Instagram has been around for over a decade, and in that time the app’s algorithm has changed a lot. What used to be a platform for still images is now a place where you can share photos and videos in various forms. However, simply leveraging one of the options isn’t enough to find marketing success on the platform. This is because the Instagram algorithm determines what succeeds on the app and what doesn’t. No matter how high-quality the content you share. While Instagram doesn’t disclose all the factors that the algorithm uses to assess content, they have released information about what the algorithm looks for. In this post, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the algorithm to succeed on Instagram!
What is the Instagram algorithm?
In simple terms, the Instagram algorithm is a set of rules that determine what content users see in their feeds. The algorithm uses a variety of factors to assess each piece of content and then decides whether or not to show it in someone’s feed.
Although Instagram doesn’t reveal all the details about how the algorithm works, they have given us some insight into what factors are considered.
What are the Instagram algorithm factors?
There are a few different factors that the Instagram algorithm looks at when it’s deciding whether or not to show content in someone’s feed.
1- Relationships
The first factor is relationships. Instagram wants to show users content with people with that they have a relationship. This means that the algorithm prioritizes content from people you interact with often, like your friends and family.
If you don’t interact with someone often, their content will appear lower in your feed. This is why you might see posts from friends and family more often than posts from celebrities or brands that you follow.
To improve the relationships factor, try to engage with the people who you want to see more of in your feed. This can be done by liking and commenting on their posts, or by sending them direct messages.
Another way to improve the relationships factor is to share content that you know your audience will engage with. If you post something that gets a lot of likes, comments, and shares, it tells Instagram that your content is valuable and worth showing to other people.
2- Interests
The second factor is interests. The algorithm looks at the kinds of content that you engage with to figure out what you’re interested in. For example, if you like a lot of posts about dogs, the algorithm will assume that you’re interested in dog-related content and show you more of it.
A way to improve the interests factor is to follow hashtags that are relevant to the content that you want to see. For example, if you’re a photographer, you could follow hashtags like #photography or #photographylover. This tells Instagram that you’re interested in seeing content from that particular hashtag.
Another way to improve the interests factor is to engage with the content you see in your feed. If you like and comment on posts, Instagram will assume that you’re interested in that content and show you more of it.
You can also use the Explore page to find new content that you’re interested in. The Explore page is personalized for each user based on their interests, so it’s a great way to discover new content.
3- Timeliness
The third factor is timeliness. The Instagram algorithm gives priority to content that is timely and relevant. This means that if you post something about a current event or trend, it’s more likely to be seen by other users.
A way to improve the timeliness factor is to post about current events and trends. You can also use hashtags to make your content more discoverable. For example, if you’re posting about the #Olympics, users who are interested in the Olympics will be able to find your content more easily.
Another way to improve the timeliness factor is to post regularly. The algorithm favors account that post frequently, so if you can post multiple times a day, you’re more likely to be seen.
Here’s how you can schedule posts on Instagram!
You can also use Instagram Stories to show timely content. Stories are displayed at the top of the feed and are only available for 24 hours, so they’re a great way to share timely content.
By understanding how the Instagram algorithm works, you can make sure that your content is being seen by the people who want to see it. Keep these factors in mind when you’re creating content, and you’ll be on your way to Instagram success.
4- Frequency
The fourth factor is frequency. The algorithm favors accounts that post frequently, so if you can post multiple times a day, you’re more likely to be seen.
A way to improve the frequency factor is to post regularly. You can also use Instagram Stories to show timely content. Stories are displayed at the top of the feed and are only available for 24 hours, so they’re a great way to share timely content.
Instagram Algorithm Update 2022
Instagram is always updating its algorithm to improve the user experience.
Most recently, in December 2020, Instagram announced an update that would prioritize new content from accounts that you interact with the most. This means that if you regularly like, comment, and view stories from a particular account, you’re more likely to see their new content first.
This update is designed to show you the content that you’re most interested in, and it’s a great way to make sure that you don’t miss any important updates from the people you care about.
To take advantage of this update, make sure to interact with the content from accounts that you want to see more of. Like their posts, comment on their photos, and view their stories. The more you interact with their content, the more likely you are to see their new content first.
This update is just one of many that Instagram has made to its algorithm over the years. By understanding how the algorithm works, you can make sure that your content is being seen by the people who want to see it. Now in 2022, the algorithm will prioritize content from your close friends and family.
If you want to see more content from a particular person, you can now add them to your Close Friends list. This is a feature that allows you to choose up to 100 people who you want to see more content from.
Instagram Story Algorithm
The Instagram Story algorithm is similar to the regular Instagram algorithm, but there are a few key differences.
First, the algorithm favors accounts that you’ve interacted with recently. This means that if you regularly view and reply to someone’s stories, you’re more likely to see their new content first.
Second, the algorithm prioritizes new content from the people you interact with the most. So if you have a lot of mutual friends with someone, or if you’ve been interacting with them a lot recently, their stories will be more likely to show up at the top of your feed.
Finally, the algorithm takes into account how long you’ve been following someone. So if you’ve been following someone for a long time, but haven’t interacted with them much recently, their stories will still be more likely to show up at the top of your feed.
Here’s everything you need to know to get started with Instagram Stories and use them for your business.
