Instagram is still a massive deal in social media, with Instagram Monthly users now exceeding 2 billion.

The number of followers an account has often reflected its reach and influence, so follower count is a key metric for individuals, influencers, and businesses alike.

Knowing the average amount of followers on Instagram can give you an idea where you sit on the platform and help you set realistic goals for growth.

How Many Followers Does the Average Person Have on Instagram?

The average number of followers on Instagram can vary, but most estimates put it between 150 and 200.

This low average number is skewed by a lot of inactive or minimally active accounts. But for active users who engage with the social network regularly the average is much higher.

Average Followers by Account Type

• Private Account: Most personal Instagram accounts have 1,000 to 10,000 followers. This segment is 54.58% of users in North America.
• Business Instagram Page: Business accounts have more IG followers due to their focus on engagement and marketing. Average follower count varies by industry with Content & Apps and Home & Auto having 106,600 and 74,145 followers respectively (Backlinko).
• Influencer Account: Influencers have larger audiences, with 10,000 to 50,000 followers. Only a small fraction (0.34%) have over 1 million followers.

How the Average Follower Count Has Changed Over Time

As Instagram has grown, the average follower count has increased. In 2016, most users had around 150 followers.

By 2023 it’s around 200 followers as users became more active and invested in growing their audience. This will continue as the platform grows (Descript Editor).

The distribution of followers on Instagram is very uneven. In North America active users with less than 1,000 followers is a big chunk, but the largest segment is 1,000 to 10,000 followers which is 54.58% of the Instagram user base.

Only a small percentage (0.37%) of Instagram monthly users have over 1 million followers, so growing massive followers is tough.

Factors that Affect Average Amount of Followers on Instagram

The number of Instagram followers an account has isn’t just about luck or timing; it’s influenced by several key factors, including content quality, engagement rates, posting frequency, and the niche the account targets.

Let’s break down how each of these affects follower growth with the latest data and research.

1. Content Quality and Engagement

Content quality is the biggest factor in the growth of followers on Instagram. High-quality, visually appealing posts attract more followers because they resonate more with the audience.

Instagram posts with higher engagement rates, such as those with eye-catching images or well-crafted captions, tend to attract more followers over time.

The average engagement rate for Instagram posts in 2023 was 2.69% for photos, while videos and carousel posts had engagement rates of 2.21% and 1.16%, respectively​ (Social Media Dashboard).

And posts with high engagement such as real Instagram shares, likes, and comments, will be seen by more people as Instagram’s algorithm favors that content. 

For example, carousel posts which allow you to post multiple images or videos in one Instagram post get 1.08% higher engagement rate compared to other post types.

2. Posting Schedule and Timing

Posting frequency is another key to follower growth. Accounts that post regularly grow faster.

Research shows that the optimal posting frequency for brands on Instagram varies by industry but generally is between 0.35 to 1.25 posts a day. For example entertainment brands which post more often see higher engagement compared to finance which post less.

Timing also matters. The best times to post on Instagram are between 9 AM to 11 AM on weekdays especially on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Posting during these peak times will increase visibility and engagement and will get you more people following over time.

3. Niche and Target Instagram Users

The niche or industry an Instagram account belongs to can affect follower count. Some niches like fashion, beauty and fitness tend to get more Instagram users following because of their visual nature and broad appeal.

For example fashion brands on Instagram have high follower count, 98% of fashion brands have an active presence on the platform (Sortlist).

Niche-specific content also resonates more with a targeted audience, which can lead to higher engagement rates.

The largest segment of Instagram users, 54.58%, has between 1,000 and 10,000 followers. These users are often in specific niches where their content speaks directly to a targeted audience​.

4. Hashtags and Geotags

Hashtags and geotags are powerful tools to increase post visibility and consequently follower count. Posts that include hashtags related to the content will reach a wider audience.

According to Later, Instagram posts that contain at least one hashtag get 12.6% more engagement compared to those without.

However, the effectiveness of hashtags has evolved. Studies say using too many (more than six) can be counterproductive (Descript Editor).

Geotags which allow users to tag the location where a post was made also plays a big role. Posts with geotags have 79% higher engagement rates than those without.

This is useful for businesses with physical locations or events as it will attract local followers who are more likely to engage with the content​.

Follower Count Distribution and Benchmarks

Instagram follower count varies but understanding where your Instagram account stands compared to the overall Instagram user base can be helpful. Globally the vast majority of Instagram users fall in the lower follower count brackets. Specifically 56.3% of active users have less than 1,000 followers​.

This figure is significant because it highlights the challenges of growing a substantial follower base on the platform.

If you’re more active and engaging with your audience, you’ll tend to have more Instagram followers. Accounts with 1,000 to 10,000 followers make up 54.58% of the active Instagram user base in North America, so this is a good benchmark for small to medium-sized accounts​ (Hootsuite)

Industry Follower Averages

Different industries on Instagram have different benchmarks for what is considered normal or successful.

For example, fashion and beauty brands have a higher following because of the visual nature of their content. They see an average follower count of 50,000 to 200,000 for established accounts.

• Fashion Brands: 98% of fashion brands are on Instagram, it’s a big deal in this industry. The average engagement rate for these accounts is 0.54% which is low but normal for large follower bases​.
• Content & Apps: This category has the highest average amount of Instagram followers; the top accounts have around 106,600 followers.
• Home & Auto: Businesses in this sector have an average of 74,145 followers. These industries have a strong visual appeal, which works well on Instagram (Mention)

What is a “Normal” Instagram Account Following?

A “normal” follower count on Instagram varies greatly depending on the user’s goals and industry. For most Instagram users, 200 to 800 followers are normal if they don’t post frequently or engage actively. For businesses and influencers, 1,000 to 10,000 followers is a good starting point, and established accounts exceed that.

• Micro-Influencers: These active users have 5,000 to 50,000 followers. Micro-influencers are more engaged with their audience so they have higher interaction rates despite having fewer followers​.
• Small Businesses: Small businesses have 1,000 to 5,000 followers. This is enough to have good engagement and reach within a local or niche market​.

High Follower Counts: What Does It Mean?

Having higher follower counts, like 10,000 followers, means an account has gained some serious traction and credibility on the platform.

These accounts get to use Instagram’s “swipe-up” feature in stories, which is only available to accounts with 10,000 or more followers, more engagement and monetization opportunities.

Accounts with over 100,000 followers make up only 2.86% of the users, they are part of a small but mighty group on Instagram.

These accounts are usually of well-established influencers or brands and are considered successful on the platform.

Most Followed Accounts on Instagram

In 2024, Instagram remains a hub for celebrities, athletes, and influencers, with some accounts boasting followings that rival entire nations. Leading the pack is Cristiano Ronaldo, who has amassed an astounding 624 million followers, making him the most followed person on the platform.

This far exceeds what most Instagram users can achieve, but it shows how strongly people engage with his content. It’s filled with content from his football career, personal life, and numerous others.

Right behind him is Lionel Messi, another football superstar with 501 million followers. His feed offers a mix of professional highlights and personal moments, keeping his massive audience engaged.

For the female side of Instagram, Selena Gomez stands out as the most followed, with 430 million followers. Her Instagram is a blend of personal reflections, advocacy for mental health, and professional updates, which resonate deeply with her followers.

Meanwhile, Kim Kardashian continues to be a major force on Instagram, with 364 million followers. Known for her glamorous lifestyle, family updates, and business ventures like SKIMS, she keeps her audience hooked with a mix of personal and promotional content.

How to Grow Your Instagram Followers

Having a strong Instagram following is more than just posting frequently. Here are some tips to quickly blow up on Instagram:

1. High-Quality Content: Make sure your posts look good and you post consistently. This means good lighting and clear, sharp images. Stick to a style or theme across your posts so people can recognize your content immediately. A clean, attractive feed draws people in and makes them want to follow you.
2. Use Reels and Stories: Reels and Stories are great for engaging with your audience. Having Reels views is especially great as they show up on the Explore page so you can reach new people. 

Keep your Reels short and fun, and try to jump on trends when you can. Stories let you interact more casually with your followers. Use features like polls or questions to get them involved and keep them coming back for more.

3. Engage Actively: Don’t just post and ghost, but stick around and engage! Reply to comments, answer your DMs and interact with other active users by liking and commenting on their posts. 

This shows you’re active and care about your followers which makes them more likely to stay engaged with you.

4. Post at Peak Times: When you post, it can be just as important as what you post. The best times to post are usually mid morning during the week especially on Wednesdays and Fridays. 

Check your Instagram Insights to see when your followers are most active and try to post during those times to get more eyes on your content.

5. Targeted Hashtags: Hashtags help new people find your posts. Use a mix of popular hashtags and ones that are specific to your niche to reach a broader but still relevant audience. 

Don’t overdo it with too many hashtags – focus on a few that really match your content.

6. Collaborate with Influencers: Working with influencers can give your follower count a big boost. 

When you partner with an influencer in your niche their followers get to see your content which can lead to more Instagram followers for you. Make sure the influencer’s audience fits your target market for the best results.

7. Purchase Followers from SidesMedia: For a quick boost, consider buying 100% real followers from our trusted service. 

It will give your account a jumpstart by increasing your follower count, which can make your profile more attractive to new  followers.

Conclusion

Knowing the average number of Instagram followers is key to setting realistic growth goals and measuring your presence.

You can get more followers by focusing on valuable content, engaging with your audience and using Reels and Stories.

As you can see from our average amount of followers on Instagram research, growth on Instagram is a marathon, not a sprint, and with the right strategies, you can build a strong and engaged following.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 1,000 a lot of Instagram followers?

Yes, 1,000 followers on Instagram is a solid number, especially for personal accounts or small businesses. It shows that you’re successfully building a community and have a decent level of engagement.

How many followers on Instagram is respectable?

A respectable follower count can vary, but generally, having 5,000 to 10,000 followers is seen as respectable for businesses and influencers. It indicates a growing, engaged audience.

What is a good follower ratio on Instagram?

A good follower ratio is typically 2:1 or higher. This means you have at least twice as many followers as the accounts you follow, which is a good indicator of influence.

Is 6,000 followers on Instagram a lot?

Yes, 6,000 followers are considered a strong number, especially for niche accounts or small businesses. It indicates significant reach and engagement, positioning you well for potential collaborations or monetization opportunities.