How can I improve my instagram engagement?

Hi

So my question is how I can improve my engagement rate. I have 2 accounts that I have been botting for 8-9 months. One I reached 7k, other one 5k. I know it's not much. I'm in the luxury and quotes niche. Both niches are oversaturated ofcourse.

I try to post good content, but I have a feeling that whatever the hell you post it's still good content. My engagement sucks, I get a few likes etc when I'm following others but those are mainly bot likes I think.

When I'm unfollowing my engagement is a lot less. Like really shitty actually.

Do I need to find a new niche? Do I have to grind it out and will eventually the engagement come when I grow bigger and bigger? Are there other ways besides "posting great content" to increase your engagement rate organically (so no telegram groups or anything to fake engagement)? Or are perhaps telegram groups the way to go to get more exposure etc?

Any input will be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

It's your follow sources, you're probably following other bots and not engaging people. Is your following perimeters set to only follow people that liked/commented on the source accounts post within the past 5 days? Did you find some 2m+ account and just started following anyone within their followers? It sounds like you're not trying that hard to find high quality follow backs. my engagement is decent (around 35%) because of the time I spend following people and hashtags, which I'm assuming you're not doing. Are you communicating with your followers and asking them questions, liking and commenting on their pics or are you silent with YOUR following?

Find a new niche. That'll save you a lot of time.