One of the questions our customers ask most often:
How does Instagram's algorithm work? What exactly is it, and how does it collect all this data? We've spent a lot of time gathering the most important information on this topic.
We drew on numerous sources, but above all on our own experience and that of our clients, with whom we are in constant communication. After working with more than 4,000 clients, we know one thing for sure: whether you run a marketing agency or a fashion brand, the algorithm doesn’t categorize accounts as “better” or “worse”—it counts actions.
How can we use Instagram to make the algorithm work in our favor?
As soon as the world learned about Instagram’s new algorithm, all hell broke loose (as it does with every update, for that matter). The chronological display of posts on the news feed is a thing of the past.
In fact, the algorithm ensures that Instagram users are shown content that interests them. This is what gives you the opportunity to gain new followers, no matter what type of content you post.
On Instagram's home page, as well as in the Explore tab, users see posts and accounts they've previously interacted with, or profiles with similar content.
A while back, Instagram made a revelation.
6 Factors That Determine What Appears in Our News Feed
Our Areas of Interest
Instagram's algorithm constantly tracks our activity when we use the app. It records the posts that interest us the most and the profiles we interact with the most. Based on this information, Instagram will display content on our feed.
If you follow accounts related to cooking, fashion, and personal development—and you’re much more likely to engage with and view their content—you’ll see their posts (and those of their competitors) as often as possible. That’s because Instagram wants to show you the content that’s most interesting to you and encourage you to use the app more often.
Why? Simply because the more time you spend on the app, the more opportunities Instagram has to show you ads.
Date of publication
It’s clear that the more recent a post is, the more likely Instagram is to place it higher in the feed. It’s interesting to note that if you check Instagram at noon and then again at 9 p.m., it will only show you posts that were published while you were away from the app. The risk of duplicate content is really minimal.
Interaction
Instagram doesn't want you to miss new posts from your family, friends, or favorite brands. That's why it focuses on showing you content from the accounts you interact with most often. And that doesn't just mean sending messages—it also includes liking photos, commenting, participating in polls, and more. Everything is taken into account.
Instagram also pays close attention to your searches. If you frequently search for the same profile, Instagram will show its posts in your feed.
Frequency of app use
If a user browses Instagram once a day, the algorithm should curate only the posts that are most interesting to them. In this case, it will take into account the factors listed above: engagement, publication date, and interest.
If a user browses Instagram several times a day, the algorithm has more time to show content and will therefore focus on the most recent posts first, followed by those that haven't been shown to the user yet.
Time Spent Using the App
The content shown to a user also depends on how much time they spend on Instagram.
If the user prefers short visits, the algorithm will focus solely on showing content that has a 99% chance of being of greatest interest to them.
However, if he uses Instagram for a longer period of time, the algorithm may show him a much larger selection of new posts, mixing the content together.
Number of accounts observed
The more profiles you view, the harder it is for the algorithm to show you content you’ll find interesting. If you visit thousands of profiles, Instagram will only show you the ones that have interested you the most in the past. So, the fewer accounts you view, the greater the chance that you’ll see content that’s 100% relevant to you.
If you create content that is recent, interesting, and encourages interaction, you can be sure the algorithm will favor you. The more people search for your profile, view it, like your photo, and follow you, the faster your account will become successful.
We can help you do that.
Withour various packages, we don’t just bring you new followers every month. We also drive consistent traffic to your Instagram. The algorithm will notice a steady increase in the number of new followers, likes, and more, which will make your profile perform better and better. To learn more and view our offerings, click here.
