Of all the engagement signals, comments are the heaviest. A like is a reflex; a comment is effort, and Instagram treats it that way. If you only optimize one metric, make it this one. Here's how to get more of them, reliably.
1. Ask one clear, easy question
We covered this in Lesson 6, and it's worth repeating because it's the single biggest factor: end posts with a specific, low-effort question. "Which one — left or right?" beats "Thoughts?" every time.
2. Reply to every comment, fast
Each reply is itself a comment, doubling your count — and it tells people you actually respond, so they comment more next time. In the crucial first hour, replying quickly also feeds the early-engagement burst the algorithm rewards. We go deeper in how to reply to comments and build loyal followers.
3. Post things people have opinions about
Comparisons, mild hot takes, "unpopular opinion" posts, and relatable everyday moments all invite people to chime in. Neutral, perfect-looking content gets admired in silence.
4. Run a giveaway when you want a surge
Nothing produces comments at the scale a giveaway does. A "comment to enter" post can collect hundreds or thousands of comments in hours — the exact signal that sends your post to Explore. The key is structuring the entry rule so the comments are easy and valuable; we cover that in giveaway entry rules that maximize engagement. When the giveaway ends, you'll want a fair way to pick from all those comments — which is exactly what the app below does.
Thousands of comments? Pick a winner in seconds
Easy Giveaway draws a fair, random winner from your Instagram comments instantly — no login required.
Next, how to fit all of this into a repeatable habit that takes about 30 minutes a day.