Why Instagram Shares Are the Key to More Views & Engagement

When people think about Instagram engagement, the first things that come to mind are likes and comments. But what if the real secret to getting more views and interactions was something else entirely?

The truth is that post shares play a crucial role in Instagram’s algorithm. They are the lifeblood of Instagram’s algorithm and act as the primary signal. When a follower shares a post, it is a way of giving a free endorsement that goes beyond just liking something and even commenting on it. It is true that comments can be used to increase engagement; however, when posts are shared, they are using Instagram as a vehicle to express their appreciation for the content in a way that everybody benefits. Current data from Instagram confirms this. Posts that are shared a lot are 50% more likely to reach people than posts that are liked or verbally praised in a comment. Brands optimizing for shares have seen engagement increase by 35% compared to posts with high like counts. 

So, how do shares on Instagram work, exactly? And how can you use them to amplify engagement? Let’s dive into it.

Why Instagram Shares Matter More Than Ever

Instagram’s algorithm is designed to push the most engaging content to a wider audience, but not all interactions hold the same weight. Shares are one of the most powerful engagement signals because they indicate that a post is valuable enough for users to pass along to others. When someone shares your content, they aren’t just reacting to it—they’re actively recommending it, introducing your brand to new potential followers and customers who may have never come across it otherwise.

This effect is backed by recent Instagram engagement data, which shows that small accounts (under 10K followers) that generate at least 100 post shares are significantly more likely to land on the Explore page. For medium-sized accounts (10K-100K followers), posts that get over 500 shares and comments combined start gaining traction beyond their existing audience. Meanwhile, large accounts (100K+ followers) that maintain a balance of over 10,000 likes and strong share activity consistently break into trending hashtags and Explore recommendations.

However, even for brands producing great content, generating shares organically can be challenging. That’s why many businesses and influencers turn to strategic share boosts to accelerate their post’s visibility. Platforms like PopularityBazaar provide a solution for those looking to buy premium quality Instagram shares as a way to kickstart engagement and increase reach. By ensuring that a post gets an initial boost in shares, brands increase the likelihood of organic shares following naturally, helping their content gain momentum in front of a larger audience.

The reality is, if your post isn’t being shared, it’s not reaching its full potential. Whether you’re an influencer, brand, or content creator, investing in Instagram shares can be the key to breaking past your existing follower base and getting your content in front of thousands of new users.

The Role of Paid Instagram Shares in Expanding Reach

While organic shares are valuable, they can be difficult to generate consistently. That’s why many brands strategically invest in Instagram shares—not as a replacement for organic engagement but as an accelerator for reach and visibility.

According to digital marketing strategist Alicia Morgan, “Instagram’s algorithm sees a highly shared post as a sign of value. The more people share it, the more Instagram pushes it to new audiences. This creates a ripple effect that keeps a post relevant long after it’s been published.”

This is why businesses, influencers, and marketers often use paid Instagram shares to kickstart engagement. By ensuring that a post gets early shares, they increase the chances of organic shares following naturally, boosting overall performance.

When used correctly, paid shares blend seamlessly into an overall Instagram growth strategy. They work best when combined with:

• High-quality, shareable content that naturally encourages engagement.
• Strategic posting times to maximize visibility when the audience is most active.
• Other engagement triggers like strong captions, calls to action, and interactive elements like polls and questions.

Paid shares don’t replace organic growth, but they enhance it by pushing content into more feeds where it can get real interactions, shares, and new followers. When combined with an effective content strategy, this approach can turn a standard post into one that gains real traction.

How a Small Business Leveraged Shares for Growth

One brand that learned the power of shares firsthand was @TheVeganPalette, a plant-based food startup. With just 12,000 followers, they struggled to gain traction and found that their posts, while aesthetically pleasing, weren’t reaching enough new people.

Their breakthrough came when they switched their content strategy to encourage shares. Instead of focusing solely on high-quality photos, they started posting quick, engaging recipe videos with easy-to-follow instructions and strong calls-to-action like “Tag a friend who needs this recipe!” and “Share this to save for later!”

But the biggest game-changer? They boosted their most shareable posts with a strategic increase in Instagram Shares, ensuring that their content gained early momentum and reached larger audiences.

The Results:

• Their recipe posts tripled in reach, gaining 40K+ views compared to their previous 10K average.
• They saw a 62% increase in profile visits, with more users engaging with their page.
• One viral post led to a 20% increase in website traffic, directly impacting sales.

The takeaway? Instagram shares don’t just boost engagement—they drive business growth.

What It Really Takes to Get More Instagram Shares

If you want your posts to be shared more often, you need to create content that people actually want to pass along. Here’s what makes a post shareable:

• Relatable content: Memes, quotes, and trending topics tend to get more shares.
• Educational value: Infographics, tips, and how-to posts encourage users to save and share.
• Emotional impact: Funny, inspiring, or thought-provoking content is more likely to be passed around.
• Calls-to-action: Directly asking users to share can significantly increase share rates.

Conclusion: Why Shares Are the Future of Instagram Growth

Instagram’s algorithm is constantly evolving, but one thing remains clear – shares are one of the most powerful engagement signals. Unlike likes, which provide surface-level validation, shares push content beyond an existing audience, bringing in new viewers and increasing engagement over time.

For brands and creators looking to grow on Instagram, focusing on creating shareable content and using strategic paid shares can significantly increase reach, profile visits, and even conversions.

At the end of the day, shares are like free advertising. The more people share your post, the more Instagram rewards you with free visibility and engagement. And in a platform driven by exposure, that makes all the difference.