How to Get 100,000 Instagram Followers in 30 Days
The exact formula I used for to grow @LGBT, @LGBTQ, and @Pride to more than four million followers.
Everyone wants to crack the Instagram code—and I’ve done it multiple times, taking brand-new accounts from 0 to 100,000 followers in just 30 days. Case in point: my communities @LGBT, @LGBTQ, and @Pride each hit six figures in follower counts their first month, and now collectively reach millions. They also each generate six-figures a year in brand deals and sponsorships. How did I do it? Below is the formula, plain and simple. Follow these steps, and you’ll be shocked how fast an audience can grow when you nail the fundamentals.
1. Nail Your Niche (and Make It Obvious)
What to Do
Pick a Crystal-Clear Topic: If someone looks at your account and instantly knows what it’s about, you’re golden. Think “Vegan Food for Busy Moms,” “Streetwear Sneaker Drops,” or “Historic LGBTQ+ Moments.”
Brand Your Profile: Bio, handle, and profile picture should scream your niche. No confusion allowed.
Why It Works
People scroll fast. If your feed doesn’t pop with a unique theme or aesthetic, they won’t bother following.
A strong, distinctive focus instantly attracts the right kind of audience—folks who will stick around and engage.
2. Post Daily (At Minimum) with High-Value Content
What to Do
Commit to 1-3 Posts a Day: Consistency is your best friend on Instagram. If your followers expect daily content, deliver it.
Focus on Value & Shareability: Whether it’s entertaining Reels, highly aesthetic photos, or quick tips—make it something people want to share and talk about.
Batch Your Content: If you can, create multiple posts in one go, so you’re never scrambling day-of.
Why It Works
The more you post (with quality in mind), the more Instagram’s algorithm sees you as an active account worth pushing to new audiences.
People don’t follow accounts that post sporadically; they follow ones that give them a daily dose of something good.
3. Use Engaging Formats—Especially Reels & Carousels
What to Do
Reels: Instagram’s pushing Reels like crazy. Hop on that wave with short, punchy videos that fit your niche.
Carousels: Great for step-by-step guides, lists, or a mini story. Give viewers a reason to swipe, then share.
Hook in the First Second: If the opening frame or line bores people, they’ll scroll away.
Why It Works
Reels get the highest organic reach right now, so they’re your ticket to new eyeballs.
Carousels keep people on your post longer. That signals to the algorithm, “Hey, people dig this,” boosting your post’s visibility.
4. Collaborate and Cross-Promote
What to Do
Shoutouts: Trade shoutouts with accounts in a related (but not competing) niche.
Collabs: Do joint Reels or Lives with other creators. Let them bring their followers to your feed, and vice versa.
User-Generated Content: Invite followers to submit photos or videos relevant to your topic, then tag them when you post.
Why It Works
Every time you cross paths with another creator’s audience, you pick up a chunk of new followers—people who are already primed to care about your content.
Encouraging user-generated posts fosters a sense of community and increases engagement.
5. Tap into Trending Topics & Hashtags (but Don’t Spam)
What to Do
Use Trending Reels Audio: If an audio clip is blowing up, try to incorporate it in your niche.
Niche Hashtags: Mix a few big hashtags with smaller, more targeted ones specific to your topic—like #VeganRecipeIdeas or #PrideMonthInspo.
Stay Authentic: Don’t leap onto irrelevant trends. Make sure it fits your brand or you’ll look like you’re just chasing clicks.
Why It Works
Riding trends can put you in front of thousands of new eyes.
Hashtags help the algorithm understand your content, so it can recommend it to people who like similar stuff.
6. Engage Like Crazy
What to Do
Reply to Comments: Show people you’re listening. A quick “Thanks!” or thoughtful reply can turn casual viewers into loyal fans.
Comment on Similar Accounts: Genuinely engage with other creators in your niche. People see your profile pic and might check you out.
Ask Questions in Captions: Encouraging conversation boosts your post in the algorithm.
Why It Works
Engagement is the currency of Instagram. The more people interact with your posts, the more the algorithm rewards you with reach.
People follow accounts that feel alive—i.e., they see you’re active, friendly, and ready to talk.
7. Go Big on Launch Tactics in the First 30 Days
What to Do
Tease Your Account: If you have other platforms (TikTok, Twitter, etc.), hype up this new IG account. Invite existing fans to follow.
Host a Giveaway: Something small but relevant to your niche—like a free e-book, a gift card, or a mini coaching call. This can spike your initial follower count.
Story Collabs: Get bigger accounts in your space to mention you in their Stories. Sometimes a single shoutout can flood you with thousands of new follows.
Why It Works
The first 30 days are a momentum game. Instagram’s algorithm can give early love to new, high-engagement accounts. If you double down now, you can ride that wave to 100k faster than you’d think.
My Story: Proof This Works
I’ve done it multiple times—accounts like @LGBT, @LGBTQ, and @Pride each skyrocketed to over 100,000 followers in their first 30 days. Today, they collectively have millions of followers and rake in six figures annually through brand deals and sponsorships. It’s not luck—it’s consistent strategy plus a focus on delivering damn good content that resonates deeply with an audience.
The Simple Formula Recap
Niche Down: Make sure people instantly know what your account is about.
Post Daily: 1-3 times, focusing on Reels & carousels.
Collaborate: Shoutouts, Lives, user submissions—multiply your reach.
Ride Trends: Use trending audio and smart hashtags to get more eyeballs.
Engage: Reply to comments, DM folks back, build a real community.
Launch Strong: Giveaways, cross-promo on other platforms, big push in the first month.
Make It Happen
Hitting 100k followers in 30 days isn’t some magical fluke. It’s a direct result of consistent posts, engaging content, smart collaborations, and some well-timed marketing tactics. If you bring the energy and focus for a month, you can absolutely blow up on Instagram in record time.
Want to Go Even Bigger—or monetize the hell out of that audience? That’s where my Online Business Blueprint comes in. It’s a step-by-step course showing you how to turn your passions and expertise into six, seven, or even eight figures a year, leveraging platforms like Instagram (and beyond).
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and start monetizing your digital empire—Instagram is just the beginning.
Remember: Instagram growth is a sprint and a marathon. Sprints get you momentum, but you gotta keep the energy up long-term to ride that success all the way to the top. If I can do it repeatedly, so can you—just commit to these steps, hustle for 30 days, and watch the followers pour in.