Understanding Instagram’s Algorithm: How to Make Sure Your Content Is Seen
Hi there,
I hope you are having a great day.
Let’s begin our newsletter with something funny
Is 3 followers a lot?
On Instagram? Maybe Not. But in a dark alley? Yes.
High school calculus is probably the last time you had to think about algorithms—if you’re lucky, that is. But for performers, content creators and wellness professionals alike, there’s a new algorithm to worry about:
Instagram’s algorithm.
With billions of Instagram users vying for attention daily, unlocking the method to the madness is key for anyone who wants to expand their reach and grow their personal brand.
How does the Instagram algorithm work?
While no one but the people behind the platform understands the specifics of how the algorithm works, we do know that several elements shape the visibility of posts:
User engagement:
High engagement tells the algorithm that your content is valuable and deserving of a wider audience. Likes, comments, shares, and saves all contribute to increased visibility. Want your content to be shown to a wider audience? Encourage your already-existing audience to interact with your posts.
Relevancy:
Instagram promotes content it believes users will find relevant and engaging. Factors such as past interactions, search history, and content preferences inform the algorithm’s decisions.
Timeliness:
Although the platform no longer adheres to a strictly chronological feed, recency still plays a role. Fresh content is favored, especially from accounts users frequently engage with.
Relationships:
The algorithm prioritizes content from accounts users have strong connections with, including friends, family, and accounts they regularly interact with.
Content types:
Different content formats, such as photos, videos, stories, and Reels, may receive varying levels of visibility based on user preferences and engagement trends.
How does the Instagram Reels algorithm work?
With the explosive rise of short-form video content, Instagram introduced Reels as a direct competitor to platforms like TikTok.
As of April 2024, Instagram announced that there will be a “new way to rank recommendations to give all creators an equal chance of breaking through.”
Now, every Reel is shown to a small audience that will likely enjoy it, regardless of whether they follow the account that posted it. As this audience engages with the content, the top-performing Reels are shown to an increasingly wider audience.
While they operate within the broader algorithm framework, there are nuances to consider when making Reels:
Engagement metrics:
Similar to regular posts, a Reel’s visibility is influenced by likes, comments, shares, and saves. Creating engaging, high-quality Reels is essential for maximizing reach.
Duration of views:
Instagram measures how much time users spend watching Reels to gauge their interest and relevance. The longer someone spends viewing your content, the more the algorithm will prioritize you.
Audio and effects:
Incorporating the latest viral audio tracks and effects can also increase discoverability since the algorithm boosts trending sounds.
I hope this helps.
Laurent
At FlexPods, we empower independent fitness and wellness professionals to build successful brands by offering space, tools, and support. Contact us today to elevate your fitness and wellness business.
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