Influencer engagement rate benchmarks by follower size and network

Influencer engagement rate benchmarks on Instagram by follower size

Influencer engagement rate benchmarks fall as follower counts rise, so a good rate is one in line with creators of the same size on the same network. HypeAuditor's calculator page gives 2.2 percent as the 2026 average engagement rate on Instagram and lists averages of 1.0 to 4.8 percent by follower size, so read any average with its source and size band.

Modash says around 1 to 3 percent engagement is normal on Instagram, while its own benchmark table shows an average of 0.35 to 3.85 percent depending on follower count, so compare a creator with others of the same size.

Why vendors' engagement rates differ

Each vendor computes engagement rate differently, so one creator can show a different rate in each tool. Modash divides the median number of likes by followers over the last two months. Heepsy divides the average likes and comments on recent posts by follower count.

HypeAuditor's help center says shares and saves are not counted, because Instagram treats them as private data, and it leaves out posts with hidden likes. Match the formula before you match the benchmark.

TikTok and YouTube engagement run on other scales

HypeAuditor's TikTok audit page puts TikTok engagement well above Instagram's and flags an unusually low rate on a micro-influencer, for example under 5 percent, as suspicious. Its help center computes TikTok engagement as likes, comments and shares over views, a different formula from its Instagram one.

HypeAuditor's TikTok pages do not agree on a norm, and the calculator page still quotes a 2020 average, so treat a TikTok figure as that page's own line. On YouTube, HypeAuditor's calculator adds shares and subscribers to likes and comments and divides by views.

Engagement rates that are too low or too high

Modash says fake followers pull a rate down, because they sit in the follower count without ever engaging, and bought comments push it up. HypeAuditor says the highest authentic engagement rate on Instagram runs between 35 and 40 percent, so a rate far above a size band's average deserves a second look as much as one far below it.

Smaller creators run higher: HypeAuditor says the more followers an influencer has, the lower the rate, and Heepsy says smaller communities interact more. HypeAuditor's help center also says engagement rate is not an indicator of the quality of an account's comments, likes and followers. Check the followers too with how to spot fake influencers.

Check one creator's rate for free

To check one creator's engagement rate, run the account through a free calculator and compare the result with the average for its follower band. Modash and Heepsy each publish an engagement calculator on their own formula, so a second run shows how far the formula moves the number. The influencer fake followers checker guide lists the free tools that check the followers behind the rate.

HypeAuditor's free Instagram engagement calculator takes the median of an account's 30 latest posts, dividing likes and comments by views when there are enough recent Reels and by followers otherwise. Its reports compare an account with others in the same follower tier, 150 tiers in all, per a help article dated June 21, 2022. The HypeAuditor review covers what its plans include.

A team checking a handful of creators a year can stop at the free calculators. HypeAuditor's engagement calculators are free to use, and a free trial of its platform is arranged through its sales team.