The Instagram Algorithm Explained: 6 Ways To Use It To Your Advantage

This is something we’ve all said a thousand times: the algorithm sucks, my posts aren’t doing as well, and engagement is down.

I’ve been doing a lot of research about the algorithm, trying to understand what it is and how it works. Since implementing different strategies to try and boost my engagement, I’ve come to the conclusion that: the algorithm doesn’t suck, we just have to learn how to use it. This post is all about what the algorithm is, how it works, and tips on how to use it in your favour.

What is the algorithm:

Lets start with what the algorithm actually is. The algorithm is designed to keep Instagram users engaged and on the app for as long as possible. By being able to recognize and categorize photos that are posted, the algorithm is able to show you photos that it thinks you would be interested in. Instagram remembers what your interests are based on what you’re engaging with on your timeline and explore page. Engagement can mean anything from enlarging a thumbnail on the explore page, liking a photo that your favourite account posts, or commenting on your best friends selfie. Basically, it takes note of what it thinks you want to see, and pushes the content that it believes to be relevant to you to the top of your feed.

An example of this is: I have been engaging with a lot of travel content and saving ideas for when I go out west. Now a large percentage of the content that comes up on my explore page is travel related, especially with mountains and lakes as the landscape. Instagram knows this is something that I’m interested in seeing, and that I will engage with this type of content. This is the same for every other category (eg. beauty, food, sports, fashion).

I know what you’re thinking, what does this mean for my content? The way the algorithm works towards the photos that you post is: when you first post a photo or video to your feed, the algorithm only shows it to a small percentage of your followers to see how much interaction it gets. After that, it all depends on how fast your post receives engagement (likes, comments, shares, saves). Instagram decides which of your posts to show to a higher percentage of your following by comparing it to other posts you’ve made. If more people are engaging on your post from today at 1pm, than they were on a post from 1pm on a different day, it will show your post to more people. If people aren’t engaging on your post enough, Instagram wont show it to as many of your followers because it then defeats the entire purpose of the algorithm: which is to keep people on the app for as long as possible.

Now that we have a basic understanding about the algorithm, lets talk about a few ways to increase engagement and keep the algorithm working for you instead of against you.

1. While researching ways to increase my engagement this one tip kept showing up on every website and in every video I clicked on: build and maintain relationships with your followers and other creators. Instagram takes note of the people you engage with. The more you like, comment, and share someones posts, the more often they will show up at the top of your feed. Theres a good chance that if you engage on someones posts regularly, they will engage back on your content often as well. Social media is supposed to be social, so don’t be afraid to reach out and dm someone to say hi or compliment their feed!

2. Consistency is key. I post once a day, which may seem like a lot for some people, but I’ve heard that Instagram rewards its most frequent users. If every day sounds like too much for you, try 4 tackling times a week and choose your highest engagement rate days to post on.

3. Post quality content. Its one thing to post a photo every day, but another to be posting a good quality photo with an engaging caption. All my posts are edited either by me, or the photographer who shot it beforehand. Your followers are more likely to double tap on a photo that looks like time and effort went in to it. In todays day and age its super easy to get a good quality photo with your iPhone! You don't need a high quality camera to create quality content.

4. The next step would be to add an engaging caption. Try asking your followers a question in your caption to encourage them to comment. Something as easy and simple as “can’t wait to escape the cold… who’s with me?” or “what are your travel plans for this year?” gets your followers excited and will get you a lot more engagement than a simple emoji for a caption. People love to feel included, so make sure you answer as many comments as you can!

5. Utilize the Instagram story. Instagram engagement counts when people answer a poll or an ask in your story, and when you answer polls and asks on other peoples stories too. Instagram loves when people are using their new features! You can also benefit by using stories to get feedback from your followers as well so its a win/win!

6. My last tip is a bit more complicated, because sometimes this doesn’t work. Joining Instagram engagement groups has become a lot more popular lately, and they’re a really great way to get fast engagement on your posts, but they’re also a good way to decrease engagement if you aren’t being strategic. I’ve been in a few engagement groups, and with some, have experienced a decrease of engagement due to being in the group. Instagram doesn’t like when people try to cheat the system, which is why you have to disguise your engagement group. Some groups use exterior apps like Telegram to reduce the risk of getting caught. If instagram sees you’re using an engagement group, it will bring down your engagement and essentially “block” your posts from being seen by a lot of people. Ways to get around this is not sending your post as a link in the group, or using emojis to indicate you’ve posted. Instead, use actual words (I know, wild) to let the group members know you’ve posted. “Hey guys! new post up from me” then having the group members search your profile instead of clicking right from the group chat is a solid way to get around the algorithm. Another way to hide your engagement group is by actually talking in the group chat. This also helps build relationships with the people in the groups too, which helps with more authentic comments on your posts. I’ve made amazing friends through past engagement groups, as well as current engagement groups, that I’m so thankful for. Which brings us full circle back to creating and maintaining relationships. Like I said before, social media is all about being social, so don't be afraid of putting yourself out there! It's all about that first step. I hope these tips have been helpful!