How do i get a lot of followers on instagram without a big budget?

reels, and a narrow topic. that's most of it. post something specific enough that a stranger knows within two seconds who it's for, at least a few times a week. saves and shares count for more than likes, so make stuff people want to come back to (lists, how-tos, before/after). collab posts with accounts your size are free and put you in front of their followers. and reply to comments in the first hour, it keeps the post moving.