A successful Instagram post requires more than just an impressive photo or video, a captivating description and appropriate hashtags. One crucial factor that is often overlooked is the Instagram algorithm. This complex mechanism determines which content is shown to your followers and which is not. As the algorithm is constantly evolving, it is essential to stay up to date in order to maximize the visibility of your posts. In this article, we explain how the Instagram 2024 algorithm works, which factors it takes into account and how you can use it to your advantage.

 

What is the Instagram algorithm?

A common misconception is that there is “the algorithm” on Instagram that decides which posts are shown and which are not. In fact, Instagram uses a variety of algorithms and processes that each perform different tasks. These technologies work together to personalize users’ experiences and ensure they see the most relevant content.

For you as a content creator, this means that the success of your posts depends heavily on how well you understand how these algorithms work. The algorithm evaluates posts based on various factors such as interactions, likes and the behavior of other users. By creating content that appeals to your followers and encourages interaction, you can increase the chances of your posts being ranked higher and displayed more frequently.

How does the Instagram algorithm work?

The Instagram algorithm is a complex system that was developed to show users the most relevant content. When Instagram was launched in 2010, the platform consisted of a chronologically organized stream of photos. However, as the number of users grew and the amount of content shared increased, it became increasingly difficult to see all posts. By 2016, users were missing 70% of all posts in their feed, including almost half of posts from close friends and family. To solve this problem, Instagram introduced a feed that sorts posts by relevance. According to Instagram, each section of the Instagram app – Feed, Explore, Reels – uses its own algorithm, which is tailored to the respective usage.

The algorithm for the feed and stories

In the feed and stories, the Instagram algorithm mainly shows content from people you follow. The focus here is on showing you the most relevant posts from your friends, family and the accounts you interact with the most. The most important factors that the algorithm takes into account are

  • Information about the post: This includes data such as the number of likes, when the post was published and what type of content it is (photo or video).
  • Information about the person who posted the post: This includes signals such as the frequency of interactions with that person in the past.
  • Your activity: This includes the posts that you have liked, commented on or shared in the past.
  • Your interaction history with someone: This gives an indication of how interested you are in a particular person’s posts in general.

The algorithm makes predictions about how likely it is that you will react to a post, like it, comment on it or share it. These predictions determine how high a post is displayed in your feed or in your stories.

The algorithm for the Discover/Explore page

The Explore algorithm is designed to show you new and interesting content that doesn’t come from the accounts you follow. Instead, the algorithm analyzes which posts you have liked, saved or commented on in the past to find similar content that you might like. The most important signals used by the algorithm are

  • Information about the post: This is used to rate how popular a post is, based on the number and speed of likes, comments, shares and saves received.
  • Your activity: Which posts you have liked, saved or commented on and how you have interacted with posts in the Explore area in the past.
  • Information about the person who posted the post: These signals help to find interesting content from a large number of users.

The Explore algorithm ensures that you always discover new content that matches your interests and helps you find new accounts to follow.

The algorithm for reels

Reels are specifically designed to keep you entertained. The Reels algorithm primarily shows you content from accounts you don’t follow and rates them based on how entertaining they are. The most important factors that the Reels algorithm takes into account are

  • Your activity: Which reels you have liked, commented on or shared.
  • Your interaction history with the creator: Even if you don’t know the creator, it gives an indication of how interested you might be in their content.
  • Information about the reel: This includes details such as the audio track used, the video content and the popularity of the reel.
  • Information about the person who posted the reel: The general popularity of the creator is taken into account in order to find diverse and appealing content.

The Reels algorithm is designed to provide you with entertaining and relevant short videos that will inspire and entertain you.

 

How to use Instagram’s algorithm and become visible

The key to more visibility and reach is to increase engagement on your posts by taking into account the three most important ranking factors of the algorithm: Interaction, Relevance and Timeliness.

Push interaction with convincing call-to-actions

To increase engagement on your Instagram posts, convincing call-to-actions (CTAs) are essential. CTAs motivate your followers to take action and interact with your content. Simply “Like this post” is often not enough to achieve a high interaction rate. Instead, you should use creative and appealing CTAs that really encourage your followers to take part. Effective call-to-actions include opinion questions, surveys and polls, puzzles and challenges or competitions.

An important note: Comments carry more weight than likes, as they require more effort. You should therefore focus on creating call-to-actions that encourage comments. Examples of good practice can be found on larger business accounts such as Media Markt or Rossmann, which regularly use such techniques to increase interaction.

Posting high-quality and exceptional content

To stand out on Instagram and capture the interest of your followers, it’s important to post high-quality and exceptional content. Images that aren’t seen every day ensure more engagement and keep your followers’ attention on your post for longer.

By focusing on high-quality and exceptional content, you can improve your visibility in the Instagram algorithm. Experiment with different types of content and find out what resonates best with your target group. This way, you can continuously optimize your strategy and increase your reach on Instagram.

Publish Carousel posts and videos

To increase the time spent on your Instagram posts and boost the engagement of your followers, you should regularly use carousel posts and videos. These formats offer more content and keep your followers’ attention on your posts for longer.

A carousel post allows you to share multiple images or videos in a single post. This is ideal for telling a story, highlighting different aspects of a topic or presenting step-by-step instructions.

Videos are an effective format for conveying emotions and presenting complex content in an entertaining way. Use videos to take your followers into your world, be it through behind-the-scenes insights, tutorials or short, entertaining clips. It is important that your videos are short and concise.

Using the right hashtags

The targeted use of hashtags is one of the most effective ways to increase the visibility of your Instagram posts and generate new engagement. With the right hashtags, you can ensure that your content is discovered by the right target group and that your reach grows.

Find out which hashtags are most popular in your target group. These hashtags are often seen in many posts and can help you reach a wider audience. Use a mix of popular, widely used hashtags and specific, niche-related hashtags. Popular hashtags increase reach, while specific hashtags ensure your posts are seen by a targeted audience.

Post at the right time

Choosing the right time for your Instagram posts can have a significant impact on the engagement and visibility of your content. Posts that are published at the times when your audience is most active will achieve the highest and fastest engagement.

With an Instagram business account, you have access to detailed insights that show you when your followers are online most often. You can find this data in the “Insights” section of your profile. Take a look at the activity times of your followers and plan your posts so that they are published during these peak times. It can be helpful to try out different times and observe when your posts get the most engagement.

A good mix of organic and paid content

Nowadays, it is difficult to achieve sustainable success on Instagram with organic reach alone. To maximize your visibility and reach, it’s important to use a balanced mix of organic and paid content. This strategic approach helps you to distribute your content effectively and reach a larger target group.

A successful Instagram account consists of a mixture of organic posts and paid ads. While organic content creates authenticity and credibility, paid ads ensure that your best content achieves a greater reach. Use paid ads to push particularly important or successful posts.

 

Use the Instagram algorithm and become visible on Instagram with FollowerPilot

Understanding and using the Instagram algorithm is the key to more visibility and success on the platform. By applying the right strategies – from compelling call-to-actions and high-quality content to the optimal use of hashtags and the right timing of your posts – you can increase the engagement of your followers and boost your visibility on Instagram.

But sometimes organic content alone is not enough. This is where FollowerPilot comes into play. With our services, you can effectively push your Instagram presence and get the most out of your content. FollowerPilot offers various products to help you push your reach and engagement on Instagram:

Whether you’re an influencer, a business or simply someone looking to grow your social media presence, FollowerPilot has the tools to help. Our services are reliable, legal and highly effective in boosting your Instagram strategy.

Take the opportunity to optimize your Instagram profile and maximize your success. Take a look at our offer and find out how FollowerPilot can help you achieve your social media goals. For more tips and tricks on Instagram and other social media platforms, take a look at our blog.