Creating a new social media account and publishing immediately might seem like the fastest way to get started. But platforms like Instagram and TikTok need a little more context before they know who to show your content to.
During your first few days, your activity helps shape your account's recommendations. Watching videos, following creators, and engaging with content in your niche gives the algorithm signals about what your business is about. Spending just a few days warming up your account can help create a more relevant feed and set you up for more consistent organic reach.
Think of it as introducing your account before asking it to perform.
Before you start
Before warming up your account, take a few minutes to complete your profile. A finished profile helps visitors understand who you are and makes your account ready to greet its first audience.
Choose a username. Pick one that's:
Easy to remember and spell
Relevant to your business or brand
Consistent across Instagram and TikTok, if possible
Add a profile photo. Use something instantly recognizable, such as:
Your business logo
Your brand icon
A clear photo of yourself if you're building a personal brand
Write a short bio. Sum up what your business does in one or two short sentences.
For example: Handmade candles inspired by nature. Shipping across the US.
Or: Social media tips for small businesses.
Fill in the rest of your profile. If applicable, add:
Your website
Contact information
Your business category
Before publishing your first post, make sure you've:
✔ Spent a few days engaging with content in your niche
✔ Engaged naturally by watching, liking, commenting, and following relevant creators
✔ Waited at least 24 hours after creating your account before posting
Avoid:
✖ Following more than 10 accounts on your first day
✖ Posting immediately after creating your account
✖ Performing lots of actions all at once. Instead, spread your activity throughout the day
Day 1
Start by teaching the platform what your niche looks like.
Search for keywords related to your product or niche and open the Videos tab.
Spend about 20 minutes watching relevant videos. Watch them through to the end whenever possible.
Follow 5 to 10 relevant accounts. Avoid following more than 10 accounts on your first day.
Like or save 20 to 30 relevant posts.
Leave 3 to 5 genuine comments.
Repost 2 to 3 relevant videos.
Tip: Watching videos all the way through sends a stronger engagement signal than skipping after a few seconds.
Days 2 and 3
Continue engaging with content, but this time use your For You page on TikTok or your Explore and Reels feeds on Instagram.
If unrelated content appears, simply skip it. If your feed becomes mostly irrelevant, repeat the first day's keyword search to reinforce your niche.
As you keep interacting with relevant content, your recommendations should gradually become more aligned with your business.
At this point, you're ready to publish your first post.
You're ready to post
By the end of the third day, your feed should primarily feature content related to your niche. That's a good sign the platform has started to understand your interests.
Keep the momentum going
Warming up your account is just the first step. Once you start publishing, aim to post consistently and continue engaging with content in your niche. Regular activity helps your account stay active and gives your posts the best chance to reach the right audience.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to wait exactly three days before posting?
Do I have to wait exactly three days before posting?
Not necessarily. Three days is a practical guideline, not a strict rule. The goal is to give your account enough time to interact with relevant content before publishing.
What if my feed is still showing unrelated content?
What if my feed is still showing unrelated content?
That's normal for a new account. Continue searching for keywords in your niche, watch relevant videos, and skip content that isn't related to your business. Your recommendations should become more accurate over time.
Will warming up my account increase my views?
Will warming up my account increase my views?
There's no guarantee. Warming up simply helps Instagram and TikTok better understand your interests before you begin posting. The quality and consistency of your content still play the biggest role in your results.