How to Grow 1,000 Followers FAST on Instagram in 2025

So, you’ve started a new Instagram account and want to grow fast?

Great! Especially if your old channel is stagnant and no matter what you post, you can't get over that 500 follower count. I've been there!

Instagram remembers everything, and those early days matter more than you think. Here are 10 powerful tips to grow 1,000 real followers in just one week, without all the shady things like buying followers, DM'ing everyone, or commenting on everything. Because that will land you in Instagram jail.

If your first few weeks didn’t go well, it may be better to start over. I have had my first Instagram account for over a decade, and it still hasn't hit 1000 followers.

Instagram keeps a “memory” of early performance and engagement. A weak start can suppress your reach forever. I made so many mistakes on that account so it was definitely time to start new.

Changing your bio or profile pic too soon is a red flag. Draft your bio in your Notes app and only add it once you’re ready. Then leave it. If you change it too often, Instagram might think you are a bot.

Reels are still the #1 way to go viral, even if Instagram says they’re deprioritized.

Don’t post static images or carousels yet. Let Reels train the algorithm to send your content to the right audience. Then, once you start building momentum, you can add in posts and carousels to add variety to your channel. You should also be posting stories a couple of times a day if possible.

Don’t hide keywords in your videos.

Instead, write SEO-rich captions and include 5 keywords or phrases with your hashtags. Or skip hashtags altogether if you’re unsure, because some might be secretly banned.

Also, don't stuff your content with keywords just to get SEO recognition.

What you engage with affects who Instagram thinks you are. Only interact with content in your niche, nothing else. The clearer the signals, the better the reach.

If you binge-watch cat videos and memes all day, then post a business reel, Instagram will get confused. They may send meme and cat-loving people to your posts, and no one will interact with them.

Before and after you post, spend time on the Explore page.

Like and comment on posts from creators whose audience you want. This teaches Instagram who your content is for. Not just posting your own stuff, but when you consume other people in your same industry, you learn, you grow, and Instagram also does the same.

Follow 5 top creators in your niche and add them to your Favorites. This shows IG that their audience is who you want, and gives you easy access to engage with them daily. The algorithm will slowly start understanding who you are and what you are looking for.

Don’t go crazy with comments, DMs, or likes.

Bots do that—and you’ll get restricted.

Just 15 minutes of targeted engagement a day is more than enough.

Think like your audience.

Use a simple, searchable handle (no dots or dashes), and avoid red-flag words like: money, passive, faceless, MRR, freedom, or free.

These words are okay for captions or in your posts, but as a handle, you want to sound more like a real person or brand. Not some bot out to give fake views and likes.

Liking your posts from other accounts?

Fine.

But never DM or comment between them. Instagram knows they’re connected and will penalize you.

If you want real growth in 2025, you need to stop following outdated advice and start working with the algorithm, not against it.

These 10 tips are simple but powerful when used correctly.

Test them out, stay consistent, and you’ll see your account grow faster than ever.

Below are my two accounts. One was created decades ago, while the other is less than a week. Take a look and see if you can see the ten tips I provided in practice!