How To Use The Instagram Algorithm To Your Advantage
Are the changing algorithms of Instagram cumbersome? What next?
These changes can be upsetting because I’m sure, like me, you would have noticed a downward spiral in likes and comments. But rather than being upset about the changes that keep arising and wasting your precious time complaining, why not play by the rules? Give a skip to what you cannot control {what goes on behind-the-scenes} and concentrate on what you can control.
And yes, let this be proof that you need your own platform {i.e. a blog} for people to hear you, know you, and see you ~ because no matter how many times a platform changes, you will always have this personal space that is owned AND controlled exclusively by ~ you, just you! That being said, you still need Instagram and Facebook for engagement, exposure, and promotion because that’s where everyone’s at!
If you’re looking at how to use the Instagram algorithm to your advantage, here are some tips that will help you handle the changing algorithm the right way or should I say, in a better way:
Followers and Interactions ~
From going to algorithm in 2016 from chronological, Instagram has kept its originality intact and has not shied away from authentic and meaningful interactions. If you haven’t yet started interacting with your followers, especially those who take time to comment on your posts, it’s high time you initiated thoughtful conversations in a way that stimulates a response.
This could be achieved in the manner you present your posts, your caption, and your visuals, and your response to a comment should be more than a heart emoji or a one/two-word response. A good idea would be to visit the pages of those who have left a comment and return their gesture. Doing this will also allow you to get to know your followers and audience, and your response will more likely provide better exposure to your content.
On Serenading Pictures that Speak to the Viewers ~
I am not too caught up with the changes on Instagram because my work is not influenced by it or limited to it. So whenever there are changes on Instagram, I try to see how this magical new version can help me bring in changes in my postings so that they garner a better viewership. I would recommend you give all the new features a try, such as the carousel or IGTV content, and keep in mind that it is not always about posting a beautiful picture, but a striking caption is what stands out most of the time and pulls in readers to your Instagram handle.
On Using Your Analytics Properly
The ability to see insights on every post is a welcome change because it helps to gauge the ‘reaching out’ of your content. While I would encourage you not to obsess over the analytics on every post, it is good once in a while to have a check on your top-performing posts in comparison to the ones that didn’t fare as well, and see where you need to make some changes. Saves are another KPI to gauge whether the content you’ve posted is working or not.
On Stories and Storytelling~
Storytelling is an art by itself that has always captivated the listeners and audience, and I like the idea here of pulling your readers into it and making their opinion matter through polls via Instagram stories. I find polls so fun, interactive, and if used correctly, your audiences’ answers to your questions will let you decide on what the next course of action should be or on what topic your next story should be based {i.e. workout videos or healthy recipes}. Stories are also an entertaining way to keep your audience posted on your day’s activities, and that way, you will slowly get to know their pulse and have a drift of their attentiveness.
Yes, Hashtags Work, so Hashtag Away ~
I like the idea of using hashtags because it allows you to open up your imaginative minds to create new hashtags {different from the ones you usually use} that will enable you to look at your posts with a new eye each time you view them, while also allowing others to follow your journey. To reiterate, I am a proponent of research and knitting in your own hashtags, not only because of the infamous shadowban but also so that your postings and stories do not go unnoticed.
Another piece of advice: if you only have 10 thousand followers, for example, you don’t want to use hashtags with 5 million posts. Stick with those under the 1 million mark and be sure that it’s been used recently.
Has the algorithm change been frustrating for you? If you have any interesting suggestions that work, be sure to share them in the comments below!
Super helpful blog! As I would like to think, when sharing multiple photographs, consider merging them into one post (carousel), or using Instagram Stories. 🙂
Thank you for sharing, Sujata.
Very well written and informative! In my opinion, engagement is critical. When my followers engage with my content, they flag the algorithm suggesting that they want to see more of my posts.
Absolutely Himani. I recommend sharing engaging visuals matched with persuasive captions that encourage followers to interact.
Very useful and well organized content, Tanya. Consistent engagement is what I call for too. Especially as it helps me understand what my followers want to see and I am able to give them more of such content.
I agree, Manjit. It is imperative to create continuous associations with your followers.
Exceptionally interesting and value-packed blog, Tanya. I truly believe that the most ideal approach to getting your content higher positioned is to create incredible content.
Yes. Giving users what they want will boost engagement by and large and send powerful relationship signals, Prateek.
Insightful post, and a rather cool revelation on how to beat the Instagram algorithm. Engagement is unquestionably key to success in an algorithm-based world.
It’s also important to remember that not every audience will find the same things engaging, Raj.
I found the insights and recommendations very helpful, Tanya! And I agree that it’s important to look at how you can use Instagram’s critical engagement factors to help boost the performance of your posts.
I’m glad to be of help, Shreya.
Some good tips here. We retain a lot more information from things we see, which infers visuals are important. Additionally, posting consistently will ensure your posts are more likely to make their way into your follower’s feeds.
Yes Nandini, visuals are dramatic ~ recount a story and makes the viewer wonder what’s actually happening here.
I really love your ideas, Tanya. 🙂 My two cents: the uniqueness of Instagram’s visual platform makes it ideal to use hashtags.
I agree, Balendra. Using popular hashtags appropriately can empower you to expand the extent of reach and find new followers.
Very interesting and value-packed article. With follower engagement being the principle objective, creative ways to draw them in is more important than ever before.
You have a lot of choices to look over if you want to see success on Instagram. All that is left is for you to make your plan and execute it, Shashwat.
Very useful article! This is what I do ~ since the Instagram algorithm rewards users for using all its features, I constantly watch out for new updates!
That’s a very useful tip, Ritesh.
Thanks for sharing these useful tips with us, Tanya. I really appreciate your blogs as they are filled with great content. And, I am going to follow your footsteps for my Instagram page. xx
Glad to help, Shipra. 🙂
Informative blog, Tanya! When posting on Instagram, I try and make it meaningful. As I find that adding value and building a genuine connection with your audience makes all the difference!
Absolutely Thejaswini. Post with the intent to build a conversation with your followers, and connect with them.
Very useful and insightful article, thank you for sharing this with us, Tanya! I often ask open-ended questions to get my followers to share their opinions, and encourage them to tag me where and when it’s appropriate. 🙂
As I’ve been advocating forever, strive for authentic engagement from your Instagram audience. 🙂
Great and very useful content! I’d like to add that, every social platform has a distinct voice. On Instagram, posts with a lighthearted, authentic tone tend to perform the best.
Yes. Do experiment with emojis and other fun tools to give your page a distinct feel.
Love to read all the blogs you write. 🙂 In my opinion, your profile picture is your first impression on new visitors. For this reason, keep your image consistent with your branding.
Since Instagram profile pictures are automatically cropped into a circle, I leave room around the corners of my image, Soujanya.
Powerful and insightful. It’s also important to note that Instagram is intended for in-the-moment content. To stay relevant among your audience, you’ll need to invest the resources required to post regularly.
Yes, the best way to keep your followers engaged is to keep your Instagram profile up-to-date.
This was really helpful. Thanks for sharing with us, Tanya. 🙂 I have seen my likes decline by about 50% more than usual since the update, so I will make sure I switch up my hashtags on each post.
Sorry you’re feeling frustrated, I know a lot of people are feeling the same way lately.
The information provided is very good. And, it’s true that the implementation of Instagram Live and Stories certainly contributes. Thank you for sharing.
My pleasure, Shaiju. The ability to repost friends’ stories in which we are tagged will definitely keep us around for a little longer.
Really appreciate this article as it helps me reconfigure my approach. As the platform evolves, the Instagram algorithm will also continue to change. But thanks to your article, there’s no need to fret! 🙂
It’s like giving your followers a soft nudge to go and check out your latest updates, Anu.
I’ve seen my organic reach decline from 58% to 14%. The Instagram Algorithm really has me confused, and I found that your article could help me understand it better.
Shweta – sorry to hear you’re seeing such a decline in your organic reach. Hope some of my tips can help make a difference!
Amazing post with great tips and hacks. I’ve been struggling to grow my audience. Now I will try these techniques and see whats happens. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
It’s possible to outsmart the algorithm by understanding how it works, Manju.
Lots of good information to absorb and digest. I intend to take the new Instagram algorithm update as an opportunity to forge connections…
Follow the tips I’ve curated above, Sagarika. And most importantly, always produce high-quality content.