You're not alone if you regularly find yourself scrolling through your Instagram Explore page because you just can't get enough. Whether you are the most popular person on Instagram or have only recently joined the app, every user is heavily impacted by the algorithm—and how well you understand it is critical to the success of any social media marketing strategy.
Let's go through the algorithm's ranking signals, major recent changes to the Instagram system, and all that you need to know to increase the exposure of your content on the social platform.
What is the Instagram Algorithm?
The Instagram algorithm is a collection of methods that the platform uses to determine what kind of data users like surfing through. The data is then used by the platform to offer individuals more of what they like by predicting what material they will find interesting and engaging.
Contrary to common assumption, there is no omnipotent algorithm. Each Instagram section—Reels, Stories/Feed, and Explore—has its own. This is because how users typically interact with different parts of the app varies. The main purpose of the Instagram algorithm is to make each user’s experience with the platform as pleasant as possible.
How does the Instagram Algorithm Work?
When a user opens the app, the Instagram algorithm immediately searches through all accessible material to determine what content to offer them and in what sequence.
The 3 most important ranking factors of the 2022 Instagram algorithm are:
- Interest
Does a user typically interact with this type of content? When the Instagram algorithm recognises that a user appreciates a particular style or format of material, it shows them more of the same.
- Connection Between the Creator and the Viewer
Do you follow with each other? Do you send each other messages or put comments? You are more likely to notice fresh material posted by a person if you have already interacted with them. (This has significance for businesses: Active community management, such as replying to direct messages and comments, may boost a brand's exposure on Instagram.)
- Relevancy
Instagram determines how "relevant" each piece of material is. This involves a study of where it aligns with current themes as well as the timeliness aspect (new postings are regarded more relevant than older posts).
2023 Changes to the Instagram Algorithm
Whether you are trying to rank on reels, the explore page or the feed, it all depends on the amount of interactions you receive. This plays a major role in the exposure of your content. To make the algorithm work for you, create material that provides some benefit and information for the users to like, comment, share as well as save.
Here are a few pointers to help you enhance your Instagram algorithm rating and grow your account:
- Get your timing right
Since interacting plays a major role when it comes to the current algorithm, you should post at a time when your audience is online. Getting as many likes and comment right when you post is important. This is why it is necessary to get to capture your followers when they're most engaged and hence most likely to connect with your posts and stories. Otherwise, your material can get lost in a sea of posts from other accounts that are already receiving a lot of attention. It's best to look at your own analytics data to see when your followers are most likely to engage with your Instagram content.
- Get story interaction
When rating Stories, Instagram employs popularity as a ranking indicator, which means it prioritises material that receives a lot of interactions. So, if you want your Stories to be seen by more people, make sure those who watch them are encouraged to connect with them. You can employ polls, question stickers, and emoji sliders to encourage people to participate with your stories.
- Get people to comment on your posts
Engagement is an essential factor for posts and reels, so if you want your posts to rank among the best in explore, reels and the need you need to increase your account’s participation. Likes are great, but comments are even better for significantly increasing interactions and improving your chances of getting on the explore page organically.
When writing content make sure that it is adding some value to the users or telling stories.
More importantly, conclude with a call to action - be specific about what you want them to do, such as post a remark. You may pose a question or provide a cue to encourage them to share their opinions.
- Use the right hashtags
Hashtags are a great way since they assist the algorithm in determining the topic of the content being reviewed. Optimising your posts using highly relevant and popular hashtags is a terrific method to increase your platform rating and exposure. It is important that the hashtags you are using are directly related to the image or video you are posting, otherwise the algorithm might not prioritise your content.
- Create fun and relevant content
With Instagram strongly pushing Reels, one should use it to gain more exposure on the platform. Make space in your content calendar for lots of Reels to keep those who follow you keen and eventually draw in additional people. The system prioritises Reels based on their entertainment value, so keep things humorous and engaging.
Use the Instagram Algorithm to your Advantage
When it comes to the algorithm on Instagram, it is constantly changing and evolving. Keeping up with the latest trends as well as finding what is relevant and not can be challenging. The best way to make the most of this social platform is by getting along with a social media marketing company in Mumbai.
At Verve Media, as a digital marketing company in Mumbai we understand the importance of social media. Our team of experts in the field, make sure to follow all the latest techniques and practises to bring out the best results for your business. We have worked with over 150+ clients including Naagin, Sunteck, Broker Network, Uber and more. With the endless benefits of social media marketing, don’t delay the process and get started.