Instagram Likes Not Growing? Here's What You're Doing Wrong

Are you posting cool pictures and videos on Instagram but still not getting more likes?

You’re not alone. A lot of people feel stuck when their like count just doesn’t move up, even when they try harder and post more often.

Here’s the thing: getting likes on Instagram isn’t just about sharing pretty photos. It’s about doing the right things in the right way.

In fact, Blastup delivers top-notch likes when your content is already strong and your strategy is on point. But first, let’s make sure you're not making some common mistakes that hold your Instagram growth back.

1. Your Profile Isn’t Clear or Attractive

Your profile is your digital first impression. If people land on your profile and get confused or bored, they’re not going to stick around—let alone like your posts.

Fix it:

● Use a clear profile photo (your face or brand logo)

● Write a short but catchy bio that says who you are and what you post about

● Add a link (if you have a website, shop, or anything important to share)

● Use story highlights to show what your account is all about

2. You’re Not Posting Consistently

One post every two weeks isn’t going to cut it. Instagram favors active accounts. If you’re not showing up, your followers (and Instagram's algorithm) will forget you.

Fix it:

● Create a simple posting schedule (for example: 3 times a week)

● Mix up your content (photos, Reels, Stories, and Carousels)

● Use scheduling tools to plan your posts ahead of time

3. Your Captions Aren’t Engaging

If your captions are just one or two words like “Happy Friday!” or “Check this out,” you’re missing a big chance to connect. Good captions invite people to comment, share, and yes—like!

Fix it:

● Ask questions like “What do you think?” or “Which one would you choose?”

● Tell a quick story or behind-the-scenes moment

● Use a mix of emojis and hashtags to make it more fun

4. You’re Using Hashtags Wrong (Or Not at All)

Hashtags help new people discover your content. But if you’re using the same five over and over—or using ones that are too general like #love or #fun—you’re not getting seen by the right audience.

Fix it:

● Use 10–20 relevant hashtags per post

● Mix popular, medium, and niche hashtags (ex: #photography, #portraitphotography, #teenshoot)

● Avoid banned or spammy hashtags

5. You’re Ignoring Reels (And Video Content)

Right now, Reels are getting way more reach than regular photo posts. Instagram is really pushing short videos to compete with TikTok. If you’re not making Reels, you’re missing out on tons of eyeballs—and likes.

Fix it:

● Start small with 10–15 second Reels

● Use trending sounds (Instagram shows you what's trending)

● Show a quick tip, tutorial, behind-the-scenes, or funny moment

6. You Don’t Interact With Others

Instagram is a social app. If you just post and ghost, the platform won’t reward you. Also, people won’t feel a connection with you.

Fix it:

● Reply to every comment on your posts

● Comment on other people’s posts (genuinely!)

● Like and share stories from others in your niche

● Join conversations in hashtags or communities you care about

7. You’re Chasing Perfection Over Personality

People don’t just want model perfect. They want real. They want fun. They want to feel something. If all your posts look like magazine covers but don’t feel human, your engagement will drop.

Fix it:

● Show your personality—your face, your voice, your story

● Don’t be afraid to be silly, honest, or vulnerable

● Mix polished posts with casual ones

8. Your Content Doesn’t Help or Entertain

Likes come from value. That means your content needs to either help someone (like a tip or tutorial) or entertain them (like a joke, dance, or story). If your content doesn’t do either, people will scroll past.

Fix it:

● Ask: “Would I stop and like this if I saw it from someone else?”

● Try a how-to, a list, a transformation, or even a meme

● Keep it short, sweet, and scroll-stopping

9. You Don’t Know Who Your Audience Really Is

Are you posting for teens? Parents? Artists? Fitness lovers? You can’t please everyone, and you shouldn’t try. If your content doesn’t speak to one type of person, it ends up speaking to no one.

Fix it:

● Think about your ideal follower. What do they like? What do they care about?

● Look at which posts get the most likes and figure out what made them work

● Stay focused on one main theme or niche

10. You’re Expecting Too Much Too Fast

Instagram growth takes time. If you expect 1,000 likes overnight, you’ll only get disappointed. Growth is slow and steady—especially when it’s real and meaningful.

Fix it:

● Celebrate small wins (like 10 extra likes or 3 new comments)

● Focus on relationships, not just numbers

● Keep showing up—even when it feels slow

Final Thought

If your Instagram likes aren’t growing, it’s not because you’re not good enough. It’s likely because you’re missing a few key steps.

Review your profile, get consistent, post with purpose, and don’t forget to connect with your audience like a real human.

Growth comes with effort, creativity, and time. Keep learning and keep posting—and you’ll see results.