Isn’t it annoying when you’re just going about your business on Instagram, creating awesome content that people will go nuts over, when the Instagram algorithm gets in the way and keeps everyone from seeing your amazing post?!
I’ve been there, done that. And since it always seems to be changing, I’m still there, doing that. But I can tell you that you don’t have to suffer at the whims of the Instagram Algorithm. There’s hope!
Instagram has released information on their algorithm over time that helps users get the most out of their accounts and start seeing better engagement. I have combined all of my research on the Instagram Algorithm into this handy article loaded with tips for getting more eyes on your posts.
First of all, what is the Instagram Algorithm?
The Instagram Algorithm is Instagram’s way of determining what posts pop up on your home feed. Ever since Instagram switched from a chronological feed, they have used an algorithm to assess posts and send them to the right feeds. They use that coupled with information about your account, like who you follow, what you search for, and what you interact with most, to display a feed that, in theory, has everything you are dying to see.
Instagram has said that the three most important factors that play into the algorithm are: interest, timeliness, and relationship. Other factors, such as frequency, followers, and usage also play a role in determining where and when a post shows up in your feed.
The Instagram Algorithm is based on engagement.
If you hadn’t heard, engagement is the name of the game. You can have a million followers but if you’re posts are showing good engagement, no one will see them.
According to Instagram, the higher engagement a post gets, the more likely that it is quality content and a quality post should be shown to more people. In fact, it is actually estimated that your post is sent out to only 10% of your followers. If it receives high engagement within the first hour, it is released to more of your followers.
Mastering the Instagram Algorithm is essentially like putting together a really big puzzle. You have to craft and publish content that meets a series of specifications. For instance, you may have noticed that the posts that appear first on your feed are ones of your friends and family and accounts that you interact with on a regular basis. Instagram has learned this based on your personal engagements including accounts you like and comment on frequently, users who have tagged you in posts, and how frequently you log on to scroll through your feed. Once you start noticing this pattern, then you can start to craft your posts to meet the algorithm’s specifications.
So far, these are the four best tips for mastering the Instagram Algorithm and getting you posts seen by more people:
#1. Post at your best times.
If you haven’t signed up for a business account yet, go ahead and do so. It gives you access to a whole bunch of analytics, including when your followers are most active. Use this data to post at peak times and, chances are, more of your followers will start to see your posts.
#2. Ask for engagement.
The best way to get engagement is to ask, and that doesn’t necessarily mean going out and engaging on other users’ posts. Ask questions in your captions, include polls in your Stories, and tell users to DM you. Some people are just waiting for an invitation to do so, so all you have to do is ask!
#3. Respond quickly to all comments on your posts.
The Instagram Algorithm also puts emphasis on your own engagement with your followers, so make sure you are replying to all of your comments! Even if it isn’t a full comment or it’s the end of the conversation, respond with emojis! The more you interact with your followers, the more your posts will be seen.
#4. Use specific, relevant hashtags.
Hashtags can be tricky, especially with the looming shadow banned hashtags lurking around. But, if you do your research and use the right hashtags, you can get your posts seen by more people. Instead of using the same hashtags with every post, mix them up and research several that are specific to that one post.
Once you start implementing these tips on the Instagram Algorithm, you should start to see a noticeable different in your engagement. Another great way to increase your Instagram engagement is by joining my Instagram Influencer Zone Facebook group where you can meet other Instagrammers in your niche, collaborate, and share posts!
If you’re still having trouble growing your Instagram, check out my new Organic Instagram Growth E-Course that teaches you the same strategy I used to grow my account by nearly 500 followers in its first month of implementation!