Instagram is a much-loved photo-sharing and social networking site. However, as with most social networks, if you're new to Instagram, you may need some help using it and learning the etiquette.

These top tips for newbies will help you become a popular and engaging Instagram user. And while your chances of becoming an influencer are remote, you can have lots of fun trying.

1. Spread Out Your Posts Over Time

One of the first Instagram tips goes for any social network, blogging platform, or content curation service: spread out your posts over time.

Whether intentional or unintentional, you shouldn't forget to post for weeks at a time and then suddenly flood your followers with dozens of photos in a single day.

Depending on how many followers you already have, you probably shouldn't post more than twice a day, otherwise, your followers might get sick of seeing you in their feed, no matter how great your photos might be.

The good news is that Instagram has a scheduling tool in the app that you can use for both normal posts and Reels. You'll find apps to schedule Instagram posts, too. So, if you're short on time, you might find that either of these are a better option for staying consistent.

2. Use Hashtags Wisely

There is nothing more annoying on Instagram than looking up a hashtag and finding it spammed with photos that don't relate to the topic. And over the years, Instagram has gotten much smarter in stopping this tactic from being so effective.

While you should never use hashtags that are not relevant to your photo, you should definitely select a few hashtags to get your photo more exposure.

Generally speaking, a good approach to hashtags is to use them for telling Instagram what your post is—allowing it to show your content to more people with similar interests.

3. Post a Mixture of Content

Once upon a time, Instagram was only about photos. Those days, however, are long gone. If you want to grow your Instagram page, posting a mixture of Reels and static images is a good idea.

Reels are short-form videos that allow you to provide tips, recap a day that you enjoyed, and much more. You can try several unique Instagram Reels ideas, and posting these regularly can help you reach a broader audience than would otherwise be the case.

At the same time, you shouldn't completely ignore photos. You can post one image at a time, but Instagram also lets you share up to 10 in a carousel. To make carousels, you can also use Photoshop and various other editing tools.

4. Avoid Posting Too Many Selfies

While there's nothing wrong with posting a few self-portraits, don't let selfies dominate your Instagram feed.

If you're stuck for ideas on what else to post, you might want to consider sharing photo dumps on Instagram as a starting point.

5. Never Ask for a Shoutout

Another common mistake that people who are new to Instagram regularly make is asking for shoutouts. Asking for attention, or asking users with a lot of followers for a shoutout, only makes you look desperate.

If you want to be noticed on Instagram, let it be for the value you provide to others—and not just because you asked someone else.

6. Know When and How to Reciprocate

Any social network involves a delicate balance of not expecting reciprocation but also reciprocating when you can.

For example, don't follow a user and unfollow them days later if they don't return the favor. You also should not feel obliged to follow other users back.

How you can reciprocate, however, is that if someone leaves a thoughtful comment on your photo, try to do the same for them. If someone likes a photo or two of yours, find a photo or two of theirs that you can add to your favorites.

However, as is the case with following users back, only add photos to your favorites if you genuinely like them. You can always use Instagram's web-based interface to make that task of reciprocation a little bit easier.

7. Don't Flood Other Users With Likes

Many Instagram users have a habit of checking out your feed and then giving you 10 or 20 likes in a row.

While this can come across as flattering at first, it can also be a little frustrating—especially if you have notifications on your phone turned on.

Rather than flood a user with a ton of likes, pick two or three photos that really stand out and like them. Otherwise, it can come across as an effort to get likes back, rather than a genuine compliment.

8. Consider Creating Multiple Accounts

While you might want an Instagram account for personal use, the app has several benefits for other things you might be interested in. For example, if you're a photographer, you can use the app to share your best work and potentially attract clients. And if you have another kind of business, you can share your top tips within your niche to become a thought leader.

Trying to keep everything on one account can result in your profile lacking direction. A better option in these instances is to create multiple Instagram accounts; you can sign in to each of these on your smartphone. Alternatively, you may wish to keep one on your phone and log into the other(s) from the Instagram web app.

9. Chill With the Filters

Yes, we all know that Instagram has dozens of fun filters. And there is no doubt that if your photo is drab and washed out, filters can quickly add some sparkle.

However, seasoned Instagram users are wise to them. If you're trying to show off the quality of your work, you're not going to win fans by using simple auto-filters.

You can use tools like Lightroom CC, which is available on your smartphone. Alternatively, Photoshop Express—which is free—might interest you.

Slow and Steady Wins the Race With Instagram

Don't expect to create a new Instagram account and have thousands of followers within a month. Growing an Instagram following requires time, dedication, and consistency.

Just like anything, unless you're prepared to put in the effort, you will never see the rewards. But given enough time and effort, you will get noticed.