Unlocking the Instagram Algorithms [Ultimate Guide]

Learn how Instagram algorithms are designed to make it work in order to rank your content on the explore page for higher engagement. [Tips and Tricks]

Ever scrolling through Instagram feeling like some posts magically appear while others vanish into the abyss? 

The culprit? 

The ever-evolving Instagram algorithms. 

But fear not, fellow content creator! 

This blog will unravel the mysteries of the algorithms of Instagram in 2024, empowering you to craft content that gets seen and sparks engagement.

Before starting, create an Instagram account.

What are Instagram Algorithms?

According to Wordstream, approximately 95 million images and videos are posted daily on Instagram.

Out of these many posts shared daily, Instagram algorithms curate your feed exclusively for you. The Instagram algorithms are a complex set of rules and factors that determine what content appears in a user's feed and what order. It's not a single public formula but a system that considers various signals to deliver a personalized experience for each user. 

Here's the basic idea: Instagram wants to keep you happy and engaged, so the algorithm tries to show you content you'll find interesting. 

It does this by considering a bunch of factors, including:

Your past activity

What kind of posts have you liked, commented on, or saved? The Instagram algorithms use this to predict what you might like in the future.

The content itself

What's the post about? 

Is it a funny video, a beautiful photo, or a news article? The algorithms of Instagram analyze the content to understand its potential for engagement.

The post's popularity 

How many likes and comments does the post have? 

Is it getting a lot of likes and comments?

The algorithm considers these factors to boost content that seems generally interesting.

The poster 

Do you know the person who posted it? 

How often do you interact with their content? 

The algorithms of Instagram take your relationship with the creator into account.

How do Instagram algorithms affect different content types?

Here is a table showing how the algorithm of Instagram affects different content types:

How do the Instagram algorithms affect the visibility of reels?

Creating reels is difficult and making them go viral is even more difficult.

The Instagram algorithms determine how many people see your reels. Here's a breakdown of how it works:

1) Understanding what users like: The algorithms of Instagram prioritize reels that users will enjoy based on past activity. 

This includes things they've liked, commented on, shared, and even just watched. So, the more engaging your reels are, the more likely they will be shown to a wider audience.

2) Focus on engagement:  Since engagement is key, creating reels with which people want to interact is crucial. 

This means making them entertaining, informative, or inspiring. 

Use features like captions, creative effects, and trending audio to hook viewers and keep them watching.

3) Beyond the Reel: The algorithm also considers the creator and the reel's information. 

If you've interacted with the creator before, you'll likely see their reels. Factors like the audio track, video length, and even caption text are analyzed to understand the reel's potential.

4) Think outside the reels: Believe it or not, your overall Instagram activity can influence your reels' performance. 

Regularly posting stories and feed posts and using reels contribute to your profile's health. 

The algorithm sees this as a sign you're active and might be creating interesting content.

Using a social media post scheduler can be proved to be a boon.

You can use Cache to schedule posts and be consistent in your social media game.

What factors do Instagram algorithms consider when recommending content on the Explore page?

Here are some key factors the Instagram algorithms consider when recommending content on the Explore page:

1) Your Explore Activity

This is like leaving a trail of breadcrumbs for the algorithm. It heavily prioritizes content similar to what you've interacted with on Explore. 

Lots of love for cars? 

You'll be driving through a feed full of cars.

2) Engagement with Similar Content

The algorithm tracks your interactions with similar content even if you don't follow the creator. 

Your Explore page might become your nail art studio if you went down a rabbit hole in nail art last week.

3) Post Popularity

Freshness and buzz are key! 

Content with a high volume of likes, comments, and shares in a short timeframe tends to get featured on Explore pages. It's the algorithm's way of highlighting trending content.

4) Information About the Post

The algorithm analyzes the post itself, going beyond just the visuals. This includes factors like the audio track (think trending music in reels!), video length, and even captions to understand the content's theme and potential for engagement.

5) Your Interaction with the Poster

Do you recognize a name? 

The algorithms of Instagram consider your relationship with the creator. If you've interacted with their content in the past (likes, comments), you're more likely to see their posts surface on Explore.  

What are some tips that work for Instagram Algorithms?

Here are some tips to help you work with the Instagram algorithms and increase the reach of your content across different content types:

Feed Posts: -

1) Create high-quality photos and videos: Good lighting, editing, and clear audio make your content more visually appealing.

2) Write compelling captions: Use captions to tell a story, ask questions, or spark conversation.

According to mention, adding captions to Instagram posts can increase engagement from 5.38% to above 6.7%.

You can use Captionator by Creatosaurus to write engaging Instagram captions for posts.

3) Post at the right time: Consider when your audience is most active on Instagram and try to schedule your posts accordingly.

Stories: -

4) Use creative elements: Experiment with text, filters, music, polls, and questions to keep your stories engaging.

According to Invideo, 60% of brands use interactive features like stickers, music, etc, every week.

5) Post consistently: Aim for regular Stories updates to stay top-of-mind with your followers. 

You should use a post-scheduler to schedule stories to be consistent. 

6) Promote your feed posts and reels in stories: At times, due to the algorithms of Instagram people don’t notice the posts or reels uploaded, put them on stories to promote them.

Reels:

7) Create entertaining or informative reels: Focus on creating reels your audience seeks. It is advisable to research what your audience wants.

According to Wordstream, 61% of people watch entertaining and funny content on Instagram. 

8) Utilize trending features and sounds: Leverage trending audio tracks, effects, and challenges to increase visibility.

9) Post vertical videos: Instagram prioritizes reels in portrait format, so optimize your videos accordingly.

The dimensions for reels are 1080 x 1920.

10) Add captions and relevant hashtags: Just like with feed posts, captions, and hashtags help people discover your reels.

According to fanpagekarma, reels with hashtags have a 43% higher reach and 47% more likes, comments, and shares.

You can use hashtag tools to write captions related to your reel for higher engagement.

Conclusion on Instagram Algorithms

The ever-evolving Instagram algorithms can feel complex, but understanding its core principles empowers you to connect with your audience and grow your reach.

You can create a winning formula by focusing on high-quality content, strategic posting times, and genuine engagement. 

Remember, prioritize building authentic connections over chasing fleeting trends. 

Embrace the Instagram algorithms as a tool to refine your content and cultivate a thriving Instagram community.

So, now that you know a lot about the algorithms of Instagram, go ahead and learn about Facebook’s algorithm for brand/business marketing.

Get started with Creatosurus, the all-in-one social media marketing tool you will ever need. 

Further Readings on Instagram

Enhance Instagram Reel Scheduling with Instagram Reel Scheduler

Increase Engagement with the Instagram Story Scheduler

FAQS for Instagram Algorithms

1) What's the deal with the Instagram algorithms?

Ans.  It's a system that curates your feed, reels, and explore page based on what you like and engage with.

2) What kind of content do Instagram algorithms show to the users?

Ans. Engaging stuff! Posts with many likes, comments, shares, and saves are golden.

3) Is there a secret code to crack the algorithms of Instagram?

Ans. Not exactly. Focus on quality content, engagement, and staying current with Instagram trends for long-term success. The algorithm is always changing, so stay adaptable!