How to warm up your Instagram or TikTok account

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.
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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. Think of it as introducing your account before asking it to perform.
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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.

Start by teaching the platform what your niche looks like.

Tip: Watching videos all the way through sends a stronger engagement signal than skipping after a few seconds.
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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.

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.
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Before publishing your first post, make sure you've:
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✔ 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:
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✖ Following more than 10 accounts on your first day.

✖ Posting immediately after creating your account.

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.