6 Best Instagram Tools to Grow Your Followers

If you’re feeling stuck in the quicksand of slow follower growth on Instagram, we feel your pain. Even though Instagram boasts 2 billion active users every month worldwide, it can sometimes feel impossible to get your content seen by, well, anyone!

Organic growth can feel like watching paint dry in slow motion, but we’ve got some tricks up our sleeves to help you grow your Instagram followers. Let’s dive into the best Instagram tools influencers are using, and see if we can’t up your influence, shall we? 

Understanding Instagram Growth Strategies

Before we jump into the tools, let's have a quick chat about Instagram growth strategies. Here's the truth: organic growth is the holy grail of Instagram success. Sure, you could buy followers, but let's be real - that's like filling a leaky bucket. Those fake followers will drop off faster than you can double-tap a photo.

And, most people can tell when you have a bunch of fake accounts and bots following you. The telltale signs being weird comments that have nothing to do with your post, one word comments like "Awesome!" or "Great!," none of them have profile pictures, and our personal favorite - they're all "private" Instagram accounts. These fake followers also can't exactly view Instagram stories you put out there - so is there really any point other than a vanity metric?

The Instagram algorithm is a fickle beast, but it loves engagement. Comments (quality ones!), likes from real accounts, shares, and saves are the digital currency of the 'Gram. That's where Instagram growth tools come in handy. They're not a magic wand (sorry, no instant celebrity status here!), but they can give your organic growth strategy a serious boost.

Top Instagram Growth Tools for 2024

Okay, enough burying the lede already! Here are our top picks for Instagram growth tools in 2024:

1. Kicksta: Your All-in-One Instagram Bestie

Kicksta is like that influencer friend who always has your back. It's an all-in-one Instagram management tool backed by AI that has a primary focus on organic growth. 

Key features:

- Automated liking of targeted accounts

- Advanced targeting options

- Performance tracking

How it helps with follower growth:

Kicksta interacts with accounts in your niche, increasing your visibility and attracting followers who are genuinely interested in your content.

Pros:

- Focuses on organic growth

- Easy to use interface

- Detailed analytics

Cons:

- Kicksta can be pricey for small businesses

- Results may take time

Despite its drawbacks, Kicksta remains a top choice for those seeking authentic, targeted growth on Instagram, especially if you're willing to invest time and resources into your social media strategy.

2. Later: The Content Planner’s Dream

Later is the Marie Kondo of Instagram planning - it sparks joy in your content strategy!

Key features:

- Visual content calendar

- Best time to post recommendations

- Hashtag suggestions

How it helps with follower growth:

By helping you post consistently at optimal times, Later increases your chances of reaching and engaging potential followers.

Pros:

- User-friendly interface

- Supports multiple social platforms

- Free plan available

Cons:

- Limited features in free version

- No direct posting for videos on free plan

Overall, Later shines as a comprehensive content planning tool that can significantly streamline your Instagram workflow, making it ideal for busy creators and marketers who prioritize visual content organization.

3. Iconosquare: The Analytics Guru

If you're a data nerd like me, you'll love Iconosquare. It's like having a crystal ball for your Instagram performance!

Key features:

- In-depth analytics

- Competitor analysis

- Content performance tracking

How it helps with follower growth:

By providing insights into what content resonates with your audience, Iconosquare helps you create more engaging posts that attract and retain followers.

Pros:

- Comprehensive analytics

- Competitor benchmarking

- Customizable reports

Cons:

- Steep learning curve

- No free plan

Even with its steep learning curve, Iconosquare's robust analytics make it an invaluable tool for data-driven marketers looking to fine-tune their Instagram strategy and outperform competitors.

Related: Check out our post that breaks down Instagram Insights.

4. Flick: The Hashtag Hero

Flick is your secret weapon in the hashtag game. It's like having a cheat code for Instagram visibility!

Key features:

- Hashtag research and suggestions

- Performance tracking for hashtags

- Hashtag collections

How it helps with follower growth:

By helping you use the right hashtags, Flick increases your content's discoverability, bringing more potential followers to your profile.

Pros:

- Easy-to-use interface

- Detailed hashtag analytics

- Affordable pricing

Cons:

- Focused solely on hashtags

- Limited features compared to all-in-one tools

While Flick may be laser-focused on hashtags, it excels in this niche, making it an essential tool for those who want to master Instagram's discoverability game and boost their organic reach. 

5. Combin: The Engagement Booster

Combin is like having a personal cheerleader for your Instagram account. It's all about boosting engagement! 

Key features:

- Advanced user search

-  Combin offers automated likes and comments

- Mass following/unfollowing

How  Combin helps with follower growth:

By increasing your engagement with potential followers, Combin helps attract more eyes to your profile and content.

Pros:

-  Combin offers powerful follower targeting options

- Detailed analytics

- Affordable pricing 

Cons:

- Some Combin users have said there's a steep learning curve for advanced features

- Some features may push Instagram's limits

Despite its potential learning curve, Combin offers a powerful suite of engagement tools that can significantly boost your Instagram presence, though users should be mindful to use its features responsibly within Instagram's guidelines.

6. Nitreo: The Organic Growth Accelerator

Nitreo is like having a personal Instagram growth coach working 24/7. It's all about boosting your follower count through organic, targeted interactions.

Key features:

- Automated engagement (likes, follows, comments)

- Advanced targeting options (hashtags, locations, similar accounts)

- Gradual growth to avoid triggering Instagram's anti-spam measures

- User-friendly dashboard for tracking progress

How Nitreo helps with follower growth:

Nitreo works behind the scenes to interact with potential followers in your niche, increasing your visibility and attracting users who are likely to be interested in your content.

Pros:

- No password required for added security

- Focuses on organic, gradual growth

- Nitreo has an easy-to-use interface

- Customizable growth speed

Cons:

- Results with Nitreo can be slower compared to some other tools

- Higher-tier plans can be expensive for small accounts

Nitreo stands out for its commitment to safety and organic growth, making it a solid choice for those who want to grow their Instagram following without risking their account's health. Just remember, like with all growth tools, patience is key – slow and steady wins the race!

Free Instagram Growth Tools

Not ready to invest in paid tools? No worries! There are some free options out there too. Just three that come to mind right off the bat are:

- Instagram Native Tools: Built right into the app, Instagram's native tools provide basic analytics, a simple way to schedule your posts, and more. Read about how to schedule your Instagram posts here.

- Canva: Create stunning graphics for free. Now, we’re not going to sugar coat this - the best features are paywalled behind Canva Pro. But, if you’re on an extreme budget, the free version of Canva can help you at least get your content creation game started. Then, once you hit influencer status, perhaps land a few brand deals, we recommend leveling up with Canva Pro.

- Facebook Business Suite: Take your current Instagram account, and turn it into a business account. Then, connect it to your Facebook page and you will be able to schedule Instagram posts up to 90 days in advance. You’ll also get a lot more insights into your audience. And, if that wasn’t enough, you can also automatically share your Instagram posts to your Facebook business page to give you even more visibility!

There are likely several more free Instagram growth tools you can research and use. However, we’d be remiss if we didn’t say this - free tools often have limitations. And, sometimes they are clunky and don’t play well with other tools.

With that in mind, as your account grows, you might want to consider upgrading to paid scheduling tools and content creation tools for more features and better results.

Choosing the Right Instagram Account Tools for Growth

Picking the perfect tool to grow your Instagram account is like finding the right filter for your selfie - it's all about what works for you! Consider things like your budget, needed features, and ease of use. Most importantly, make sure the tool aligns with your overall growth strategy. 

Best Practices for Using Instagram Growth Tools

1. Keep it real: Tools should complement your organic strategy, not replace it. And never buy Instagram followers! People can see right through your page when it's loaded with fake followers. 

2. Stay within Instagram's rules: Avoid tools that promise unrealistic growth or violate Instagram's terms of service.

3. Be patient: Growing a strong Instagram following might take time. You can’t expect overnight growth - short of going viral and getting extremely lucky, this will definitely be a long game.

4. Experiment: Sometimes Reels are the ticket to growth. Other times it’s all about posting content that is trending. Play with the platform and see what resonates with your ideal audience, and when it starts working, double down on it!

5. Have a reason for growth: There's no point in having loads of Instagram followers just for vanity metrics. If you're trying to use Instagram marketing for your business, you need to think about your ideal audience and the type of content they want to engage with.

6. Don't overdo it with hashtags and scheduling tools: Instagram really prefers you to post in their app natively. So even if you are using scheduling tools, be sure to post within the app once in a while. And, hashtags are great for visibility, but you can go too far. We'd recommend you don't use more than 11 hashtags in your posts.

7. Finally, don't overlook the power of story viewing: Instagram stories are a great way to get visible on Instagram - even to people that aren't already following you! Click here to learn how to add captions to Instagram stories and increase your engagement as a result!

Leveraging Castmagic for Instagram Growth

Hey, while we're talking about awesome tools, we have to talk about Castmagic! It's not just for podcasters - it's a content creation powerhouse that can supercharge your Instagram followers game. Our AI backed platform leverages your audio and video files to:

- Create engaging Instagram captions that stop the scroll

- Craft compelling Instagram Stories that keep your followers coming back for more

- Repurpose your content from other platforms for Instagram, saving you time and boosting your presence

- Our Magic Chat feature can even act as a hashtag generator for you to help your posts find their way to your target audience

Take a look at our features page to see all the amazing things you can create with Castmagic! And, grab a free trial on our pricing page if you want to test it for yourself.

Measuring Success with Instagram Growth Tools

Remember, follower count isn't everything! Keep an eye on these metrics:

- Engagement rate

- Reach and impressions

- Profile visits

- Website clicks

Set realistic growth goals and be ready to pivot your strategy based on what the data tells you.

Related: Learn the right way to go about your Instagram marketing.

Your Path to Instagram Growth Starts Now!

We’ll be the first to tell you, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. The key is to experiment, track your results, and find what works best for you. And, Instagram growth isn't just about numbers - it's about building a community of engaged Instagram followers who love your content.  

The tools we share in this post can help you get there faster, but your unique voice and amazing content are what will keep them coming back for more. 

So, what are you waiting for? Pick a tool, start experimenting, and watch your Instagram following grow! And hey, don't forget to have fun along the way. After all, that's what Instagram is all about!

FAQs About Instagram Growth Tools

1. Are Instagram growth tools safe to use?

Most reputable social media management tools are safe, but always do your research and stick to Instagram's terms of service. 

2. How quickly can I expect to see results?

It varies, but don't expect overnight success. Even the best Instagram tools take time to move things along. Give your growth strategy at least a few weeks to see meaningful growth. Then, reassess if you're not seeing an uptick in Instagram followers - or worse if you're noticing a massive decrease in your Instagram following!

3. Can growth tools guarantee real, engaged followers?

No tool or Instagram growth service can guarantee results. That said, the best Instagram growth tools are focused on attracting real, interested followers.

4. What's the difference between free and paid Instagram growth tools?

When it comes to influencer marketing, paid tools usually offer more features, better analytics, and more robust growth strategies. However, paying for tools doesn't guarantee an increase in Instagram followers!

5. How often should I change my growth strategy?

Monitor your Instagram marketing results regularly and be prepared to adjust your strategy every few months or when you notice a plateau in organic growth.

6. Should I hire an Instagram growth service?

At first blush, we'd say no. This is especially true if you're just starting out and have a limited marketing budget. However, if you've been working on growing your Instagram followers for a while and aren't moving the needle in your business, an Instagram growth service might be your best bet. But, we'll say it again - never buy Instagram followers! It's just not worth it.

7. Is there anything I should do to my Instagram profile to grow my following?

The best things you can do to get more followers are to post regularly, have a strategy for what you're posting (i.e. don't post randomly without purpose), and share really good graphics and awesome captions. And, if you're up for it, create some solid Instagram reels and share your posts regularly to your Instagram stories.

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