How I Started An Instagram Account & Got 170k+ views in the first month. Lessons for Artists, Creatives, and Theaters.
Starting a new Instagram account can feel overwhelming—especially in the arts world, where creators often juggle limited time, resources, and visibility. But in just 30 days, our owner’s new IG account, @bfa_mba_sam, demonstrated that a focused, consistent approach can yield measurable results. Let’s break down the numbers and analyze what worked, why it mattered, and how you can apply these lessons to your own social media strategy.
The Numbers After 30 Days
Views: 172,457 total
Reach: 71,987 accounts (10.5% followers, 89.5% non-followers)
Top-performing videos: 14k–16k views each
Profile visits: 2,990
Profile interactions: 6,027 (engaging 3,466 accounts, 74.3% non-followers)
New followers: 560 (without any paid advertising)
Content output: 120 posts/stories shared
What Went Right
1. Consistency Builds Visibility
120 posts and stories in a single month is a serious content cadence. That kind of frequency tells the algorithm you’re active, while giving audiences multiple entry points to discover you. For theaters or artists, this proves that steady storytelling—not just one-off posts—is what keeps your work in front of new eyes.
2. Video Content Drives Discovery
The top-performing videos hit 14k–16k views, and the reach stats confirm it: nearly 90% of accounts reached were not followers. That means the content was discoverable and shareable beyond the existing audience. For artists and theaters, this is critical. Reels, trailers, behind-the-scenes peeks, and short performances are tools to break out of the “only our followers see our posts” bubble.
3. Strong Engagement from Non-Followers
With 74.3% of profile interactions coming from non-followers, the content wasn’t just reaching new people—it was compelling them to click through and interact. That’s the difference between passive scrolling and active interest. For creative organizations, this highlights the power of designing content that’s not just promotional, but intriguing to people who’ve never heard of you before.
4. Educate, don’t sell.
Looking across the 120 posts and stories shared, the majority were educational or behind-the-scenes in nature—explaining process, sharing insights, or breaking down ideas. Very few posts were direct “sales” asks. This balance matters: content that teaches, entertains, or provides value earns trust and repeat attention, which in turn makes audiences more receptive when you do have something to promote. For artists and theaters, this is a reminder that Instagram isn’t just a bulletin board for ticket links—it’s a stage for storytelling.
Lessons for Artists, Creatives, and Theaters
Prioritize Reach & Engagement, Not Just Followers
Don’t get caught up only in follower count. Reaching new audiences and sparking engagement from non-followers sets up long-term growth.Lean Into Video
Video is the current currency of Instagram. Even short clips can outperform static posts in reach and engagement. Document your process, performances, or audience reactions.Consistency > Perfection
Posting 120 times in 30 days didn’t require every post to be “perfect.” Instead, it created momentum. Regularity signals reliability—to both audiences and algorithms.Design Content for Discovery
Create posts that a non-follower would stop to watch, share, or save. Hook them with storytelling, curiosity, or visual appeal, then guide them to learn more.
The Takeaway
In just one month, @bfa_mba_sam showed what’s possible with intentional posting, video-driven content, and a balance of organic and paid strategies. For artists, creatives, and theaters, the lesson is clear: consistency and discoverability fuel growth. If your goal is to build an audience that goes beyond your existing circle, the blueprint is here—show up, share often, and think about how your content looks to someone who doesn’t already know you.
