When it comes to building a community on Instagram, engagement is everything. With so many new features rolling out each year, staying on top of what drives the best interactions with your followers is crucial. But how do you ensure your content resonates and gets the likes, comments, shares, and saves that signal your audience is engaged?

As 2025 approaches in less than two months, we've rounded up 13 fun, tried-and-true ways to help increase your engagement. From quirky memes to strategic posting times, these tips will give your Instagram strategy the refresh it needs. Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the ultimate guide for boosting engagement on Instagram in 2025.

Spark Conversations with Stories Stickers

Instagram Stories stickers are the perfect way to invite your audience to interact with you directly. Polls, quizzes, and question stickers encourage followers to share their thoughts, which counts as engagement each time someone taps! Use these to host an AMA (ask me anything) or to gather feedback on content ideas. Not only do these stickers build connections, but they also make your brand feel personable and fun. What exactly is the best way to make your story stickers stand out? A Packsia video, of course.

Create (Or Share) Memes

Memes are the language of the internet and are perfect for boosting engagement. Share funny, relatable memes that align with your brand’s vibe, and watch as your audience likes, comments, and shares away. We love seeing a witty tweet or a meme image pasted over top of a minimal Packsia video background to make it stand out. When you make followers laugh or relate, engagement naturally follows.

Reels, Reels, and More Reels!

With so much of Instagram focused on video content, Reels are an absolute must. Packsia makes it easy to share Reels regularly, so you can connect with audiences through video content. Don’t forget to use trending sounds, post about relevant topics, and make a significant edit to grab attention. Reels don’t need to be elaborate – the most engaging ones often reflect everyday moments or quick, helpful tips.

Post Shareable Graphics

Shareable graphics, like quotes or Tweets, make it easy for followers to repost your content, expanding your reach and engagement. Canva is your best friend for this, offering countless templates to customize your graphics. Whether it’s a funny quip or an inspiring message, if it speaks to your audience, they’ll share it, bringing more eyes to your page.

Don’t Sleep On Carousel Content

Carousels are like mini-albums that let you tell a story or break down valuable information across multiple slides. They’re perfect for sharing educational content, infographics, or event recaps. Plus, carousels appear numerous times in your followers' feeds, increasing the chances of likes and shares. With a carousel, you get multiple engagement opportunities in one post!

Add Call-to-Actions in Every Caption

Call-to-actions (CTAs) guide your audience in engaging with your content, whether it’s answering a question or visiting your profile. A CTA can be as simple as asking followers to “share their thoughts” or “tag a friend.” By encouraging a specific action, you make engagement more likely – and when done consistently, your audience will get in the habit of interacting.

Show Your Personality In Stories

Instagram Stories are an excellent space for showing off your brand’s personality. Share behind-the-scenes snippets, quick updates, or even a day in the life! When followers see the “real” side of you, they connect on a more personal level, making them more likely to engage. Use this format to be genuine, relatable, and fun.

Host Giveaways

Giveaways are a sure way to get people excited and engaged. But for giveaways in 2025, keep it authentic and focused. Choose prizes that speak directly to your followers’ interests and keep entry rules simple (like tagging friends or sharing in Stories). Not only does this build engagement, but it can also attract new followers who align with your brand.

Post At The Right Times

Knowing when your audience is most engaged helps you post at times when they’re most likely to interact. Dive into your insights to see when your followers are online and ready to engage. Posting during peak engagement times can be a game-changer for your content’s visibility and interaction. You can use tools like Later to check when the best time to post for your community is.

Incorporate Hashtags and Keywords

Hashtags are a great way to increase reach and bring in new eyes. Do some research on relevant hashtags that are popular in your industry. Not only does this make your content more discoverable, but it can also attract users who are more likely to engage because they’re already interested in your niche. Want more hashtag tips? Check out our previous blog here.

Hashtags aren’t the only way to get your content noticed by the right people; keywords matter too. We also wrote a blog here about how to boost your SEO on Instagram!

Respond to Comments

One of the simplest ways to drive engagement is to actively respond to your audience. Replying to comments on your posts shows your followers that their thoughts are valued. Don’t forget to comment on other accounts too! It’s a great way to network, create visibility, and show your brand’s personality.

Share User-Generated Content

User-generated content (UGC) is like social proof for your brand; people love seeing it. When you repost content from your followers, it’s a win-win – they feel appreciated, and you get content already approved by your audience. Tag the original creator for that added personal touch and watch engagement grow as your community feels seen. We personally love sharing our community creations using Packsia videos!

Collaborate with Other Creators

Collaborations can open your brand to new audiences and generate authentic engagement—partner with influencers, creators, or even other brands to create fun, engaging content. From takeovers to co-hosted giveaways, collaborations allow you to expand your reach while boosting trust and visibility with a wider audience.

Instagram in 2025 is bound to bring some thrilling new features, but one thing remains timeless: the power of genuine connections. At Packsia, we know that creating content that truly resonates with your audience is what transforms followers into loyal fans. By weaving these strategies into your Instagram game, you’ll make your content pop, foster community, and keep engagement levels soaring. Embrace these tips and watch your presence flourish—your Instagram success story starts now!