Instagram activity trackers, like Instagram Insights or third-party tools (e.g., Hootsuite or Iconosquare), help businesses monitor engagement, follower growth, reach, impressions, and hashtag performance.
Top 10 Instagram Activity Trackers You Need in 2025
I've tested several Instagram activity trackers over the years, and let's just say not all are created the same. The right Instagram activity tracker will make all the difference in helping you keep abreast of engagement, monitor follower growth, and refine your content strategy. But, with so many out there, which one do you choose?
That's exactly why I put together this list of the top 10 Instagram activity trackers for 2025. Each one offers something unique, whether it's in-depth analytics, content scheduling, or influencer tracking.
What Instagram Trackers Track?
An Instagram analytics tracker helps you track and monitor your Instagram follower count and engagement. Here's what these trackers typically track:
- Tracking Instagram followers(New Followers, Lost Followers)
- Tracking Users Engagement Rate(Likes and Comments, Shares and Saves)
- Tracking Content Performance(Top-Performing Posts)
- Tracking Post Reach and Impressions
- Tracking Story Insights(Story Views, Story Engagement)
- Tracking Audience Active Hours
- Analysing Competitor
- Tracking Instagram Ads Performance
- Tracking Influencer Performance
It helps you choose better content and publishing schedules, reveals trends, and pinpoints your most active audience section.
Top 10 Instagram Activity Trackers You Need in 2025
To make it easier for you to find the best Instagram tracker, here's a quick comparison of the top tools before we dive into the details:
Tool | Best For | Analytics & Insights | Monthly Searches |
---|---|---|---|
Instagram Insights | Individuals, small businesses | Basic | 44000 |
Hootsuite | Businesses, social media managers | Advanced | 60500 |
Sprout Social | Brands, agencies | Advanced | 40500 |
Iconosquare | Content creators, businesses | In-depth | 1600 |
SocialBlade | Influencers, marketers | Limited | 40500 |
Later | Content planners, brands | Basic | 27100 |
Buffer | Small businesses, marketers | Basic | 1800 |
Agorapulse | Teams, agencies | Advanced | 4400 |
CoSchedule | Marketing teams | Basic | 3600 |
Follower Wonk | Influencers, social media analysts | Limited | 590 |
1 Instagram Insights
When I first started tracking my Instagram performance, Instagram Insights was my go-to tool. It's completely free and offers the easiest way to check engagement, reach, and follower growth. It's not quite the third-party analytics powerhouse some would claim, but if you know what you're doing, surprisingly powerful.
The "Accounts Reached" daily first appears among my checks to get a glimpse of the performance of my posts and stories. One time, I noticed that my reels were reaching almost 3x more people than my static posts. This insight alone made me change my content strategy to largely feature video, with which I noted a spike in engagement within a month.
Lastly, "Audience Insights" is a very important feature if you want to grow on Instagram because you have to know at what time your followers are active. I used to post at any time but since I have begun scheduling my posts at times when my audience is most active, I have seen that my likes and comments get a steady push-up.
Instagram Insights is a feature built directly into the Instagram app. To access Instagram Insights:
- 1. Open the Instagram app on your phone.
- 2. Go to your Profile.
- 3. Tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the top-right corner.
- 4. Select Insights.
Why Instagram Insights Stands Out
- 100% free
- Tracks engagement, reach, and follower demographics
- Shows best-performing content to optimize future posts
- Provides real-time insights directly within the Instagram app
Where It Falls Short
- Only shows insights for the last 30 days
- You can't track other accounts' performance
- No downloadable reports or deep analytics
⭐Recommended reason
For beginners or those looking for a free Instagram analytics tool, Instagram Insights is the best consideration to start with. However, for deeper analytics, you might want to check out the next tool on our list—Hootsuite.
💡Tips:
If you want to track long-term trends, make it a habit to manually record your key metrics (followers, engagement rate, reach) in a spreadsheet every month. This will help you spot patterns Instagram Insights won't show over time.
2 Hootsuite
Hootsuite was the first social media management tool I used when managing multiple Instagram accounts, and my whole process of posting and engagement was totally different then. Earlier, I was doing it all manually switching between accounts just to manage posting and respond to comments. That was exhausting.
Scheduling is one of the most amazing aspects of Hootsuite, I recollect running an Instagram campaign for a product launch; it was necessary to post at specific times even when I wasn't online for a product launch – Hootsuite enabled me to schedule everything in advance. Thus, instead of scrambling to post manually, I could concentrate on engaging with my followers and seeing what really worked.
Another feature I found useful was the engagement dashboard. Instead of opening Instagram and sifting through notifications, all messages, comments, and mentions appeared in one place. This made it much easier to reply to people quickly without missing any interactions.
Why Hootsuite Stands Out
- Allows scheduling posts in advance, saving time and effort
- Provides an all-in-one dashboard to track engagement, comments, and messages
- Offers detailed Instagram analytics to track post performance and follower growth
- Supports multiple social media platforms, making it ideal for managing accounts beyond Instagram
Where It Falls Short
- The free version has limitations on the number of scheduled posts
- Advanced features, such as in-depth analytics and competitor tracking, require a paid plan
- The interface can feel overwhelming at first with all its features
⭐Recommended reason
Hootsuite is a solid choice for social media managers or businesses handling multiple Instagram accounts.
💡Tips:
When I first started using Hootsuite, I was scheduling posts without paying much attention to analytics. Once I started reviewing the performance of scheduled posts, I noticed certain content types performed better at specific times. Now, before scheduling, I check past engagement data to optimize the timing of future posts.
3 Sprout Social
Sprout Social is one of those tools that feels built for people who take Instagram analytics seriously. I first tried it when I wanted deeper insights into follower behavior, and it quickly became one of my favorite platforms. Unlike basic analytics tools, this one doesn't just show numbers—it gives clear, actionable insights.
One feature that stood out to me was its audience analysis. I used to think follower count was the best way to measure Instagram growth, but Sprout Social helped me see that engagement mattered more. I once noticed that despite gaining new followers, my engagement rate was dropping. With Sprout Social's reports, I realized my newer audience wasn't interacting with my posts as much as my long-time followers. That insight helped me adjust my content strategy and improve engagement within weeks.
Why Sprout Social Stands Out
- Tracks Instagram follower growth, engagement trends, and post-performance in detail
- Provides in-depth audience insights, helping identify top-performing content
- Includes competitor analysis, showing how similar accounts are performing
- Features advanced reporting tools that are easy to understand and act on
Where It Falls Short
- Expensive compared to other Instagram analytics tools
- The learning curve can be steep with so many features
- Some reports require manual customization to get the most useful insights
⭐Recommended reason
Sprout Social is an advantage because it allows users to base decisions on actual audience behavior, rather than assumptions or guesswork.
💡Tips:
I remember the first time I used Sprout Social, I was a little overwhelmed by the sheer number of reports available. Instead of trying to analyze everything, I focused on engagement metrics first. Looking at likes, comments, and shares over time helped me understand what my audience actually wanted. Once I had that figured out, I explored other features like competitor analysis to refine my strategy further.
4 Iconosquare
Iconosquare is one of those tools that feels built for Instagram power users. I tried it when I needed detailed analytics beyond what Instagram Insights or other tools offered. Right away, the clean dashboard and in-depth reporting stood out.
One thing I loved about this Instagram activity tracker online was how it tracks Instagram Stories separately. Most analytics tools focus on posts, but with Iconosquare, I could see exactly which stories were driving engagement. I once noticed that polls and interactive stickers led to way more replies, so I started using them regularly. Engagement shot up within a few weeks.
Why Iconosquare Stands Out
- Provides detailed Instagram Stories analytics alongside post insights
- Includes competitor tracking to compare performance with similar accounts
- Offers automated reports that can be scheduled and sent via email
- Features hashtag tracking to analyze which ones drive the most reach
Where It Falls Short
- Limited scheduling features compared to all-in-one tools like Hootsuite
- Paid plans can be expensive for smaller accounts
- Not as strong for engagement management like responding to comments and DMs
💡Tips:
When using Iconosquare, I made it a habit to check the "Best Time to Post" feature. It helped me pinpoint the exact hours when my audience was most active, making my content more visible. That small change made a noticeable difference in reach and interactions.
5 SocialBlade
SocialBlade is my go-to tool when I need a quick look at an Instagram account's growth. I first started using it to track my own follower count over time, but soon realized it's even better for analyzing influencers and competitors.
One of the most useful features is the real-time follower tracking. I remember watching my follower count fluctuate during a giveaway campaign and using that data to tweak my strategy. It was a great way to see what worked and what didn't in real-time.
Why SocialBlade Stands Out
- Tracks follower growth and engagement trends with daily updates
- Provides estimated earnings for influencers, making it great for brand collaborations
- Shows historical data, helping analyze long-term Instagram performance
- Completely free for basic stats, with premium options for deeper insights
Where It Falls Short
- Limited analytics beyond basic growth stats
- No post or story tracking like other Instagram tools
- Can sometimes display slight delays in real-time updates
⭐Recommended reason
SocialBlade makes it easy to spot authentic influencers versus those inflating their numbers.
💡Tips:
I use SocialBlade whenever I'm checking out potential influencers to collaborate with. If their follower growth looks unnatural—like sudden spikes with no engagement—it's a red flag for fake followers.
6 Later
Later is one of the easiest tools I've used for planning Instagram content. When I started focusing on a more consistent posting schedule, this tool helped me stay on track without last-minute stress.
The visual content calendar is what makes Later stand out. Instead of just scheduling posts with a list, I could drag and drop images into a grid to plan how my feed would look.
Why Later Stands Out
- Features a drag-and-drop visual planner for Instagram posts
- Offers automatic scheduling, so posts go live without manual intervention
- Includes hashtag suggestions to improve post reach
- Provides basic Instagram analytics to track content performance
Where It Falls Short
- Free version has a limit on scheduled posts per month
- Lacks detailed engagement tracking compared to other analytics tools
- No deep competitor analysis features
⭐Recommended reason
Later is perfect for Instagram users who want an easy way to plan and schedule content while keeping their feed visually appealing. If you're looking for a tool that balances scheduling with light analytics, this one is worth trying.
💡Tips:
I always use Later's "Best Time to Post" feature before scheduling content. Posting at peak engagement times made a noticeable difference in how my audience interacted with my posts.
7 Buffer
Buffer is a tool I've used when I needed a no-fuss way to schedule Instagram posts while keeping an eye on engagement. It's one of the easiest platforms to use, and I liked how quickly I could plan content without distractions.
One thing that stood out to me was the post-performance breakdown. I once tested different caption styles—short versus long captions—and Buffer's analytics helped me see which type drove more engagement. This insight helped me fine-tune my content strategy without overcomplicating things.
Why Buffer Stands Out
- Easy-to-use scheduling tool with a clean, distraction-free interface
- Instagram unfollow tracker keeps the followers list genuine
- Includes engagement tracking to analyze how posts are performing
- Allows team collaboration for managing multiple Instagram accounts
Where It Falls Short
- Lacks deep analytics compared to more advanced Instagram trackers
- No competitor analysis features
- The free plan limits the number of scheduled posts
⭐Recommended reason
Buffer is a great Instagram tracker for those who want a simple scheduling tool with just enough analytics to refine their content strategy.
💡Tips:
I use Buffer's analytics tab weekly to track which posts get the most saves. Saved posts are a strong signal that content is valuable, so this insight helps me create more of what my audience actually wants.
8 Agorapulse
Agorapulse is a tool I started using when I needed something beyond basic scheduling and analytics. It combines content planning, engagement tracking, and even social media inbox management, making it a full-suite tool for Instagram.
One feature I found particularly useful was its inbox management and Instagram location tracker. Instead of switching between Instagram's app and other platforms, I could reply to comments and DMs from one place. This made it much easier to stay on top of audience interactions.
Why Agorapulse Stands Out
- Includes social inbox management to track and reply to Instagram interactions
- Offers detailed engagement and performance reports
- Provides competitor analysis to see how similar accounts are performing
- Supports team collaboration for social media management
Where It Falls Short
- Higher pricing compared to some other Instagram analytics tools
- The interface takes time to get used to
- Scheduling features are not as flexible as other dedicated planners
⭐Recommended reason
Agorapulse is a great choice for businesses or social media teams looking for an all-in-one Instagram management tool.
💡Tips:
I set up automated reports on the Agorapulse Instagram metrics tracker to get weekly insights on Instagram performance. This way, I don't have to manually check stats every day but still stay informed about what's working.
9 CoSchedule
CoSchedule is an Instagram tracker app I've used when managing multiple content streams, including Instagram. It's more than just an Instagram tracker—it's a full content calendar, helping keep everything organized in one place.
The best part was its marketing calendar. When planning Instagram posts alongside blog content and email campaigns, this tool helped me see everything at a glance. This Instagram tracker online made content planning much smoother.
Why CoSchedule Stands Out
- Features a marketing calendar for planning Instagram alongside other content
- Includes automatic social media posting and rescheduling options
- Provides basic Instagram analytics to track post performance
- Helps maintain a consistent posting schedule with reminders
Where It Falls Short
- Not as advanced for Instagram analytics compared to dedicated tracking tools
- Pricing can be high for small businesses or solo creators
- No deep follower analysis features
⭐Recommended reason
CoSchedule is ideal for marketers who need a structured approach to Instagram planning alongside other content strategies. Finally, let's explore Followerwonk, a tool focused on Instagram follower insights.
💡Tips:
I used CoSchedule's ReQueue feature to automatically reshare high-performing Instagram posts. This helped me get more engagement from older content without extra effort.
10 Followerwonk
Followerwonk is an Instagram tracking tool I discovered when I wanted a deeper look at who was following me. This one specializes in analyzing follower demographics, engagement patterns, and audience interests.
One of the most eye-opening insights was realizing how different time zones affected engagement. I adjusted my posting schedule based on when the majority of my audience was active, and my reach improved significantly.
Why Followerwonk Stands Out
- Provides detailed analysis of Instagram followers and audience demographics
- Instagram follower tracker monitors engagement patterns to optimize posting times
- Helps identify inactive or ghost followers
- Useful for brands looking to understand their target audience better
Where It Falls Short
- Not as feature-rich for post-tracking and performance analytics
- The interface isn't as modern as other tools
- Requires manual effort to analyze and apply insights effectively
⭐Recommended reason
Followerwonk is a great Instagram activity tracker free for those who want to understand their Instagram audience better and make data-driven decisions to improve engagement.
💡Tips:
I use Followerwonk to identify followers who rarely engage with my content. Removing inactive followers helps improve engagement rates since Instagram's algorithm favors active audiences.
AirDroid Instagram Tracker helps parents monitor Instagram usage, filter harmful content, and set healthy screen time limits. Instead of constantly worrying about what their kids are seeing or who they are talking to, parents get a clear picture of their child's Instagram habits—all in real time.
Conclusion
Now that you know the top 10 Instagram activity trackers, it's time to find the right one for your goals. Whether you're a business or an influencer, tracking your Instagram performance is crucial for growth. Start by trying out Instagram Insights—it's free, and you can unlock more advanced tools as you grow. Let me know which tool worked best for you in the comments below!
Hottest Questions Related to Instagram Activity Tracker


Tracking Instagram metrics can help you understand audience behavior, measure the effectiveness of posts and ads, and improve marketing strategy.

The best time to post on Instagram in 2025 can vary depending on your audience and location. Generally, weekdays between 9 AM to 11 AM and 2 PM to 4 PM tend to have higher engagement rates.

Instagram could display the wrong active status. There could be a number of reasons for this, such as an app bug or someone turning on location services. Additionally, Instagram occasionally displays the incorrect time since your last activity next to your name in the conversation bar.

You can find out when someone is active on Instagram in a few different ways: People you follow or speak with directly will have a timestamp next to their profile image. Their latest activity status (e.g., Active yesterday, Active 25m ago, Seen, Typing...) will appear in your direct mailbox.

Instagram may display you as active even while you are not using the app due to a small lag in updating your activity status. It can happen if you recently left the app or moved to another one.

