How to Optimize Your Content on Instagram for Maximum Likes

by / ⠀Personal Branding / January 15, 2025
person holding black samsung android smartphone; optimize your content
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Instagram can be where your startup business becomes nationally known, which can happen through your content. However, posting the right content for your Instagram account can be difficult, especially if you have no clue what your audience likes or wants. This post will look at how to optimize your content so you can receive the most Instagram likes.

Use Other Editing Tools Besides What Instagram Offers

High-quality photos and videos can boost your content, but most will settle for Instagram’s editing tools in-app. For example, Instagram has filters, some basic brightness and contrast controls, etc. If you feel hindered by these tools, don’t be afraid to go to your desktop and use editing tools there. Adobe Lightroom may be a great tool for improving raw photos. You can also mess around with the image in Photoshop. These editing tools can help your content stand out and give it unique branding. As an aside, you should always clean your lens before every picture. Just wiping the lens down can make all the difference.

The Caption Matters

They say a picture is a thousand words. If you’re posting a Reel, that’s an uncountable amount of words! With that in mind, you may believe that your caption doesn’t matter. But it does. A long caption will keep people on your posts longer, which is vital for engagement. Also, captions can engage further through storytelling or some call-to-action. You may have a question in your caption that people can answer in the comments. The caption may tell users where they can go to buy a product you’re selling. Captions are also full of keywords, which helps your post in the algorithm. And, of course, the caption should have hashtags. With hashtags, keep them between 3-5. These hashtags should be niche-driven. However, a couple of them can be trending. If you have too many hashtags, you avoid the risk of being spammy, which can ruin your reach.
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Your Profile Should Be Optimized as Well

Some users focus so much on their content that they leave their profiles unoptimized, which can be a costly mistake. For example, if your profile picture is blurry or unmemorable, it won’t be good for your brand recognition. If your bio doesn’t tell what your business is about and doesn’t have the right keywords, then you may get throttled in the search algorithm. Finally, if you don’t have a link, put one in your bio. Instagram lets you have a link that can lead people to your store or other important site.

Put Alt Text on Your Content

One overlooked feature is alt text. This lets you put more text on a photo or video, usually explaining what it is. Alt text can help those who are hard of seeing or hearing understand your content. It’s also great if someone has a poor connection. Alt text can also add more keywords to your content. When uploading a photo, tap Accessibility. Then, you’ll have an option to Write Alt Text. Here, you’re allowed to be as descriptive as possible.

Have Many Ways to Showcase Your Content

Instagram offers many ways to share your content. For example, you may have several photos that share the same theme. Instead of posting them separately, why not use them as a carousel? Instagram carousels feature multiple images in a post or Story, which increases engagement. Speaking of Stories, this can showcase content that you’re unsure warrants its own post. Since stories last 24 hours, they won’t clutter your feed. However, if a Story does perform well, you can add it to your highlights and keep it up for longer.
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Repost it

Did your content not perform as well? Or have you grown since then and want to show it to a new audience? Don’t be afraid to reupload old photos and videos you have. You may give them new filters, information, or scenes. This can reward people who have already seen your content before by giving them a new look at something old. These methods can help to optimize your content for the most likes, alongside normal social media tips like having a niche or posting at the right times. Good luck.  

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About The Author

Editor in Chief of Under30CEO. I have a passion for helping educate the next generation of leaders. MBA from Graduate School of Business. Former tech startup founder. Regular speaker at entrepreneurship conferences and events.

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