It can be frustrating to put time into a post only to see a handful of likes trickle in. You know your content deserves more attention, but something just is not clicking. If you feel like your posts are being ignored, you are not alone – and the good news is that there are simple ways to fix it.
Here is a look at the most common reasons your Instagram likes are low and exactly what you can do to increase Instagram likes quickly.
Your Content Is Not Grabbing Attention
People scroll quickly, so if your post does not stand out at a glance, it gets lost in the feed. You need something that makes them stop. This could be a bold image, strong contrast, a catchy opening line in a video or an unexpected moment. Bright colours, close-up shots and expressive faces tend to perform well.
If your post looks similar to the last ten things they saw, it is less likely to get a double tap.
Your Captions Are Not Engaging
Captions are your chance to add depth, humour or personality. A dry, overly formal or irrelevant caption can turn people off. Keep your captions clear and conversational. Try asking a question, sharing a quick story or offering a short tip.
Captions that feel relatable and real help build connection, which leads to more likes over time.
You Are Posting at the Wrong Time
If you post when your audience is asleep or distracted, your content may never get seen. Instagram rewards quick engagement, so the first hour matters. Use Insights to find out when your followers are most active, and try to post around those times.
Even a well-crafted post can disappear if it lands at the wrong moment.
You Are Not Using Reels Enough
Reels are currently Instagram’s favourite format. If you are sticking only to photos or static carousels, your reach is naturally limited. Reels have more opportunities to be discovered, especially by users who do not follow you yet.
Even a short clip with some text and music can go a long way if it captures the right mood or message.
You Are Not Encouraging Interaction
Sometimes people like your post in their heads but forget to physically tap the heart. Give them a reason to engage. Use captions that say things like “Which one’s your favourite?” or “Tag someone who needs this” or add polls and stickers in Stories to drive up overall interaction.
The more someone engages with your content, the more likely your future posts will appear on their feed.
Your Posts Look Too Promotional
If your content looks like an ad, people scroll past. Even if you are promoting a product or service, aim for a natural, storytelling approach. Show how something fits into your real life or use humour to make it memorable.
People like posts that feel like a recommendation from a friend, not a billboard.
Your Hashtags Are Off
Hashtags help new people discover your content, but only if they are used strategically. Using only very broad or very obscure hashtags can limit your visibility. Choose hashtags that are relevant, moderately popular and tailored to your niche.
Think of hashtags as categories. Put your post in the right one and the right people will find it.
You Are Not Posting Often Enough
Inconsistent posting makes it harder to stay in front of your audience. If you disappear for weeks at a time, your posts may not be prioritised by the algorithm when you return. You do not need to post every day, but showing up a few times a week helps keep the momentum going.
Regular activity keeps your content fresh in people’s minds.
You Are Not Boosting Your Social Proof
Buying likes can give your posts an initial push, especially when you are trying to build credibility. A strong like count can make your post look more appealing to other users and may also catch the attention of the algorithm. This approach works best when paired with quality content and real interaction.
It is not about faking popularity – it is about giving good content the traction it deserves.
Low likes do not mean your content is bad. Often, it just means something small is missing – timing, clarity, personality or visibility. By fine-tuning a few key areas and showing up with consistency and authenticity, you can turn things around quickly.
Likes are just the beginning. Once people start engaging again, you will find your reach, followers and opportunities all begin to grow too.