2024/11/20
9 MIN READ
What is a Good Influencer Engagement Rate on Instagram? + How to Calculate It
What is a Good Influencer Engagement Rate on Instagram? + How to Calculate It
What is a Good Influencer Engagement Rate on Instagram? + How to Calculate It
Rashmi Singh
Rashmi Singh
Rashmi Singh
Rashmi Singh
Content Marketer @impulze.ai
Sections
Blog in Short ⏱️
Blog in Short ⏱️
A quick glance at the highlights—perfect for when you're short on time.
A quick glance at the highlights—perfect for when you're short on time.
An influencer's engagement rate reflects their audience's activity and connection. High engagement rates signal active followers, essential for impactful campaigns.
Here’s what how you can decide what’s a good engagement rate on Instagram:
1%-3%: Average
3%-6%: Good
Above 6%: Excellent
Note that engagement rates vary by niche and audience size. Smaller influencers often have higher engagement rates, while larger ones may fall in the "good" range.
Evaluating an influencer’s engagement rate on Instagram is more than just a number game—it’s a window into their real connection with followers and the power of their influence.
For brands, engagement rate is a key metric that can make or break your marketing strategy, signaling whether an influencer can drive meaningful interactions with your target audience.
So, what exactly is a “good” engagement rate on Instagram, and how can you measure it effectively? Let’s unpack the numbers, share industry benchmarks, and help you find influencers who truly resonate with their communities.What is Engagement Rate?
What is Instagram Engagement Rate?
The Instagram engagement rate is a key metric that shows just how connected an influencer’s followers are with their content. It measures the interactions—likes, comments, and shares—that a post receives, reflecting the audience’s level of interest and investment. For brands, this metric is incredibly valuable when selecting influencers, as it gives insight into whether an influencer’s content resonates or just fades into the feed.
A high Instagram engagement rate signals that followers aren’t just scrolling by; they’re stopping, reacting, and connecting. This matters because it indicates that the influencer has built a loyal, active community—one that’s likely to pay attention to your brand message too. When you work with influencers who have strong engagement, your campaigns have a much better chance of driving authentic interactions and reaching people who genuinely care.
In contrast, a low Instagram engagement rate could suggest that an influencer’s following is either passive or disengaged, making it less likely that their audience will respond enthusiastically to your campaign.
Ultimately, the Instagram engagement rate helps you separate influencers who truly connect with their followers from those who might just have a large but unengaged audience.
What Is a Good Engagement Rate on Instagram?
Now that you have understood the basics, the obvious question is: what’s a good Instagram engagement rate? OR what is considered a good engagement rate on Instagram?
A good engagement rate on Instagram varies widely due to factors such as industry, audience size, and content type. However, a general rule of thumb is that an engagement rate between 1% - 3% is considered average, 3% - 6% is considered good, and above 6% is excellent.
Rates below 1% are typically considered low and may indicate that the audience is not actively interacting with the content. However, it's important to remember that this rate heavily depends on the type of influencers. Because of the varying number of followers for each influencer, the engagement rate also differs.
For example, an influencer with 10 million followers may have a lower engagement rate of 3%, which would still be considered good. At the same time, an influencer with only 20,000 followers would be expected to have a higher rate of being considered good.
Moreover, the Instagram engagement rate also depends on the industry. For instance, travel influencers may have a lower engagement rate compared to fashion influencers. This is mainly due to the nature of their content.
By understanding these factors, you can understand whether the an instagram engagement rate is good or not.
How to Calculate Engagement Rate on Instagram?
Calculating the Instagram engagement rate is simple. You start by adding up the total number of likes and comments on a post, which is the total interaction. Then, divide this by the total number of followers the influencer has.
To get the engagement rate, multiply the result by 100 to convert it into a percentage. Hence, the formula:
Engagement Rate (%) = `(Total Interaction / Total Followers) * 100`
It's important to calculate this rate for a variety of posts to get a more accurate average engagement rate.
Let's illustrate this with an example.
Suppose an influencer has a follower count of 20,000. They post a picture that receives 1,000 likes, 200 comments, and 75 shares. This gives a total interaction count of 1,275 (1,000 likes + 200 comments + 75 shares). Using the formula we discussed earlier, the calculation would be:
(1,275 / 20,000) * 100 = 6.375%
This means the influencer has an engagement rate of 6.375% for that particular post. However, remember that it's crucial to calculate engagement rates for several posts to get a more accurate average engagement rate.
Factors Affecting Instagram Engagement Rate
Let’s say you are launching a campaign and want to achieve a good Instagram engagement rate. How do we do that? You need to first identify factors that affect Instagram engagement rate and then leverage them.
Here’s a breakdown of the major engagement-boosting factors on Instagram—and tips to make them work for you.
1. Content Quality:
High-quality content is the foundation of engagement. Think about it: clear, high-resolution photos and videos with thoughtful editing draw in viewers. But it’s not just about looks—captions matter too.
For example, if you're a fitness brand, pairing a visually appealing workout video with an inspiring or instructional caption can make a big difference in likes, saves, and comments. High-quality content is memorable and provides value, whether through information, inspiration, or entertainment.
2. Posting Frequency:
How often should you post? Too few posts can make followers forget about you, while too many can lead to “content fatigue” or even unfollows.
Start by experimenting—if you’re in the fashion niche, try posting 3-4 times a week, but mix it up with stories and reels to keep it fresh. Track engagement data to discover what frequency works best with your audience, and aim for consistency.
3. Audience Relevance:
It’s crucial to know your audience inside and out. Content that speaks directly to their interests drives higher engagement.
For instance, if your audience is into travel, use location tags, post breathtaking travel shots, and share insider tips. Regularly check your audience demographics and insights to keep your content aligned with their preferences.
4. Timing of Posts:
When you post can be just as important as what you post. Test different posting times to find when your audience is most active.
For example, if you have a predominantly U.S.-based audience, posting in the late morning or early evening might yield better results than at midnight. Tools like Instagram Insights help track peak engagement times, giving you an edge in timing your content right.
5. Use of Hashtags:
Hashtags are a powerful way to expand your reach. Use a combination of popular, niche, and branded hashtags to attract new followers. For example, if you’re a fitness influencer, mixing popular tags like #FitnessJourney with niche-specific ones like #HIITWorkoutsForBeginners can help you reach a wider yet relevant audience.
Just remember not to overdo it—10-15 hashtags are generally ideal for discoverability without seeming spammy.
6. Algorithm Changes:
Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes content that garners quick engagement. Stay informed about updates to make sure your posts aren’t left behind. For instance, carousel posts are currently favored, as users tend to spend more time swiping through each slide. Keep experimenting with trending formats and monitor which ones gain the most engagement.
7. Story and Video Content:
Incorporating diverse content types like stories, reels, and live videos can maximize engagement. Instagram users tend to love video content—whether it’s a quick tutorial, a behind-the-scenes clip, or a Q&A session. For example, if you’re a skincare brand, you might create reels showing easy skincare routines or answer audience questions live. Stories, with interactive features like polls and questions, offer even more ways to engage directly with followers.
By focusing on these factors, you can develop a more effective Instagram marketing strategy that boosts engagement and develops a stronger connection with your audience.
The Takeaway
Done ready? Then you know what’s a good Instagram engagement rate and how you can find one. That being said, everyone knows that calculating the engagement rate for each potential influencer is a tedious process. You need to research the influencers manually, copy their link profile, and paste it on an engagement rate checker tool. The process has to be repeated until you find the right Instagram influencer.
So what’s the alternative? SocialiQ. It’s a free Chrome extension for Instagram marketers to help them find the right influencers. Add it to your Chrome and simply browse through any Instagram profiles you like.
The extension will offer insights like the profile engagement rate, total posts, posts per week, average likes, and more. As a result, you get a wider picture of the potential Instagram influencers and facilitate the decision-making process.
Download SocialiQ for free and see how easy it is to get the engagement rate of Instagram profiles.
Furthermore, you can also get insights into profiles on platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
Evaluating an influencer’s engagement rate on Instagram is more than just a number game—it’s a window into their real connection with followers and the power of their influence.
For brands, engagement rate is a key metric that can make or break your marketing strategy, signaling whether an influencer can drive meaningful interactions with your target audience.
So, what exactly is a “good” engagement rate on Instagram, and how can you measure it effectively? Let’s unpack the numbers, share industry benchmarks, and help you find influencers who truly resonate with their communities.What is Engagement Rate?
What is Instagram Engagement Rate?
The Instagram engagement rate is a key metric that shows just how connected an influencer’s followers are with their content. It measures the interactions—likes, comments, and shares—that a post receives, reflecting the audience’s level of interest and investment. For brands, this metric is incredibly valuable when selecting influencers, as it gives insight into whether an influencer’s content resonates or just fades into the feed.
A high Instagram engagement rate signals that followers aren’t just scrolling by; they’re stopping, reacting, and connecting. This matters because it indicates that the influencer has built a loyal, active community—one that’s likely to pay attention to your brand message too. When you work with influencers who have strong engagement, your campaigns have a much better chance of driving authentic interactions and reaching people who genuinely care.
In contrast, a low Instagram engagement rate could suggest that an influencer’s following is either passive or disengaged, making it less likely that their audience will respond enthusiastically to your campaign.
Ultimately, the Instagram engagement rate helps you separate influencers who truly connect with their followers from those who might just have a large but unengaged audience.
What Is a Good Engagement Rate on Instagram?
Now that you have understood the basics, the obvious question is: what’s a good Instagram engagement rate? OR what is considered a good engagement rate on Instagram?
A good engagement rate on Instagram varies widely due to factors such as industry, audience size, and content type. However, a general rule of thumb is that an engagement rate between 1% - 3% is considered average, 3% - 6% is considered good, and above 6% is excellent.
Rates below 1% are typically considered low and may indicate that the audience is not actively interacting with the content. However, it's important to remember that this rate heavily depends on the type of influencers. Because of the varying number of followers for each influencer, the engagement rate also differs.
For example, an influencer with 10 million followers may have a lower engagement rate of 3%, which would still be considered good. At the same time, an influencer with only 20,000 followers would be expected to have a higher rate of being considered good.
Moreover, the Instagram engagement rate also depends on the industry. For instance, travel influencers may have a lower engagement rate compared to fashion influencers. This is mainly due to the nature of their content.
By understanding these factors, you can understand whether the an instagram engagement rate is good or not.
How to Calculate Engagement Rate on Instagram?
Calculating the Instagram engagement rate is simple. You start by adding up the total number of likes and comments on a post, which is the total interaction. Then, divide this by the total number of followers the influencer has.
To get the engagement rate, multiply the result by 100 to convert it into a percentage. Hence, the formula:
Engagement Rate (%) = `(Total Interaction / Total Followers) * 100`
It's important to calculate this rate for a variety of posts to get a more accurate average engagement rate.
Let's illustrate this with an example.
Suppose an influencer has a follower count of 20,000. They post a picture that receives 1,000 likes, 200 comments, and 75 shares. This gives a total interaction count of 1,275 (1,000 likes + 200 comments + 75 shares). Using the formula we discussed earlier, the calculation would be:
(1,275 / 20,000) * 100 = 6.375%
This means the influencer has an engagement rate of 6.375% for that particular post. However, remember that it's crucial to calculate engagement rates for several posts to get a more accurate average engagement rate.
Factors Affecting Instagram Engagement Rate
Let’s say you are launching a campaign and want to achieve a good Instagram engagement rate. How do we do that? You need to first identify factors that affect Instagram engagement rate and then leverage them.
Here’s a breakdown of the major engagement-boosting factors on Instagram—and tips to make them work for you.
1. Content Quality:
High-quality content is the foundation of engagement. Think about it: clear, high-resolution photos and videos with thoughtful editing draw in viewers. But it’s not just about looks—captions matter too.
For example, if you're a fitness brand, pairing a visually appealing workout video with an inspiring or instructional caption can make a big difference in likes, saves, and comments. High-quality content is memorable and provides value, whether through information, inspiration, or entertainment.
2. Posting Frequency:
How often should you post? Too few posts can make followers forget about you, while too many can lead to “content fatigue” or even unfollows.
Start by experimenting—if you’re in the fashion niche, try posting 3-4 times a week, but mix it up with stories and reels to keep it fresh. Track engagement data to discover what frequency works best with your audience, and aim for consistency.
3. Audience Relevance:
It’s crucial to know your audience inside and out. Content that speaks directly to their interests drives higher engagement.
For instance, if your audience is into travel, use location tags, post breathtaking travel shots, and share insider tips. Regularly check your audience demographics and insights to keep your content aligned with their preferences.
4. Timing of Posts:
When you post can be just as important as what you post. Test different posting times to find when your audience is most active.
For example, if you have a predominantly U.S.-based audience, posting in the late morning or early evening might yield better results than at midnight. Tools like Instagram Insights help track peak engagement times, giving you an edge in timing your content right.
5. Use of Hashtags:
Hashtags are a powerful way to expand your reach. Use a combination of popular, niche, and branded hashtags to attract new followers. For example, if you’re a fitness influencer, mixing popular tags like #FitnessJourney with niche-specific ones like #HIITWorkoutsForBeginners can help you reach a wider yet relevant audience.
Just remember not to overdo it—10-15 hashtags are generally ideal for discoverability without seeming spammy.
6. Algorithm Changes:
Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes content that garners quick engagement. Stay informed about updates to make sure your posts aren’t left behind. For instance, carousel posts are currently favored, as users tend to spend more time swiping through each slide. Keep experimenting with trending formats and monitor which ones gain the most engagement.
7. Story and Video Content:
Incorporating diverse content types like stories, reels, and live videos can maximize engagement. Instagram users tend to love video content—whether it’s a quick tutorial, a behind-the-scenes clip, or a Q&A session. For example, if you’re a skincare brand, you might create reels showing easy skincare routines or answer audience questions live. Stories, with interactive features like polls and questions, offer even more ways to engage directly with followers.
By focusing on these factors, you can develop a more effective Instagram marketing strategy that boosts engagement and develops a stronger connection with your audience.
The Takeaway
Done ready? Then you know what’s a good Instagram engagement rate and how you can find one. That being said, everyone knows that calculating the engagement rate for each potential influencer is a tedious process. You need to research the influencers manually, copy their link profile, and paste it on an engagement rate checker tool. The process has to be repeated until you find the right Instagram influencer.
So what’s the alternative? SocialiQ. It’s a free Chrome extension for Instagram marketers to help them find the right influencers. Add it to your Chrome and simply browse through any Instagram profiles you like.
The extension will offer insights like the profile engagement rate, total posts, posts per week, average likes, and more. As a result, you get a wider picture of the potential Instagram influencers and facilitate the decision-making process.
Download SocialiQ for free and see how easy it is to get the engagement rate of Instagram profiles.
Furthermore, you can also get insights into profiles on platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered a good engagement rate on Instagram?
What is considered a good engagement rate on Instagram?
What is considered a good engagement rate on Instagram?
How do you calculate Instagram engagement rate?
How do you calculate Instagram engagement rate?
How do you calculate Instagram engagement rate?
Why is Instagram engagement rate important for brands working with influencers?
Why is Instagram engagement rate important for brands working with influencers?
Why is Instagram engagement rate important for brands working with influencers?
What factors can influence an Instagram engagement rate?
What factors can influence an Instagram engagement rate?
What factors can influence an Instagram engagement rate?
How often should you check an influencer’s engagement rate?
How often should you check an influencer’s engagement rate?
How often should you check an influencer’s engagement rate?
What’s the difference between engagement rate and follower count?
What’s the difference between engagement rate and follower count?
What’s the difference between engagement rate and follower count?
What tools can I use to calculate Instagram engagement rate?
What tools can I use to calculate Instagram engagement rate?
What tools can I use to calculate Instagram engagement rate?
Author Bio
Author Bio
Rashmi Singh
Rashmi Singh
Rashmi Singh is a writer and strategist with more than 7 years of experience. When not writing, she is either spending time with her friends or planning her next trip. You can learn more about her here.
Rashmi Singh is a writer and strategist with more than 7 years of experience. When not writing, she is either spending time with her friends or planning her next trip. You can learn more about her here.
We Also Recommend To Read
Find, analyze, and contact influencers from a database of over 250 million profiles.
Find, analyze, and contact influencers from a database of over 250 million profiles.
Find, analyze, and contact influencers from a database of over 250 million profiles.
14-Day Free Trial. No Credit-Card Needed
Join over 15000+ SocialiQ users who have installed this free Chrome extension to search, analyze, save, and contact influencers directly on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.
20K+ Active Users
May be Later
Join over 15000+ SocialiQ users who have installed this free Chrome extension to search, analyze, save, and contact influencers directly on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.
20K+ Active Users
May be Later
Join over 15000+ SocialiQ users who have installed this free Chrome extension to search, analyze, save, and contact influencers directly on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.
20K+ Active Users
May be Later