How exactly does the Instagram algorithm work?
This is a confusing question since Instagram gave up on chronological ordering.
In this article, I will share the effects of the Instagram algorithm on posts, stories, discover page, IGTV videos and Reels.
In addition, I will talk about ways to beat the Instagram algorithm you need to position your business or brand in a more prominent place.
2021 Instagram Algorithm
If you've been spending time on Instagram, you've probably seen its algorithm work mysteriously.
But once you unravel the secrets of this elusive algorithm, you can tailor your content and work with it.
If you want to learn about the Instagram algorithm, below are the aspects that might catch your attention.
How Does the Instagram Algorithm Work for Posts?
According to Instagram, the 6 key factors listed below are used by the algorithm for posts.
- Areas of interest
- Relationships
– Timing
– Frequency
– Tracking
- Use
Factor 1: Interests
Which Types of Interactions Are More Important to the Instagram Algorithm?
When it comes to streaming performance, the algorithm prioritizes the most engaged content.
But what are the most important criteria for interaction?
According to Instagram, the most effective engagement options include comments, likes, reposts, and watching videos, which can really help you with your content plans and descriptions.
Although not mentioned among the key interactions, the “save option” is also a very useful indicator for editing and optimizing your content. This could become more important, especially as Instagram starts experimenting with hiding likes.
Factor 2: Relationships
Instagram algorithm prioritizes posts from friends, family and accounts you care about wants to give.
So, to show you what you want (really, really) want, Instagram allows its algorithm to draw conclusions from your interactions.
Thomas Dimson, who works as a software engineer at Instagram, social media
explained how the platform theoretically understands who you care about more, based on the way we use the app.
– People whose content you like (possibly their stories and live videos).
– People you send direct messages to.
– The people you are looking for.
– People you know in real life.
From the moment you start following someone and getting exposure to their content, the Instagram algorithm tries to measure your relationship and interest level and tracks how you interact.
Factor 3: Timing
The Instagram algorithm pays attention not only to the interactions your posts receive, but also to when you last posted.
The Instagram algorithm takes into account when you post because it wants to bring you the latest and most interesting posts.
By determining the best time to publish your posts personally, you can reach more people, gain more likes and followers by following the algorithm.
If you post when your followers are online and active, your chances of getting more likes increase.
Factor 4: Frequency
How often do you open the Instagram app? If you log into the app often, your feed is closer to being in chronological order, as Instagram tries to present the latest and best posts available since your last visit.
If you use Instagram less and less, your feed will appear in a sort that the algorithm thinks you might like, rather than in chronological order.
Factor 5: Follow-up
How many people do you follow on Instagram? If you follow a lot of people, the algorithm will have a greater chance of choosing between posts to present to you. Therefore, you will most likely not see every photo posted.
For similar reasons, it would be useful to periodically delete accounts that are inactive and defined as "ghost".
If the majority of your followers are not active, they will do you more harm than good against the algorithm.
Factor 6: Usage
If you spend a lot of time on Instagram, the algorithm will dive deeper to offer you something different.
If you spend enough time, you are likely to consume new content on Instagram. In such a case, the algorithm will start showing new accounts based on your previous behavior.
On the other hand, if you only spend a few minutes a day on the site, the algorithm will only show you the daily highlights.