Instagram keeps on launching a lot of features almost weekly, and it’s so hard to keep up, right? But do not fret; I am here to keep you stay updated! Today I am listing how Instagram’s algorithm works at this moment (May 2022) and sharing a few tips below too!

How does the Algorithm work right now?

According to Instagram, each part of the app uses its own algorithm. That means the Feed algorithm works differently from the Explore, Stories and Reels pages.

This is because how users typically interact with different parts of the app varies. For example, people tend to look for Stories from their closest friends but would want to discover fresh content when they go to the Explore page.

This sophisticated ranking system ensures that the user experience is highly personalised according to each user’s preferences. That means no two users will see the exact same thing on their Stories, Explore or Reels page.

Meaning each part of the app has a different algorithm 🤯

For this post we’ll  be focusing on how the default Instagram Home feed algorithm works.

What are the new feed options, and what’s the difference?

Firstly if you haven’t noticed, you can now filter your feed with two new feed options!

Following,  populates your feed with posts from accounts you’re following.

Favourite, shows you posts from accounts you added to your favourite list.

This now creates a more customised experience and less algorithm suggested content. 

How does Instagram decide which content I see?

The newsfeed has changed a lot over the past years, and right now, how Instagram’s algorithm works depends on your interest –  meaning the type of posts you’ve seen and interacted with will determine your newsfeed experience.

According to Adam Mosseri, the more you take action and spend time with each content, the more you see related content. They add and remove signals and predictions over time, so you’ll see more of what you’re interested in.

Also, some factors are:

• Are you following them or not? Instagram considers signals like how often you interact with the person and whether those interactions are recent to get a sense of how important the person is to you.
• How often are you engaging with their content? Instagram tries to understand what you might be interested in based on how many posts you’ve liked and what types of content you tend to engage with.
• How often do you like or comment on other content? Instagram tries to get a better idea of your general interest in seeing content from a particular user by looking at signals like whether or not you comment on their posts and vice versa.
• Is it a reel, photo, or video?
• When was it posted? 
• How many likes, comments, and shares does it have? 

Remember, the algorithm takes note of it to customise your experience. 

What factors impact what I see on my Feed, Stories, Explore tab, and Reels?

The Instagram algorithm monitors every interaction you make on the app, from the posts you like to who you interact with, in order to serve you content it believes you will interact with.

As I mentioned each part of the app i,e Feed, Reels, Stories and Explorer has its own algorithm. Here’s how these parts work and why you see what you see:

• Instagram prioritises Reels based on what it believes a viewer will be most likely to interact with.
• The Instagram Stories algorithm typically prioritises content from the accounts you interact with the most, rather than the specific content of a story.
• The Instagram Explore page algorithm delivers content that it thinks you’ll be most interested in, based on your prior interactions.

Three tips to help your content be more visible:

If you want to improve your ranking with the Instagram algorithm, the best thing you can do is drive as many interactions (likes, comments, saves, and clicks) as possible. Here are three tips to help Instagram’s algorithm to favour your content.

1. Post more reels. Whether you like it or not, reels are the next big thing on Instagram. It’s time to explore and try it more often within your Content Strategy. Now is the time to make creating content a priority for your business to keep your followers engaged and eventually attract more people. The algorithm ranks Reels for their entertainment value so make sure you keep things fun, light-hearted, and entertaining. Share bite-size behind the scenes tutorials, relatable content, and even your brand videos on Reels!

2. Add essential keywords to your content. Think SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) for your Instagram content. Use keywords that your target audience might use! Use keywords related to your content and your industry. In that way, you will be more searchable and visible to your target audience.

Hashtags are an important ranking signal as they help the algorithm understand what the content is about. So optimising your posts with highly relevant and popular hashtags is a great way to improve your ranking and visibility on the platform.

3. Utilise as many of Instagram’s features as possible. Use Stories and interaction stickers, and other ways to increase engagement because Instagram prioritises content that gets a lot of interactions. For example, their new “Collabs” Feature! Have you tried it already? The trick is when Instagram launches something, be an early adopter and try it right away! The earlier you try, the more that the algorithm will favour you!

 

Now that you’re in the loop with the latest changes on Instagram, what are your thoughts?

Do you love it or hate it?

Let’s start the conversation on Instagram. You can find and follow us at @followmemedia!