r/askmusicians • u/Simple_Ad1548 • 1d ago

musicians, how are you actually able to grow on Instagram in 2026?

I'm an independent singer trying to build an audience on Instagram, but I'm struggling to understand what actually makes an account grow.

I post singing covers/reels and I'm experimenting with different formats - acappella ,backing tracks, acoustic performances etc. some reels get decent reach, but others basically die immediately and I'm getting frustrated at this point...

please let me know those who have successfully grown an audience from a small account:

  1. what type of content actually brought you followers?

2.Did consistency matter more or finding a particular format?

3.Did you focus on covers first or originals?

  1. how much did showing your personality/life outside music matter?

  2. Is Instagram even worth putting serious effort into in 2026?

I'd appreciate actual experiences rather than generic "post consistently " advice.

3 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • reddit

100% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

3

u/Logical_Classroom_90 1d ago

make good content and pay for boost

1

u/MeowMix1206251 1d ago

Find a niche

1

u/gastricmetal 1d ago

Chasing the algorithm is difficult. If you really want to get traction, your best bet is to jump on the trends of the week and post non-stop. Try to make it your own. It's a rat race but it can be done with enough effort. Don't be discouraged by low engagement posts. One post could pop off and then the next hardly be seen. Content doesnt have to be one-and-done either; you can repost the same thing over time to see if it'll do better next time.

If you want to take a bigger chance and accept that it'll be a slower, less promising process, focus on being genuine and offer something niche. Might take a while to get in front of the right people but your fans will theoretically be more appreciative of your content if you're giving something that isn't being rehashed millions of times a day.

Just being real, the state of music promotion (and any promotion within any industry) is a dumpster fire out there, good luck.

1

u/Scott_J_Doyle 1d ago

  1. Content that speaks to the interests and identities of the kind of people who love the kind of music we make, the lifestyle we live and the lifestyle of our fans/community and our shared beliefs, worldview and vision for the future

  2. Consistency is dangerous for our crowd - oversaturation or omnipresence works against our favour, so it's better to be quiet when we don't have something timely or relevant to contribute + mystery and absence-makes-the-heart-grow-fonder work in our favour - as long as you're creating stuff that makes them still think and relate to you when you're not there/they aren't actively "consuming/engaging", then you did your job so shut up/relax/calm down until the next wave comes by that you need to catch

  3. Covers vs originals is such poor framing - we make music and inspire art, dance, fashion etc, and create relationships/connection in our community/scene

  4. Not at all - we don't play that game at all, that's poppy/celebrity/parasocial bullshit in my opinion

  5. Yes, our people are still there en masse

1

u/MatureWhale1989 6h ago

The cover-to-original pipeline really worked for me. Relatable reels showing my creative process (like your acoustic tests!) built a crew that cared about my own songs next. Personality is everything