How to Boost Engagement on Instagram & TikTok
Getting engagement on Instagram and TikTok isn’t about luck—it’s about knowing what works and consistently applying the right strategies. Whether you’re trying to increase likes, comments, shares, or video views, a strong approach can make all the difference. Let’s break it down.
Key Takeaways
If you want to grow on Instagram and TikTok, engagement is key. The more interaction your content gets, the more likely these platforms are to push it to a wider audience.
However, each platform works differently:
- Instagram favors content that sparks conversations—shares, comments, and saves matter more than likes.
- TikTok prioritizes watch time and completion rates. If viewers watch a video all the way through—or rewatch it—it’s more likely to get promoted.
By focusing on these priorities, you can improve your reach and build a stronger audience.
Strategies That Work
1. Understand the Algorithm
Both Instagram and TikTok reward content that keeps people engaged for longer. The longer someone watches, comments, or interacts, the better your post will perform.
Tips:
- Grab attention in the first 3 seconds to keep viewers from scrolling past.
- Encourage comments and shares by asking open-ended questions.
- Use captions effectively—Instagram allows for longer captions, while TikTok benefits from short, snappy text.
2. Use Trends and Sounds
Trending sounds and hashtags can increase your content’s visibility, especially on TikTok. Instagram Reels also favor content using popular audio.
How to apply this:
- On TikTok, check the “Trending” section for sounds that are gaining traction and incorporate them into your videos.
- On Instagram, mix trending and niche hashtags to balance reach and relevance.
- Instead of using generic hashtags like #FYP, focus on hashtags related to your content’s theme.
3. Switch Up Content Formats
If you only post one type of content, you may not reach your full potential.
- Instagram prioritizes carousels, Reels, Stories, and Lives. Using a mix of these can improve engagement.
- TikTok thrives on consistency—videos with a recurring theme or recognizable format often perform better.
What works best:
- Carousels on Instagram generate more engagement than single-image posts.
- Reels get more reach than other Instagram content types.
- Shorter TikTok videos (under 30 seconds) tend to perform better.
4. Post at the Right Times
Posting when your audience is active increases the chances of getting engagement early, which helps the algorithm recognize your content.
Best posting times (general guide):
- Instagram: Weekdays between 11 AM – 1 PM or 7 PM – 9 PM
- TikTok: Weekdays at 6-10 AM, 12 PM – 3 PM, and 7-10 PM (varies based on your audience)
Pro Tip: Use Instagram and TikTok’s built-in analytics to see when your followers are most active and adjust accordingly.
5. Engage Before and After Posting
If you post and immediately log off, you might be missing out on engagement opportunities.
Ways to boost activity:
- Reply to comments within the first hour to encourage discussion.
- Engage with other users’ content before and after posting to increase visibility.
- Use Instagram’s Reel reply feature to respond to comments with video.
- On TikTok, take advantage of the Q&A feature to answer audience questions.
6. Collaborate With Other Creators
Working with others can introduce your content to a wider audience.
- Duets and Stitches on TikTok can help tap into trends and existing conversations.
- Instagram Collabs allow you to post the same content to two accounts, doubling exposure.
- Partnering with micro-influencers can sometimes lead to better engagement than working with large accounts.
7. Improve Captions
Captions can influence how people interact with your posts.
- TikTok captions should be short and attention-grabbing. Emojis help, too.
- Instagram captions can be longer and more detailed, but they should end with a clear question or call-to-action to encourage comments.
8. Stay Consistent Without Burnout
- Instagram: Aim for 3-5 posts per week for steady engagement.
- TikTok: Posting daily increases growth potential, but quality matters more than quantity.
- Batch content in advance to maintain consistency without feeling overwhelmed.
Improving engagement on Instagram and TikTok isn’t about chasing trends without a plan—it’s about understanding what each platform rewards and creating content that connects with your audience. When you mix up your content formats, engage with your audience, and post consistently, you’ll start to see better results.
Sources
- Instagram Engagement Strategies – Buffer’s Instagram Engagement Tips
- TikTok Growth Strategies – Adobe’s Guide to TikTok Engagement
- Social Media Best Practices – BigWave’s Best Practices to Increase Engagement in Paid Social Media Marketing
