If you’ve ever wondered, “How do people blow up on Instagram overnight?”, you’re not alone.
After over 5,000 videos published, over 200k followers on multiple platforms, and an a 30% average engagement rate per post, I know exactly how to make an average account, extraordinary using a repeatable framework.
Going viral might seem like magic, but in 2025, it’s more of a formula than a mystery. Throughout this entire blog you’ll learn and get actionable step-by-step instructions on how to do it right.
This guide breaks it all down in simple steps. Whether you’re a part time or full time content creator, business owner, or just someone who wants more reach and visibility for their profile, you’ll learn exactly what to do and how to do it.
Why Instagram Matters Now More Than Ever in 2025
As of April 2025, Instagram is still one of the most important and used social media platforms in the world. With over 2 billion users, It’s where people build brands, launch businesses, and connect with massive audiences every single day.
The best part? Instagram now helps smaller accounts get discovered faster. You don’t need a big following to go viral on Instagram anymore.
You just need a plan.
You need a strategy.
You need execution.
How the Instagram Algorithm Works Now
Instagram’s algorithm in 2025 looks at what people engage with more than anything else. It’s based on interest not followers.
Some of the interest is derived by Instagram’s Algorithms from:
- Saves
- DM’s
- Comments
- Shares
- Likes
The more people interact with your content, especially people who don’t follow you yet…
the more Instagram shows it to others. That’s how content spreads fast.
It’s also interest-based. That means Instagram shows people more of what they’ve already liked. If your content lines up with their interests, it has a higher chance of going viral.
What “Going Viral on Instagram” Really Means
A post is considered viral if it gets around 10,000 to 20,000 views quickly, usually in the first few hours. If it hits 100,000 or more, that’s extremely viral.
But here’s something important to remember: Getting views is great, but if you don’t have a system to turn that attention into something meaningful, the moment passes.
And typically if you don’t know how to capitalize on views, and engagement…virality means nothing.
Step-by-Step: How to Go Viral on Instagram
1. Know Your Audience
Before you even get started it’s important to know that you can’t reach everyone, focus on what’s in it for the people you want to reach and work backwards.
In other words, focus on the people who are most likely to engage and care about what you post. Think about their interests, pain points, desires, and the things that they want to avoid most.
Also consider their age, location, interest, and what type of content they’re already heavily engaging with…
Instagram gives you insights that show you who your audience is and what they like.
That’s gold…use it.
Note: This kind of data is also what systems like TPOS use to help creators build targeted campaigns that actually work, so not only do creators inside of TPOS create content that helps them grow their audience, but also it helps them generate leads and nurture them.
2. Pick a Niche and Stick to It
Most people fail with their content marketing strategy because they try to post anything and everything, which makes it extremely difficult for people to decide whether they like the content or not, and it makes it even harder for the algorithm to know what you’re about…
And who you’re talking to.
Our best approach is simple yet most people will overlook it by trying to be everything to everyone.
Choose a topic you’re passionate about, and go all in.
That could be real estate, fitness, cooking, fashion, or anything else.
The more focused your content, the easier it is to grow an engaged audience.
Once you’ve chosen a niche, the next thing you need to do is identify the theme of your content.
3. Make Your Content Look Good
Instagram is visual.
That means your content has to look clean, clear, and eye-catching.
Use good lighting. Frame your shots well. Keep the editing sharp but simple.
People are going viral on social media platforms like Instagram directly from their phone when simplicity, and elegance lead the way. Most importantly when the content is useful, or entertaining to the people on the other side of the screen.
When people scroll past your post, it should stop them in their tracks. Visuals matter.
Note: If you’d like access to video ideas click here
4. Use Trending Sounds or Keep Your Reels Short
Instagram Reels are the best way to go viral as a content creator, small business owner, or just person creating content right now, they’re focused on getting your videos and your profile more reach from people with similar interests as your posts.
One of the best ways to go viral on instagram right now is using reels that are between15 to 30 seconds as they usually perform best.
These videos should aim to be
- Controversial
- Unique
- Useful
- Urgent
- Trendy
- Educational / Entertaining
Another way you can go viral is to use trending audio.
Instagram often boosts content that uses popular sounds. Just open the Reels tab and look for audio that keeps showing up. That’s your cue.
5. Write Better Captions
Your caption is your written hook. It should either:
- Tell a quick story
- Ask a question
- Offer a tip or takeaway
Captions that create emotion or curiosity are more likely to spark engagement.
Treat your first line like a headline. This is a must and showstopper for your audience to stop the scroll and read into what you’re offering in your post.
One of the best ways to improve your written captions is to think in headlines like the ones you find in magazines like the enquirer, mens health, vogue, etc.
6. Use Hashtags That Work
Although Mosseri has mentioned that Hashtags don’t have any immediate value directly correlating to your growth or virality, they still help with discoverability.
Use a mix of:
- Popular tags
- Niche-specific tags
- Custom tags (like your name or brand)
This helps Instagram figure out what your content is about and who might want to see it.
Think about it like SEO for your Instagram account.
7. Engage With People
Remember that Instagram is still a Social Media platform, so if you’re looking for more engagement then you have to also be the type of person to engage more.
Reply to comments. Respond to DMs. Comment on other posts in your niche, and comment on posts from the people whose engagement you’re seeking.
The more you engage, the more Instagram sees you as someone worth promoting.
Plus, it builds trust with your audience.
Fun fact: TPOS has automated systems that help keep engagement flowing, even when you’re busy. This is particularly executed through retargeting campaigns so that you consistently drive more traffic, and followers into your account for as little as $1/day.
8. Be Consistent
Like anything else, Instagram is a tool
Think of it like a weight at the gym, if no one picks it up, or uses it…it’s useless.
Posting once and going viral on Instagram is rare.
Posting regularly, building momentum, and staying top of mind that’s how most accounts grow.
Stick to a schedule. Even if it’s just two or three times per week, consistency beats random bursts of effort every time.
Don’t let the algorithm think you’re getting consistent, just to stop long before your momentum gets started. If you’re going to do it, do it right.
Bonus Tips
- Use Instagram Stories every day to stay visible
- Try going live at least 2-3 times per month it boosts reach and real-time engagement
- Collaborate with others in your space to reach new audiences
- Run a simple giveaway to increase shares and tags
The Part Most People Skip
Most people try to go viral… and then hope for the best.
But what happens after your post takes off?
You need a system. A plan to capture that attention, keep people engaged, and turn views into real growth whether that’s leads, clients, or sales.
We always tell people are you looking to become an influencer, or become more influential…there’s a difference.
That’s where a system like TPOS helps behind the scenes.
It’s not just about getting reach, it’s about turning that reach into results.
Ready to Build a Smarter Instagram Strategy?
If you’re serious about growing your Instagram and doing it in a way that creates real opportunities, not just views let’s talk.
Book a free Social Media Strategy Call and we’ll break down:
- What kind of content to post
- How often to post it
- How to turn your reach into actual results
No pressure. Just a real plan tailored to what you’re trying to build.
Book your call here → schedule.topshotpromarketing.com
You don’t need to get lucky.
You just need the right steps — and the right system to back you up.
