{"id":1751,"date":"2020-07-27T12:01:59","date_gmt":"2020-07-27T12:01:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/socialplanner.io\/blog\/?p=1751"},"modified":"2021-01-03T22:23:14","modified_gmt":"2021-01-03T22:23:14","slug":"instagram-algorithm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/socialplanner.io\/blog\/instagram-algorithm\/","title":{"rendered":"Instagram Algorithm – Understanding And Making The Most Of It"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

Marketers and everyday users of Instagram often hear about the Instagram algorithm<\/strong>. We hear that it is what makes your content reach more people. But most people don\u2019t really know how it works. Or how to make the most of the Instagram algorithm<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re curious and want to know how to use Instagram<\/a><\/strong> to increase your reach and following, then stick around.<\/span><\/p>\n

We will discuss the workings of the algorithm and how marketers and individuals alike can make use of it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Knowing as much about the Instagram algorithm<\/strong> as possible is very important for marketers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Seeing as <\/span>200 million <\/span>Instagram users<\/a><\/strong> visit at least one business profile daily<\/span>, you need to get yours in front of those eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Add to that the fact that Instagram\u2019s potential advertising reach is more than 800 million users, and you can see the social media platform\u2019s amazing potential.<\/span><\/p>\n

So without further ado, lets start…<\/p>\n

What Exactly IS The Instagram Algorithm?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
\"Instagram
The Instagram algorithm is vital to your success on the platform.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In short, it is Instagram’s algorithm that decides which Instagram posts are seen by people whenever they open their Instagram feed.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is based on machine learning and the way posts are ranked changes quite regularly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To use the algorithm to your advantage, it is important to know about the latest changes and how they impact your content.<\/span><\/p>\n

The most important factor for the Instagram algorithm<\/strong> is always going to be building relationships between users and their audience.<\/span><\/p>\n

How Does The Instagram Algorithm Work?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Since the reverse-chronological feed has been ended in 2016 after Instagram’s update, the popular app has adopted a different approach. Individual feeds are organised according to the algorithm rules.<\/p>\n

Instagram feels that this gives users a much better experience on their platform.<\/p>\n

What Influences The Algorithm?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

There are several factors that influence the Instagram algorithm<\/strong> and knowing them will give you an advantage.<\/span><\/p>\n

When you know these factors, you will be able to get your posts on the top of your audience\u2019s feeds more effectively.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Three Most Important Factors<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
\"Important
There are 3 really important factors to remember when it comes to the Instagram algorithm…<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Relationships<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

The driving force behind Instagram\u2019s algorithm is the desire to improve relationships. It wants people to connect more and in authentic ways.<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s about more than getting people to keep scrolling. The algorithm pushes to the front posts from accounts has interactions already.<\/span><\/p>\n

That is why it is so important for brands to have a lot of Instagram engagement with their community and following.<\/span><\/p>\n

Relationships are improved by tagging people in your posts, exchanging direct messages and leaving comments frequently. Shares, views and likes also indicate good relationships.<\/span><\/p>\n

Post Times<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

Posts that are posted recently are more likely to reach the top of users\u2019 feeds. For this reason, it is very important that you share content when your audience is online.<\/span><\/p>\n

Interests<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

The Instagram algorithm<\/strong> will show content that is based on or influenced by a user\u2019s interests. When they enjoyed certain content, they\u2019ll see more of it in their feed.<\/span><\/p>\n

If a user has interacted with verified accounts more, they\u2019ll likely see more content from other verified accounts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If they\u2019ve watched many videos, they\u2019ll see video content more often. So, if people interact with your account, they\u2019ll see even more of you. It\u2019s a good cycle that will continue as long as there\u2019s organic interaction.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other Important Factors<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

In addition to the three above-mentioned factors, there are a few others that also affect how many people see your content. They\u2019re not as important as the top three but should still be taken into account.<\/span><\/p>\n

Activity<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

The Instagram algorithm<\/strong> allows only the best and most popular content that was shared since the last a user opened the app show in their feed. This means that an Instagrammer that doesn\u2019t check their feed frequently might miss your post.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, almost half of the app\u2019s users check their feed more than once a day.<\/span><\/p>\n

Following<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

A user who is following thousands of other accounts might not see your posts all the time. Ideally, you want followers who don\u2019t follow so many people that they can\u2019t keep up with your posts.<\/span><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, that is not really something you have power over.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sessions<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

The time that a user spends on Instagram in one session determines how many posts they see. If they\u2019re spending only five minutes on the app, they\u2019re less likely to see your posts from hours ago.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tips On Working With The Instagram Algorithm<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
\"Working
Working with the Instagram algorithm doesn’t need to be complicated.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There are many ways that you can use the algorithm to your benefit. Even if you don\u2019t understand fully how the Instagram algorithm<\/strong> works, you can follow our advice.<\/span><\/p>\n

By taking our tips to heart, you will be able to share Instagram posts that get a lot of engagement and social media marketing results.<\/span><\/p>\n

Analytics<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

It comes as no surprise that by keeping track of your Instagram analytics, you can get a clearer picture of what\u2019s been working in your brand\u2019s favour.<\/span><\/p>\n

You will learn more about how your audience feels and how they react to specific kinds of posts. On top of that, the analytics data will give a better understanding of how Instagram’s algorithm works.<\/span><\/p>\n

With this information, you\u2019ll be able to tell which posts are hitting the right spot with your audience and which just don\u2019t \u2018wow\u2019 them. The most successful video content can also be identified.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With business accounts, you are able to access Instagram\u2019s native analytics. It will let you see when your audience is online and what their general demographic and location information is.<\/span><\/p>\n

Of course, analytics can only do so much. It is up to you as a brand or marketing team to use the data effectively.<\/span><\/p>\n

Consistency<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

One of the biggest keys to success is consistency. If you want to get positive attention from the Instagram algorithm<\/strong>, you need to have solid relationships with your audience and followers.<\/span><\/p>\n

A good way to do that is to share high-quality content regularly. Determining what is consistent for your account is up to your brand.<\/span><\/p>\n

Before you start sharing content, you need to know how often your audience will want to see new Instagram content. That\u2019s why proper research about your target audience is so important.<\/span><\/p>\n

Remember that if you start out by posting a certain amount of photos and videos, you\u2019re creating an expectation. Your audience will want to see this amount of content from you regularly now.<\/span><\/p>\n

Timely Posts<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
\"The
The timeliness of your posts is important to instagram’s algorithm.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In addition to posting content regularly, you need to do so in a timely manner. This can be difficult when you have many tasks to complete.<\/span><\/p>\n

Because the Instagram algorithm<\/strong> likes to favour the most recent posts, you need to have yours freshly created when your audience is online.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you live in a different time zone, it can be tricky. It can also be exhausting to have to make sure that you have quality content ready every day.<\/span><\/p>\n

We highly recommend that you make use of a scheduling tool to help you out. You can create content ahead and schedule it to be posted at the relevant times.<\/span><\/p>\n

SocialPlanner is a great scheduling tool<\/a><\/strong> that will let you plan your new posts and post them for you to make sure it\u2019s there to be enjoyed by your audience when they\u2019re online.<\/span><\/p>\n

Relationships<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

As we\u2019ve mentioned, Instagram is all about organic engagement and real connections. With that said, it is important to build relationships the old-fashioned way.<\/span><\/p>\n

This means that you should not be taking any shortcuts and putting in the required effort. If you want to see results, you need to work for it, right?<\/span><\/p>\n

Just don\u2019t expect any \u2018Likes\u2019 for your efforts to show. Instagram has <\/span>stopped allowing likes<\/a><\/strong> to be shown on the platform<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

As a brand, you should be focused on real connections anyway. Show real affection and be engaging in a warm way.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are some tips on how to build relationships:<\/span><\/p>\n

Comments<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

Replying to comments as quickly as possible – immediately if possible – is a great way to show you care. If people see that you\u2019re alert and attentive, they\u2019ll start to look up to you. Plus, you will be impressing the person you reply to as well as everyone who sees your reply.<\/span><\/p>\n

Also, comment on people\u2019s posts. Show your followers that you\u2019re not just about blasting your own content, but theirs as well. Of course, the posts you comment on will be associated with your brand. Keep that in mind to prevent getting linked to \u2018the wrong people\u2019.<\/span><\/p>\n

Questions<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

It is recommended that you ask your followers questions, but only if you actually care about their answers. Don\u2019t bait people for engagement. The questions you ask should be influenced by how happy you want to make your audience.<\/span><\/p>\n

Direct Messages<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

Sending and receiving direct messages is seen by the Instagram algorithm<\/strong> as a way to gauge your relationships with other users. Use DMs to communicate with your followers but don\u2019t be pushy. Abusive and harassing messages are not tolerated.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t Buy Likes Or Followers<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

Many people suggest that brands buy followers and likes (not the likes so much anymore) when they\u2019re new.<\/span><\/p>\n

We would advise against this. Instagram’s algorithm (and your real followers) will definitely notice when you\u2019ve bought yourself fake followers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reuse Your Top Content<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

There is nothing wrong with sharing an older post that did well with your audience again. If it did well, it\u2019s because your followers really enjoyed it.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is likely that since then, you\u2019ve gained new followers who haven\u2019t seen this awesome content on their Instagram feed yet.<\/span><\/p>\n

By sharing content that you\u2019ve already created, you can save yourself the time needed to create something new.<\/span><\/p>\n

Instagram marketing is all about being clever with what you give your followers. So don\u2019t just rehash your old content – have a proper strategy for recycling your posts.<\/span><\/p>\n

Use Visuals<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

Instagram is a fantastic social media platform for sharing visual content. There\u2019s more to it than sharing an IGTV video or two.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are a few ideas:<\/span><\/p>\n