The Complete Guide to Instagram’s Algorithm in 2023

NOTE: this method still works as 2024. The Instagram algorithm drives everything we see in the app. But how does it work? This comprehensive guide demystifies the Instagram algorithm.

Who Are the Key Instagram Algorithm Players?

There are two main groups that interact on Instagram:

Viewers – The people scrolling and consuming content

Creators – The accounts posting content

The algorithm mediates the content viewers see from creators. Its goal is showing the most relevant content to each viewer.

Why Does Instagram Have an Algorithm?

Pre-algorithm, posts appeared chronologically. But with so much content, important posts were missed.

So in 2016, Instagram introduced their algorithm. This curates each user’s feed to show them the content most relevant to them first.

The goal is keeping users on Instagram longer by ensuring they don’t miss posts they care about.

Key Basics About the Instagram Algorithm

Here are crucial basics to know:

• There are multiple algorithms, each optimized for different parts of Instagram
• The algorithms are constantly changing and evolving to improve relevance
• But the core principles remain the same

So while day-to-day tweaks happen, major paradigm shifts are rare. Focus on mastering fundamentals.

How Do Instagram’s Algorithms Work?

At a high level, Instagram uses algorithms try to pair the right viewer with the right creator’s content.

To do this, the algorithms analyze 3 key signals:

1. Creator’s Content

• Is it high-quality?
• Is it popular and engaging?
• What is the content about?

2. Information About the Creator

• How consistent are they?
• How much engagement do they normally receive?

3. Viewer’s Interaction History

• How much does this viewer engage with this creator?
• Do they follow them already?

Using this data, it recommends content the viewer will find interesting and relevant.

Why Multiple Algorithms?

People use Instagram features differently:

• Feed to see friends and family
• Explore to discover new creators
• Reels for entertainment

Each algorithm is tailored to show the most relevant content for how people actually use each part of Instagram.

How the Algorithm DOES Work

• Analyzes content quality and topic
• Considers creator consistency
• Factors in viewer relationships/engagement
• Evolves constantly to improve relevance

How the Algorithm DOESN’T Work

There are two common misconceptions about how Instagram’s algorithm works:

Myth: “Shadowbanning”

Reality: Instagram won’t secretly restrict reach without cause. Dips likely stem from other factors.

Myth: Restricting reach to force ad spending

Reality: Instagram denies doing this. More content now competes for finite feed space.

Tips for Working With Instagram’s Algorithms

• Don’t stress over constant minor changes
• Focus on your audience and content quality
• Engage genuinely with your followers
• Post consistently
• Follow all Instagram guidelines
• Create original, high-quality content

Master these fundamentals for long-term Instagram success.

Instagram Algorithm Signals: How Your Content Is Evaluated

Instagram’s algorithms use various “signals” to determine what content to show viewers. Optimizing these signals can boost your reach.

Signals About Your Content

Instagram analyzes your actual posts for these qualities:

Visual Quality

High resolution photos/videos perform better.

Topic Relevance

Algorithms evaluate topics like fashion, fitness, etc. based on captions and hashtags.

Popularity

Content driving lots of engagement and shares gets prioritized.

Recency

Recent posts often get a small boost over older content.

Originality

Reposted or copied content may be demoted. Unique content is favored.

Pay attention to how these core content signals impact your performance and engagement. Then refine your posts accordingly.

Signals About You as a Creator

Your overall account health also factors in:

Posting Consistency

Regular posting shows you’re actively using Instagram.

Engagement History

Accounts with strong engagement get more visibility.

Stories Usage

Frequently posting stories indicates an active account.

Account Violations

Breaking rules can negatively impact your reach.

Ad Spend

Running ads may contribute to better impressions.

Post regularly, foster engagement, follow guidelines, and use multiple content types. Don’t neglect the account itself.

Signals About Your Audience Relationships

Who engages with you also matters:

Follower Engagement

Your most loyal fans see your content first.

Recent Interactions

Accounts you recently engaged with will be recommended your posts.

Messaging Activity

DMing creates a stronger connection that factors in.

Shared Interests

Content from accounts with similar audiences may be suggested.

Remember – it’s social media. Nurture audience relationships on and off your posts. This provides key signals.

How to Improve Your Instagram Algorithm Ranking

Now that you know which signals the Instagram algorithm evaluates, here are 7 ways to optimize them:

1. Post Visually Appealing, High-Quality Content

Invest time into compelling images and videos:

• Use HD cameras or photography
• Leverage on-brand filters and editing styles
• Ensure proper lighting and framing

Taking your visual aesthetics up a notch can help boost impressions and engagement.

2. Establish Content Pillars and Topics

Create content around defined topics and pillars:

• Cooking tips
• Yoga flows
• Fashion lookbooks
• Small business strategies

This allows Instagram to better understand your niche and recommend relevant content accordingly.

3. Foster Comments and Shares

Getting viewers to engage makes future posts more visible:

• Ask intriguing questions
• Run giveaways
• Share user-generated content
• Post “Part 1” cliffhangers

Seed posts that statistically drive responses to signal popularity.

4. Be Consistent With Posting and Stories

Post often to look “active” to the algorithm:

• Establish a regular content schedule
• Use planning tools to auto-schedule posts
• Post daily stories, even if just check-ins

Both consistency and sheer volume provide more data points.

5. Collaborate With Complementary Accounts

Boost impressions by partnering with synergistic brands:

• Co-create content together
• Cross-promote posts and stories
• Do giveaways rewarding both accounts follows/shares

Borrow the algorithmic benefits of larger but aligned audiences.

6. Interact With Followers and Niche Accounts

Being social boosts your account authority:

• Reply to follower comments and questions
• Engage similar accounts in your niche
• Comment first on accounts you want to like your posts

This signals connectedness so your content is shared within similar communities.

7. Fix Any Possible Account Violations

Adhere strictly to Instagram’s guidelines and policies:

• Remove spam comments
• Delete inauthentic followers
• Credit copied or repurposed content

Avoid any perception of “gaming” the system which could suppress your reach.

Common Instagram Algorithm Myths and Misconceptions

Many beliefs about the Instagram algorithm are false. Here are the biggest myths to ignore:

Myth: Post at Very Specific Times

You’ll often see advice on posting at the “perfect” time like 2:14pm on Thursdays. In reality, optimal timing differs across audiences.

There are peak times when your followers are on Instagram:

• Check your Instagram Insights
• Identify when your followers are most active
• Test posting 30-60 minutes before these peaks

But perfect times vary user to user. There is no universal best time that works for all accounts.

Myth: Use Maximum Hashtags

You don’t need dozens of hashtags. This causes hashtag stuffing which Instagram discourages.

Select 3-5 precise, relevant hashtags instead like:

• #socialmediatips
• #instagramgrowth
• #onlinebusiness

Quality over quantity. Never force hashtags just to hit some arbitrary number.

Myth: You’re Shadowbanned

Many assume reach drops mean they’ve been “shadowbanned”. But Instagram rarely suppresses accounts secretly.

Your content may underperform for other reasons like:

• Post quality decline
• Too many ads and links
• Irrelevant or stale content
• Audience interest shifts
• Increased competition

Evaluate these potential issues before assuming you’re being “shadowbanned”.

Myth: Instagram Withholds Reach to Force Ads

Some claim Instagram limits organic reach to push creators to buy ads. But Instagram denies this.

Remember – more accounts and features compete for finite feed space now. Reach drops naturally as Instagram grows.

Focus on creating value and connecting with your niche instead of blaming the algorithm.

Tips to Troubleshoot Instagram Algorithm Issues

If you suspect algorithm issues, here are tips to diagnose and fix them:

Review Your Account Status

Make sure you haven’t actually violated policies harming your reach. Resolve any issues flagged.

Audit Your Content Performance

Analyze posts over time. If recent content underperforms, refine it to boost engagement.

Check Your Follower Health

Prune ghost followers. Focus on loyal followers genuinely interested in your niche.

Compare Your Metrics to Industry Averages

See if reach/engagement drops are specific to you or industry-wide trends.

Study Your Audience Insights

Look for changes in audience demographics and interests that may impact resonance.

Review Any Recent Algorithm Updates

Major algorithm changes can influence performance until you adapt.

Refine Your Content Mix

Balance educational and inspirational posts with promotional content.

Confirm Your Niche Is Still Viable

Research whether your niche is oversaturated or interest has declined.

Thoughtfully comb through your account to identify and address any issues holding you back algorithmically.

Beware of Shady Instagram Growth Hacks

In pursuit of reach, many rely on shady hacks that violate Instagram’s policies. Avoid anything that seems like “gaming” the system.

Buying Fake Followers or Likes

Paid fake followers and automated likes get accounts penalized. Prioritize legitimate engagement.

Pod Services

Avoid services promising to blast your posts into hundreds of pods. This triggers spam safeguards.

Follow/Unfollow Bots

Bots that automatically follow/unfollow thousands of accounts are easily detected and banned.

Comment Spamming

Repeatedly commenting the same phrases across posts can get flagged as spam.

Aggressive Follow/Like Exchanges

Be cautious of “I’ll like yours if you like mine” exchanges. Don’t overdo arbitrary engagement.

While tempting, “growth hacks” often backfire long-term by suppressing organic reach or resulting in disabled accounts.

How to Optimize Your Instagram Content for the Algorithm

Beyond directly gaming the algorithm, use these ethical tactics to create more discoverable content:

Analyze Your Top-Performing Content

Review your best-performing posts over the past year:

• What topics resonate most?
• What formats get highest engagement?
• When did you post them?

Then make more content aligned to your proven winners.

Assess Your Competition

Study accounts with similar audiences:

• What are their top posts about?
• What topics are they missing?
• What formats do they use?

Find open gaps you can fill better than others.

Hop on Trending Topics

Put your spin on trending stories, events, memes:

• Add your unique perspective
• Adapt formats that are hot right now
• But don’t force irrelevant trends

Trendjacking expands your reach – when done strategically.

Optimize With SEO Best Practices

Include relevant keywords naturally:

• In your bio
• Captions
• Hashtags
• Locations

This helps the right people find your content in Search and Places.

Create Evergreen Green Content

Develop evergreen content that provides lasting value:

• How-to tutorials
• In-depth guides
• Case studies
• Product reviews

Evergreen content can be an algorithmic asset for years if optimized.

Key Takeaways for Dominating the Instagram Algorithm

• Multiple algorithms customize feeds for the platform’s different sections
• Algorithms evolve constantly but core principles remain the same
• To rank highly, optimize content for quality, topics, popularity, originality
• Maintain consistent posting, healthy engagement, and follower relationships
• Avoid shady tactics and growth hacks that violate Instagram’s policies
• Analyze your best content and competitors to identify optimization opportunities
• Include relevant keywords and hooks without over-stuffing or spamming

Learning Instagram’s algorithm nuances takes time. But optimizing the core principles drives results. What’s your top takeaway for getting better reach?