The function of an algorithm is to deliver relevant content to users and if you are working organically you want to make the most of it so that your posts show up every time people open their feed.
Many clients ask me if I know exactly how the Instagram algorithm works, and true is, the platform is very open about it. In January 2019 when the new algorithm was introduced, they tweeted about the new changes.
The 5 key factors that influence the Instagram algorithm for feed posts are:
Interest:
If you liked certain types of posts in the past, the algorithm is more likely to show similar content in the future. So everything you do on Instagram counts, who you follow, who you interact with, the stories you watched, what you liked.
Relationship:
The algorithm will prioritize showing you posts from your friends, family and accounts that you engaged the most.
Recency:
Instagram’s algorithm cares a lot about when you posted, giving more visibility to fresh content rather than old posts.
Frequency:
How often you open the app. If you open the app often, the algorithm will show you the best post since your last visit. If you check the app less often then the algorithm will show you what it thinks you’ll like, instead of chronologically.
Usage:
How much time you spend on Instagram. If you spend a lot of time in the app, you will see more posts as Instagram will dig deeper “into its catalog”. If you spend few minutes a day, then you will get just the day’s highlight from the algorithm.
Now that you know the rules, you should play with the algorithm. You can fight it if you want. But ignore the algorithm to your peril. But I believe in true love, and over the years I’ve learned to appreciate the algorithm, especially if you want to growth your account organically.
Do you want to know how do you make fall in love the Instagram algorithm with your account? Read on.
1. Spend more time.
They want more eyeballs watching their content. So the more you stay on Instagram, the more your account will get visibility. My advice? Use the platform to have fun, research, spend some good times.
2. Have meaningful interactions.
Never forget the human side of the platform, because in the end who is on the other side of the screen are people. So if your goal is to increase visibility organically, act naturally as if you where in the “real world”. But remember that the algorithm take into consideration your past behaviours so interact with similar accounts, engage with your real followers, spend time watching relevant content related to your brand/industry. Be authentic, answer your follower’s questions, have fun with them.
3. Be fresh.
As we said the algorithm gives priority to fresh, timely posts. Posts that are more recent are more likely to be pushed to the top of people’s feeds. This means that posting when your audience is online is crucial. But don’t get caught in the spiral of “I have to publish because I need fresh content every day”. You don’t need this. Quality is always better than quantity.
4. Be consistent.
This might seem like a bit of a backward tip, but hear me out. The algorithm rewards consistency. It’s not worth to start publishing every day and then disappear for an entire week. Better to plan the content throughout the month so that the algorithm recognizes you as a quality account.
5. Stay up to date.
Instagram wants you to ad adopt new features. So it’s important to pay attention to what’s changing. Every time they have a new feature learn it. Use it. Figure out what makes it work. Or what doesn’t make it work. One of the latest changes applies to the Carousel. If before carousel was up to 3 images, now they extended up to 10. It’s not exactly a new feature, but they have changed it a little bit.
So, are you ready for love?
