WTF Is The Instagram Algorithm???!
We totally get it: Instagram’s algorithm feels confusing.
Getting the hang of this ever-changing, user behavior-based algorithm takes time, whether you're a social media novice or content creating pro. Luckily for you, it is quite literally our job to know the ins-and-outs of social media, especially the ‘gram, so we’ve got plenty of insight to share with you on all things Instagram.
OK – let’s start off with the most important deets. 👉
Instagram doesn’t have one algorithm !
…though that would certainly be nice – but rather a series of algorithms tailored to each section of the app. (Think: Stories, Feed, Reels, etc.).
These algorithms are the set of processes Instagram uses to understand what users like. They use this information to show people more of what they enjoy by predicting what content someone will find interesting. 🔮 These "signals" predict what users will like the most, and what should be prioritized in their Feed or Explore Page.
So, how do these algorithms work? 🤔 Well, let’s start with Reels. Reels are meant to entertain, so the Reels algorithm aims to prioritize entertaining, funny and inspiring videos from people you DON'T follow. 🎥 The Reels algorithm uses a series of signals to inform your hyper-personalized feed, including:
User engagement:
What Reels have you engaged with recently? (i.e.: Likes, comments, shares, etc.)
Interaction history:
Have you ever interacted with the person who posted the Reel before? Reels are meant to reach new people, but past interactions suggest interest.
The content:
What audio or video does it use? How’s the quality?
Who posted it:
How popular is the person who posted it?
On the other hand, your Feed prioritizes the people you follow, since you want to see the content from the people you're closest too. As such, there are several signals informing this algorithm, including:
Your activity:
Posts you’ve liked, shared, saved or commented on help IG understand what you might be interested in.
Info about the post:
These signals 💡 review how popular a post is (i.e. how many people have liked it and how quickly people are liking, commenting, sharing and saving it), when it was posted, and what location, if any, was tagged.
Deets about the person who posted:
This gives the 'gram a sense of how interesting the person might be to you, and is influenced by factors like your recent engagement.
Your history of interacting with someone:
How interested are you in seeing posts from a particular person? Do you comment on each others' posts regularly?
Stories take an alternative approach, as users want to see content from their friends, family and those they are closest to. 📲 The signals impacting this algorithm include:
Viewing history: This looks at how often you view an account’s stories so insta can prioritize the stories from accounts (they think) you don’t want to miss.
Engagement history: This looks at how often you engage with that account’s stories, such as sending a like or a DM.
Closeness: Are they your friend? Family? Or just someone you met a few years ago and haven't unfollowed? How connected you are plays a significant role in this algo.
It’s also important to note 📝 that your Feed and Stories are prioritized algorithmically, not chronologically.
Your Explore Page also has its own algorithm, and is primarily based on two things: your past interactions and other accounts who like the same content you do. This helps Instagram get to know you better and surface new posts and accounts you might enjoy. Of course there are other influential signals, such as:
The content itself:
How popular is a post? How quickly is it receiving likes, comments, shares and saves?
Interaction history:
If you’ve interacted with anyone who shows up in your Explore page, they may show up again (and again).
User activity (generally and in Explore):
What kinds of posts do you like, save or comment on? 💭 How have you historically interacted with the Explore page?
Info about the account that posted:
How popular has their content been recently?
Whew! That’s a lot. It may seem impossible to hit all these markers, but with some thoughtful strategy you’ll be on your way in no time. 🚀 For now, be sure to share this post on your socials and tag @lidavisocial so we can continue dishing out our top social secrets. Chat soon! 🍍
