Beating the Instagram Algorithm: The Instagram algorithm constantly changes, making it difficult for marketers to keep up. Staying up-to-date with the app’s algorithm and ahead of the game is essential to avoid scrambling.

How can you make the algorithm work for your brand and continue to drive engagement and gain followers? Check out these eight strategies to beat Instagram’s algorithm.

How Does Instagram’s Algorithm Work?

In 2016, Instagram’s algorithm changed from reverse chronological order to a more sophisticated and personalised algorithm similar to the one Facebook uses.

Instead, this algorithm prioritises timely, recent posts relevant to the user’s interests. Instagram has since specified its algorithm, giving marketers six key signals on which to focus. These are:

1. Interest: A user’s interest in new content is based on their engagement with content on similar topics.
2. Timeliness: New posts are prioritised over older ones.
3. Relationship: Content from accounts that the user follows and interacts with is prioritised.
4. Frequency: How often users use Instagram affects what content will be at the top of their feed.
5. Following: The number of accounts a user follows impacts what content they see on their feed. If they follow a lot of accounts, they will see less content from each account.
6. Usage: Users who spend more time scrolling through their feeds are likelier to see posts the Instagram algorithm pushes for them.

Once you understand these six signals, you can begin breaking down how to hack Instagram’s algorithm.

8 Strategies To Beat the Instagram Algorithm

Although there isn’t a perfect strategy for gaming the Instagram algorithm, growing your reach and engagement is easily achievable thanks to what we do know about Instagram’s priorities.

Use these tried-and-true strategies to guarantee that your audience will see your content.

While this may seem obvious, Instagram has directly stated that better content leads to ranking higher in your audience’s feeds.

Up Your Image Quality

The question is: what is good content? It depends on the user.

No matter what content you post, it is good practise to share images that are visually appealing and capture your audience’s attention. Try posting beautiful scenes or using bold colours. These kinds of things are what make someone stop scrolling and like your photo.

Even in a “boring” industry, you should use these tactics to make your content pop! If you’re struggling with ideas, check out some of your competitors’ pages, and try using editing apps to give your photos a professional look.

Post Consistent Stories

Although stories do not influence the Instagram algorithm, they are still very powerful for marketing on the platform.

Stories are located at the top of your followers’ feeds, which can put you front and center as soon as they open the app. If they see your content first, your brand will be on their minds.

Push More Video Content

Even though Instagram does not directly prioritise video content over photos, there’s no denying that video is just as, if not more, important.

Video content is uniquely eye-catching for audiences because the video automatically begins playing as they scroll past the post. This alone can make video content better than images at making consumers stop and look at your content.

If you’re looking to add more video content to your strategy, Instagram is already one step ahead. The platform has continuously added new video features such as IGTV and Reels, which can appear in the general feed and on their tabs within your profile.

Although video content may sound very time-consuming, it can be pretty straightforward. While branded commercial ads need to be more professional and well-edited, many audiences strongly prefer amateur-looking content. It makes brands feel more human and relatable.

Go Live

Just like Stories, Lives doesn’t specifically impact the Instagram algorithm. However, the feature still has many benefits.

When you host an Instagram Live, your followers can send notifications to invite them to join the audience. Even if they don’t get the notification, Lives are shown at the very top of users’ feeds, in front of other pages’ Stories, which can put you front and centre.

Like video content, live videos are authentic and build a relationship with your audience. Brands can use this feature to host Q&As, digital events, and product announcements, which invite consumers to get to know the people behind the brand.

Create Interactive Captions

Interaction and engagement drive the Instagram algorithm. On the platform, likes, shares, and comments are very valuable.

One great way to drive engagement is to ask for it! Captioning your post with a question or “tag a friend who…” will get your followers interacting with your content and boost your brand within the Instagram algorithm.

Do not use these captions on every post, however. When overused, the platform may punish you for baiting engagement and not show your posts high in users’ feeds. Instead, use meaningful engagement captions and vary your copy for different posts.

Use Hashtags to Your Advantage

Hashtags are what allow your content to be searchable on Instagram. By using branded, industry, and community hashtags, you can help new customers find your content.

Instagram allows you to add up to 30 hashtags to your posts. However, just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Ensure the ones you use are relevant to your brand and not just spam.

You may be drawn to viral hashtags when looking for the right hashtags to use. However, using a hashtag that is also used on hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of other posts will cause your content to get lost among all the others.

Instead, try to find relevant hashtags with 10,000 to 300,000 posts. This means that people are interested in them and will also be able to see your specific content.

Host Contests or Giveaways

Contests and giveaways are some of the most engaging posts on Instagram – because who doesn’t love free stuff?

Instagram contests are a great way to reach a larger audience. To enter, have your followers post a photo with your branded hashtag or share your post on their Story. This way, their followers will see it and may want to enter, too!

If you are going to host a giveaway or contest, make sure you can handle the number of entries and produce whatever the prize is, whether it’s a gift card to your shop or something more. Also, try to space these out so there is enough time to plan and generate excitement for your next contest.

Know Your Audience’s Schedule

One of the easiest ways to beat the Instagram algorithm is to post when your audience is online.

Check your analytics to determine when your audience is using the app. If you have an Instagram for Business account, you can find this information on your profile’s Instagram Insights.

While posting during these times does not guarantee that your audience will see your post, it will help you hit some of the five key signals that Instagram’s algorithm looks for, such as timeliness.

How To Crack the Instagram Algorithm

Although algorithms change frequently, they don’t have to ruin your current marketing strategy. Even with the new changes, there are still many ways for brands to engage their audience and create unique, interesting content.

You can take the latest algorithm in stride by noting the changes made, using the new features, and catering to your audience. You should also check out the Instagram facts blog to stay updated on the current social media platform changes.

Cracking the Code: Decoding Instagram’s Algorithmic Puzzle in 2024

Forget the outdated four-factor mantra of engagement, relevancy, timeliness, and usage! The Instagram algorithm is a living, breathing beast, constantly evolving and demanding more nuanced understanding. Let’s delve into the intricate subcategories within each factor, showcasing how to optimize your content for maximum reach and engagement in 2024.

Relevance Unraveled

• Topic Clusters: Don’t just post about fashion; specialize in sustainable fashion, vintage finds, or street style. Instagram rewards focused content by placing you in relevant topic clusters, increasing discoverability for users genuinely interested in your niche.
• User Intent: Analyze your audience’s search queries and engagement patterns. Are they seeking inspiration, information, or entertainment? Craft content that caters to their needs, boosting their satisfaction and encouraging interaction.

Real-world Example: A travel blogger who optimizes for the “sustainable tourism” cluster, utilizing targeted hashtags and captions discussing eco-friendly destinations, will attract an engaged audience with higher intent to book or visit those places, leading to organic reach and website traffic growth.

Timeliness Takes Flight

• Peak Engagement Hours: Research your audience’s timezone and preferred online times. Posting during these peak hours maximizes the chances of your content being seen and interacted with, organically amplifying its reach.
• Trending Topics: Capitalize on current events and popular hashtags relevant to your niche. Riding the wave of trends ensures your content stays fresh and visible to users actively searching for related information.

Real-world Example: A fitness influencer posting workout routines during their audience’s morning gym hours sees higher viewership and engagement than random afternoon posts. Additionally, incorporating a trending fitness challenge hashtag into their content attracts new followers interested in the same topic.

Usage Unveiled

• Story Views: Prioritize captivating Story content with engaging polls, Q&A sessions, and interactive elements. High viewership signals Instagram that your Stories are valuable, potentially boosting their placement in users’ feeds.
• Swipe-ups and Direct Messages: Encourage clicks and direct communication! Include clear calls to action and respond promptly to DMs. Increased user interaction demonstrates content relevance and can propel your posts organically.

Real-world Example: A food blogger sharing behind-the-scenes recipe stories with interactive polls for ingredient preferences and engaging in open DMs about cooking tips sees their Stories highlighted more prominently in viewers’ feeds, leading to increased website visits and recipe engagement.

Remember: The algorithm is a fluid entity, and these factors continuously evolve. Stay informed about platform updates, analyze your data, and adapt your strategy accordingly. Continuous experimentation and audience-centric content creation are key to staying ahead of the curve and securing organic reach in the ever-changing world of Instagram.

Content Optimisation: Crafting the Hook That Reels Them In

So you’ve decoded the algorithm’s hidden language; now it’s time to craft content that speaks its native tongue! Let’s explore platform-specific strategies for Reels, Stories, IGTV, and Lives, unlock the power of video, and unleash irresistible captions that spark conversation and action.

Mastering the Microverse: Reels & Stories

• Reels: Embrace short-form magic! Focus on high-quality, engaging snippets under 60 seconds. Utilize trending music, jump cuts, and text overlays to capture attention. Experiment with trending dance challenges, educational tutorials, or behind-the-scenes glimpses to keep viewers hooked.
• Stories: Don’t just post; be interactive! Polls, quizzes, Q&A sessions, and countdown stickers transform passive viewers into active participants. Host live polls on product choices or ask for recipe suggestions – the possibilities are endless!

Video Takes Center Stage

Forget static squares; Instagram is a video kingdom! Prioritize video content across all formats. Utilize Reels and Stories, but don’t neglect IGTV for longer-form narratives or Lives for real-time engagement. Invest in lighting, audio, and editing to polish your video productions and grab viewers’ attention.

Hashtag Heroism: Research, Relevancy, and Refinement

Ditch the generic, embrace the niche! Conduct thorough hashtag research using Instagram’s search function and tools like Later or HypeAuditor. Identify relevant hashtags specific to your content and target audience. Avoid overused or banned hashtags and curate a mix of popular and niche tags to maximize discoverability. Remember, quality over quantity!

Caption Craft: The Art of Conversation Starters

Captions are more than pretty words; they’re conversation catalysts. Go beyond “stunning view” and craft compelling narratives. Ask questions, tell stories, share insights, and add humor. Use emojis strategically to break up text and inject personality. End with open-ended questions or calls to action to encourage comments and replies.

Bonus Tip: Utilize location tags on Stories and Live sessions to tap into local audiences and boost visibility within your geographic area.

Remember, content optimization is an ongoing journey, not a one-time destination. Analyze your insights, identify what resonates with your audience, and adapt your strategies accordingly. By mastering platform-specific nuances, harnessing the power of video, and crafting irresistible captions, you’ll create content that speaks the algorithm’s language and fuels organic engagement on Instagram.

So, unleash your inner storyteller, refine your hashtag prowess, and watch your content captivate your audience!

Building Bridges, Not Walls: Fostering Genuine Connection on Instagram

In the Instagram landscape, chasing followers and likes like fleeting butterflies is tempting. However, true success lies not in numbers but in cultivating authentic relationships and fostering a vibrant community. Forget the follow-for-follow charade; embrace genuine engagement and watch your online world blossom.

From Followers to Friends: Authentic Interaction Is Key

• Respond with Heart: Treat comments and messages with care. Respond promptly, thoughtfully, and personally. Show genuine interest in your audience’s thoughts and questions. This fosters a sense of connection and encourages further interaction.
• Comments are Conversations: Don’t just drop one-liner replies. Ask follow-up questions, share anecdotes, and spark discussions. Make your comments feel like two-way conversations, not robotic pronouncements.
• Polls and Q&A Sessions: Actively engage your audience. Use polls to gauge their preferences, host Q&A sessions to answer their burning questions, and encourage them to participate in shaping your content.

Collaboration: A Community Multiplier

Don’t go it alone! Partner with other creators and brands in your niche. Host joint Instagram Live sessions, create collaborative Reels challenges, or swap shoutouts to your respective audiences. This cross-promotion expands your reach, exposes you to new communities, and fosters collaboration within your industry.

Community Champions: Empower Your Fans

• Host Giveaways and Contests: Reward your loyal followers with engaging contests and giveaways. This will incentivize active participation, increase brand awareness, and create a sense of excitement within your community.
• Highlight Fan Content: Share user-generated content on your Stories or feed. Tag the creators, give them credit, and celebrate their contributions. This encourages further content creation and strengthens the feeling of belonging within your community.
• Respond to Direct Messages: Don’t neglect the DMs! Take time to respond to personal messages, answer questions, and offer support. This personalized touch builds trust and loyalty, turning casual followers into dedicated community members.

Remember: Building a community takes time and dedication. Be patient, consistent, and authentic in your interactions. Show genuine interest in your audience, value their opinions, and foster a space where they feel heard, seen, and appreciated. When you build bridges of authentic connection, you’ll witness the magic of a thriving online community that propels your Instagram presence to new heights.

Bonus Tip: Organize virtual or in-person meetups with your online community. This strengthens offline connections and personalizes online interactions, solidifying the bonds you’ve nurtured in the digital space.

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving world of Instagram, success doesn’t just happen – it’s cultivated through data-driven insights, continuous adaptation, and a relentless pursuit of understanding your audience. By leveraging the power of Instagram Insights, embracing A/B testing, and staying informed about industry trends, you can transform your data into actionable strategies that propel your account towards lasting engagement and growth.

Remember, Instagram is not a static platform; neither should your approach be. Embrace the opportunity to learn, analyze, and adapt. Invest in understanding your audience, create content that resonates with their passions, and continuously refine your strategy based on data and feedback.

By approaching Instagram with dedication, curiosity, and a willingness to experiment, you’ll unlock the platform’s true potential and build a thriving online community that fuels your brand and ignites your success.

Beating the Instagram Algorithm FAQ