Instagram may have started as a photo-sharing app. For brands, creators and businesses in Portugal and around the world, it's a powerful platform to reach a bigger audience and grow faster than ever. But here's the truth: followers don't mean much if they're not real, active, and engaged.

Getting real followers on Instagram isn't about chasing numbers. It's about building a strong community that actually cares about your content. In this guide, you'll learn smart and proven ways to grow your following with genuine users who are more likely to like, comment, share, and stick around.

Why Real Followers Matter More Than Ever

Let's be honest—anyone can buy fake followers or use shady tricks to boost numbers overnight. But that doesn't build trust. Real followers bring something fake followers never will: engagement, credibility, and long-term growth.

If you want to become an influencer, grow your business, or sell more through Instagram, real people are the only ones who can help you get there.

Fake Followers Can Hurt You

Here's what happens when you fill your profile with fake followers:

  • Your engagement rate drops.
  • Your posts stop appearing on the Explore page.
  • Brands and customers start to question your credibility.

This is why quality always beats quantity. A smaller group of real, loyal followers is worth far more than thousands of inactive or fake accounts.

How the Instagram Algorithm Works in 2025

The key to growing your IG in 2025 is knowing how the Instagram algorithm works. The algorithm largely prefers content that keeps people engaged, meaning that the more likes, comments, shares, and saves a post receives, the more people will see it. Consistency is also key — the more consistently you post, the better the algorithm is at recognizing you as an active creator. Instagram tries to surface posts that it thinks your audience has interacted with in the past and will want to see again. 

A big one is how much time people spend looking at your posts; longer is better, as it means people are finding your stuff worthy. And finally, friends are also important — a person who frequently engages with your posts is more likely to see your new ones. With that in mind, what you want to focus on is creating content which is meaningful and engaging so that fans will interact, engage and most importantly keep coming back to your Instagram profile.

How to Get Real Followers on Instagram Today

Building a true Instagram following takes time and effort, but it's one of the best things you can do in the name of long-term success. The key is to focus on real people who will engage with your content and support your brand. The followers who stick around are the ones who actually will and do

Optimize Your Profile for First Impressions

The first place potential followers go when they are interested in your brand is Instagram. And making a fabulous first impression there is obviously important. So how do you achieve that? 

Profile picture: Whether it's your brand logo or a friendly photo, a clear image helps people recognize and remember you. 

Bio: This should be a no-brainer. You explain—concisely, if not directly—who you are and what you offer. 

Add a link: Instagram is a very visual platform, but sometimes visuals alone aren't enough to convey a message. A straightforward statement that you have a website linked in your profile where people can find more information about you is essential.  

Story Highlights: If step three wasn't visual enough for you, then step four should be. Your Instagram Story Highlights are one more way to visually organize your account.

Post Content That Speaks to Your Audience

Your success in posting contents which are largely relevant to your target audience depends on the quality rather than the quantity. Instead of thinking of posting something every day, try to concentrate on sharing posts which will teach, make fun of, or inspire your followers. For example, you can use Instagram features like Reels, Stories, and Carousels to upload different types of content on your feed to attract your viewers' interest. 

To cultivate trust, demonstrate some behind-the-scenes activities or teach users how to do a particular thing that will be truly beneficial for them. Showing customer testimonials or displaying the user-generated content allow your visitors to feel they are an essential part of your brand or community. The aim is to produce pieces that invite the audience to respond, interact and also come back for more.

Utilize Hashtags the Right Way

Hashtags still top the list of the most effective techniques used to gain visibility to potential followers. Nevertheless, the application of very generalized or irrelevant hashtags can negatively impact your success. On the contrary, opt for perfectly aligned hashtags that not only fit your niche but also your exact location, such as those related to Portugal or your specific industry. 

By following this strategy, you get to reach only the target group of people who are most likely to follow you. Find the equal of your popular hashtags that are far less used and niche ones to get the good of both sides—reach and stay not lost in the crowd.

Engage First, Then Grow

Instagram is a social platform and developing real followers is to be social yourself. Time set aside for the daily ritual of liking, commenting, and replying to others' posts has a positive effect. Replying to Stories or shooting a short message to say thank you to the followers are a few manageable ways to establish a personal connection. 

When you participate intently, the Instagram algorithm observes, and your content is at the disposal of a larger audience. Furthermore, addressing comments on your own posts keeps the discussions active and illustrates to your followers that you are interested in them.

Partner with the Right People

Collaborations can open doors to new audiences, but it's important to partner with the right people. Look for influencers or businesses that share your values and audience. 

Micro-influencers often have loyal followers who trust their recommendations, making them great partners. Working together on giveaways, joint live sessions, or shoutouts can introduce your profile to real followers who are interested in what you offer.

Use Instagram Reels to Boost Discovery

Reels have become one of the best ways to reach new people quickly. These short videos get a lot of attention on Instagram's Explore page. Creating Reels that are fun, informative, or follow trends can help you go viral. 

Keep your videos short and easy to watch, and add captions so they make sense even without sound. The more people watch your Reels, the more Instagram will recommend your account to others.

Time Your Posts Wisely

Posting at the right time is often overlooked but very important. Using Instagram's Insights tool, you can find out when your followers are most active. For many accounts in Portugal, evenings and weekends tend to be good times to post. 

Sharing content when your audience is online increases the chances that your posts will get likes and comments early, which signals to Instagram that your content is valuable.

Promote Your Instagram Outside Instagram

Don't limit your promotion efforts to Instagram alone. If you have a website, newsletter, YouTube channel, or even WhatsApp groups, use those platforms to invite people to follow you. 

Adding your Instagram handle on your website and email signature makes it easy for people who already know you to find your profile. Cross-promotion like this brings in followers who are more likely to engage since they already trust your brand.

How comprarseguidoresinstagram.pt Can Help You Grow

Growing your Instagram audience can be challenging, especially if you're just starting out or want to speed up your progress. This is where comprarseguidoresinstagram.pt comes in. This platform specializes in helping users from Portugal build real, active followers on Instagram. They understand the local market and use safe, proven methods to increase your profile's visibility without risking your account. 

Whether you want to boost your credibility or jumpstart your growth, their services can give you that initial push while you focus on creating great content. Combining organic strategies with expert support is one of the smartest ways to get real followers on Instagram today.

Final Thoughts

If you're serious about growing on Instagram in Portugal, it's time to stop chasing vanity metrics and start building real relationships. The best way to grow fast is to grow right—with real people who care, engage, and support your journey.

Focus on value, show up consistently, and use every tool Instagram offers. That's how you get real followers on Instagram—and how you turn them into loyal fans or customers.

Let your growth begin today.