14 ways to get more followers on Instagram

(Editor’s note: This was one of the top viewed stories of 2014. We’re rerunning it as part of a look back at the articles that captivated our readers the most.)

I’m giving up tips for getting more followers and likes on Instagram. Let’s get straight to it:

1. Post at the right time.

Before you post your photo to Instagram, there are two things to keep in mind: your audience’s time zone and what time your audience checks Instagram.

Most Instagram users login in the morning and evening on their way home from work or school. According to Simply Measured, the best time to post is on Wednesdays between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.

For brands, the least favorable time to post is in the middle of the night. An Instagram photo typically only has around four hours before it gets buried in the news feed.

Post when you assume your followers have down time and can check their accounts. For example, if your company targets high school students, post your photos in the afternoon when the students are on their lunch breaks.