How to Start and Grow an Instagram Theme Page

In a digital landscape saturated with influencers and personal brands, the Instagram theme page remains one of the most effective and accessible ways to build a loyal audience, generate income, and create a scalable online presence.

Whether you’re passionate about travel, food, fashion, or finance, a well-curated theme page allows you to share content that resonates with a specific niche; without the need to put your face or personal life on display.

Unlike personal accounts, an Instagram theme page focuses on delivering consistent value through curated or original content tailored to a particular interest.

This approach not only attracts followers who are genuinely invested in the topic, but also opens up multiple monetisation opportunities; from sponsored posts and affiliate marketing to product sales and brand collaborations.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the exact strategies used by successful creators who’ve grown their Instagram theme page to hundreds of thousands of followers.

Drawing from real-world case studies and proven tactics, you’ll learn how to choose a profitable niche, curate engaging content, optimise your posting schedule, and turn your page into a revenue-generating asset.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to scale an existing account, this comprehensive guide will give you the tools and insights needed to build a thriving Instagram theme page in 2025 and beyond.

Warning

However, first a warning. Social media such as platforms owned by Meta (including Instagram) are not your property. They can literally kick you off their platform at any time for any reason. Unlike your own website or email marketing list, you don’t own this digital ‘real estate’, so please always consider this.

The sections in this guide are broken down into the following. You can click on a name to jump there or read on to digest the whole guide (recommended).

• Choosing the right niche for your Instagram theme page
• Creating and curating content for your theme page 
• Proven Instagram growth tactics
• Building engagement on your Instagram theme page
• Optimising and tracking your theme page
• Monetising your Instagram theme page
• Scaling your Instagram theme page into a media brand
• Avoiding pitfalls and recovering from bans on Instagram
• Theme page examples

So, enough about that, let’s scroll on and get into it.

Choosing the right niche for your Instagram theme page

Before you post a single image or reel, choosing the right niche is the most important decision you’ll make. The success of your Instagram theme page depends on how well your chosen niche aligns with audience demand, monetisation potential, and your own interest or expertise.

Identify your interests and strengths

Start by asking yourself what topics you genuinely enjoy or know well. A successful Instagram theme page requires consistent effort, so choosing a niche you find engaging will help you stay motivated. 

Whether it’s vintage fashion, your city food scene, or minimalist interior design, authenticity resonates with followers.

Research existing theme pages

Look up hashtags and explore similar accounts to see what’s already working. A good Instagram theme page niche will have:

• Active engagement (likes, comments, shares)
• Multiple accounts with strong followings
• Brands already advertising in the space

This shows there’s demand and room for growth.

Assess monetisation potential

Not all niches are profitable. Ask yourself:

• Can I promote affiliate products?
• Are there brands that sponsor content in this space?
• Could I sell digital or physical products to this audience?

A profitable Instagram theme page often supports multiple income streams, from shoutouts to e-commerce.

Find a unique angle

Popular niches like fitness or travel are highly competitive. To stand out, narrow your focus. For example:

• Instead of general travel, focus on budget solo travel in Australia
• Instead of broad fashion, highlight sustainable streetwear
• Instead of generic food content, showcase halal-friendly eats in Sydney

This helps your Instagram theme page attract a loyal, targeted audience.

Test before committing

Create a test account and post consistently for a few weeks. Try different formats; reels, carousels, stories; and engage with similar pages.

If you see growth and interaction, you’ve likely found a viable niche. If not, it’s okay to pivot early.

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Creating and curating content for your theme page 

Once your niche is defined, the next step is building a content strategy that keeps your audience engaged and encourages growth. 

A successful Instagram theme page relies on consistent, high-quality content that aligns with your chosen aesthetic and delivers value to your followers.

Understand what performs best

Instagram’s algorithm favours content that drives engagement. For an Instagram theme page, this typically includes:

• Reels: Short, entertaining videos that are easily shareable and often featured on the Explore page.
• Carousels: Multi-image posts that encourage swiping and increase time spent on your content.
• Memes and quotes: Especially effective in niches like lifestyle, motivation, or humour.
• Curated reposts: Viral content from other creators in your niche, shared with proper credit.

These formats help your Instagram theme page stay relevant and visible, especially when paired with strong captions and strategic hashtags.

Source content ethically

If you’re curating rather than creating original content, always credit the original creator. This builds trust and protects your page from copyright issues. 

Tag the creator in the post and mention them in the caption. Many successful Instagram theme page owners start by reposting viral content before transitioning to original posts once they’ve built an audience.

Maintain a consistent visual style

Your feed should reflect a cohesive aesthetic. This includes:

• Colour palette and filters
• Font choices for text-based posts
• Layout and spacing between posts

A recognisable style helps your Instagram theme page stand out and encourages users to follow based on visual appeal alone.

Use scheduling tools

To maintain consistency, use scheduling platforms like Later, Plann, or Meta’s Creator Studio. These tools allow you to:

• Plan your feed layout in advance
• Schedule posts and stories
• Track engagement metrics

Consistency is key to growing an Instagram theme page, and automation helps you stay on track without burning out.

Test and refine

Monitor which posts perform best and adjust your strategy accordingly. A/B test different formats, captions, and posting times.

Over time, you’ll learn what resonates most with your audience and can tailor your content to maximise engagement.

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Proven Instagram growth tactics

Growing an Instagram theme page requires more than just posting attractive content.

It involves a strategic approach to engagement, visibility, and consistency. This section outlines proven tactics that help theme pages gain traction and build a loyal following.

Use the follow-for-follow method strategically

One of the most effective early-stage tactics is manually following users within your niche.

Engage with their posts by liking and commenting to increase the chances of a follow-back. Avoid mass unfollowing, as this can damage your reputation and reduce engagement.

Join DM and engagement groups

Telegram and Instagram DM groups allow you to connect with other theme page owners. By sharing your posts in these groups, you can receive early engagement that boosts your chances of appearing on the Explore page. 

This tactic is especially useful for new Instagram theme page accounts trying to gain visibility.

Post consistently and at optimal times

Consistency signals to Instagram’s algorithm that your account is active and valuable. Many experts suggest you aim to post:

• 1 to 3 feed posts per day
• 2 to 3 stories daily
• Reels at least three times per week

Use insights to determine when your audience is most active and schedule posts accordingly.

Focus on high-performing formats

Certain formats tend to perform better on an Instagram theme page:

• Reels with trending audio
• Carousels that tell a story or offer tips
• Meme + Reel combinations in carousel posts
• Short, punchy videos with overlay text

These formats encourage shares, saves, and comments; key metrics for growth.

Avoid spammy behaviour

Instagram limits actions to prevent spam. To stay safe:

• Don’t follow more than 40–50 accounts per hour
• Avoid liking more than 100 posts per hour
• Gradually increase activity to warm up your account

Linking your Facebook account can also improve trustworthiness and help lift temporary bans.

Use hashtags and captions wisely

Hashtags should be niche-specific and varied. Avoid using the same set repeatedly. Captions should include a call-to-action, such as asking a question or prompting users to tag a friend. This encourages interaction and boosts reach.

Engage authentically

Reply to comments, like posts from similar accounts, and participate in conversations. A successful Instagram theme page builds community, not just a follower count.

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Building engagement on your Instagram theme page

Engagement is the lifeblood of any successful Instagram theme page. Without meaningful interaction, even the most visually appealing content can fall flat.

This section outlines practical strategies to foster genuine engagement and build a loyal community around your theme.

Encourage interaction through captions

Captions should do more than describe the image; they should invite conversation. Ask questions, prompt opinions, or encourage followers to tag friends. For example:

• “Which version do you prefer?”
• “Tag someone who needs to see this”
• “What’s your go-to tip for this?”

These prompts increase comments and shares, which signal value to Instagram’s algorithm and boost visibility for your Instagram theme page.

Use stories to stay top-of-mind

Stories offer a casual, behind-the-scenes way to connect with followers. Use them to:

• Share quick updates or polls
• Highlight user-generated content
• Offer sneak peeks of upcoming posts

Regular story updates keep your Instagram theme page active and help maintain audience interest between feed posts.

Respond to comments and DMs

Engagement is a two-way street. Replying to comments and direct messages shows followers that you value their input.

This builds trust and encourages repeat interaction. For growing Instagram theme page accounts, this personal touch can set you apart from larger, less responsive pages.

Feature followers and user content

Reposting content from your followers (with permission and credit) creates a sense of community.

It also encourages others to engage in hopes of being featured. This tactic works especially well for niches like fashion, food, or travel, where followers often create relevant content.

Use Instagram’s interactive features

Take advantage of built-in tools like:

• Polls and quizzes in Stories
• Question stickers
• Countdown timers for launches or events

These features make your Instagram theme page feel dynamic and interactive, rather than static or promotional.

Track engagement metrics

Use Instagram Insights to monitor:

• Likes, comments, and shares
• Saves and profile visits
• Story views and link clicks

Understanding what drives engagement helps you refine your strategy and post more of what works.

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Optimising and tracking your theme page

To grow and monetise an Instagram theme page effectively, you need more than just engaging content and consistent posting. Strategic optimisation and performance tracking are essential for refining your approach and ensuring long-term success.

Set up Instagram insights

If you haven’t already, switch to a professional account to unlock Instagram Insights. This built-in analytics tool provides valuable data on:

• Follower demographics
• Post reach and impressions
• Engagement metrics (likes, comments, shares, saves)
• Story performance

These insights help you understand what content resonates most with your audience and when they’re most active.

Track key metrics regularly

Successful Instagram theme page owners monitor performance consistently. Focus on metrics such as:

• Follower growth rate
• Engagement rate (likes + comments ÷ followers)
• Reach and impressions per post
• Saves and shares (indicators of value)
• Click-throughs on bio links

Use spreadsheets or dashboards to log weekly data and identify trends over time.

A/B test your content

Experiment with different formats, captions, hashtags, and posting times. For example:

• Try two versions of a meme with different text overlays
• Post similar content at different times of day
• Use varied hashtag sets to test reach

A/B testing helps you refine your Instagram theme page strategy based on real results rather than guesswork.

Refine your hashtag strategy

Hashtags are still a powerful discovery tool. For optimal results:

• Use a mix of popular, niche-specific, and branded hashtags
• Avoid using the same set repeatedly
• Monitor which hashtags drive the most reach and engagement

Tools like Flick or Hashtagify can help you analyse hashtag performance and discover new ones relevant to your Instagram theme page.

Optimise your profile and bio

Your profile is your digital storefront. Make sure it’s:

• Clear and concise, with a strong value proposition
• Keyword-rich to improve searchability
• Visually consistent with your theme

Include a call-to-action and a link to your website, product page, or email list to convert followers into customers.

Use third-party analytics tools

For deeper insights, consider platforms like:

• Later or Plann for scheduling and analytics
• Metricool or Iconosquare for advanced tracking
• Google Sheets for custom dashboards

These tools help you manage your Instagram theme page more efficiently and make data-driven decisions.

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Monetising your Instagram theme page

Once your audience begins to grow, it’s time to explore ways to turn your Instagram theme page into a revenue-generating asset.

Monetisation doesn’t require millions of followers; what matters most is engagement and niche relevance.

Sponsored content and brand collaborations

Brands are constantly looking for targeted exposure. If your Instagram theme page aligns with their audience, they may pay for:

• Sponsored posts or stories
• Product placements in Reels or carousels
• Long-term partnerships or ambassador roles

To attract sponsors, maintain a professional media kit and showcase your engagement metrics.

Affiliate marketing

Promote products or services using affiliate links and earn a commission on each sale. This works well for:

• Niche-specific products (e.g. kitchen tools for a food page)
• Digital products like courses or ebooks
• Subscription services

Choose affiliate programs that match your Instagram theme page audience and avoid promoting irrelevant items.

Selling products or services

Many theme page owners launch their own offerings, such as:

• Physical products (merchandise, prints, accessories)
• Digital products (templates, guides, presets)
• Services (consulting, content creation, social media management)

Use your bio link to direct followers to a sales page or online store.

Shoutouts and paid promotions

Offer shoutouts to smaller pages or businesses looking to grow. This is especially effective if your Instagram theme page has high engagement and a loyal following. Set clear pricing and guidelines to maintain transparency.

Instagram shopping and creator tools

If eligible, enable Instagram Shopping to tag products directly in your posts. You can also explore creator monetisation tools like:

• Subscriptions for exclusive content
• Bonuses for Reels performance
• Paid badges during live streams

These features help diversify income and reward consistent content creation.

Build a media brand

Once your Instagram theme page reaches critical mass, consider expanding into:

• A website or blog for long-form content
• An email newsletter for direct audience access
• Other platforms like TikTok or YouTube

This positions your page as a media brand rather than just a social account, increasing long-term monetisation potential.

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Scaling your Instagram theme page into a media brand

Once your Instagram theme page reaches a critical mass of followers and engagement, the next step is to evolve it into a full-fledged media brand. This transition allows you to expand your influence, diversify your content, and unlock new revenue streams beyond Instagram.

Define your brand identity

A media brand needs a clear identity that goes beyond reposts and memes. Start by refining:

• Your mission and values
• Visual style and tone of voice
• Target audience and content pillars

This helps your Instagram theme page stand out as a trusted source within your niche and prepares it for cross-platform expansion.

Expand to other platforms

To build authority and reach new audiences, consider branching out to:

• YouTube for long-form video content
• TikTok for short-form viral clips
• Pinterest for visual discovery
• Threads or X for real-time engagement

Repurpose your best-performing Instagram content to suit each platform’s format. This multiplies your reach without starting from scratch.

Launch a website or blog

A website gives your Instagram theme page a permanent home and allows you to:

• Publish long-form articles and guides
• Collect emails for newsletters and product launches
• Improve SEO visibility outside of social media

Use your Instagram bio link to drive traffic to your site and build a more robust digital presence.

Build an email list

Email marketing offers direct access to your audience, independent of algorithms. Offer a free resource (e.g. guide, checklist, or discount) in exchange for email sign-ups. You can build an email list and use your list to:

• Promote products or services
• Share exclusive content
• Announce events or collaborations

This turns your Instagram theme page into a sustainable business asset.

Collaborate with influencers and creators

Partnering with influencers in your niche helps you:

• Reach new audiences
• Build credibility
• Create original content

Choose collaborators whose values and aesthetic align with your brand. Micro-influencers often deliver higher engagement and more authentic connections.

Diversify revenue streams

As a media brand, your Instagram theme page can generate income through:

• Sponsored content and brand deals
• Affiliate marketing
• Product sales (physical or digital)
• Paid memberships or subscriptions
• Events and experiences

Diversification protects your business from platform changes and opens up long-term growth opportunities.

Maintain consistency and quality

Scaling doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. Continue to:

• Post consistently across platforms
• Engage with your audience
• Monitor analytics and refine your strategy

A successful Instagram theme page turned media brand delivers value across multiple touchpoints while staying true to its niche and audience.

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Avoiding pitfalls and recovering from bans on Instagram

Just like a business Facebook page, even the most well-managed Instagram theme page can face restrictions or bans if platform guidelines are overlooked. Understanding how to avoid common mistakes; and what to do if your account is flagged; is essential for maintaining long-term growth and credibility.

Understand Instagram’s ban types

Instagram enforces several types of restrictions:

• Shadow bans: Your content becomes invisible in hashtag searches and Explore feeds, reducing reach without notification.
• Temporary action blocks: Limits on liking, commenting, or following due to excessive activity.
• Full account suspensions: Your account is disabled pending review, often due to suspected policy violations.
• Permanent deletions: Reserved for serious or repeated breaches, resulting in complete loss of access and content.
• IP bans: Instagram blocks access from specific networks, affecting all accounts on that connection.

Knowing which type of ban you’re facing helps determine the appropriate recovery steps.

Common pitfalls to avoid

To protect your Instagram theme page, steer clear of these high-risk behaviours:

• Mass following or liking: Exceeding hourly limits (e.g. 40–50 follows or 100 likes) can trigger spam filters.
• Using bots or automation tools: These violate Instagram’s terms and often result in swift bans.
• Reposting without credit: Copyright violations can lead to content removal or account suspension.
• Inconsistent login behaviour: Logging in from multiple devices or suspicious locations may flag your account for review.
• Using banned hashtags: These can reduce visibility or trigger shadow bans.

Stick to manual engagement, use approved scheduling tools, and always credit original creators to maintain compliance.

How to recover a restricted or banned account

If your Instagram theme page is restricted or banned:

1. Check your account status: Attempt to log in and review any error messages or notifications.
2. Review Instagram’s email: Look for details explaining the restriction and links to appeal.
3. Submit an appeal: Use Instagram’s Help Centre or in-app prompts to request a review.
4. Verify your identity: Be prepared to provide documentation if requested.
5. Wait patiently: Appeals can take several days. Avoid resubmitting multiple requests.

If your appeal is successful, ease back into activity gradually to avoid triggering another restriction.

Prevent future bans

To keep your Instagram theme page safe:

• Use two-factor authentication for added security.
• Avoid sudden spikes in engagement or posting.
• Monitor account activity regularly for unusual patterns.
• Use trusted tools like Postly or Meta’s Creator Studio for scheduling and analytics.

By following these practices, you’ll reduce the risk of disruptions and maintain a stable presence on Instagram.

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Theme page examples

To get you inspired, here are 50 different Instagram theme pages under a number of categories for you to explore and study for ideas.

Camping

@vanlifediaries – Community-driven stories from nomadic adventurers

@theoutbound – Trail-tested tips, gear reviews, and campsite inspo

@tentree – Sustainable gear and nature-first storytelling

Entrepreneurship

@foundr – Bite-sized lessons from global entrepreneurs and founders

@bossbabe.inc – All female entrepreneurship, empowering quotes, business tips, and community vibes

@latermedia – Instagram & TikTok strategy and trend breakdowns, scheduling tips, and algorithm updates

@thefemalehustlers Empowerment & marketing mindset

Fashion

@classysavant – A feed is a masterclass in suit styling

@hypebeast – Sneaker drops, collabs, and urban fashion trends

@menwithclass – Suits, watches, and refined styling for the modern gentleman

@menwithstreetstyle – Streetwear looks from global cities and influencers

@menwithstyle – Smart-casual looks and curated outfit inspiration

@perfect_fashion_styling This is a ‘shop the look’ style account with 1.5m+ followers.

@style.beyondborders Interesting feed of curated womens fashion outfits

Food

@aboutpizza – As the name says; it’s all about pizza, of course.

@buzzfeedtasty – BuzzFeed’s Tasty brand features high-quality videos and photos of recipes, making it a go-to for food lovers.

@chefsroll – Focuses on the culinary arts by featuring professional chefs and their creations, highlighting high-end food presentation.

@cookrepublic – Beautifully styled home cooking with a personal touch

@delish – Known for its engaging food videos and recipes, Delish also shares eye-catching food photos.

@dollyandoatmeal – Balanced, calming feed with greens and waffles

@food52 – A platform that combines food photography with recipes, community engagement, and cooking tips.

@foodporn – A classic account that showcases a variety of delicious food images submitted by users.

@infatuation – This account offers restaurant recommendations and food photography, focusing on urban dining experiences.

@meditteranean.diet.plan – A great example of Instagram theme pages, this one about the mediterranean diet.

@thefeedfeed – This account curates a wide range of user-generated content, focusing on visually appealing food and recipes from various home cooks and chefs.

@weelicious – Simple family meals with wholesome ingredients

Health and fitness

@iamwellandgood – Yoga, pilates, healthy recipes, and self-growth content

@meditation_and_mindfulness – Quotes, sleep tips, breathwork with simple graphics that soothe and inspire daily reflection

@mindbodygreen – Holistic health, everything from supplements to sleep science

@mindfulmagazine – Mindful living, articles and digestible wisdom

@toneitup – Women’s fitness community with positive vibes, nutrition tips, and group workouts

Interiors and DIY

@abeautifulmess – Home DIY & lifestyle, blending cozy interiors with creative hacks

@apartmenttherapy – Beautiful photos of apartments and small spaces.

@architectanddesign – Amazing collection of architectural and interior design photographs.

@decorilla – Real-life transformations, budget-friendly design ideas and styling tips

@fallfordiy – DIY & home decor, a boho-chic vibe

@ispydiy – Home renovation & decor with real-life home makeovers

@skyscraping_magic – A feed of skyscrapers and interesting photographs from across the world.

@studiodiy – Whimsical crafts & party ideas, a celebration of color and creativity

@thelocalproject – High-end architecture and interiors featuring Australian and NZ design talent.

Pets and animals

@cats_of_instagram – The OG cat aggregator—features felines from around the world

@cats.kuties – Playful captions and curated cat content for daily smiles

@DOG – Active feed of dog portraits, memes, and breed appreciation

@kittensarelove– Soft aesthetics and heart-melting kitten reels

@wildlife.and.animals – Ongoing feed of animals from all across the world.

Travel

@365daysofbliss_ – A personal travel diary and guide to many unique places.

@beautifuldestinations High-end visuals and cinematic reels from global creators

@earthpix Jaw-droppers from every corner of the globe

@romeonfoot An account dedicated to just one city; Rome.

@theblondeabroad Empowering tips, itineraries, and vibrant global adventures

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Conclusion

Growing an Instagram theme page is not a quick win; it’s a long-term project that rewards consistency, creativity, and strategic thinking.

Whether you’re just starting out or scaling toward a media brand, the journey will include highs and lows. What matters most is your ability to stay focused on your goals and adapt as the platform evolves.

Celebrate Small Wins

Every milestone matters. From your first 100 followers to your first sponsored post, take time to acknowledge progress. These moments build momentum and remind you why you started your Instagram theme page in the first place.

Stay Consistent, Not Perfect

Perfection is not the goal; progress is. Posting regularly, engaging with your audience, and refining your strategy over time will yield better results than chasing flawless content. Your Instagram theme page will evolve, and that’s part of the process.

Learn From Others

Follow successful theme pages in your niche and study what works. Pay attention to their content formats, engagement tactics, and monetisation strategies. Use these insights to inform your own approach without copying blindly.

Revisit Your Purpose

When motivation dips, revisit your original reason for starting. Was it to share knowledge, build a community, or create a new income stream? Reconnecting with your purpose can reignite your passion and guide your next steps.

Keep Experimenting

Instagram is constantly changing. New features, formats, and trends emerge regularly. Stay curious and open to experimentation. Your Instagram theme page should reflect both your niche and your willingness to grow with the platform.

Final Encouragement

Building a successful Instagram theme page is entirely possible with the right mindset and strategy. Stay consistent, stay ethical, and stay connected to your audience. The results will come; not overnight, but through steady, intentional effort.

Header image: Karsten Winegeart