How to read these numbers
These benchmarks come from real public Instagram profiles categorized as athletes with 50k–500k followers. Engagement rate = (average likes + average comments) ÷ followers, from each account's recent posts — the same formula our free checker uses.
- Below 1.78% — bottom quartile: your content isn't reaching or resonating; fix hooks and posting consistency first.
- 1.78%–12.24% — the normal band for this niche and size.
- Above 12.24% — top quartile: this is the zone brands look for when picking athletes to work with.
Compare your own account in seconds — run the free engagement check and you'll get your rate, grade, and this same benchmark context.