Navigating The Instagram Algorithm: Top Tips for Better Content Visibility

Wondering how the Instagram algorithm works? Look no further. 

Instagram has established itself as an absolute powerhouse of a social media platform. With over two billion active monthly users worldwide, this platform has extensive potential for both brands and individuals hoping to expand reach and engage with a broader audience. Therefore, mastering the algorithm within the platform is crucial.

In this blog, we’ll delve into the intricacies of the Instagram algorithm and provide some actionable tips on how you can navigate it to your advantage. 

By understanding the algorithm’s workings, you can enhance your content, optimise your posting schedule, and ultimately, gain more visibility for your brand.

How Does The Instagram Algorithm Work?

The Instagram algorithm controls the order in which content appears in a user’s feed, prioritising content that it hopes the user will engage and interact with. Some key things to understand about how it works are:

Time:  Newer posts are generally prioritised first. So if two accounts you follow post around the same time, the more recent post is more likely to appear higher in your feed. Certain times of day tend to yield higher engagement, so something to consider is scheduling your posts when your audience is most active.

Engagement: Posts that generate likes, comments, and saves are viewed as more valuable and are therefore given more exposure.

Visual Appeal: High-quality images and videos are more likely to capture attention and encourage engagement.

Relevance: Instagram seeks to show its users content that is relevant to their interests and past interactions.

Interests: Instagram analyses your activity within the app to determine topics you’re interested in. The algorithm then shows you more content related to those topics. So liking, commenting, or saving posts about travel, fashion, certain celebrities etc. means you’ll see more of that type of content.

Timelines: If you haven’t interacted with Instagram in a while when you return, you’ll initially see more timely posts from the past 48 hours.

Frequency: The more time you spend on Instagram, the more opportunities you give the algorithm to learn your preferences through your engagement and adapt your feed accordingly. Posting consistently helps to keep your account top-of-mind for users and increases the likelihood of them seeing your content.

Interacting frequently with certain accounts, showing interest in topics through your activity, and spending time scrolling in the app all help Instagram serve you a more personalised, relevant feed tailored to your tastes. 

Something worth noting is that the Instagram algorithm is constantly evolving and improving. With consistent development, it may feel like the goal posts are constantly switching. 

By paying attention to these factors, you can increase the chances of your content being seen by a wider audience and reaching your target demographic, making your content more visible within the platform. 

How To Maximise Your Content’s Reach: Master The Instagram Algorithm

Once you grasp the basics of the Instagram algorithm, you can start implementing these actionable strategies to maximise your content’s reach:

• Utilise Relevant Hashtags: Strategically chosen hashtags can help your posts get discovered by users searching for specific topics or interests. Hashtags help the platform categorise content and are essential for content reach. 
• Collaborate with Other Creators: Partnering with other accounts in your niche can expose your content to a wider audience and expand your network.
• Run Contests and Giveaways: Encouraging user interaction through contests and giveaways can boost engagement and attract new followers.
• Analyse Your Insights: Regularly review your Instagram Insights to identify which posts resonate best with your audience and refine your content strategy accordingly.
• A/B Test Different Posting Strategies: Experiment with different posting times, content formats, and hashtag combinations to determine what works best for your audience.

By consistently producing high-quality content, engaging with your followers, and utilizing the platform’s features effectively, you can effectively navigate the Instagram algorithm and achieve your social media goals.

How Can Profile Optimisation Help With Content Reach?

Optimising your Instagram profile is crucial for gaining more exposure and attracting a wider audience. 

Here are some key strategies to improve your profile’s ranking and increase your chances of being featured in the Explore Feed:

Compelling Profile Picture and Bio: Your profile picture should be a clear and high-quality representation of your brand or yourself. The bio should be concise and informative, highlighting your niche, services, or interests. Use keyword research and SEO to establish what’s relevant to your target audience to improve your discoverability.

Consistency and Frequency of Posting: Maintain a consistent posting schedule to keep your audience engaged and aware of your brand. Aim to post regularly, even if it’s just a few times a week. Consistent posting demonstrates active engagement and signals to the algorithm that your content is valuable.

High-Quality Visual Content: Instagram is a visual platform, so high-quality images and videos are really essential for capturing attention and encouraging engagement. Use well-lit and visually appealing content that aligns with your brand’s aesthetic as well as third party platforms to support content editing in the correct formats. We recommend websites such as Canva or Capcut. 

Engaging Captions and Storytelling: Engage your audience with thought-provoking captions that add context to your images and videos. Use storytelling techniques to connect with your followers on a deeper level, fostering a sense of community.

Strategic Hashtag Selection: Hashtags are essential as they allow the algorithm to categorise your content. Use relevant and relevant hashtags to increase your post’s visibility to potential followers who are searching for content related to your niche. Avoid using too many hashtags, as it can appear spammy.

Make Time To Engage with Your Followers: Respond to comments, answer questions, and participate in discussions. Active engagement demonstrates that you care about your audience and fosters a sense of community. The algorithm notices this engagement and then recognises that you are an active user. From this it will push your content further, gaining more reach. 

Leverage Instagram Stories and Reels: Instagram Stories and Reels are great for sharing behind-the-scenes content, showcasing your personality, and interacting with your audience in real-time. Utilize these features effectively to expand your reach and engagement.

Optimise for Mobile Viewing: Since most Instagram users access the platform through mobile devices, ensure your profile and content are optimised for mobile viewing. Remember that some of these users will be watching video content with their phone volume turned down. Pro tip: Use Captions so the algorithm understands the content of your video and users can still engage with your video without the sound turned on.

Cross-Promote on Other Platforms: If you have an active presence on other social media platforms, promote your Instagram account to drive traffic and expand your reach. Encourage your followers on other platforms to follow you on Instagram. Pro Tip: Make sure that if you’re sharing content across various platforms that the formatting works, as well as any mentions or hashtags. 

By implementing these strategies, you can optimise your Instagram profile, improve your content’s visibility, and attract a larger audience of engaged followers. 

As your engagement grows, you’ll become more visible to the Instagram algorithm, increasing your chances of being featured in the Explore Feed and reaching a broader audience of Instagram users. 

Instagram Algorithm Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Instagram algorithm?

A: The Instagram algorithm is a complex system that determines which content users see in their Feed, Reels, and Stories. It takes into account a variety of factors, including the user’s interests, past interactions, and time of day.

Q: How does the Instagram algorithm prioritise content?

A: The Instagram algorithm prioritises content that users are most likely to engage with. This includes posts that receive likes, comments, saves, and shares. It also considers the aforementioned factors:

• Relevance
• Engagement
• Frequency
• Time of day:
• Visual appeal

Q: What can I do to make my content more visible to the Instagram algorithm?

A: There are a number of things you can do to make your content more visible to the Instagram algorithm. A brief breakdown of the ones highlighted within this blog include:

• Post high-quality content
• Post consistently
• Use relevant hashtags
• Engage with your followers
• Utilise Instagram Stories and Reels
• Analyse your Insights
• A/B test different posting strategies

Q: How can I avoid getting penalised by the Instagram algorithm?

A: There are a few things you can do to avoid getting penalised by the Instagram algorithm:

• Avoid posting spammy content: Don’t use too many hashtags or post irrelevant content.
• Avoid using bots or third-party apps: These can artificially inflate your engagement and get you flagged by the algorithm.
• Don’t buy followers or likes: This is a violation of Instagram’s terms of service and can get you banned.
• Don’t use clickbait or misleading titles: Be honest and transparent with your audience about your content.

Q: How can I stay up-to-date on the latest changes to the Instagram algorithm?

A: Instagram often makes changes to its algorithm, so it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest updates. 

You can do this by following Instagram’s official blog and reading articles from industry experts. You can also use tools like Crowdfire and Hootsuite to monitor your account’s performance and identify trends in the algorithm. You can always go to the Instagram Help Center for support regarding your profile.