5 Facts About Instagram's Algorithm You Should Know

Okay, so we all know that Instagram uses algorithms to create each person’s feed but… what else can we find out about this “mysterious” system? There’s actually a lot to learn and even more to understand. So today, we’re covering the top 5 Algorithm Facts You Should Know in 2022!

ALGORITHM FACT #1: THERE IS MORE THAN ONE ALGORITHM ON THE APP

Oftentimes you will hear people say things like “the algorithm doesn’t like me” or “I have been shadowbanned and not showing up on people's feeds.” The truth is, there are multiple algorithms working at the same time on the app.  Instagram reels algorithm is different from Instagram stories, is different from IGTV, is different from the Instagram Feed!  At the end of the day all of the algorithms are working to deliver content and keep showing content that users find interesting and want to engage in. If your feed isn’t getting the engagement you want, try focusing on IG stories or posting reels 7 days in a row and see what happens.

ALGORITHM FACT #2: CLOSE FRIENDS CAN BOOST RANKINGS AND ENGAGEMENT

Adding people to your close friends list can help bump their posts and stories to the top whenever you open IG. You can also reverse this! If you are not interested in certain posts that show up on your explorer page you can deprioritize that content by selecting “Not interested” if that is not what you like to see. In other words, you can control what you see and don't see in the app.

ALGORITHM FACT #3: THE ALGORITHM RANKS POST BASED ON CERTAIN FACTORS

There are several things taken into account to make your post gain visibility. 
Information about YOU: How often are you posting?
Information about the Post: Is it a video? Is it a photo? Is it providing information?
Information about your activity: What do you watch? Do you like videos? IGTV? Reels?
Information about your history: Do you ever like, comment or engage?

From this information, the algorithm will calculate how likely someone is to interact.

ALGORITHM FACT #4: EVERY COMMENT COUNTS...EVEN THE EMOJIS

Comments are such  an important engagement indicator for the algorithm so it is  a good idea to reply to your comments...every comment if you can... on a regular basis! 

It is a great way to show your audience that you actually care enough to engage which is awesome for promoting more interactions. 

ALGORITHM FACT #5: DIFFERENT ENGAGEMENTS ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN OTHERS

Instagram considers how likely you are to like, comment, save, watch again, or tap on that person's profile. This is a great way to help you plan your content by asking yourself:
Will this get a double tap or better yet a comment?
Is this post something someone would save and come back to or send off to someone?
Am I asking for a CTA (Call to action) like clicking the link in my bio or listening to the latest podcast episode or buying the new merch?

Creating this type of content will strongly help your engagement and growth!

ALGORITHM FACT #6: BONUS: BOTS DON’T COUNT! 

Have to give credit to the machine learning algorithm because it can identify bots and fake accounts with fake likes and comments! Buying followers is so 2018 so just stay consistent and show up and you will see your followers and engagement grow!

Happy Posting!

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