The Instagram algorithm was introduced to help surface the best, most relevant content to each user every time they check their Instagram feed. The question is — how does Instagram determine which content meets that criteria?
In this post, we’ll dig into the factors that influence the Instagram algorithm and share tips for increasing your chances of getting your content on more people’s Instagram timelines.
How does the Instagram algorithm work? The 6 key ranking factors
If you’re wondering why there always seems to be a new Instagram algorithm, it’s because the algorithm uses machine learning to customize what shows up in each person’s Instagram feed. The Instagram Explore page works in the same way — it looks at the accounts you have interacted with before and uses those interactions to suggest content it thinks you might enjoy.
But the Instagram algorithm considers so much more than that. Instagram revealed there are six factors that determine what you see in your Instagram feed: interest, timeliness, relationship, frequency, following, and usage.
1. Interest: How much Instagram predicts you’ll care about a post
When the algorithmic timeline was announced, Instagram mentioned that it shows you content that you’re likely to be interested in first:
“The order of photos and videos in your feed will be based on the likelihood you’ll be interested in the content, your relationship with the person posting and the timeliness of the post.”
Instagram looks at your past activity to gauge your potential interest. So, if there’s a certain genre of content that you engage with more frequently (e.g., food), Instagram might rank content in that genre (e.g., food, restaurants, etc.) higher on your feed.
An Instagram spokesperson told Business Insider that ranking of Instagram posts is not a popularity contest. Posts with less engagement that are more relevant to you can still appear right at the top of your feed.
2. Timeliness: How recent the posts are
The next key ingredient in the Instagram algorithm is timeliness. Instagram wants to show you posts that are recent and, consequently, more relevant.
According to a talk from Instagram’s Thomas Dimson, the Instagram algorithm re-orders only the new posts between your current visit and your last visit. For example, if you scroll through your Instagram timeline at 11 pm and then check it again at 9 am the next morning, Instagram would only sort the posts created in between your check-ins.
3. Relationship: The accounts you regularly interact with
Instagram doesn’t want you to miss important posts from your friends and family, such as a post about your friend’s engagement. This implies that content from your “best friends” likely rank higher on your feed.
To determine who your best friends are, Instagram’s algorithm studies your past interactions to see which accounts you engage with most often.
An Instagram spokesperson also told Business Insider that profile searches are a signal Instagram looks at when ranking posts in your feed.
4. Frequency: How often a user opens Instagram
Every time a user opens up the app, the Instagram algorithm tries to show the best posts since their last visit.
If you open Instagram once daily, you see the posts that Instagram’s algorithm feels are the most relevant for that day. However, if you open Instagram hourly, the app tries to show you the most relevant content you haven’t seen before.
5. Following: Content from all accounts a user follows
If you follow thousands of accounts on Instagram, the algorithm must sort through more content in order to decide what to show you each time you open up the app. This means users who follow large numbers of people might see less from each individual account, whereas users who follow just a few select accounts are likely to see more from their closest friends or favorite accounts.
6. Usage: How long a user spends on Instagram
Whether a user tends to browse Instagram in short bursts or longer sessions can also affect what the algorithm shows. If a user prefers short visits on Instagram, the algorithm ensures it shows the most relevant posts first, whereas, for users who prefer longer browsing sessions, it may provide a deeper catalog of fresh content to browse.
Why the Instagram algorithm is a good thing
Social media managers often try to figure out how to beat the Instagram algorithm when they should be leaning into it. Instead of sharing Instagram algorithm hacks that don’t help you in the long-term, let’s talk about why the Instagram algorithm is actually great for users and marketers alike.
When social media platforms move away from a chronological feed, there’s always a public outcry. But chronological feeds aren’t as great as you think. The Instagram creators account reports that “since switching to a ranked feed, the average post is now seen by 50% more followers than it did with the chronological model.”
The Instagram algorithm change to a ranked feed is a win-win. With the help of machine learning, the algorithm ensures that users see content they’re most likely to be interested in, and that means business accounts get more targeted audiences.
As long as you are creating engaging, relevant, and timely content, the Instagram algorithm is actually an advantage to you. It helps to get your great content in front of more people than when posts were arranged reverse-chronologically.
Instagram algorithm FAQs
Are photos or videos preferred by the Instagram algorithm?
In short, no. Instagram doesn’t give extra weight to either videos or photos within its feed. However, if the data shows that a certain user prefers to engage with videos over photos, then that specific user may see more video content in their feed.
Does posting too frequently impact ranking?
Instagram accounts aren’t down-ranked for posting content frequently. Though Christina d’Avignon, a product designer for Instagram feed, did tell The Verge: “we do make sure your feed feels diverse so we may break up posts.”
Are business and personal accounts treated differently by the algorithm?
As reported by Techcrunch: “Instagram doesn’t give extra feed presence to personal accounts or business accounts, so switching won’t help your reach.”
Will posting Stories or Live videos affect ranking?
Creating Instagram Stories or live broadcasting with Instagram won’t affect how your content ranks within the feed.
5 Ways to make the Instagram algorithm work for you
Instead of telling you how to beat the Instagram algorithm, below we'll explain how to lean into it and use it to your advantage.
1. Embrace the latest features
Driving the adoption of new features is important for Instagram, so it makes newer features more prominent in the app. It’s important to note that this does not mean that the Instagram algorithm automatically favors any specific post type. It does, however, give new features a prime location, such as putting Instagram Stories at the very top of the screen or, more recently, moving the Instagram Reels icon to the center of your menu bar.
2. Vary your post types
Using a variety of post types — single image, carousel posts, IGTV, Reels, Stories, and Lives — is key to successfully navigating the Instagram algorithm.It’s a common misconception that the Instagram algorithm favors video over photos. In reality, the algorithm will favor whatever each individual user interacts with the most. For example, if someone tends to like and comment on Instagram Reels more often than on other post types, Instagram’s algorithm will favor Reels for that person.
It’s a common misconception that Instagram favors video over photos. In reality, the algorithm will favor whatever individual user interacts with the most.
Sharing your content in different forms helps you reach a wider range of people. Plus, it’s a great way to repurpose your content. Not everyone watches a video, so you can turn your video content into a carousel post. Or you can appeal to Instagram Stories lovers by re-sharing feeds posts in your Stories.
3. Post at the best times for your business
Timeliness is one of the key algorithm ranking factors. But there's no one-size-fits-all best time to post on Instagram.
To find your best time to post, you need to consider two things:
- When your greatest number of followers are active on the platform
- When your brand is most relevant for them.
This two-pronged approach is something Emma Ward, marketing manager for the New England smoothie bar The Juicery, has down to a tee.
Emma will post about promotions, or news when most of its followers are online and she'll post about The Juicery's products first thing in the morning (around 7.30-8 a.m.) when they are most relevant to its followers’ daily schedules.
4. Create a hashtag strategy
Because users can search for and even follow hashtags, adding them to each post increases your chances of reaching a wider audience. Plus, studies show that posts with hashtags receive higher engagement than those without.
4. Focus on authentic engagement
Instagram’s algorithm rewards engagement. So, instead of wasting energy on Instagram algorithm hacks that only give you short-term results, focus on the connections you build with your audience.
Make sure you reply to direct messages and comments on your posts. The more you interact with your fans, the better.
Snack company Pipcorn lets customers sing their praises by re-sharing customer content in their Instagram Stories.
5. Use analytics to see what's working
As we mentioned above, Instagram has shared: “The order of photos and videos in your feed will be based on the likelihood you’ll be interested in the content."
And one of the best ways to understand what your audience enjoys seeing and is interested in is to dig into your Instagram analytics data.
Using Instagram Insights you can check out which of your posts have had the most interactions. You can also sort posts by most comments, likes and saves too if you'd like to dig into more specific engagement metrics.
Instagram’s algorithm is all about providing the best experience
If you focus on building connections with your audience and producing great content, you don’t need to worry about Instagram updates and Instagram algorithm changes.
“Authenticity and transparency are key to building sustainable engagement on Instagram,” says the Instagram Creators account, “Trying to game the system may provide a short-term benefit, but it is not a recipe for success long term...Make sure that you are creating content that is keeping your followers and community engaged and constantly coming back for more!”