Understanding the Instagram Algorithm for Better Engagement

Content Marketing, Digital Advertising, Marketing, Social Media / By

Instagram, the popular social media platform, recently unveiled how its many algorithms work to enhance user experience and boost engagement. Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, delved deep into this topic on a recent IG reel, providing insightful Instagram tips that can change the way you view and use the platform. This blog post breaks down Mosseri’s explanation so you understand the mechanics behind Instagram’s personalization efforts and how to utilize these features to improve your Instagram growth strategy.

INSTAGRAM STORIES AND THE PERSONALIZATION PROCESS

The Instagram algorithm starts working as soon as a open the app, examining each story posted by the accounts they follow in the last 24 hours. This algorithm uses theirr Instagram interaction history with the author and the stories themselves to predict their potential interest. By analyzing the Instagram insights, the app can create a personalized Instagram Stories feed, boosting their Instagram engagement. Instagram is continuing to favor original content over aggregated content, so while it’s important to post often, don’t sacrifice the quality in the interests of quantity.

IMPROVING YOUR INSTAGRAM FEED REACH EXPERIENCE

Instagram’s Feed aims to showcase the best of what’s happened on the platform since a user last used it. This includes content from accounts users follow and those they might find interesting. It uses predictive modeling to anticipate their potential actions, like liking or sharing a post, using their interaction history, and post popularity, among others. Instagram’s new controls, Favorites and Following, give users more influence over what appears on their feed. So, it’s important to look at creative and authentic ways to pull engagement from your audience without overtly asking for engagement, which Meta has termed as, “engagement bait”, a no-no in Meta’s eyes and can negatively impact your reach.

INSTAGRAM REELS - A NEW WAY TO ENGAGE

Instagram Reels’ goal is to entertain. This feature showcases videos from accounts users might not follow yet, again using a predictive model to assess their potential interest. Instagram Reels relies heavily on the user’s past interests and interactions with similar content. So, you’ll want to learn the type of content that your target audience engages with and use it to inspire an emulation of that type of content on your feed.

EXPLORE THE UNKNOWN WITH INSTAGRAM EXPLORE

Instagram Explore, like Reels, is a recommendation feature, mainly showing content from accounts users don’t follow. Instagram uses various signals such as the popularity of a post and a user’s interaction history to predict what they might find interesting. This feature enables users to discover new content aligned with their interests, leading to a more vibrant Instagram user experience. Engagement equals popularity in the eyes of Instagram, so continue to optimize your content for engagement.

DEBUNKING MYTHS: INSTAGRAM SHADOW BANNING

Shadow banning is a term used to describe a situation where your reach is not as extensive as you believe it should be. Instagram is adamant that it doesn’t suppress reach to make accounts pay for ads. There are some instances, however, where Instagram will reduce reach or remove content that violates its community guidelines.

BOOSTING YOUR INSTAGRAM AUDIENCE REACH: BEST PRACTICES

Growing your Instagram audience reach involves no silver bullets. However, the following best practices can help:

  • Experiment with different types of content.
  • Study your Instagram insights to understand what works and what doesn’t.
  • Collaborate with other Instagram creators.
  • Check your account status for any potential issues.
  • Focus on creating original and engaging content.
  • Passively encouraging your audience to “Favorite” your page.
  • Adhere to Instagram’s Community Guidelines.
  • Be recommendable.

By understanding how Instagram’s algorithms work, you can optimize your social media marketing strategy and maximize your potential for engagement. Enhance your Instagram for business efforts and experience the power of social media optimization.


Stay tuned for more updates on Instagram trends and get ready to up your Instagram game!