Instagram is a powerful platform for businesses and individuals to connect with their audience. But how do you make sure your content gets seen? The answer lies in understanding the algorithm.
Instagram doesn’t have one algorithm that oversees what people do and don’t see on the app- they use a variety of algorithms, each with its own purpose.
The Algorithm
Instagram takes all the information about what was posted, the people who made those posts, and your preferences. These are called “signals”, and there are thousands of them.
How It Works
These signals include everything from what time a post was shared to whether you’re using a phone or the web to how often you like videos.
Signals
Adam, the head of Instagram, shared some valuable insights about the app's algorithm that actually make a difference.
Adam Mosseri
Your Activity: past content you've engaged with and amount spent on it Post Info: popularity, how quickly others are engaging with it, time posted etc. Author Info: how interesting the author may seem to you Interactions: frequency of engagement between you and the author
Stories Algorithm
Your Activity: past content you've watched and engaged with Reel Info: popularity, audio used, type of content etc. Author Info: number of followers, level of engagement etc. Interactions: your past interaction with the author
Reels Algorithm
Your Activity: past content you've engaged with and amount spent on it Post Info: popularity, how quickly others are engaging with it, time posted etc. Author Info: how interesting the author may seem to you Interactions: frequency of engagement between you and the author
Feed Algorithm
Post Info: how quickly and how many people engage, share, or save Your Activity: interacting with a post recommends other similar content Author Info: level of engagement, other interests of people who have interacted Interactions: your past interaction with the author
Explore Algorithm