How does the Instagram algorithm actually work? Growing your business on Instagram is not as easy as sharing a post. We wish it was easy.
If you’ve spent any time on Instagram, you’ll know that the algorithm can behave in mysterious ways.
But once you understand how the elusive algorithm actually works, you can tailor your content strategy to work alongside it.
According to Instagram, there are few key factors that influence the Instagram algorithm for feed posts:
Factor #1: Interest
Your Instagram feed isn’t only based on who you follow, it’s also based on the accounts and types of posts you’ve liked historically.
The more the Instagram algorithm thinks you will “like” a certain type of post, the higher it will appear in your feed.
Basically, what you see in your Instagram feed is a combination of all of your Instagram behaviors. The accounts you interact with the most, the people you are tagged in photos with, and of course, the type of posts that you like and comment on.
This is why consistently showing up on Instagram is so important.
Factor #2: Relationship
The Instagram algorithm wants to prioritize posts from your friends, family, and accounts that you care about. So in order for Instagram to show you what you want, the algorithm uses your interactions to piece together who is closest to you.
Instagram could theoretically figure out who you care about the most, based on how you use the app:
People whose content you like (possibly including stories and live videos)
People you direct message
People you search for
People you know in real life
Factor #3: Following
How many people do you follow on Instagram? If you follow a lot of people, then Instagram has more options to choose from, so you probably won’t see all of the posts from every account.
On a related note, it could be worth systematically removing inactive or “ghost” followers.
If a large percentage of your following is inactive, they could be doing more harm than good for your account’s algorithmic ranking.
Tip for working with the
Instagram algorithm
Remix, reuse and repost your top-performing content
Upcycling and remixing your best tried-and-true content has two benefits: you already know the algorithm likes it, and it saves time. ✨
Whatever tactic you choose to focus on to improve your algorithm ranking in 2021, the most important thing is to keep engaging with your audience at the heart of your strategy.
Building a genuine relationship with your followers is the most powerful way to “hack” the algorithm and, most importantly, it will work wonders for your brand too.
We’ll be sharing more tips about how to market your business during this time through our newsletter and on our social channels.
Make sure you follow us at @4theinsta
Have a question? Send us an email or a DM!
Stay positive, stay productive, and most importantly, stay connected!
Comments