Instagram Algorithm Tips for 2024

Navigating the Instagram algorithm can feel like a constant challenge as it frequently evolves. Questions about optimal posting times and maximizing engagement with Instagram Reels are common concerns for users.

Fortunately, this guide provides insights into understanding the Instagram algorithm and offers practical tips to help users leverage it effectively.

 

What is the Instagram algorithm?

The Instagram algorithm is a set of rules that rank content on the platform. It decides what content shows up, and in what order, on all Instagram users’ feeds, as well as the Explore Page, the Reels feed, Stories, and so on.

 

How does the Instagram algorithm work?

In simple terms, the Instagram algorithm analyzes content (such as Reels, feed posts, and Stories) and user data (like interests and behavior) to deliver relevant content to users. Its primary goal is to enhance each user's experience on the platform. Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri refers to the algorithm as "ranking" and emphasizes its role in prioritizing certain posts over others to improve the platform's value for all users. Additionally, Mosseri clarifies that Instagram does not rely on a singular algorithm to determine what content users see.

Instead, Mosseri explains that Instagram utilizes a diverse range of algorithms, classifiers, and processes designed specifically for different sections of the app, including Feed, Stories, Explore, Reels, Search, and other features.

 

The 2024 Instagram Feed algorithm

1. Interest. The Instagram algorithm takes into account how much Instagram predicts you’ll care about a post (based on your past behavior and engagement with similar content).

2. Post popularity. The algorithm then considers how popular the post is based on how quickly it gains likes, comments, shares, and saves, along with when and where it was posted.

3. Poster information. Next, it uses information about the poster to determine how interesting they might be to you. This includes factors like past interactions, post frequency, and more.

4. Interaction history. It also takes into account your history of interacting with a particular person to determine how interested you are in seeing their posts.

The 2024 Instagram Stories algorithm

1. User engagement. The Instagram algorithm looks at how much you engage with a particular account’s stories, such as sending likes or DMs.

2. Viewing history. Next, it considers how often you view an account’s stories to prioritize those from accounts that it thinks you don’t want to miss.

3. Closeness. From there, it considers your overall relationship with the author and how likely you are to be connected as friends or family.

The 2024 Instagram Reels algorithm

1. User activity. First, the algorithm on Instagram looks at your past behavior, such as which reels you’ve liked, saved, re-shared, commented on, and engaged with recently.

2. Author interaction. If you’ve interacted with the person who posted the Reel before, that signals to the algorithm your level of interest in their content.

3. Reel information. The algorithm then accounts for factors like audio track, video length, and caption text to determine how interesting the reel might be to you.

4. Poster information. Similar to feed and Stories, the algorithm considers your relationship with the poster to determine how relevant their content is to you.

The 2024 Instagram Explore page algorithm

 

The Instagram algorithm considers several factors to determine the content displayed in Explore:

1. Post popularity: The algorithm assesses a post's overall popularity, particularly the level of interaction it receives in a short period, with a heavier emphasis on Explore compared to Feed or Stories.

2. Your Explore activity: Past interactions with similar content influence the algorithm's decision on what to show you in Explore.

3. Interaction history: Your engagement history with the poster, as well as similar content, is taken into account, though your familiarity with the poster may be lower in Explore.

4. Poster information: The algorithm evaluates the recent popularity of the poster, considering factors such as their engagement levels and content interactions, to present a diverse range of content from various creators on your Explore page.

 

Top Instagram algorithm ranking factors overall

If you wanted to break down the Instagram algorithm ranking factors overall, here’s what that would look like.

The three primary ranking factors of the Instagram algorithm are:

1. Relationship between the creator and the viewer: This factor considers whether users follow each other and engage through messages or comments. Regular interactions with a specific user increase the likelihood of seeing their new content, emphasizing the importance of active community management for businesses.

2. Interest: The algorithm assesses a user's typical interaction with a particular type of content. If a user consistently engages with a specific content type or format, they are more likely to see similar content.

3. Relevancy: Instagram evaluates the relevance of each piece of content, considering its alignment with trending topics and timeliness. Recent posts are prioritized over older ones, contributing to the overall relevancy of content displayed to users.

Top Instagram algorithm changes for 2024

As Instagram continues to evolve, it’s important to keep up with changes in the algorithm. Here are some of the top Instagram algorithm changes for 2024.

Some content will be more restricted for teens

As of 2024, Instagram has implemented automatic placement of teens into the most restrictive content control setting to enhance online safety for young users. This setting limits exposure to potentially sensitive content or accounts in areas like Search and Explore. Restricted content includes violence, self-harm or suicide, eating disorders, nudity or sexually explicit content, and content related to restricted goods.

Instagram’s new algorithm is less focused on reels

 

Adam Mosseri, during an Instagram Live session, revealed a shift in the Instagram algorithm's focus away from heavily promoting reels. Instead, there will be increased emphasis on other content formats like Stories and regular posts. This adjustment follows user feedback indicating saturation of feeds with reels.

 

Replayed reels now count toward your view count

Previously, only initial views were tallied in a reel's view count, but now, every instance of viewing a reel contributes to the total count. Consequently, creators may notice a rise in their view counts as they produce and distribute more reels.

Users can now pay for a blue checkmark

In 2023, Meta introduced Meta Verified, offering users the option to purchase a blue checkmark for their accounts. Verified accounts receive increased visibility in the algorithm and access to additional features, including support from a real person for account-related matters. However, this move has generated controversy, with some arguing that verification should be earned rather than purchased. Currently, the feature is undergoing testing and is accessible in the U.S., U.K., Canada, India, and Brazil, with plans for a global rollout in the near future.

 

Reels with word marks are ranked lower

 

Recently confirmed by Mosseri through an Instagram story, it has been a topic of speculation for some time: Reels featuring word marks, irrespective of the content of the word mark, will be given lower ranking. This encompasses word marks such as the TikTok logo, as well as watermarks from video editing platforms. However, Mosseri clarified that videos created externally to the Instagram app without a word mark will not be affected.

European users can now see chronological feeds

Instagram has announced a response to the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA) by introducing a new feature for users in Europe. They now have the choice to view Stories and Reels exclusively from accounts they follow, sorted in chronological order from latest to earliest. Additionally, this modification extends to Search results, which will no longer be personalized according to a user's past interactions and preferences.

Instagram algorithm tips for every format

 

Instagram algorithm tips for feed posts

With all these changes and factors to consider, how can businesses and creators improve their visibility on Instagram? Here are a few tips for feed posts.

 

1. Adhere to community guidelines: It's crucial to follow Instagram's Community Guidelines across all content formats, including Feed, Reels, and Stories. Content that violates these guidelines, such as misinformation, sensitive material, or low-quality media, may have limited visibility. If you suspect a shadowban, this is often the reason.

2. Foster engagement: Engagement holds significant importance on Instagram, serving as a key ranking factor. While views are valuable, likes, comments, shares, and saves carry more weight. Boost engagement by prompting your audience to interact with your content through questions, giveaways, or highly shareable posts.

3. Optimize posting times: Posting content at strategic times for maximum reach is vital for audience interaction, which plays a crucial role in Instagram's algorithms. Utilize tools like Hootsuite's dashboard to analyze audience behavior and recommend optimal posting times tailored to your audience.

4. Utilize appropriate hashtags: Incorporating relevant hashtags into your posts aids Instagram in understanding the content's topic, ensuring it reaches the intended audience. Unlike Instagram ads, hashtags are a cost-free method to expand your content's visibility beyond your current audience.

5. Geotag your posts: Similar to hashtags, geotags provide Instagram with essential context about your content. By tagging your location, the algorithm can share your posts with other users in the area, assuming the content is relevant to them. Geotagging is another complimentary feature that enhances the discoverability of your posts.

Plus, users who are searching for content published in a specific area will see posts tagged with that location.

 

6. Maintain a regular posting schedule: Consistency in posting is vital for improving reach, engagement, and follower growth on Instagram. Businesses should aim to post 3-5 times per week on average. If this frequency seems overwhelming for a small business, simply ensuring consistent posting, such as every weekday, can suffice. Planning ahead is key to maintaining consistency, so utilizing a social media content calendar and scheduling posts in advance with tools like Hootsuite can be immensely beneficial.

 

Instagram algorithm tips for Reels

 

7. Make original content: Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri says that the platform values original content over reposted or re-shared content—so be as creative as possible when you’re brainstorming new posts.

Try using your original audio reels,, coming up with captions that are distinct and informative, and embracing unusual ideas.

 

8. Utilize trending sounds: Instagram Reels have emerged as a significant feature, offering an opportunity to reach audiences beyond existing followers. Since Reels often showcase content from creators users don’t follow, using trending songs can signal to the algorithm that your content is worth promoting to new audiences, increasing its visibility and reach.

 

When a song is trending on Reels, the Instagram algorithm will show users lots of videos with that same song (you know how you sometimes get Reel songs stuck in your head? That’s why).

 

9. Prioritize vertical videos: Instagram has confirmed that the format of Reels significantly influences their ranking. Vertical videos, which are aligned with the way users hold their phones, stand a better chance of ranking higher. Given that Reels are intended for mobile viewing, this preference for vertical format is understandable.

10. Eliminate word marks from Reels: As emphasized by Mosseri, Reels containing word marks, such as TikTok watermarks, may be penalized by the Instagram algorithm as they appear as reposts. To avoid this, it's essential to remove any word marks before sharing a Reel on Instagram.

 

Instagram algorithm tips for different features

For Stories:

• Encourage engagement through interactive features like questions, polls, and stickers.

• Maintain consistency in posting to keep your content visible and maintain an "active" profile status.

• Tag relevant users in your Stories to increase engagement and reach.

For the Explore Page:

• Create high-quality content with engaging visuals, captions, and hashtags to increase the likelihood of being featured.

• Engage with similar content on the platform to signal interest and activity in your niche.

• Stay updated on trending hashtags and challenges and incorporate them into your posts to boost discoverability.

For Business, Creator, and Personal Accounts:

• Switch to a business or creator account to access analytics and insights for better content decisions.

• Actively engage with your audience by responding to comments and messages to foster community trust and visibility.

These strategies aim to enhance engagement, visibility, and overall performance on Instagram's various features and pages.

 

Monitoring and comprehending your analytics is essential for optimizing your Instagram strategy. Regularly reviewing automated analytics reports, even on a monthly basis, can provide valuable insights into content performance, ideal posting times, and effective hashtags.

Utilize an Instagram analytics platform to uncover key metrics such as:

• Peak times when your audience is active, facilitating strategic post scheduling.

• Successful hashtags that drive engagement.

• High-performing posts that generate genuine interactions.

By analyzing these metrics, you can streamline your efforts and maximize the impact of your Instagram presence.

 

How to “beat” the Instagram algorithm and get your content seen

 

To improve your content's visibility on Instagram, focus on creating high-quality and engaging posts while maintaining consistency in your posting schedule. Actively engage with your audience and the community, and leverage features like hashtags, tagging, and Reels to enhance your reach. Utilizing a business or creator account and monitoring analytics can offer valuable insights for optimizing your presence on the platform. Ultimately, building a strong and authentic connection with your audience is key to maximizing your visibility on Instagram.