Driving Instagram Engagement: Is the Algorithm Working Against Me?

There’s always been a lot of talk around the Instagram algorithm, how does it work, what does it prioritise, and how do I stop my posts from being hidden?!

Instagram recently revealed that there are many different algorithms that make the app work. Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram shared that users want different things from different areas of the app, so they use different processes to manage each area.

This is intended to help bring users back to the app and keep them engaged. But how does this affect influencers?

Is it possible that the new algorithm might work against influencer marketing efforts?

How does the Instagram algorithm work?

The Instagram algorithm works by showing some posts to more people, and other posts to fewer. It does this based on how interesting or relevant a post is (the engagement it generates) and who posted it. 

This means that when you like someone’s photo, it will increase the likelihood of their future posts showing up in your feed and their post reaching a wider audience.

The Instagram algorithm is like a puzzle that many people are constantly trying to piece together. It is forever changing and being updated.

Basically, the Instagram algorithm is a group of ranking signals and rules that the platform uses to control and monitor your content’s organic reach.

Is the Algorithm Working Against Me?

The algorithm is in place to make sure that people see the posts they will find most interesting. It doesn’t work as a means to punish you for not following all of your followers or unfollowing them.

The algorithm is able to figure out which users’ content should be shown more broadly based on how many likes and comments it gets from other Instagrammers – this is a key part of how the platform works and Instagram wouldn’t be the same without it.

That said, there are some ways in which you can increase the chances of the algorithm working in your favour.

How do I use the Instagram algorithm to my advantage?

If you want to get more engagement on Instagram, then it’s important that your posts are interesting and relevant for all of the people who might see them. 

For example, if you post a picture or video about food and that’s the niche you are targeting, getting likes from other users in this category will help increase your engagement.

No one knows exactly how the algorithm ranks and distributes content on the platform, but there are some common ranking signals, or rules, that people have found can influence how the algorithm ranks your content.

3 Tips For Driving Instagram Engagement

• Use relevant hashtags

• Try to include a mix of super-popular hashtags with large followings and smaller more niche hashtags.

• Include a location in your posts 

• Including a location will help your posts show up when people search for that location on the platform.

• Post at the right hours when people are on Instagram

• You can see when your followers are online, and look at previous post metrics to see what time of day gets you the most engagement.

What does the Instagram algorithm mean for me as an influencer? 

The higher engagement you have, the more likely it is that your content will reach a wider audience and gain higher engagement. You may even hit the explore page for people interested in your niche! Get in touch today for more tips on improving your platform and selling yourself as an Influencer!