Instagram has long been more than just a platform for sharing photos and videos. For many users, it is an essential tool for increasing reach and interacting with their target audience.
To achieve visibility and reach your desired audience, your posts, videos, and stories need to be suggested to users. What gets suggested is determined by the Instagram algorithm.
Many users find it difficult to understand this algorithm, especially since it is regularly updated. If you don't understand how the algorithm works and why you are not visible, we have the answers for you.
In this guide, we will show you everything important about the Instagram algorithm. Learn how it works, what changes to note this year, and strategies to become visible on Instagram. Let's get started!
How Does the Instagram Algorithm Work?
At first glance, the Instagram algorithm may seem very complex and opaque, but it essentially follows a simple principle. The algorithms ensure that users are shown the most relevant and engaging posts based on their interests and preferences.
First, the algorithm needs to understand which posts a user likes to see. It analyzes the accounts the user follows, the posts they like and comment on, and the videos they watch the longest. Second, the algorithm must be able to categorize the posts correctly. To do this, it analyzes the photo or video itself, as well as the description, hashtags, and the profile that posted the content.
To determine whether a post is interesting or not, it is initially shown to a certain number of people. These users can then see and interact with your post. If the engagement is good enough, the post will be shown to more people. During this period, the engagement rate is thoroughly analyzed by the Instagram algorithm. This process repeats itself. Each time, the engagement is analyzed, and if the rate is good, the post is shown to a larger group.
What Factors Does the Instagram Algorithm Consider?
That was a quick overview. In detail, there are of course numerous ranking factors that the algorithm takes into account. In the following paragraphs, we will delve into these factors to give you a comprehensive overview.
Engagement
The engagement of a post is one of the most important factors considered by the Instagram algorithm. Posts with a high interaction rate are more likely to be displayed in users' feeds.
Relevance
In addition to engagement, the algorithm determines whether a post is interesting or of high quality. The relevance of the post is also crucial, as each user has different interests and preferences.
Relationships
Another important aspect is the relationships between users. If you frequently interact with an account—whether through likes, comments, or direct messages—its posts will be shown more often in your feed.
Timeliness
The timing of a post is now less important, as the feed no longer follows a chronological order. However, the timing can still be crucial for engagement.
Dwell Time
The shift towards Reels and short video content has led to a decrease in users' attention spans. Videos today must be exciting and engaging from the first second, otherwise users will quickly move on to the next post.
What Changes Are There to the Instagram Algorithm in 2024?
The Instagram algorithm is fundamentally based on a solid concept, but there are also points of criticism. These are regularly improved through updates. In 2024, there is an important update that aims to address a specific issue: the reposting of content and the lack of reach for small creators.
Supporting Small Creators
Small creators often face the problem that their posts are not shown in the feeds of accounts outside their followers. Additionally, larger accounts often take these posts and repost them, essentially "stealing" the content.
Greater Focus on Reels
The trend of recent years towards short vertical videos, known as Reels, continues. Reels, according to current statistics, have more impressions on average and better engagement than regular static posts.
Refined Interaction Signals
As discussed, Instagram not only pays attention to engagement itself but also to dwell time. With the new updates, more factors that might be relevant will be taken into account.
Why Are Posts Not Displayed in the Feed?
It is frustrating to spend hours creating a post only to find that it is not being shown by the algorithm. In the following paragraphs, we will address the most common reasons why your posts are not displayed in the feed.
Poor Quality Content
Posts that are of low quality or do not meet the expectations of the target audience are shown less often.
Irrelevant Content
If your content is not relevant or interesting enough for your target audience, the algorithm will show it less often.
Irregular Posting
Irregular posting can lead to your posts being shown less often, as the algorithm rewards consistency.
Lack of Interaction
If your posts receive few interactions such as likes, comments, or shares, the algorithm will show them less often.
Tips and Strategies to Optimize Visibility
If you want to be successful on Instagram in the long term and gain more followers, you need to optimize your strategies and content accordingly. Here are some important tips and strategies to help you with this.
The Right Content in the Right Format
Use various formats like photos, videos, stories, and Reels to appeal to different target groups and increase your reach.
Promote Engagement
Encourage interaction with your posts by asking questions, conducting polls, or including calls-to-action in your posts.
Clear Descriptions and Relevant Hashtags
Use clear and concise descriptions as well as relevant hashtags to make your posts more discoverable.
Collaborations
Collaborate with other accounts or influencers to increase your reach and reach new target groups.
Continuous Analysis
Regularly analyze your posts and their performance to understand what works well and what can be improved.
Buying Instagram Views
In some cases, buying Instagram views can be helpful to increase the visibility of your posts. However, this should be done cautiously and only as part of a comprehensive strategy.
Important Aspects for Businesses
The above tips can help not only individuals but also content creators and social media managers to promote their accounts effectively. However, there are additional aspects that businesses should consider to gain a competitive advantage. In the following paragraphs, we will specifically address strategies for businesses.
Benchmarking
Regularly compare your performance with that of your competitors to understand where you stand and what can be improved.
Recognize Best Practices
Learn from the best practices of other successful accounts and adapt them to your own strategies.
Integrate Instagram into Overall Marketing
Seamlessly integrate Instagram into your overall marketing strategy to ensure a consistent brand message and maximize your reach.
Conclusion
The Instagram algorithm update for 2024 brings significant changes, but they are generally in line with developments in recent years. The focus on short videos in the Reels format remains crucial for achieving reach and visibility on Instagram.
Additionally, it will now be easier for small accounts to become visible on Instagram. By understanding the principles of the Instagram algorithm and applying the strategies we have discussed, you can achieve long-term success on the platform.