I just made a new Instagram account so I could pursue my astrophotography (and other random photos) hobby. I already posted 5 very nice photos within the first hour of seeing up my new account.
That was yesterday and I’ve noticed that despite the photos and the hashtags I’ve only gotten 2 likes on 2 of the 5 images I posted and I’ve had no profile views so far.
If I had posted on tiktok I would gotten alot of views and likes within minutes of posting. But to have nearly no likes and no views at all after hours later.
It gets really discouraging. Is there something I’m not doing? I try to use hashtags that are really active and use as many a I can but I find that no matter how many hashtags I use it won’t make a difference.
Any one have advice how I can increase my chances of actually getting decent views/likes quickly and start growing my following?
serious responses only please
I just said it on another recent post but Imma say it again
Instagram is not photographer friendly unless that photographer does a bazillion of Reels of “how to get this photo” every week.
Someone reply to my comment so I can come back to this thread at work in the morning 😂
Hey
Thank you haha
Any alternatives to Instagram? I do like a lot of street stuff on there. If i use flickr or most sites I’ll never proper street stuff, it will always be generic, more cityscape landscape stuff.
I didn’t know Instagram was such a dead place. I don’t comment much, like a bit.
This being said, what are the best options for photographers to show their work and get a reaction outside of reels? If instagram can’t provide the right marketing feedback, where do we go?
Make short reals surrounding your work but make sure your IG grid is cohesive not just random pics all over the place
Point 1. Go back in time when Instagram actually promoted photographs. Now Instagram only prefers video contents.
Point 2. Enjoy the art rather than getting like. I’ve been on Instagram for 3 years and have 1k+ followers. In the early days when I didn’t get likes I felt bad but now I just enjoy my photographs and the journey of taking photos and processing them. Remember the journey matters, if you enjoy what you are doing surely you will get results.
Point 3. Be consistent. Post your photographs in a consistent manner, like every 3 days, 4 days. Never break the schedule. Then the algorithm will push your account.
Point 4. Stick to one kind of similar kind of photography. It will help the Instagram algorithm to push your account to the right audience group and you’ll get better reach.
I hope these tips will help your account. Best of luck.
I’ll say I made a separate account for a niche subject I photograph. I only have 650 followers but I’ve got a few jobs out of it.