How to Get More Likes on Instagram: Crack the Double Tap Code

This isn’t another basic Instagram guide. Learn the powerful tactics that top creators use to get thousands of likes—fast.

Ever wonder why some Instagram posts blow up with likes while others just get lost in the feed? It's not luck, it’s strategy! Whether you're a business trying to sell a product or a creator chasing that viral moment, one thing's for sure: likes still matter.

Beyond just being vanity metrics, these likes are social proof. Every double-tap tells the algorithm and your audience that your content is worth seeing. The more likes you get, the further your post goes.

But let's be real, the old "post a nice picture with a few hashtags" trick doesn't work anymore. Now you have to understand how to get more likes on your Instagram posts; you need to know what makes your audience tick, how to crack the algorithm’s hidden codes, and what makes every post a like magnet.

In this guide, we’ll pull back the curtain on what actually works right now, insider strategies used by creators, influencers, and businesses who consistently turn casual scrollers into engaged fans.

How To Get Likes on Instagram: 11 Expert-Proven Strategies

Getting more likes isn't just about good photos and quirky videos; it should be a well-planned strategy. Here are the 11 proven, actionable strategies that will help you increase likes on Instagram and build a more engaged community.

1. Master the Carousel Post

Don't just post one photo, post a whole story. A carousel post that lets you share up to 20 photos or videos in one go is an engagement powerhouse. You can share a step-by-step tutorial, show before-and-after photos, or tell a visual story through a carousel. This will keep people on your post longer, and that's exactly what the algorithm loves!

2. Craft Captions That Demand a Response

Your caption is just as important as your photo. Don't treat it as just another line or an afterthought! Write a caption that poses a question, encourages a tag, or asks for a follower's opinion. Your caption must resonate with the audience and must make sense with your pictures above. Give your followers a reason to comment and engage with your post!

3. Use Strategic Hashtags

Hashtags are great for your post’s discovery, but you should not just throw in a bunch of random, popular tags. Instead, use a mix of broad hashtags (like #travel) and niche, relevant ones (like #travelireland). These tags will work as keywords for your social media profiles and will help your audience discover your post. Hashtags allow you to get in front of a larger audience while also connecting with people who have a specific interest in your content.

4. Post Consistently and at the Right Time

Consistency is key to building a loyal following. It's better to post 3-4 times a week consistently than to post every day for a week and then disappear for a month. To maximize visibility, use your Instagram Insights to find out the right time to post on Instagram when your audience is most active and post during those peak times.

5. Create Relatable Reels

Reels have quickly become an incredible tool for reaching new audiences. Now, you don't have to be a professional filmmaker for this! Focus on creating short, authentic, and relatable video content. Jump on trending audio and formats, and make sure your first few seconds are a strong hook to grab attention. Getting likes on Instagram is easier with Reels, as you deliver your audience with fun and relatable content.

6. Engage with Other Accounts

Don't just post and ghost! Spend time every day actively engaging with other accounts in your niche. Like and leave genuine, thoughtful comments on their posts. When you engage with other accounts, you put your name and profile in front of a new audience—the followers of those accounts. This is not about spamming; it's about building relationships and getting noticed.

7. Tag Relevant Accounts

When you post, tag people, brands, or places that are in your photo. This can be the brand of your shirt, the location of your cafe, or another creator you collaborated with. When you tag other accounts, you have a chance of being featured on their profile or in their stories.

8. Consider Boosting Your Post

Instagram's algorithm rewards posts that capture attention swiftly. While organic growth is the gold standard, some creators choose to boost their posts to give them a jumpstart. This involves using a reputable service to get a small number of likes from active accounts. This can serve as a form of social proof.

This signals to the algorithm that your content is valuable, which can help your post get seen by more people and earn more organic likes. If you're looking for a strategic way to get Instagram likes, this can be a smart move to gain momentum and visibility in a crowded feed.

9. Run a Like-to-Enter Giveaway

Giveaways are a classic for a reason! Ask your followers to like a post, follow your account, and tag a friend in the comments for a chance to win. Giveaways are an incentive for your followers to engage. The "like, follow, tag a friend" mechanic is a powerful loop. This is a quick and easy way to get more likes on Instagram.

10. Share User-Generated Content (UGC)

When your followers post content featuring your brand or using your hashtag, share it on your own profile (with permission and credit, of course). This could be a customer photo, a review, or a mention in a story. Sharing UGC builds a sense of community and makes your followers feel valued and seen. This method will surely give more likes for Instagram photos on your profile.

11. Maximize Your Bio Link

The best way to get likes on Instagram is by optimizing your bio by maximizing your links! This bio is prime real estate for your profile. Make sure it's optimized with a link that drives people to your most important content, whether it's a new blog post, a product page, or a curated "link in bio" page with all your top links. A well-optimized bio and link can turn casual visitors into active followers or customers.

Wrapping Up!

Every double-tap is proof that your content matters on Instagram. With the right mix of strategy, timing, and creativity, you can move from just hoping for engagement to engineering it.

Your audience is always telling you what resonates, through swipes, saves, shares, and those little hearts. Remember to treat every post like an opportunity to connect. Do that consistently, and you won’t just chase likes—you’ll build a community that keeps coming back for more.