucleus” technique.
“File one 15-minute speaking head video delivering your finest recommendation. Then, extract 30+ items of content material from this single ‘nucleus.’ That is content material multiplication,” Courtney advises.
Right here’s her extraction framework:
3-5 Instagram Reels (60 seconds every) from key factors
8-10 quote playing cards from memorable one-liners
1 long-form carousel breaking down core ideas
4-6 story slides with fast suggestions
15-20 commentary captions for future posts
2-3 “preview” clips teasing full content material
“Thanks, Courtney,” all of us say in unison.
7. Appoint a devoted content material creator
Stan’s Creator Paid Partnerships Supervisor and Founding father of Unserious, Qetsiyah Jacobson, says having devoted content material creators in your social media workforce is the Instagram content material creation hack (in case your price range permits it).
“You might assume one social media supervisor will do, however the most effective social methods and types have a workforce,” Qetsiyah says.
“Stan has a devoted modifying workforce, creators, and social media managers operating our Instagram account.”
8. Create an unique collection
Whereas trending sounds have the juice, Qetsiyah notes “an inflow of unique collection blowing up Instagram.”
And don’t fret, you don’t need to utterly reinvent the wheel. “Take inspiration from Chloe Shih’s 30 classes by 30 collection or Grace Lemire’s ‘365 Her’ problem,” Qetsiyah says.
Each provide a novel spin on area of interest matters, letting every creator stand out from the gang and switch viral moments into lasting engagement.
Instagram Tales hacks
9. File hands-free movies
Look, Ma! No fingers!
From the Tales digicam, faucet the downward arrow on the fitting facet of your display to disclose the Fingers-free recording possibility.
Supply: Instagram
Then, faucet the file button on the backside of the display to start recording.
10. Import customized fonts
In relation to fonts on Instagram, the restrict — consider it or not — doesn’t exist.
From a font instrument like igfonts.io, kind your message and choose a font.
Copy it, paste it into your story, and voila. This works for bios and put up captions, too!
Supply: Instagram
11. Conceal hashtags and mentions
Need to optimize your Story with out the visually jarring textual content blurb within the backside nook?
Strive holding and dragging your hashtags and mentions till they “disappear” off-screen. And don’t fear, these tagged can nonetheless repost this magnificence as standard!
12. Add customized stickers
Whether or not you need to highlight a trending meme or take away the background from a photograph, Insta’s customized stickers possibility is at your service.
Merely choose Cutouts from the sticker tray to robotically sticker-ize your digicam roll.
Supply: Instagram
13. Schedule Tales prematurely
A real no-brainer Instagram Tales hack? Scheduling them prematurely!
You really can’t schedule Tales straight within the Instagram app… however you very a lot can with Hootsuite.
The way to do it: Try our step-by-step information to scheduling your Tales with the Hootsuite.
Instagram Reels hacks
14. Take a look at your content material with Trial Reels
Excellent news: Now you can check the waters earlier than formally setting sail in your subsequent Reel with Trial Reels.
And Hootsuite’s Crew Lead of Social Advertising, Trish Riswick, encourages manufacturers far and broad to make the most of the brand new instrument.
“This can be a nice tactic for studying what visible or hook will work finest in your viewers, by testing on customers that don’t presently interact along with your content material,” Trish says.
Strive it for your self! Take the same old steps to create a Reel, toggle on Trial, and voila.
15. Use Reels covers
A straightforward-to-navigate, visually aesthetic feed — that’s what Reels covers are for.
Take it from Courtney, who just lately began importing customized thumbnails as a result of “it instantly exhibits my worth when individuals come throughout my Instagram,” she says.
Supply: @courtlynnjohnson on Instagram
“As a substitute of getting to scroll via every video individually, they will simply look at my web page, see that I present worth, and click on comply with.”
16. Hunt down trending sounds
Professional tip: trending Reels audios are marked by a tiny upwards arrow subsequent to the sound identify.
It’s a straightforward technique to get your video content material in entrance of the fitting individuals, and it solely requires a fast scroll of the Reels tab.
Supply: @goldengirlpacha on Instagram
17. Experiment with size
ICYMI: Reels can now be as much as three minutes lengthy.
Whereas longer movies provide you with extra room for storytelling, shorter movies could maintain your viewers’s consideration spans. Experiment and see what sticks!
18. Schedule Reels
Schedule your Reels prematurely and also you by no means have to fret about lacking a beat.
The way to do it: This weblog put up has a full rundown of how one can schedule Reels utilizing Hootsuite, which is clearly our favorite instrument.
Content material sharing hacks
19. Get artistic with carousels
Within the phrases of DJ Casper, slide to the left — as a result of Instagram carousels are all the fashion in 2025.
“Carousels are a good way to supply much more worth to your viewers — particularly to reply particular ache factors and questions,” Qetsiyah says.
Eileen agrees. Actually, she says it’s worthwhile to experiment.
“We’re seeing extra manufacturers come out with disruptive carousel codecs,” Eileen says.
“As a substitute of your basic introduction, physique, and CTA — some are leveraging extra slides with artistic copy to get customers to remain on their put up for longer. It additionally makes scrolling via their carousel enjoyable!”
20. Create line breaks in your caption
One among our favourite Instagram caption tips is creating line breaks that allow you to take management over its pacing.
To create a paragraph break, write out your picture caption in your telephone’s notes app and duplicate it over to Instagram. You too can use bullet factors, dashes, or different punctuations to interrupt up strains even additional.
Instagram engagement hacks
21. Add “secrets and techniques” within the feedback
A high examined Instagram engagement hack? Ship individuals to the feedback!
The trick right here, Trish says, is to “movie one video with a hook and as a substitute of giving the knowledge within the video, immediate individuals to learn the remark.”
22. Flip feedback into content material
Talking of feedback, a must-do for Qetsiyah’s is to make use of the remark part as content material.
“If a Reel does properly and a selected remark could be changed into a video response, do it,” Qetsiyah says.
“Individuals who see the unique video will probably click on on the follow-up video.” Plus, extra eyes in your unique video à la the brand new one.
Supply: @juicylu.ce on Instagram
23. Have an lively Instagram Broadcast Channel
In keeping with The Folio Society’s Social Media Govt, Dayana Collazos Ibarra, “constructing a group relatively than merely gaining new followers on social media shall be key to development” in 2025.
“An lively broadcast channel can play a vital function in fostering that sense of group, serving to customers really feel linked to the model whereas additionally enabling one-to-one interactions,” Dayana says.
24. Be proactive within the DMs
When somebody direct messages you or your model, Courtney says replying is absolutely the least you are able to do.
“Ship them a voice word asking about their greatest problem in your area of interest. Then, create content material particularly addressing these ache factors and tag them if you put up it,” Courtney advises.
Why? “This creates super-fans who interact with all the pieces you share.”
Instagram development hacks
25. Submit UGC content material
Engagement and conversions are good buddies with user-generated content material (UGC): unique, brand-specific content material created by social media customers and revealed on social media or different channels.
Proof: 86% of customers usually tend to belief a model that shares UGC in comparison with 12% who’re more likely to buy a product promoted by influencers.
Dayana’s recommendation? Sharing at the least one piece of user-generated content material every week.
“This straightforward apply not solely helps your viewers really feel appreciated and valued, it encourages extra clients to share content material about your model, growing model consciousness and engagement,” Dayana says.
26. Don’t simply put up Reels
Though short-form video content material dominates most social media platforms, Dayana says manufacturers shouldn’t overlook different content material varieties in 2025.
“Experimenting with completely different codecs is essential to discovering what resonates finest along with your viewers,” Dayana says.
“When you establish the content material codecs that work finest in your model, they will considerably contribute to your general development on Instagram.”
27. Embrace dangerous and experimental content material
Tish high tip? Experiment with completely different ideas, even when they aren’t your favorite.
As a result of when Hootsuite’s social workforce rolled out our Social Traits 2025 report pre-launch content material, the one they have been iffy about carried out finest.
“We posted it on a Friday, which isn’t a sometimes excessive engagement date for us. Eileen and Paige additionally mentioned it was a tough one to movie too,” Tish explains.
“Nicely the video popped off. With 25K views, 680 likes, 750 feedback,170 shares, and 194 saves, it was a high performer for us.”
The takeaway? “There isn’t an ideal science of what’s going to land, so it is advisable to be comfy taking some artistic possibilities,” Tish provides.
28. Add audio to carousels
You’ll be able to add music to carousels now.
Why hassle? As a result of they seem within the Reels tab for extra attain!
29. Touch upon creator posts
Manufacturers commenting on common creators’ Instagram posts is without doubt one of the massive developments unearthed in our Social Traits 2025 report.
The proof: Manufacturers who touch upon others’ posts obtain 60% greater engagement when the creator replies.
Instagram Search engine optimization hacks
30. Use key phrases in captions
Your first step in delivering an efficient Instagram Search engine optimization technique is to know what search phrases individuals use to search for content material like yours, then incorporate them in your captions.
And when you’re in search of a cheat code, Hootsuite’s free Instagram Search engine optimization instrument helps you to create Search engine optimization-optimized captions in a couple of clicks. You learn that proper.
31. Use related hashtags
It’s a story as outdated as time: hashtags + Instagram = development.
Instagram has shared some particular hashtag suggestions for displaying up within the search outcomes:
Use solely related hashtags.
Use a mix of well-known, area of interest, and particular (assume branded or campaign-based) hashtags.
Restrict hashtags to 3-5 per put up.
Don’t use irrelevant or overly generic hashtags like #ExplorePage.
32. Add alt textual content to your Instagram posts
Instagram’s alt textual content characteristic was designed to enhance accessibility on the platform, however it may be used to enhance your Search engine optimization too.
Nevertheless, we suggest utilizing key phrases solely after they match naturally into your alt textual content to keep away from key phrase stuffing.
33. Observe languages
In Trish’s opinion, your engagement increase could also be a metaphorical aircraft journey away.
“Observe what language is being utilized in different customers’ content material that overlaps along with your model,” Tish says.
“Then, begin utilizing the language in your content material. That means, your new posts usually tend to seem after comparable consumer content material. It’s kinda like pairing up with different individuals.”
Instagram promoting hacks
34. Use reminder advertisements
Whether or not you’re launching a recent product line or internet hosting your first-ever popup, Instagram reminder advertisements — in line with Instagram — “get your occasion in entrance of extra individuals and encourage them to interact when it issues.”
Because of this when your target market engages with this advert kind, they will set a reminder from the advert itself to obtain notifications earlier than (and through) the occasion.
Learn the way on this Instagram assist article.
35. Autoboost natural posts with Hootsuite
PSA: you may let Hootsuite determine which Instagram posts to spice up primarily based in your common engagement fee, or set your personal standards.
You’ll be able to set off an Instagram increase put up primarily based on variety of impressions, interactions, shares, and extra.
The way to do it: Arrange an automatic increase marketing campaign on Instagram.
Instagram analytics hacks
36. Submit at the most effective time
As a substitute of guessing when your viewers is on-line, depend on onerous information with Hootsuite’s finest time to publish.
Hootsuite identifies when your viewers is more likely to see your content material primarily based in your Instagram analytics (and information from different social networks). Then, auto-schedule content material at these prime occasions with one click on.
In different phrases: experiment with posting days and occasions — or let Hootsuite deal with it.
37. Commonly view analytics
Ask any seasoned social media marketer, and so they’ll echo Dayana: “No matter Instagram algorithm modifications, suggestions, or suggestions, the easiest way to find out what resonates along with your viewers is to frequently evaluation your analytics.”
“Monitoring your efficiency on a weekly, month-to-month, and quarterly foundation will present useful insights into what content material drives engagement and maximises attain,” Dayana provides.
No notes!
38. Maintain tabs on rivals
Nice social media managers transcend platform analytics. They monitor competing manufacturers and related influencers, and monitor trending content material to make smarter, data-driven calls that positively influence their backside line.
Higher social media managers use social listening to remain in-the-know robotically — and this Hootsuite weblog has all the small print.
Instagram administration hacks
39. Use Hootsuite’s inbox instrument
Juggling a number of inboxes throughout social platforms (or Instagram accounts)?
Use Hootsuite Inbox to handle all of your messages stress-free with simple routing, saved replies, and pleasant chatbots. Simple-peasy.
40. Schedule your posts prematurely
When Instagram recommends you put up at the least 3-5 occasions every week — doing that on the fly, day after day, whereas nonetheless seeing high-performing outcomes, is simply not real looking.
With Hootsuite, you may simply plan your content material calendar days, weeks, and even months prematurely in line with your account’s optimum posting time. Wins upon wins, buddies.
So, which hack will you check out first?
Handle your whole social advertising and marketing technique from one place — and develop your Instagram presence sooner with Hootsuite. Schedule posts and Tales forward of time, and monitor your efforts utilizing our complete suite of social media analytics instruments. Strive it free at present.
