Can You Start an Instagram with 0 Followers? Here's the Truth

Starting an Instagram account with zero followers can feel a bit like setting sail into the unknown. You have no audience, no recognition, just an empty profile staring back at you. But can you actually make it work? The short answer: Yes! But how? Well, that’s where things get a little more complicated.

Let’s break down what it really takes to build a solid Instagram following from scratch.

The Struggle is Real – Starting with Zero Followers

Let’s be honest, it’s tough. You open Instagram for the first time, set up your bio, and bam! You’re staring at 0 followers. You feel like a tiny fish in a massive sea of social media influencers and content creators. But here’s the catch: almost everyone starts somewhere. Even the big accounts you envy had 0 followers once.

Starting from zero doesn’t mean you can’t eventually grow to a massive community of engaged followers. It's more about how you approach this zero-follower stage. You need a plan. You need strategy. And yeah, you need a bit of patience.

Why Starting with Zero Followers is Actually an Advantage

So, you’re at zero. But that’s not a bad thing. In fact, it might even be an advantage. Think about it: you’re not dealing with the pressure of existing followers who might expect certain content or vibes. You’re free to experiment, find your niche, and learn what your audience actually wants from scratch. It’s like being a blank canvas. How cool is that?

I remember when I first started. I had zero followers, and the temptation to get discouraged was so real. I was like, “Why even bother?” But then, something clicked. I realized that I wasn’t tied down by expectations, and that freedom gave me the chance to build something unique.

How to Build Your Instagram Following from Scratch

Now let’s get into the nitty-gritty: how do you actually grow your account from nothing?

1. Optimize Your Profile

Alright, first things first. If your profile isn’t on point, then what’s the point, right? Your Instagram bio, profile picture, and overall aesthetic need to scream “this is who I am.” Don’t just throw together random images and half-baked descriptions.

Your bio is crucial. It’s like your first handshake with potential followers. If it’s not compelling, they’ll move on. Be clear, concise, and give them a reason to follow you. Show your personality and make it engaging. Trust me, it works.

2. Create Engaging Content

You can’t build a following if your content doesn’t stand out. The problem is, creating engaging content from the get-go is HARD. I mean, it takes time to understand your audience and their preferences.

When I first started posting, I remember being stuck between two completely different types of content. One was super polished and professional, and the other was more laid-back and raw. I ended up posting both and, shockingly, the raw posts got way more engagement! People like authenticity. It took me a while to realize that—looking back, it was frustrating to not know exactly what worked.

3. Consistency is Key

Here’s the thing that’s tough: if you want to grow, you gotta post consistently. You can’t just post once every two weeks and expect results. Whether it’s daily, a few times a week, or whatever fits your schedule, you need to show up. Regular content gets you noticed, and the algorithm loves it.

One of my good friends, Mark, started an Instagram account and was posting at least once a day for the first three months. Did he have a lot of followers right away? Nope. But after three months, he saw consistent growth. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

Getting Those First Followers

Let’s face it: the hardest part of growing on Instagram is getting your first few followers. You don’t have the social proof that makes people want to follow you.

1. Use Hashtags Wisely

Hashtags are a game-changer when it comes to visibility. If you use them right, they can push your posts in front of people who have never heard of you. Don’t go overboard with generic hashtags like #love or #instagood—be specific! Research hashtags that are relevant to your niche. I made the mistake of overusing popular hashtags at first, and honestly, it didn’t help. When I focused on more targeted, niche hashtags, I noticed more engagement.

2. Engage with Others

It’s not enough to post and hope people find you. You have to engage with other accounts. Comment, like, and start conversations. This is probably the most time-consuming part of growing an Instagram, but it’s also the most rewarding. When you interact with others, you increase the chances that they’ll check out your profile—and maybe even follow you.

I remember messaging a few people whose content I loved when I started. They were kind enough to check out my account, and some followed me back. That engagement gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward.

3. Collaborate with Others

Collaborations are one of the fastest ways to grow. Find like-minded accounts in your niche and collaborate on content. Whether it’s shout-outs, guest posts, or joint projects, collaborating opens you up to new followers who share similar interests. I’ve seen some accounts grow exponentially after just one successful collaboration. So don’t be shy—reach out!

Patience and Persistence: The Key Ingredients

Honestly, growing your Instagram from zero will test your patience. You’re not going to go viral overnight (sorry to burst that bubble). You have to stick with it, keep improving your content, and trust that the followers will come in time.

One mistake I made early on was chasing immediate numbers. I was obsessed with the follower count and forgot why I started in the first place: to create something I was proud of. Now, I focus on quality and engagement, and the numbers follow. It’s a slow burn, but it’s worth it.

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Start an Instagram with Zero Followers!

So here’s the bottom line: yes, you can totally start an Instagram account with zero followers. It’s not easy, but it’s definitely possible. With the right approach—optimizing your profile, creating engaging content, staying consistent, and connecting with others—you’ll grow your account in no time.

Is it frustrating at times? Absolutely. But I promise, it’s all part of the journey. Keep at it, stay authentic, and above all—enjoy the process. Before you know it, those 0 followers will turn into something much bigger. Trust me on this one!

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.