The Truth About Instagram Engagement in 2024 (And Why You Shouldn't Worry in 2025)
Tired of stressing about your Instagram engagement? Let's have an honest conversation about what normal engagement really looks like and how to adjust your strategy accordingly.
The Instagram Engagement Reality Check
If you're feeling discouraged about your Instagram engagement lately, you're not alone. I talk to business owners every day who are frustrated with their numbers. They're posting consistently, creating beautiful content, and still seeing what feels like disappointing engagement rates.
Here's what you need to know: The engagement you're seeing is completely normal.
Why Your Instagram Feed is Deceiving You
Have you noticed how your Instagram feed seems full of viral posts and accounts with massive engagement? There's a reason for that. The algorithm is designed to show you high-performing content more often. But here's the crucial detail many miss: these viral posts and high-engagement accounts are the exception, not the rule.
Think of it like this: For every viral Reel you see with 100,000 likes, there are thousands of quality Reels getting 50-100 likes. The algorithm just doesn't show you those as often.
Understanding Normal Instagram Engagement
Let's get real about what typical engagement looks like for most businesses:
Most posts don't go viral
Comments often stay in single digits
Like counts vary widely
Save rates fluctuate significantly
And you know what? That's perfectly okay. Your business can still thrive with average engagement rates.
Want to grow your Instagram account?
If you're trying to grow your Instagram account with a content strategy, you're most likely not seeing many results. You need a content strategy and a growth strategy that are both possible for you to execute with your bandwidth.
In this class, we will define what each of them are and how to create both for your business. Includes a bonus Growth Strategy Planner!
A Smarter Approach to Instagram Marketing
The real question isn't "How can I get more engagement?" but rather "Is the time I'm spending on Instagram giving me the business results I need?" If you're spending hours each day trying to boost your engagement with minimal return on investment, it's time to rethink your strategy. Here's how to maintain an effective Instagram presence without letting it consume your business:
One: Streamline Your Content Creation
Instead of spending hours creating fresh content daily, try:
Using templates, like these, for quick, consistent posts
Repurposing your existing content
Creating feed posts instead of time-consuming Reels when needed
Batching your content creation
Two: Adjust Your Engagement Strategy
Rather than spending hours trying to boost engagement:
Set specific time limits for engagement
Focus on engaging with your most valuable followers
Use quick engagement tactics that actually work
Respond to comments and DMs during set times
Three: Remember Instagram's True Value
Even with modest engagement, Instagram serves crucial business functions:
It validates your business for referrals
Showcases your work and expertise
Helps potential clients get to know you
Serves as a living portfolio
Making Instagram Work For You in 2025
The key is finding the right balance. Instagram shouldn't be your full-time job unless you're an Instagram manager. Here's how to maintain a professional presence without the stress:
Set realistic time limits for content creation and engagement
Use templates and tools to speed up your workflow
Focus on quality over quantity
Repurpose content across multiple platforms
Track actual business results, not just engagement metrics
Instagram is still a valuable marketing tool, but it's just one piece of your business puzzle. Don't let seemingly low engagement numbers discourage you. Instead, focus on creating a sustainable strategy that works for your business without consuming all your time and energy.
Remember: The goal isn't to go viral or have the highest engagement rates. The goal is to maintain a professional, engaging presence that supports your business goals while leaving you time and energy to focus on other important aspects of your business.
want to try out some templates that can boost your engagement?
To help you get started, I've created 10 free, customizable templates for feed posts. These templates are perfect for those days when you need to post but don't have fresh content ready. Save them on your phone and use them whenever needed – and yes, you can absolutely reuse them!
Manu Muraro is the founder of Your Social Team, an Instagram training membership and content shop to help social media managers and Instagram savvy women entrepreneurs to beat the algorithm and grow their organic engagement (yes, even in 2021).
This year she also launched Your Template Club, a Canva Template subscription to provide social media managers and Instagram savvy business owners with content templates designed for engagement in their inbox.
Born and raised in Brazil, Manu moved to the U.S. in 2000 right out of college to work for Cartoon Network, where she made an award winning career in creative and strategy. In 2017, Manu started Your Social Team with the mission of helping women entrepreneurs and social media managers grow engagement and sales through Instagram without the overwhelm.