Instagram is still one of the most popular social media platforms, with over 1 billion monthly active users. As such, understanding how the Instagram algorithm works is crucial for businesses and brands looking to reach and engage with their target audience on the platform.
What is the Instagram algorithm in 2023 and how does it work?
The Instagram algorithm is a series of algorithms, classifiers and processes that are used to personalize the content that a user sees on the app. The goal of the algorithm is to keep users on the app longer by showing them content that they will find relevant and interesting.
The Instagram algorithm uses three main signals to determine the content that it will show to a user: who the user interacts with, what type of content the user engages with and when the user is most active on the app.
For example, if you frequently like or comment on someone’s content, you’re more likely to see their posts in your feed. Similarly, if you engage with a lot of beauty content, the algorithm will continue to serve you that type of content. Finally, the algorithm also takes into consideration when a post has been posted and how often you scroll on the app to decide which content to prioritize.
It’s not just about engagement
But the Instagram algorithm doesn’t just rely on these three signals. It also takes into consideration a variety of other factors when deciding how to rank a post on a user’s Home feed. These include the type of content being posted (e.g. photo or video), the engagement level of the poster and the user’s past interactions and activity on the app.
In addition to the main feed algorithm, there are also separate algorithms for the Explore page, Instagram Reels and stories.
There’s an Explore page algorithm…
The Explore page algorithm, for example, is designed to surface content that the user might be interested in but may not already be following. It takes into consideration the user’s past interactions and activity on the app, as well as the engagement level of the content being recommended.
…and a Reels algorithm
The algorithm for Instagram Reels is similar to that of the main feed, with the added factor of considering how well a Reel performs compared to other Reels on the platform. This means that Reels with high engagement are more likely to be shown to a wider audience.
…and a Stories algorithm
Finally, the algorithm for stories is designed to show the user the stories of accounts they interact with the most, as well as accounts that have a high level of engagement overall.
How to leverage these algorithms to your advantage
So, what can you do to “hack” the Instagram algorithm and get more engagement for your business or brand?
First and foremost, it’s important to create high-quality, engaging content that resonates with your target audience. This means understanding what type of content they are interested in and what they are likely to engage with.
6 other strategies you can use to increase your visibility on Instagram
1. Use relevant hashtags:
Using relevant hashtags can help your content be discovered by users who are interested in those topics.
2. Engage with your audience:
Interacting with your followers and other accounts in your industry can help increase your visibility on the platform.
3. Use Instagram Stories:
As mentioned above, the algorithm for stories prioritizes accounts that the user interacts with the most. By regularly posting to your stories, you can increase your chances of being shown to your audience.
4. Post at optimal times:
While the Instagram algorithm takes into consideration when a post has been posted, posting at times when your audience is most active can help increase your visibility.
5. Use Instagram Reels:
As the algorithm for Reels takes into consideration how well a Reel performs compared to other Reels on the platform, creating high-quality Reels can help increase your visibility on the platform.
6. Use Instagram’s paid promotion feature:
While organic reach on social media platforms can be limited, using Instagram’s paid promotion feature can help increase the visibility of your content to a wider audience.
>> READ: What happens when you ONLY post Instagram Reels?
By understanding how the Instagram algorithm works and implementing these strategies, you can increase your chances of reaching and engaging with your target audience on the platform. It’s also important to remember that the Instagram algorithm is constantly evolving, so it’s important to stay up to date on any changes and adjust your strategy accordingly.
The Instagram algorithm is a complex system that is designed to show users content that it believes they will find relevant and interesting. By creating high-quality, engaging content and implementing strategies such as using relevant hashtags, engaging with your audience and using Instagram’s paid promotion feature, you can increase your chances of reaching and engaging with your target audience on the platform. Stay up to date on any algorithm updates and adjust your strategy accordingly to continue growing your presence on Instagram.
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