One of the most asked questions has been how the Instagram algorithm actually works. It’s been a burning question ever since Instagram moved away from the chronological feed. Finally, they’ve has set the record straight and cleared up several rumors.
According to Instagram, there are six main factors that influence their algorithm:
- Interest
- Relationship
- Timeliness
- Following
- Usage
- Frequency
The Instagram algorithm is changing all the time based on the enormous amount of data it gains every minute of every day.
The algorithm predicts how much you care about a post
Your Instagram feed isn’t solely based on who you follow, but who and what you like. The more you “like” someone’s posts, the higher their content will appear in your feed.
Basically, what you see in your feed is a combination of all your Instagram behaviors: The people you interact with the most, whose stories you watch, people who tag you in photos, and the photos you like and comment on.
In addition, the most important engagements for feed ranking are comments, likes, reshares, and, for video posts, views.
The algorithm determines your relationship with followers
The Instagram algorithm wants to prioritize and deliver posts from accounts you actually care about. Instagram uses interactions from you to piece together who is closest to you.
For example, if you comment on a lot of someone’s photos or are tagged in photos with them, this signals to Instagram that they probably fall into your “friends and family” category.
The algorithm factors in timeliness
Not only does Instagram factor in how much engagement your post gets, but also how long ago the photo was posted. Instagram’s algorithm is starting to care a lot more about when you posted, instead of just the content or engagement on the post, because it always wants to serve you the latest, most interesting posts.
The algorithm keeps tabs on your following
If you follow a lot of people, then Instagram has more options to choose from, so you probably won’t see all of the posts from every account.
The algorithm calculates your app usage
If you spend a lot of time on Instagram, you’re going to see more posts vs. if you only spend a few minutes in the app each day, then you’re going to just get the day’s highlights from the algorithm.
The algorithm uses frequency to sort your posts
If you’re a frequent scroller, your feed will look more chronological since Instagram tries to show you the best posts since your last visit. If you check the Instagram app less often, then your feed will be sorted more to what Instagram thinks you’ll like.
It’s important to always stay on top of the changing algorithm while continuing to put out amazing content for your viewers.
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