How to get your first 5,000 Instagram followers (musicians)

Getting from a few hundred followers to 5,000 can be super challenging.
In this episode of Artist Toolkit, Sam runs you through a few tactics and things to watch out for, if you’re just starting out on Instagram and you’re a musician.
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Getting from a few hundred followers to 5,000 can be super challenging.
In this episode of Artist Toolkit, Sam runs you through a few tactics and things to watch out for, if you’re just starting out on Instagram and you’re a musician.
Sam Blakelock is an LA-based guitarist and educator. He's also the founder of Pickup Music. Sam has his Master's Degree in jazz performance, travelled the world gigging, and plays an influential role in the online guitar community.
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[@mikkomattila7444]

Most difficult part is your skills. Some people think they are great and actually they suck. Some people think they are not great, but they are way better than many. Key is to get super self-aware, develop your craft constantly

[@andrescoll5815]

realest comment on here

[@lotustape3143]

this advice is on point

[@LynzCrichton]

Truth!

[@RuboXing]

Word ! When you have a quality very good brand the only thing thatbleft is to do a good marketing

[@grupom3902]

Now a days no one likes to support smaller artists they see us as wannabes who will never do anything

[@jaycovers604]

What's your handle

[@lilwicked172]

for real though

[@itsjayvincent]

Facts

[@emilyrose5342]

Jmc1285 facts

[@ihatezihee6087]

than blow they mind and do sum different

[@HonoluluWhoCares]

Really digged how this video felt very genuine. You're not putting on some persona or anything but just talking to us like humans. Subscribed

[@JaydeYang]

Thanks for this video. Instagram gets so stressful when you don’t know how to grow and get real followers.

[@LynzCrichton]

True! ALL of it is pretty stressful when there's so much to do as an Independent musician right?!

[@shouvik_chaz]

These tips really seem genuine and to the point. The way the video ends without any extra bit of talking is quite impressive! Being a music content creator myself, I will definitely put these to use . Thanks buddy :)

[@Pickupjazz]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching.

[@r_sanrm4910]

🔴 Increase followers with 👉 in'sta'crease 👈 -Yesterday you said tomorrow- (00:46)

[@ashleyrivera6831]

This was helpful. I'm new to the game so i'm excited to try out these tips. thanks!

[@dope_juarez4502]

Did it work ?

[@swizz4485]

@@dope_juarez4502 don’t you just hate when they don’t reply back, like I’m trynna see if it really works before wasting my time. Lmao 🤣

[@HeatherSavonne]

This was very helpful to me. Currently watching in December 2020. I have around 2,400 followers on Instagram. I am a musician trying to grow my following to that first 5K. Slow but surely growing. I will definately be using your tips and tricks!

[@derniertriangle5930]

and now ?

[@kasvision1593]

I'm a producer/Rapper/song writer I just started learning guitar in 2018 I learned over 50 songs and can play more than 45 mins. I want to follow you Follow For Follow? I'm about to start upload 6 guitar videos a week starting this week

[@merakighosts7790]

Great honest video about how to do it the right way. Shame about all these spam people in the comments who think you can download an app or pay a price and have followers. Then what, they won't be real, or care, an honest connection was never made there. You have to put in the groundwork organicly to gain any kind of true real existing following of poeple that actually like and believe in your art/music/wriring/playing etc. Or get lucky by going viral but even then it's usually by putting in the groundwork that will lead to that. Much love

[@effisummerscreative]

I agree. It's so much better to have a small very engaged audience than a big empty one :)

[@rivervlogs274]

Ooh this was good,really informative! Thanks for the tips :) I cannot wait to implement them and see what happens...Keep up the good content👍

[@robertnewton3392]

Some stuff I’ve never heard articulated before. Great video.

[@mouthymusicrecords]

That cactus makes this video #majestic.....
Perhaps a cactus is whats missing in my videos...?
Thanks for all the Ideas, Sam!
-Jon

[@effisummerscreative]

Cactuses are life

[@advancedgaming700]

This is amazing content. It helped me a lot! I’ve subbed you!!

[@greensloth5125]

Istg the first tip is so legit cuz I've seen ppl who've just begun keyboard upload 'piano covers'

[@effisummerscreative]

This is such an informative video :) I feel you should enjoy your social media marketing and if you're not, then something needs to change. Make content that you love and that your audience will love and engage with accounts that inspire you or are in a similar field. Network with the idea to meet new people and be inspired, rather than just to 'gain followers'. This way you'll really enjoy the process.
And please make sure your branding and visuals are on point because this is the first thing people will see when they go on your profile! :)

[@samarmundi7032]

Thanks Sam this is great stuff!

[@nickvalentine8397]

Him:"Step one, be talented."
Me: "ok i give up"

[@amedsedal]

I learned tons from this video. I am now a lifetime sub!

[@rahulsinghrewa]

Thanku so much..from today onwards..will do all these thinks.. currently i have exact 1500 followers.❤️😊

[@d-burk2310]

Hey man I appreciate all the advice honestly

[@gaellesfancies]

Thanks for the great advice your channel is awesome !!!

[@nayanjyotineog9382]

Thank you so much for this...it is really helpful ❤️

[@DavidWardenMusic]

Really love your advice!! Keep it up!

[@baranozkan3435]

I have just subscribed to you, thanks for uploading this.

[@KevinEdwardMusic]

beautiful video very informative! I learned a lot!

[@ThomasParrish]

great video mate

[@bre5446]

One of the most informative videos ive ever seen on the subject. Can you elaborate on collaboration with artists?

[@LynzCrichton]

Reach out to other artists who are in a similar genre/niche to you and reach out to them to ask if you can go live together, play a song together, or even 'interview' each other or create a guest post for each other's IG. This way, IF your audiences are similar, you'll both be exposed to new people who you know already like your music, and you'll both grow x

[@GWADuke]

Needed to hear this right here

[@Freaky666Kami]

awesome advice man! thanks!

[@devanshbhatia2518]

Nice video man 😊. Thanks for the tips i will definitely use all these tips to grow.

[@Pickupjazz]

have fun and good luck! 😄

[@THELAPTAPPINGGUY]

I really love that idea to post a comment on the other musician posts 🔥

[@ncs-alfred8808]

very helpfull thanks so much for this guide!

[@jovantemusic68]

Great tips, thanks!

[@reevelopez6277]

Thats great info! Thanks!

[@ThomasJakobMusic]

You're talking abt videos. Is that for the feed or stories? Since you're saying 'vertical vids' ....

[@ThomasJakobMusic]

Thanks for the vid. Great shirt.

[@adamowl]

besides the audience is a community, I believe, artists of their own field must collaborate, help and support each other.

[@trenchgodd6910]

That’s what I thought

[@shanshan___official]

Great video, thank you!

[@surajwahengbam]

Thank you a lot for the advice 😁

[@albertofficial180]

Thank you bro for the tips

[@Pickupjazz]

Thanks for watching Albert! 🤘🏼

[@joshuacedars8849]

So helpful!

[@kabirsalman151]

I recommend [e-mail] on he’s the best getting people verified at affordable price trust me or text him on WhatsApp ‪[phone]‑4730‬....

[@HK_Musician]

Thanks good video!

[@hustlingjohn]

thanks bro 🖤

[@queeniesongs]

Very sensible! Thank you for this -- personally, I would follow an artist on Instagram or anywhere else who paid attention to these things. Perhaps I already am following them!

[@Pickupjazz]

Thanks! haha yes very true

[@ranchoregio6835]

Awesome! Thanks

[@kabirsalman151]

I recommend [e-mail] on he’s the best getting people verified at affordable price trust me or text him on WhatsApp ‪[phone]‑4730‬....

[@Jowys]

Another week of value

[@kabirsalman151]

I recommend [e-mail] on he’s the best getting people verified at affordable price trust me or text him on WhatsApp ‪[phone]‑4730‬....

[@newmovie28]

Tnx for information.. Love from india ❤️

[@jimiwest]

Nice advice

[@justinm.1]

Can you do an updated version of this? Because nice algorithm 🙃

[@LynzCrichton]

I just did one if you fancy watching.... 😉

[@karisikenstantane]

Not quite sure why this post has many dislikes even though I just gave you a thumbs up!

[@musicishealing7956]

I appreciate this helpful video! I'll remember to post mostly videos on Instagram, not just photos.

[@cilia3779]

Hey there, great short and comprehensive video. I have a question about the comment writing. So in every video i watch it's suggested to look for music related hashtags and comment posts of a similar field. But what I notice is that most of the people around there are the same as me- musicians trying the same thing, getting followers -more than they follow back. So this marketing tactic feels like kinda runnin in circles. Since my target group is not other musicians, but just normal people who love to listen to music as they could love mine. But it feels like they don't really find me and can't be reached under hashtags like musician, musicproduction etc... Also as a result it feels like the algorithm is mostly showing me to other musicians - which is as elaborated counterproductive - instead of people who could just like my music and be potential fans. But maybe it's the only way to start building a base though? Does anybody have opinions on that, or any advices? Thank you!

[@kabirsalman151]

I recommend [e-mail] on he’s the best getting people verified at affordable price trust me or text him on WhatsApp ‪[phone]‑4730‬....

[@LynzCrichton]

Agreed Cilia! Perhaps you could try and comment on music accounts that are bigger than you instead. This way you're adding to the conversation already happening on accounts which have a bigger audience than you, but still in your niche so you know people commenting are FANS of that style/genre of music, rather than going after music hashtags, which as you say are overpopulated with musicians!

[@uddritasharma853]

I tested it, cool

[@darkowlentertainment]

Talent and skills are two different things

[@notjahmi1862]

How so

[@aurorabreez1]

Thank you❤❤🙏

[@TomMoore]

Any suggestions on what kind of videos to be posting 5-7 times a week? Performance videos, talking?

[@LynzCrichton]

YES! definitely performance vids as that's your zone of genius 😉but if you need more ideas, you could always try some 'Guess the Intro' Reels for fun and better reach, or 'guess the guitar riff' kinda vids which people like to engage with and comment on. Also talking videos are great when you talk about the behind the scenes stuff, like the story behind your music, WHY you make music etc. p.s. Just been listening to your Mouths 'Make Hieroglyphics' track - you got skills! 🤩 🙌🏻 🎶

[@ludvig.widmark]

Thanks!

[@Pickupjazz]

🤘🏼

[@himanshi1557]

THANKYOU 🙏🏻

[@kabirsalman151]

I recommend [e-mail] on he’s the best getting people verified at affordable price trust me or text him on WhatsApp ‪[phone]‑4730‬....

[@varkha1007]

Oh nice video

[@gastonwendler8110]

I loved the video, you have to take out that gate on your sound tho, is annoying when listening with headphones. Just positive feedback!

[@NXT_Nena]

As an artist. Should I have a main ig page with my life and kids on it. And a SEPERATE page with my music ? Or should I jus have one page?

[@graou_paou]

I was thinking the same. I think separate accounts would be better.

[@killensalves]

Stop putting your kids on the internet

[@LynzCrichton]

Definitely two accounts. You can talk about things outside of the music on your music IG account, BUT they have to fit with your 'brand' 'values' or 'vibe'.

[@lucasfmusic5684]

yeah I have 1k followers just from friends but I’m excited to build more fans as followers

[@usamaworldview]

Yeah, I got 1000 followers at the moment

[@REGERICH]

For the boys

[@kabirsalman151]

I recommend [e-mail] on he’s the best getting people verified at affordable price trust me or text him on WhatsApp ‪[phone]‑4730‬....

[@duptenbhutia6771]

Why dont we just follow each other!!

[@cbrooksmusic]

Mines @chadbrooksmusic what’s yours man?

[@AlenaLarie]

@alenalarie I'll follow back

[@Beatsbychulo]

@@AlenaLarie @thebladesbeats

[@David-gm6vq]

@deadass_dave_

[@DanZoltani]

@dannyzoltani, I’ll follow back!

[@simontomalik1095]

wow actually sounds resonable , no bullshit through my filter thumbs up

[@Pickupjazz]

👍🤘

[@annakhachidze8969]

I confirm

[@DoobeeDoug]

Best video on the topic if you ask me

[@kabirsalman151]

I recommend [e-mail] on he’s the best getting people verified at affordable price trust me or text him on WhatsApp ‪[phone]‑4730‬....

[@becomingad]

Why place hashtags in the first comment rather than in your post?

[@Divs_thoughts]

Wow

[@LagaYouTube]

Yea, I have 1500 real followers at the moment

[@CrystalReneeMusic]

3:40

[@cutepets9862]

Good

[@stavvy1]

I look for " *tellmethedetails team* " in the browser always and thats all.

[@raistrick386]

Forget Instagram, get me some CZcams subs!!😂😂

[@kanayanel6117]

Hmmm, I think this is was helpful.

[@chokzpalew7749]

I've gotten so many active followers from Gramzilla. Just wanted to tell everyone about it.

[@billmainetv1311]

Best

[@emmanueloyaka8265]

Cool legit

[@mortengivskov4437]

Getting from 20-something is a challenge too. Feel free to send some love this way, if you like the music: instagram.com/cakeheadmusic/

[@akyt715]

Hi

[@kralosmanagacl63]

😞 midnight session perceive replacement measure

[@kasvision1593]

Can you do cover videos?

[@Pickupjazz]

Definitely! Plenty of musicians out there on social media are making covers and gaining a lot of attention for their originality

[@kutt3y735]

1:45 VIDEO ACTUALLY STARTS

[@johndoe_1984]

Just make a video explaining how to get more followers and you’ll get more followers.. 🙄

[@kabirsalman151]

I recommend [e-mail] on he’s the best getting people verified at affordable price trust me or text him on WhatsApp ‪[phone]‑4730‬....

[@mominasethi9998]

Beat

[@mrityunjaytandan3500]

i tried it, cool

[@hollowdidthisone]

can u stop paying people to sayy it worked?

[@falgunsharma6508]

are u stupid nigga?

[@walkdownag2769]

Nigga u stupid?

[@leycornsalako2830]

Hahahahha, sam likes money way too much 😂🤣.. who else heard him say $5,000 at exactly 5.13 mins?

[@diphylleia_grayi.1069]

hay

[@bhaveshukani2234]

QuickFollowz is working, all other websites just moves a progress bar and do absolutely nothing.

[@sivasspormacozetleri6997]

-iron birt sire ripe- 🥰 conscious swop miss tribute sour

[@jhaysoringa1523]

Jhay

[@ABEDD23]

FMOIG : ABEDDCeo Upcoming Artist Outta Columbia SC The Wave Krazy 💯✅🌞🎸 #CHECKKK✅ #ABEtheGANG

[@tabbywarrior]

What about youtube?

[@kabirsalman151]

I recommend [e-mail] on he’s the best getting people verified at affordable price trust me or text him on WhatsApp ‪[phone]‑4730‬....

[@californiamoonshine5005]

We are struggling. Nobody gives a shit about new bands or small market fan bases. We had an album release a month ago and we think it's really cool, we just haven't gotten anybody to grab onto it.

[@LynzCrichton]

You might want to consider HOW you're growing an audience for your music. What is working for you right now? I have videos on my channel about this but honestly, I have just listened to your "Harlan Road" and your music is great! Focus on finding more fans and connecting with them x

[@Fenerlihaberweb]

-frit mody look leon- 👌 conscious swop drama tribute stream

[@aurorabreez1]

Follow Me on Instagram❤⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
instagram.com/p/CQjeb-BhS9j/?

[@AGENTARMES]

7 videos a week? If u have a full time job and/or a family that’s virtually impossible.

[@sonsauvage]

Honestly man a lot of people on Instagram just buy their followers. It's undeniable man especially guitarists. Extremely unskilled and un-compelling, legit novice players with tens of thousands of followers

[@kabirsalman151]

I recommend [e-mail] on he’s the best getting people verified at affordable price trust me or text him on WhatsApp ‪[phone]‑4730‬....