How Often Should Businesses Post on Instagram in 2025
In 2025, the rules of Instagram engagement are clearer than ever—and so are the risks of getting it wrong. Post too much, and you risk burning out your audience. Post too little, and you disappear from their feed entirely. If you run a small business in Vancouver or anywhere nearby, striking the right balance could be the difference between growing your brand… or fading into the algorithm abyss. This guide breaks down how often to post each week, month, and year—backed by data and real-world strategy—to help you build visibility without wasting time.
The Current State of Instagram Engagement
Let’s get straight to it: Instagram engagement is down across the board. In January 2024, the median engagement rate was 2.94%. A year later? 0.61%. That’s a massive drop, and it’s affecting everyone—creators, brands, and local businesses alike. Fewer likes and comments doesn’t mean you’re failing. It just means the platform has changed. Users want quality. They want relevance. And they want it at a pace that feels natural—not forced. That’s where your content strategy has to evolve.
How Often Should You Really Post?
We recommend most small to medium businesses stick to 2–3 posts per week. This hits the sweet spot for staying visible while avoiding audience fatigue. It gives you time to plan, shoot, write, and engage—without rushing out filler content. Over a month, that’s about 8–12 posts. Over a year, it adds up to 100–150 solid posts that actually matter. And here’s the thing: if you’re seeing real engagement—say, 50+ comments per post or consistent growth—scale up. Post 4 or even 5 times a week. Test new content types. Ride the momentum. But don’t force it. Quality first, always.
Why Reels Still Dominate
If you’re only posting photos in 2025, you’re leaving reach on the table. Reels now make up 38.5% of all feed posts—and for good reason. Short-form videos grab attention fast, boost your discoverability, and trigger the algorithm in your favor. Businesses that include Reels in their weekly rotation see 49% more engagement than those that don’t. One to two Reels per week is a good start. Show your product in action, answer a question, or highlight your team. It’s not about going viral—it’s about being seen.
Diversify Your Content, Not Just the Format
Your audience isn’t all the same, so don’t treat your content like it is. Mix it up with:
Reels – Quick, authentic, and highly shareable
Carousels – Ideal for storytelling or tutorials
Photos – Clean, branded, and consistent
Stories – Raw and real-time for daily updates
A 2–3 post/week schedule doesn’t mean every post looks the same. Each format offers something different—and when combined strategically, they help build trust and keep followers engaged.
Plan with a Simple 4-1-1 Content Mix
A strong content plan keeps your message fresh and effective. Try this ratio:
4 value posts (tips, how-tos, behind-the-scenes)
1 soft promo (reminders about your services)
1 hard sell (special offers, CTAs, launches)
This method keeps your feed useful, not salesy—while still driving conversions when it counts.
Keep the Algorithm on Your Side
Want your content to show up more often? Here's what Instagram's algorithm actually likes in 2025:
Engagement: Comments > likes. Start conversations.
Relevance: Use keywords, hashtags, and captions that match your niche.
Timeliness: Recency matters. Don’t sit on your content too long.
And don’t forget: the more people who interact with your posts early on, the better they’ll perform overall. Ask questions. Invite replies. Respond to comments fast.
Vancouver Businesses: This Is Your Moment
If you're a small business in Vancouver, Burnaby, or North Van, you already know Instagram isn’t just for influencers—it’s your digital storefront. Whether you're selling coffee, custom woodwork, tattoos, skincare, or software, your customers are scrolling. Right now. And they’re sizing you up based on your Instagram page. How you show up matters. How often you show up might matter even more.
Ready to Light Up Your Feed?
If you’re tired of guessing when and what to post, Campfire Media is here to help. We’re a father-son duo based in Vancouver, offering simple, affordable Instagram management, business photography, Reels production, and content planning that actually works. We charge $250/month—not thousands—and you get exactly the help you need. Check out our current prices for social media management here.
Campfire Media is a Vancouver-based digital marketing agency that specializes in social media management, photography, video production, graphic design, website design, and more. If you’re looking to take your business to the next level, we’re currently offering some amazing promos! Check out our prices page for more details, and feel free to message us through our contact page to get started. We’d love to work with you and help elevate your brand.