Free tools every Instagram creator should use

Growing on Instagram requires more than just posting great content. To stand out, increase engagement, and expand your reach, you need the right tools to optimize your strategy. Thankfully, there are plenty of free tools that help Instagram creators design stunning visuals, grow their audience, and track performance. Here are five essential tools every Instagram creator should be using.

1. Pixlr: Create professional Instagram content

Instagram is a highly visual platform, and high-quality graphics are essential. Pixlr is a free online photo editor that allows you to create professional-looking posts, stories, and Reels without needing advanced design skills. Whether you are designing a carousel post, promotional graphic, or an eye-catching story, Pixlr provides all the templates and resources needed to ensure your content stands out in the crowded Instagram feed.

Key features

• AI-powered background remover
  
• Free design templates for Instagram posts and stories
• Advanced photo retouching and editing tools
• Easy-to-use layering and blending modes
• Cloud-based access for editing from any device

Instagram posts with high-quality visuals receive 94% more engagement than those with low-resolution images or poorly designed content. By using Pixlr, you can ensure your content is visually appealing, driving better engagement and increasing your chances of going viral.

• Perfect for: Influencers, small businesses, and creators who want eye-catching visuals.
  
• Pro Tip: Use Pixlr’s AI-powered tools to quickly enhance and refine your photos with minimal effort.

2. Superviral: Get free Instagram followers

Gaining followers organically can be slow, but Superviral offers a free and effective way to grow your Instagram audience with real and engaged followers. Mentioned on Vanguard and Times of India, Superviral guarantees no bots and no fake accounts. A strong follower base not only boosts credibility but also increases the chances of your content appearing in the Explore tab, ultimately leading to more exposure and engagement. Paid followers options are also available for creators looking for an extra push.

Why use superviral?

• 100% free follower growth
  
• No shady bots, just real people
  
• Quick and easy sign-up process
  
• Helps boost credibility and engagement
  
• Supports long-term organic growth

According to a study by Social Media Examiner, accounts with over 10,000 followers experience a 22% higher engagement rate compared to those with fewer followers. By leveraging Superviral’s free follower service, you can quickly build a strong presence and make your account more attractive to brands and collaborations.

• Perfect for: New creators looking to grow their audience without paid ads.
  
• Pro Tip: Combine Superviral with high-quality content to keep new followers engaged and encourage organic growth.

3. Buffer: Schedule Instagram posts like a pro

Posting consistently is crucial for growth, but keeping up with a daily posting schedule can be exhausting. Buffer helps you plan and automate your Instagram posts, ensuring you never miss a day. This tool provides AI-driven insights to suggest the best times to post, increasing the chances of your content being seen by your audience when they are most active.

Key features

• Visual content calendar for easy planning
• Auto-publish for posts and stories
• Analytics dashboard to track post performance
  
• AI-powered post recommendations
  
• Team collaboration for multi-user accounts

A recent study by Hootsuite found that Instagram accounts that post consistently at least 4-7 times per week see a 35% increase in engagement rates compared to those with irregular posting habits. Using Buffer allows you to plan your content ahead of time and maintain a steady presence.

• Perfect for: Creators who want to stay consistent without spending hours posting manually.
  
• Pro Tip: Use Buffer’s built-in analytics to identify your best-performing content and refine your posting strategy.

4. Snapseed: Enhance your photos like a pro

Great content starts with great visuals. Snapseed, a free photo editing app by Google, offers professional-quality editing tools to make your Instagram photos stand out. This app is particularly useful for adjusting brightness, contrast, and saturation, ensuring that your images look polished and professional before posting.

Key features

• Advanced filters and effects
  
• Selective adjustments for detailed edits
• Professional retouching tools
  
• High-resolution export for Instagram-quality posts
• Healing tool to remove unwanted objects in photos

According to a report by Social Media Today, visually appealing images increase engagement by up to 150% compared to unedited or low-quality photos. Snapseed ensures that every photo you post is refined and visually stunning.

Perfect for: Photographers, influencers, and anyone looking to improve their Instagram aesthetic.
Pro Tip: Use Snapseed’s “Selective Adjust” tool to brighten specific areas of your photo without overexposing the entire image.

5. Display purposes: Find the best hashtags for more reach

Using the right hashtags can significantly boost your post visibility. Display Purposes is a free tool that helps you find high-performing, trending, and relevant hashtags to maximize engagement. Instagram’s algorithm favors posts with effective hashtag strategies, making this tool essential for discoverability.

Why use Display Purposes?

• Generates optimized hashtag suggestions based on relevance
• Filters out banned and spam hashtags
  
• Provides hashtag analytics for performance tracking
• Helps users discover niche and trending hashtags
  
• Easy copy-and-paste feature for quick use

A 2024 report by Sprout Social states that posts with at least 11 hashtags receive 79% more interactions than those without hashtags. By incorporating Display Purposes’ data-driven suggestions, you can significantly increase your chances of reaching a wider audience.

• Perfect for: Anyone who wants to reach a wider audience and get discovered by new followers.
• Pro Tip: Use a mix of high-volume hashtags and niche-specific hashtags to maximize both reach and engagement.

Growing on Instagram doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. With these free tools, you can create better content, grow your audience, optimize engagement, and track performance—all without spending a dime.

By leveraging the power of these five essential tools, you can build a stronger Instagram presence, increase engagement, and grow your brand more effectively.

Ready to level up? Try them out today!

Featured image credit: Solen Feyissa/Unsplash