8 keys to understand Instagram’s algorithm

Instagram’s algorithm—it’s the secret sauce that determines what content you see and when you see it. Understanding this algorithm is essential if you want your content to be seen by more people. 👀 

👉️ It’s all about making sure the platform shows users the content they’re most likely to engage with, which means if you want your posts to get noticed, you need to play by the algorithm’s rules.

But it’s not just one algorithm; Instagram uses a variety of algorithms to decide the order of posts in your feed, the stories that appear first, and the content in the Explore tab. And as user behavior evolves, so does the algorithm. 📱 

So, let’s dive into eight key factors that help you understand how to work with Instagram’s algorithm:

1️⃣ User interests 👍️ 

Instagram wants to show you content you care about. It tracks the types of posts you engage with—whether you’re liking, commenting, or watching. The more you engage with specific content, like nature photos, the more the algorithm will prioritize showing you similar posts.

2️⃣ Relationships 💬 

The algorithm pays close attention to your interactions. If you frequently comment on or tag someone, their content is more likely to appear at the top of your feed. It’s about prioritizing the people you’re closest to, according to your engagement.

3️⃣ Freshness of content ⏳️ 

More recent posts are given higher priority because Instagram values fresh and timely content. If your audience is online when you post, they’re more likely to see your content.

4️⃣ Frequency of use 💻️ 

How often you use Instagram affects what you see. If you’re on the platform regularly, the algorithm will show you what’s most relevant since your last visit. But if you check in less frequently, Instagram will curate the highlights from a broader time frame.

5️⃣ Session length 📏 

The duration of your Instagram sessions also plays a role. If you spend a lot of time scrolling, you’ll be shown a wider range of content to keep things interesting. But if you tend to browse briefly, the algorithm focuses on delivering the most important posts first.

6️⃣ Content exploration 🔎 

The Explore tab is all about discovery. Here, Instagram uses your previous interactions to show you content you might like, but from accounts you don’t already follow. It’s a great way to reach new audiences who share similar interests.

7️⃣ Equal opportunity for creators 🟰 

Instagram aims to give every creator a fair shot at reaching an audience. It prioritizes content based on user interest rather than just engagement numbers. If a small group of people engage with a post right away, Instagram will show it to more users, leveling the playing field for smaller accounts.

8️⃣ Rewarding original content 🤳 

Instagram is working to distinguish between original content and reposts to reward creators for their unique work. Copying content without adding value won’t get much traction, and repeat offenders might even find their visibility limited. The goal is to encourage creativity and highlight authentic voices.

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