All about Instagram’s Algorithms and how to beat them

Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms, both for personal and business profiles. In recent years, more people have joined this platform to grow and increase their customers. As a result, today, Instagram has at least 1 billion active users. Learn all about Instagram’s Algorithms and how to beat them.

This figure means that there is a lot of competition between new brands trying to position themselves on this platform. However, there are certain ways to get noticed organically, and also increase your online presence.

In this blog, we teach you everything about the Instagram algorithm, how it works, and what can you do to beat it with just 10 tips.

What is the Instagram algorithm?

The Instagram algorithm helps you know which publications your users relate to the best. This means that with this tool you can know the content that your users prefer. If your followers like the content you post, it’s likely that they will want to see it again, and therefore, Instagram will show it to them more often.

At the beginning, this algorithm didn’t exist. Instagram was only used as a wall to share photos and short messages with friends.

Then in 2016, Instagram introduced a new way to view posts, and with it, a new algorithm. Although users at the time weren’t happy with viewing their photos chronologically in reverse, the social platform still advanced to this feature.

Many people keep complaining about the algorithm. Instagram’s Algorithms. However, the directors of this platform assure that many others have liked it and have interacted more. “People have been liking and commenting in general, they participate with the community more actively,” they say.

Regardless of whether you love or hate the algorithm, this didn’t stop the growth of this social platform. Like many others, Instagram protects its algorithm a lot. But today we will reveal some secrets to beat it.

We must mention that the Instagram algorithm which focuses on the news feed is not the only one out there. Instagram currently has different algorithms that determine the priority of the publications compared to the rest of the users of this platform.

Algorithm types

Instagram Edge Rank algorithm

This algorithm establishes the priority of the content to be displayed in the start menu.

Thus, user behavior within this social platform is what establishes the priority of some images over others.

Instagram HT Search algorithm

This establishes the priority of the photos in the featured posts within the same hashtag.

Instagram Stories Relevance algorithm

This Instagram algorithm determines which stories are shown to certain users and their priority

Instagram HT Follow algorithm

The Instagram HT follow algorithm sets the priority of posts that are displayed when any user follows a hashtag.

Instagram Places algorithm

The Places algorithm prioritizes posts based on location.

In general, they use the location shown in posts or stories.

How does it work? Instagram’s Algorithms

Instagram first shows you the content that may be most valuable to you based on specific factors. Some of them may be how likely is that you like this content, the time of publication, or the hashtags you see the most.

This platform takes into account that people want fresh content every time they log in.

For brands or companies, this means that your content will not be seen when it’s shared. However, this doesn’t mean that you should share your content whenever you want.

A certain amount of people are active in a certain amount of time. So, if you want to be seen, you must do some research with analytics to find out what times your audience is most active.

Likes and comments are crucial elements of this. The more interactions you have, the more Instagram will allow your users to see it. This kind of activity shows that the post is good to appear on the home page of other users. For companies, this can be a challenge, but by knowing your followers you can discover what content they prefer.

Another way to be on people’s home page is when the algorithm shows you a profile search. If a person searches for your content, they are likely to be interested, therefore they will see it more.

This also happens with posts shared in direct messaging. Direct messages are a form of social darkness, which means you can’t follow up. But, even if you don’t see the interactions of shared posts in the analytics, Instagram does.

What is engagement?

We’ve discussed interactions previously, but not what they really are. So, in short, engagement is the level of commitment that consumers have with your brand.

For this, it takes into account the constancy, trust, and the way your followers empathize with the values ​​and messages of your brand. This is so because it allows close, sustainable, and organic relationships between your followers.

This isn’t an easy task and it can take a long time. Consolidating and positioning yourself among the competition of online brands is based on effort and a lot of perseverance. This important concept grew and expanded thanks to the introduction of a new digital age. Especially, social platforms and other media that allow constant interaction with users.

Engagement is one of the easy to stimulate daily and tangible elements analyzed through metrics, indicators, and quality of interaction. Instagram’s Algorithms. What does the Instagram algorithm consider “engagement”? Each one of the likes, reach by hashtags, times shared in stories and key locations fall under this category for Instagram.

How the Instagram algorithm affects business accounts

The Instagram algorithm had certain benefits for brands. Currently, it continues to maintain the same standards as other accounts.

That is, to have a high level of visibility, you must have a high level of interaction.

To understand the algorithm and make sure that your posts are shown to as many users as possible, you must strategize.

The simplest solution is to get the most engagement from your followers.

Some even opt for Instagram Ads to have a greater reach.

What is the magic formula to beat the Instagram algorithm?

Many want to know a secret formula to position themselves on social media. But the truth is that the only real way for them to do this is to foster interactions that later turn into relationships and ties.

For different companies and brand profiles, the only way to be successful on social media is through trial and error.

Try all the new trends, stay ahead, and use innovative content, among others.

Instagram’s Algorithms. The most important thing is to dare to new things that attract new customers. However, here are some tips so you know where to start to beat the Instagram algorithm:

11 tips to beat the Instagram algorithm and grow on social media

Identify your best content

The Instagram metric can help you define the best content for your users.

After figuring out which ones they prefer, implement hashtags, videos, images, carousels, and other graphic elements to attract their attention. Remember that the important thing is to be creative so that they continue to visit your content and wait for the next.

Every two weeks, check how the metrics fared and with which of your posts got the most interactions. Then create similar content, without being repetitive, to maintain engagement.

Hashtags are very important

Hashtags are still the best way to get followers from the same niche.

The algorithm allows showing relevant posts to a specific group of people.

As a result, these hashtags are focused on the interests and needs of many users.

Therefore, they are still valid today on different social platforms.

Know your followers wisely, Instagram’s Algorithms

Research and create a list of the most relevant hashtags according to your sector.

After this, use only the most appropriate ones. Some of the tips that Instagram itself offers to use it are:

• Being specific with them.

• Use the most relevant to your sector.

• Keep an eye out for competitors and which ones they use.

Everyone likes videos

Different studies have shown that people prefer videos for being dynamic content. That’s why videos are more popular on this social platform.

You can create content with autoplay to capture the attention of users and make them spend more time looking at your publications. The more time your users spend on the social platform viewing your profile, the better it will be for you.

However, there are other types of tools for creating content that people really enjoy. These are IGTV and Reels, which are new ways of making videos. IGTV, for example, allows you to make videos of up to 15 minutes that will be placed in the feed.

Post on Instagram at the best time, Instagram’s Algorithms

Find out what times they receive the most interaction when publishing.

This way, the contents have a better chance of being seen by more people.

It’s important to remember that the best times to post vary entirely by the company.

Know the analytics

Social media analytics are very important.

They reveal the most important aspects of user behavior.

This helps you understand them better and be able to reach them.

For this, you can find out the statistics within Instagram itself or you can use an additional tool.

Interact with everyone! Instagram’s Algorithms

Don’t expect social media strategies to just be about simply dumping content on the account and voila. It’s important to interact with those users who interacted with your account.

You must be agile when responding to comments on your content, especially in the first hours after publishing.

Call your followers to action, ask their opinion.

On the other hand, another important point is not to force communication, so try to be as genuine as possible.

Instagram Stories

Previously we talked about the videos and how much the Instagram community likes them.

However, stories are the easiest way to make this point as it has over daily 400 million active users daily. So, in simple terms, the algorithm takes into account all the impressions you get on your Instagram stories. This also includes reactions or when your stories are sent to someone.

Instagram stories have different features that can help you make things much more fun. Polls, trivia, and adding links to slide up (this only works if you have 10K) are some examples.

Learn from influencers who ask their followers to write privately to get links to various products. This is an easy way for your followers to interact a little more in-depth with you. Thanks to these types of interactions, they increase the probability of appearing in their feed.

Constancy, Instagram’s Algorithms

Consistency is key. All these previous tips are based on strategies. However, if you don’t post content consistently and regularly, Instagram will know about it and won’t take you into account.

That’s why you have to plan posts.

Don’t forget that these posts must have the same narrative and style as the previous ones. The constancy must also be done in each of the aspects of your company.

Ads, ads, ads

Of all the above, this is the only strategy that is not organic.

However, it really works very well for many companies. In the same sense, paid advertising is necessary to drive posts.

In a few minutes and with little investment you can develop an entire advertising campaign. To do this, Ads are placed through the Ads Manager or Power Editor.

There are different ad options than Facebook for Instagram and with them, you can make the most of your ads.

 Stay away from bad habits, Instagram’s Algorithms

Don’t take any action that is against the rules of these social platforms.

This could cause your account to be temporarily blocked or even deleted.

Learn about some of the Instagram mistakes that could damage your algorithm forever:

Instagram strategy mistakes to avoid

Lack of a goal-oriented strategy

Not having a plan and goals is like driving without a destination. Many things can go wrong. Thus, you must find out which are the keywords that you should consider. Besides that, know who your content is directed to.

If you don’t have a goal-driven strategy this will mean wasted effort and opportunities.

You may even give up or conclude that Instagram or social media marketing just isn’t working.

You can work on your social media strategy through videos and photos, but you can’t start posting without an idea of ​​where you’re going. Find out what you want and develop a strategy around your goal.

Bio without a redirect link

Your presence in social media isn’t the only one you need to grow, that’s why you must use other tools. So, a website is ideal for companies since they are their cover letter in the online world. However, you have to make it very clear that traffic is the lifeblood of your website. A website that doesn’t generate traffic will disappear sooner or later.

Instagram generates up to 1.2 billion likes per day and 1,000 comments per second from real people. These same people who already enjoy your content on Instagram can go to visit your website or landing page.

Understanding that the Instagram audience is important to brands is very important. And, if these users like you or your brand, they will follow you. However, if you don’t have a link or call to action in your bio, you are missing out on a great opportunity. Instagram allows you to include a clickable link in your bio. So make sure you get the most out of it.

To add a link to your bio, go to “Edit Profile” and type it in the “website” text box.

Make your Instagram account private, Instagram’s Algorithms

Many think that by making their company’s profile private, they will grab the interest of many.

But this is the opposite, many walk away and prefer not to see the profile again.

However, if we are talking about your personal account, being private is completely valid.

Thus, when it comes to a business profile, it must be publicly accessible.

This, if you want more followers to follow, like, share, and get to know your brand through social media marketing.

Continually post duplicate photos

Users of social media are bombarded with a big amount of content daily, but this doesn’t mean that they don’t differ from one another. Loyal followers of your brand will quickly recognize the same duplicate photos or videos over and over again. Every once in a while there may be a good reason to report a photo or video you’ve shared with your followers before, but don’t make it a habit.

Plan the publications and don’t copy from others. Try to stay as creative as possible. It’s okay to repeat content a few times, but remember that no one likes to see the same thing over and over again. As long as it’s relevant to your goal, you’ll be fine.

When Instagrammers follow you, they want to be entertained and benefit from your content. You already know that sharing the same content again won’t generate any new results or benefits. So don’t do it.

Not responding to user comments promptly, Instagram’s Algorithms

Comments are a user engagement metric that Google searches for. This is because user participation generates retention, which generates growth.

They let Google understand that users really like your account.

And since Google is passionate about content that others enjoy, this is the one thing that will rank the best in searches.

In the same sense, getting over 50 comments are ideal to become important in the eyes of google.

Focus on quantity, not quality

Don’t post just because you have to fill other people’s feeds with photos. Social media platforms know when content is not genuine and detect it as spam. So, once they do this, you will disappear from the feed, losing all previous effort and perseverance.

Try to post frequently. However, under no circumstances should you sacrifice the quality of your content. Each of these publications must be of the best possible quality. Some brands only post photos of others or repeat the content. However, just by changing the photos or adapting them to new forms, they ensure that they are attractive and maintain its quality.

Whether it’s video clips or photos you want to share on Instagram, make sure to always put quality first.

BluCactus, your ally in Digital marketing

BluCactus international marketing agency serves clients all over the world.

Our specialty? The creation of web designs and SEO positioning in online searches. Instagram’s Algorithms.

Besides, our group of experts is dedicated to helping businesses and brands succeed in one of the most competitive sectors in the market, the digital world.

BluCactus will accompany you every step that your brand takes.

This goes from the creation of the branding of your business to the creation of content.

Our focus is on supporting you with the development of your website or the administration of your accounts on social media.

This online marketing agency, based in Dallas, TX, seeks to strengthen your image as a brand and take it to the next level.

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