Understanding Instagram Algorithm: 10 Key Factors And What Should You Do

Instagram Algorithm. People are still in the process of accepting the reality of the Facebook News Feed algorithm and now, they have Instagram Algorithm to deal with too. Just like Facebook, this Instagram update was met with mix feelings: frustration, because users will have no choice but to adjust to the changes in their feed; and excitement, in learning the mystery of Instagram Algorithm and how they could make use of its potentials for marketing strategy for Instagram.

The Instagram Algorithm ensures that only the best contents are shown to most people. So if you are making great contents then, more people will be able to see them, followers and non-followers alike.
So how do Instagram Algorithm works and what you should do now?

Instagram Algorithm is complicated. There are 10 key factors that could affect your content’s ranking on the feed of your followers. Here’s what you should do to work with the new algorithm and build your brand:

1. Engagement Factor

The more popular the post, the most likely it will rank higher on your feed. Social Media Examiner’s CEO and Founder, Michael Stelzner said that when a brand or person publishes a post, the social media algorithms will normally show it to a sample audience to determine their reactions to the post. If they would immediately react positively on the post, the algorithm will then show it to more viewers.

The Instagram Algorithm considers engagement type such as comments, likes, shares, video views, saves, live video views, and story views.

What you should do:

Make sure that you write engaging captions to your post. You can teach something, convey a story, hold a contest, or include a call-to-action that will take viewers to your site.

2. Relationships Factor

Instagram’s 2nd announcement about the new algorithm stated that users should see their best friend’s latest post regardless the number of accounts they follow. It means that your best friends’ post will likely rank higher on your feed. “Best friends” can be determined with the help of Facebook relationships such as family, friends, colleague, etcetera.

“Best friends” can also be people you search for, people whose content you like, people you know in real life, and those you direct message on this social media platform.

What you should do:

Cross-promote your Instagram content on your other social media networks to encourage people to visit your Instagram page.

3. Relevancy Factor

“See the moments you care about first.” Instagram’s announcement implied that content that you’ll possibly be interested in will come up first in your feed. This platform could determine your interests based on the genres of posts you have interaction with and the hashtags used. The algorithm could look on what genre of content (e.g. travel, fashion, food, etc,) you frequently engage with and rank them higher on your feed.

What you should do:

Make yourself discoverable by using the right hashtags. You’ll have a better chance of gaining followers, likes, and engagement if you use hashtags.

4. Timeliness Factor

To improve the experience, Instagram announced that users’ feed will be ordered: “based on the likelihood you’ll be interested in the content, your relationship with the person posting and the timeliness of the post.” The timeliness factor means you will only be shown contents that are recent, consequent, and more relevant to the users.

What you should do:

Ensure that your audience views your content through investing in Social ads. Instagram Advertising tools are similar to Facebook Ads. This makes it easy for you to create ads that you can display on both platforms.

5. Direct Shares Factor

A Business Insider article stated that Instagram can also determine your interests through the direct shares you make. It will consider ranking higher those posts that you are possibly interested in and the posts of those people you have shared posts with.

What you should do:

Make sure that you only post content with high-quality. No blurry video and grainy photo. Use compelling captions and appropriate hashtags to increase visibility on this social media channel.

6. Profile Searches Factor
Instagram will consider in ranking posts the profile searches that you make. The algorithm will assume that the accounts you searched for often are your interests and will rank their posts higher on your feed for your convenience. You will no longer spend more time searching for them.

What you should do:

Include influencer marketing in your social media marketing strategy. Posts of influencers tend to rank higher on feeds because they are attracting people with similar interests and characters. Most people believe the recommendations of those people that they are accustomed to.

7. Direct Messages/Comments Factor

Just like direct shares, direct messages or comments could also be a factor for the new algorithm. It looks on what content you usually commented on or messaged directly.

What you should do:

When other people comment on your content, make sure that you return the favor. It is very likely that they will keep on following you and engaging with your posts.

8. Time Spent on a Photo Factor

Facebook owns Instagram so there’s a possibility that Instagram Algorithm has similar features with Facebook News Feed Algorithm. Both algorithms’ purpose is to show users the contents that they only cared the most. According to Facebook, the time spent by the user browsing a particular content is an indication that he/she is interested in it. Facebook then include relevant posts or other content of the same source to users news feed. This can also be a factor for the Instagram Algorithm.

What you should do:

Post high-quality and compelling photos that will attract people. If your posts have content that people find more relevant than your posts will definitely be shown to a more similar audience.

9. Time Spent on a Video Factor

People like watching videos more than reading stories. They can engage people faster than words can. Instagram could also consider the time spent on watching certain videos just like Facebook does.

What you should do:

Include posting videos in your social media strategy. Instagram recorded an increase of 40% within 6 months only for video watch time in 2016. You can capture video engagement better with Instagram views.

10. Time Spent on a Link Factor

Although Instagram only allows clickable link on the user’s bio, the user has the option to post a link to his/her website, to a YouTube content, a blog, or social media pages. If someone spends more time on your link off Instagram, the content could likely be given favor in your feed.

What you should do:

Ensure that you have a call-to-action in your posts that will direct the viewers to the link in your bio.

How the Instagram Algorithm exactly works is still a mystery. As of now, we can only speculate on how it qualifies and sort content based on key factors that we have noted on Facebook News Feed Algorithm. As brand owners and marketers, it would be to your advantage to formulate a social media strategy to ensure that your content will rank higher on your target audience’ Instagram feeds. The Instagram Algorithm encourages you to be more creative and produce only high-quality content if you want to engage more people and convert them into customers. Yet, if you want to skyrocket your online presence, it’s best to hire professionals like Solvoguru. It will save you so much time and maximize ROI in the long run.