Until 2016 March, Instagram displayed posts in reverse chronological order. On 22 March 2016, Instagram announced two changes: the first was the change in the app’s structure, and the second is that posts would get displayed based on users’ interests and feedback. Since then, the Instagram algorithm has evolved differently, putting tremendous pressure on brands and marketers brainstorming to spot the best ways to favor the Instagram algorithm and get more organic reach. This article provides a 360 degree perspective about the Instagram algorithm and how to grow with the ever-changing algorithm.

What is the Instagram algorithm?  

First, you need to understand that the Instagram algorithm isn’t just one. The Instagram app functions based on multiple algorithms, each with a different purpose to provide the best experience to its users by displaying content that interests them. All these algorithms carry out a lot of technical stuff, which certainly is impossible to understand. In simple words, the experience you get from the variety of content formats like reels, IGTV, and stories is entirely different because each format works based on its algorithm. But the purpose of every algorithm is to provide an engaging and personalized experience to its users. All you need to survive the Instagram algorithm is to post good content that engages people.

How Does The Instagram Algorithm Work 

The Instagram algorithm keeps track of the content you enjoy and shows content similar to what you have viewed so far. Keeping this in mind always, you can create content that matches the interests of your potential followers. By following this mantra, your content will keep popping up in your followers’ feeds more often, while you can also stay relevant. Now let’s get a bit deeper!

Instagram has introduced several content formats in the recent past, and there are more to come in the future. Now two questions might arise in your mind. “How to beat the Instagram algorithm?” and What are the KPIs that we should monitor to track our progress for sustaining the algorithm changes?

With no excuses, you need to keep up with the algorithm when working with brands because brands instead see the number of likes your posts have. According to a brand’s perspective, a reasonable engagement rate is when a content creator has rapport and genuine relationships with his followers. You’ll now have an idea of how to get engaged and grow. Remember, the Instagram algorithm keeps track of the following while displaying content for you. 

1.  The Type Of Content You Enjoy

Have you ever noticed that Instagram displays content more or less similar to the posts you liked last? The logic behind this is that the algorithm keeps an eye on who you follow, what type of content you want and watch etc., to predict your interests and determines the content to display in your feed. 

2.  The Way You Engage

When you leave a comment on another person’s post, or when you get tagged by other users or followers, it shows that you were engaged there, and you got added up in the individual category. This means that you convey the algorithm to show more from the person’s feed. 

3.  The peak times

Instagram always displays the latest content to the followers. Switching to an Instagram business account is something that you should do when most of your followers are online. Besides peak times, Instagram analytics has got a lot of data to offer which significantly helps make the right strategy. But take this with a grain of salt and keep exploring the best times versus engagement rates because it is good to learn from experimenting.

4.  The posting frequency

Instagram will display fresh content for you when you spend more time on the app. It is the same for everyone on Instagram. The more frequently you post, the more your content will show up in the followers’ feeds, provided your content must be well engaging. 

Ranking Factors Of Instagram Algorithm

The main factors that the Instagram algorithm takes into consideration are:

  Engagement

As discussed earlier, Instagram displays content to its users based on their interests and preferences. Whenever you see your feed, it will initially have the content from accounts that you follow. But Instagram will not allow you to keep on scrolling. At one point, Instagram will pop up the message, “You’re all caught up now.” It implies that you should not make this happen for your followers. You need to create the best-ever content so that your followers stop scrolling and start watching your content. If you create content for completing, you will not be able to attract your followers. So, put your best foot forward to create engaging, high-quality content to ensure followers keep coming to you to see what you post on Instagram. 

Above all, Instagram is a social media app where you need to socialize by creating content that focuses on building a solid community. Apart from making your content, you also need to engage with others’ content, including your followers, which results in genuine relationships. Gratitude and reciprocation are two good qualities that can take you a long way on Instagram. Like when others like your post and thank them when they leave a positive comment on your content. 

   Time

Instagram is the best platform to make money from ads, and keeping your followers engaged is the best way to make them see your app. Determine the best posting times and never miss out on sticking to your schedule to accustom your followers to stay active and keep an eye for your content at specific times. When users find interesting content from you, they will likely never miss your posts in the future. 

How To Survive The Instagram Algorithm

Most people recommend that posting every day is the best way to increase engagement and beat the Instagram algorithm. Instagram by far has not revealed any best posting times that users and followers should practice. But have a goal in mind while you post to Instagram daily, and remember posting daily guarantees to grow your account with new followers. Now let’s jump in to see how frequently to post each kind of content on Instagram.

1) Keep Posting Photos

Posting content regularly is what makes your followers look forward to seeing your content at the right time. Photos tend to keep your profile fresh. Plus, snapping a new photo takes very little time. Suppose you haven’t shot new images. You can indeed repost old images. With new content formats coming up often, people still get automatic Instagram likes in plenty and drive more engagement for your profile. You can also hire online agencies like VoxCorp, Thrive agency, etc. to get the work done for you.  

2) Get Your Wheels On Reels

While the primary purpose of video content formats is to tell stories to your audience, you could also use stories to share user-generated content to attract your audience. Posting at least thrice a week is an optimal frequency with reels. While shares are seen as essential criteria to signal the algorithm and reels get shared among more users, creating and posting reels is the best way to pull the attention of more users on Instagram. The platform allows you to see what is trending on reels so that you could try posting similar content with a mix of your style. With the increasing engagement for videos compared to images, posting 60-second reels can help entice more people. 

3) Create interactive Stories

Stories are among the easiest to post and drive maximum engagement since many Instagram users watch stories every day. Making the best use of story features like quizzes, polls, funny gifs, and question stickers can build deep connections with your audience. Stories help grow an engaged community for your account. Posting more Instagram stories is the best way to show often in followers’ feeds. 

4) Use Hashtags Wisely

Just using appropriate hashtags is pointless when you have poor content. Hashtags help people find you and your content on Instagram, but they won’t engage when they see your content is not interesting. Avoid generic hashtags. Resist your urge to add all the 30 permitted hashtags and use some in your comments.

5) Post Carousels

A carousel is a post with multiple videos or photos that can be viewed by clicking left or swiping. Recently people often engage in carousels. Just try out. Your followers will not move away without watching the carousel until the video’s last image or last frame. 

Final Thoughts

I must say, good content, frequency, consistency, and engagement are all required to beat the Instagram algorithm and stay firm on Instagram. But keep in mind that you should not believe the myths which state several reasons why serving the Instagram algorithm is quite challenging. Instead, perceive the positive side if you survive the Instagram algorithm. Your brand will become popular, your small business will grow, you convert followers into customers, and you make more revenue. Be open-minded to explore all things to beat the algorithm.